According to a report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period on June 21, the Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to halt their pursuit of San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro. This development comes as the Maple Leafs continue their search for additional strength in their defensive lineup.
Pagnotta stated that the Maple Leafs are aiming to increase size and physicality on their defense. He noted that Mario Ferraro, with whom the Leafs had discussions during the season, is no longer a target because he does not align with their current strategy.
During the 2023-24 regular season and early in the offseason, the Leafs expressed interest in Ferraro. However, he no longer fits their roster plans for the upcoming season. As a result, the Leafs may now pursue other reported targets linked to the team recently.
Primarily, they seem focused on acquiring larger, more physical defensemen through free agency. Their goal is to secure at least two players capable of playing at a top-pair level.
Throughout the 2023-24 season and into early June, there were ongoing links between the Maple Leafs and Mario Ferraro of the Sharks. David Pagnotta initially reported on February 20, 2024, just over two weeks prior to the March 8 trade deadline, that the Maple Leafs were interested in Ferraro. According to Pagnotta, the Leafs were willing to consider trading a first-round pick for a player with a longer contract, suggesting that such a deal could benefit both teams involved.
David Pagnotta revisited the reports of the Leafs’ interest in Mario Ferraro on June 11, just as free agency was approaching. He noted that the Leafs had been keeping an eye on Ferraro during the season and suggested that Toronto GM Brad Treliving might revisit the possibility of acquiring him during the offseason, emphasizing the need for swift action.
Similarly, in December 2023, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also highlighted Ferraro as a defenseman on the Sharks’ roster generating significant interest from other teams.
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