Maple Leafs Officially Interested in Signing Top UFA

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in dire need of reinforcements on their blue line. With three of their top-six defensemen sidelined, including Mark Giordano, Timothy Liljegren, and John Klingberg, it's widely acknowledged that the Leafs are actively exploring the trade market for a defenseman.

Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has revealed that the Leafs are exploring their avenues to acquire a defenseman, including delving into the free agency market.

Their target? Ethan Bear.

Bear is currently recuperating from offseason surgery, which is the primary reason for his unsigned status at this point in the season.

Regrettably for the Leafs, their financial constraints might hinder their ability to sign a defenseman of Bear's caliber. Given the high demand for defensemen in the current market, it's likely that Bear will command a contract that presently exceeds the Leafs' budget.

Bear's last contract with the Carolina Hurricanes was a one-year deal with an average annual value of $2.2 million. After a major surgery, teams could be reluctant to give him more money. However, the high demand across the NHL could result in a bidding war for his services.

Updates will be provided.

As seen on Hockey Patrol - NHL Insider Reveals that the Leafs Are Talking With Major Free Agent Defenseman