Maple Leafs make their (big) move, bulk up with Edmundson

With one sleep left before the NHL trade deadline, the Maple Leafs joined the party Thursday by bulking up on defense, while two Western Conference Stanley Cup contenders made more moves to improve in crucial areas.

Colorado acquired a pair of versatile forwards from Central Division rivals, Brandon Duhaime from Minnesota and Yakov Trenin from Nashville, Edmonton got defenseman Troy Stecher from Arizona, and Toronto received 6-foot-5inch defenseman Joel Edmundson from Washington.

“Every team has a window in which they see success or a key moment of time for the organization — whether it’s two years, five years, depending on expiring contracts who they have to renew,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “There’s lots of teams going all-in: teams that feel like they’ve got a chance to win, if they add certain things to their lineup, they’re going to go all-in. Your goal is to win the Stanley Cup. We’re not trying to be a mediocre team.”

It shows. Colorado and Edmonton stayed active, after the Avalanche added center Casey Mittelstadt and defenseman Sean Walker in separate deals and the Oilers giving themselves serious depth down the middle by trading with Anaheim for Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick.

The Avalanche sent a 2026 thirdround pick to the Wild for Duhaime and a 2025 third and defense prospect Jeremy Hanzel to the Predators for Trenin and the rights to unsigned draft pick Graham Sward. The Oilers sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Coyotes for Stecher, and the Leafs got Edmundson from the Capitals for a a thirdrounder this year and a 2025 fifth.

Toronto’s trade for Edmundson started the action Thursday, adding some much needed toughness on the blue line. He’s a left shot, which the Leafs have plenty of, but his playoff experience alone makes Edmundson a potentially important acquisition for a team dreaming of an extended run this spring.

But it’s not just the top championship contenders getting in on the action.

The Lightning, who won the Cup back to back in 2020 and ’21 acquired offensive-minded winger Anthony Duclair from San Jose.

Seattle’s Jordan Eberle, on an expiring contract, could albe the next to go after the Kraken sent Alexander Wennberg to the Rangers on Wednesday.

Forsling, Panthers agree

Gustav Forsling came to the Panthers four years ago simply looking for a chance. He earned a whole lot more.

Forsling — the NHL’s leader in plusminus this season by a wide margin — and the Panthers agreed to an eightyear extension, the team announced. A person with knowledge of the agreement said Forsling will receive a deal with an annual value of $5.75 million — $46 million in total.

He was slated to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.