The 2024 NHL trade deadline is less than 24 hours away, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have made their second deal of the day and third deal in the last seven days.

After acquiring 30-year-old defenceman Joel Edmundson (50% retained) from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 3rd-round pick (New York Islanders) and a 2025 5th-round pick (Chicago Blackhawks) earlier this morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs made another deal with another Metropolitan team.

The club announced late this afternoon that the Maple Leafs acquired unsigned defenceman Cade Webber from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick.

Webber, 23, was initially drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round, 99th overall, in the 2019 NHL draft. The 6’7, 208 lbs blue liner has been playing the last four seasons with Boston University, playing in 115 games over that period, scoring one goal and adding 15 assists for 16 points.

At this point, it’s unknown what the Maple Leafs do with Webber. Does he earn a contract to play with the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL? Does he earn an AHL contract to play with the Toronto Marlies? Does he go unsigned, and this is a secret favour the Maple Leafs are doing for the Hurricanes or vice versa?

However, what we do know is Toronto General Manager Brad Treliving certainly has a type, and it’s big, thick, strong, mean, defencemen, and Webber, who stands 6’7 tall and over 200 pounds, is certainly that.

This trade between the two teams came hours after the Carolina Hurricanes placed Brendan Lemieux, Tony DeAngelo, and Antti Raanta on waivers, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs, putting William Lagesson on waivers to clear a roster spot for newly acquired Joel Edmundson.

The Hurricanes haven’t been as active as the Maple Leafs or other teams regarding the trade deadline. But recent reports from insiders have Carolina as a legitimate contender for Pittsburgh’s Jake Gunetzel. With them placing three players on waivers today and acquiring a 6th-round pick from Toronto, maybe that helps in adding the 29-year-old winger ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline. I guess we’ll wait and see.

(Stats from hockeydb.com)