Report: Maple Leafs interested in Kris Russell

The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping to bolster their blue line when free agency begins July 1.

The team is looking to add a top-four defenseman, TSN's Darren Dreger reported during Thursday's "Insider Trading," adding that the team has "shown interest" in pending unrestricted free agent Kris Russell.

The 29-year-old started last season with the Calgary Flames, and was traded to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline. It appears unlikely Russell will re-sign in Texas, and Dreger notes a long list of teams are interested in his services.

Russell recorded four goals and 15 assists in 62 games last season. In Toronto, he would join a defense corps that features Morgan Reilly, Jake Gardiner, Matt Hunwick, and Nikita Zaitsev. Meanwhile, Martin Marincin and Frank Corrado will become restricted free agents on July 1.