​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Toronto Maple Leafs could use some defensive upgrades this season, and one player has emerged as a potential target.There is tempered optimism within the Maple Leafs’ camp that Chris Tanev’s injury is not too serious, and that his absence can be managed internally. Marshall Rifai received a call-up after Tanev was placed on Injured Reserve, and the 28-year-old could even make his season debut as early as Wednesday against the Utah Mammoth. According to further reports, it appears that general manager John Chayka is being proactive, as NHL analyst David Pagnotta sparked Maple Leafs trade rumors by linking the Maple Leafs with Calgary Flames right-hander Zach Whitecloud. Speaking on an appearance on DFO Insider, Pagnotta stated that exploratory inquiries had taken place between the two sides, although it is unclear how deep those inquiries went.However, TSN’s Chris Johnston does believe that general manager John Chayka will continue to monitor the market and look to make upgrades to the team’s weakest area, with Darren Raddysh the only major addition to the group this past off-season.Zach Whitecloud Is a FitIf the Toronto Maple Leafs are kicking tires on Whitecloud, there is a clear fit in the lineup. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman puts his body on the line both in terms of his physicality and willingness to block shots. Across his 404-game career, the Brandon, Manitoba, native has been almost perfectly even with both hits and blocked shots, with 662 and 661, respectively. Through the opening five games of the Flames’ season, he has nine of each.He hasn’t been much of a producer offensively, with just 23 goals and 65 assists, and predominantly plays in a shutdown role. His career-average playing time has been 18:08, so he would slot in comfortably in a middle pairing role, but since being traded to Calgary, he has averaged 22:18 and taken on higher responsibilities. With Tanev’s long-term future likely to see a decline, both in performance and playing time, Whitecloud could be an ideal long-term replacement.He could rotate playing time with Tanev when he is healthy, allowing head coach Jim Hiller to manage the 36-year-old’s playing time while not sacrificing the team’s ability to play shutdown hockey and provide a defensive buffer for goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz. Few of the Maple Leafs’ current defensemen are capable of replacing what Tanev offers, with Jake McCabe the only player suited to the task, and Whitecloud could be the perfect addition to provide another option in that regard.Additionally, Whitecloud comes with a very comfortable cap hit of just $2.75 million through this season and next. This can easily be worked into the Leafs’ current financial situation, and any outgoings that may be involved in the deal could provide some additional space to fit him under the cap. This, coupled with his leadership qualities, with the Flames handing him an alternate capt