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Maple Leafs Eye Kulikov as Affordable Defensive Option

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 22:34 GMT by profootballnetwork.com
      Locales: Ontario, Quebec, CANADA

Toronto, ON - February 20th, 2026 - As the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar position: needing to bolster their roster while navigating a tight salary cap. While dreams of landing a top-pairing defenseman like Noah Hanifin or Chris Tanev remain enticing but increasingly unrealistic due to escalating costs, the Leafs are reportedly circling back to a more affordable, and perhaps equally pragmatic, option - veteran defenseman Dmitry Kulikov.

Kulikov, currently on a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Columbus Blue Jackets after stints with the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders this season, offers a blend of experience, reliability, and, crucially, cap flexibility that appeals to a Toronto team operating under significant financial constraints. The Leafs recently completed a series of roster adjustments, creating opportunities but also leaving them with vulnerabilities on the blueline. Sources close to the team indicate Kulikov is high on the list of potential additions to address those holes.

Last season, Kulikov spent 19 games with the Maple Leafs, proving to be a surprisingly effective contributor. He registered four goals, six assists, and 10 points, showcasing an offensive touch rarely seen from depth defensemen. Beyond the raw numbers, his plus-four rating demonstrated a responsible defensive approach and an ability to positively impact games. While not a shutdown defender in the mold of a Jake McCabe, Kulikov provided stability and allowed the Leafs' top pairings to flourish.

This season, Kulikov's production has been slightly curtailed, with one goal and two assists in 13 games split between the Flyers and Islanders. However, his current PTO status with the Blue Jackets presents a unique opportunity for Toronto. A successful tryout in Columbus could increase his value, but a lack of a contract offer might make him even more affordable for the Leafs, potentially acquiring him for a mid-to-late round draft pick - a price point well within Toronto's reach.

The current defensive landscape presents a challenging situation for general manager Brandon Pridell. The escalating prices for elite blueliners are pushing potential acquisitions out of the Leafs' budget. Hanifin, in particular, is expected to command a significant package of draft picks and prospects, while Tanev's market is also heating up. Adding a player of that caliber would require sacrificing future assets, potentially hindering the Leafs' long-term competitiveness.

Kulikov, on the other hand, represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition. He's a known quantity, familiar with the Leafs' system, and wouldn't be expected to carry the burden of a top-pairing role. Instead, he could slot into the bottom two pairings, providing steady, reliable minutes and freeing up more offensive opportunities for the Leafs' more dynamic defensemen. His veteran presence could also be valuable in mentoring younger players like Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins.

Analysts suggest the Leafs will prioritize adding depth and experience to their defensive core, rather than swinging for a home run acquisition. "Toronto needs players who can come in and play consistent, mistake-free hockey," says TSN analyst James Duthie. "Kulikov fits that bill perfectly. He's not going to wow you with flashy plays, but he's a solid, dependable defenseman who can kill penalties and move the puck effectively."

The Blue Jackets' evaluation of Kulikov will be critical. If Columbus deems him a valuable asset and offers a contract, Toronto may be forced to move quickly. However, if Kulikov remains a free agent, the Leafs could find themselves in a favorable negotiating position.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Can the Leafs afford to spend a significant portion of their remaining cap space and valuable draft picks on a potentially overvalued defenseman? Or is a cost-effective, reliable veteran like Dmitry Kulikov the smarter play to address their immediate needs and position themselves for a deep playoff run?