In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs rumours, I’ll dig into several of the team’s intriguing Russian connections, spanning historical contributions to potential future moves. I’ll start with a notable Russian defenseman of interest, Nikita Zadorov. Second, I’ll revisit the Maple Leafs’ history and an unsung Russian hero from their 1942 Stanley Cup victory. Who knew? Third, and finally, I’ll speculate on what might happen with former Maple Leaf Ilya Mikheyev.
Item 1: More Rumors About Nikita Zadorov
Unsurprisingly, the Maple Leafs are on the hunt for defensemen who can play a solid two-way game. With tons of offensive talent, general manager (GM) Brad Treliving, coach Craig Berube, and the team have prioritized defensemen who can add some grit to the lineup.
One name that thunders up is the physical Nikita Zadorov, who is expected to command a higher price tag with the salary cap increase this year. Colton Parayko is another option, but acquiring him via trade could be costly due to his full no-movement clause. So, I expect him to be wishful thinking. Meanwhile, Joel Edmundson is healthy and rumoured to be testing the free-agent market. That adds to Toronto’s challenges in bolstering their defence.
Item 2: Remembering Maple Leafs’ Sweeney Schriner Today
Until my research for this post, I had never heard the name David “Sweeney” Schriner. Yet, he might be inspirational for the Edmonton Oilers as they take on the Florida Panthers in tonight’s Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Who is he?
Related: Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Pursue Nikita Zadorov This Offseason
Schriner was born on November 30, 1911, in Kraft, Russia. He moved to Canada and eventually came to play professional hockey with the Maple Leafs in 1939 after beginning his NHL career with the then-New York Americans. His name came up after reading about the Maple Leafs and their rare 1942 Stanley Cup victory.
That year, the Maple Leafs went down three games to none to the Detroit Red Wings and came back to win four straight to take home Lord Stanley’s Cup. Schriner played a key role in Game 7, scoring two goals in the third period to help Toronto clinch the championship.
Schriner played six seasons with the Maple Leafs and scored double-digit goals each season. Over his…
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