Feb 9, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Brandon Montour (71) celebrates his teams goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Anaheim beats Buffalo 5 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Editor In Leaf Toronto Maple Leafs roundtable is back!
After a brief hiatus, we’re back! In this week’s roundtable we’ll be discussing who we think the Toronto Maple Leafs should be acquiring this summer.
What better topic than to kick off the off-season with? Before the NHL resumes next October, the Leafs will have to face an expansion draft, an entry draft and July 1st – Canada Day, but also, more importantly, NHL Free Agent Day.
The team is on the verge of something very special and it’s more exciting than it’s been for years to speculate on who they might acquire – since it seems that if they improve the team even slightly, they’ll be Cup Contenders.
Eduardo Razo:
Since rumors surfaced that he wants to return to the National Hockey League, I’d love for the Toronto Maple Leafs to land Ilya Kovalchuk from the New Jersey Devils this off-season.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to improve, they’ll have to give up some of their offense. For example, they might have to surrender James van Riemsdyk in a trade.
Thus, Kovalchuk would make a suitable short-term solution, and that’s the beauty of this. Toronto could commit to a short one or two-year deal with the Russian, who has ties with Lou Lamoriello.
The argument against this will be his age, and at 34 how much will he have left in the tank ? What price would they have to pay to get him out of New Jersey? It’s a fantasy perhaps, but can’t I dream of William Nylander or Mitch Marner saucing him the puck for his deadly one-timers.
James Tanner:
If it was up to me, I’d acquire, from the Vancouver Canucks, Chris Tanev.
Tanev is one of the NHL’s best defenseman – and he does it without scoring much. He’s a defensive-defenseman who can move the puck and who limits shots-against.
Mar 25, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev (8) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Canucks defeated the Wild 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
Most people think a ‘defensive-defenseman’ is a grinder who blocks shots and hits guys, like Roman Polak. Statistics show us that those players are not effective in today’s NHL. Tanev plays a more modern game and is nothing like defensive-defenseman of the past. He rarely gets trapped in his own end, he drives possession and would be a great compliment to a high-flying puck-mover like Jake Gardiner.
Torrin Bachelor:
Just one player to target for the Leafs offseason? That’s a tough one, despite surpassing all expectations and taking the Capitals to 6 games in a playoffs series they weren’t projected to be in, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot of holes still.
At forward, Zach Hyman provided the hustle on Matthews wing all year, but if Matthews is to take the next step he’ll need an upgrade. Internally that could be Leivo, Rychel or Leipsic but let’s have some fun and say Patrick Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk are the best options here.
The defensive unit, and its lack of depth is the most pointed to reason the Leafs couldn’t unset the Caps. Bringing back Zaitsev would be a good start, however on free agency there isn’t a whole lot outside of Kevin Shattenkirk.
In order to make the impact they need to, the Leafs will be shopping on the trade market. There are quite a few intriguing names here, ranging from young waiting stars to more established pros. Noah Hanifin from the Canes, Chris Tanev from the Canucks, Josh Manson from the Ducks and Marc-Edouard Vlasic from the Sharks are the best fits for the Leafs needs and all three teams make favourable trade partners.
Lauren Kelly:
While the Leafs do need upgrades in all areas on the ice, I’ve been very open to the idea of the Leafs trying to re-acquire Cody Franson (UFA July 1st). He’s familiar with the fishbowl that is Toronto, and although he’s not too familiar with the new management, he would give the Leafs depth at right defense since they’re likely going to let Roman Polak walk in July.
Franson’s current deal (signed 2 years, $3.325AAV) is low enough that the Leafs won’t have to pay a king’s ransom to get him. Franson has been open to returning to the Leafs, so even if he wasn’t on management’s radar before, he definitely should be now. If they want to bolster their blueline, Franson has proved to be a dependable, two-way presence, with the ability to work the powerplay and fire bombs from the point. He hasn’t had the most productive seasons in Buffalo, but he should flourish on a better structured and successful team.
Carey Byron:
The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t need a star defenceman because they’re rare and will come at too high a cost.
Apr 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic (44) and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) vie for possession in the second period of game three in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
Franson showed interest in returning, he’s a cheap option that is also an upgrade on our 3rd pairing at least. I like targeting guys on the Ducks. Had Shea Theodore in my sights a few years back.. may cost too much now but the ducks have a lot of depth there. Vlasic would also be a guy I’d have in my sights, though he’d be crazy expensive, probably.
Andrew Boehmer:
After all my digging around, I’ve decided the Toronto Maple Leafs should go after Josh Manson.
Manson is a low cost, low risk, high reward type player. He’s soon to be an RFA and the Leafs would have more control on his next contract.
Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
He’s a big boy, a leader and a mobile one at that. The Ducks make a great trading partner due to their likely expansion draft problems, and I think it’s a no-brainer unless the price is too high.
But, someone like JVR going the other way for Manson, no problem in my opinion. Hopefully there’s a little more than just a one for one, but you catch my drift.
