Analysis: Maple Leafs acquire right-handed help on defense by bringing back Ilya Lyubushkin

Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY SportsThe Toronto Maple Leafs have reunited with old friend Ilya Lyubushkin.

The full three-way trade is as follows:

To Leafs: Ilya Lyubushkin (75% retained)

To Ducks: The Leafs‘ third round pick in 2025

To Hurricanes: The Leafs‘ sixth-round pick in 2024

The trade comes on the heels of a Timothy Liljegren injury that forced the Leafs to dress six left-handed defensemen in back-to-back games followed by a Mark Giordano injury earlier tonight that forced them to play Mitch Marner on defense for nearly half of the game.

The 75% retention shaves Lyubushkin’s cap hit all the way down to $687,500, leaving the Leafs with room to make more moves. The third-rounder…