The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t need to go after Will Butcher.
In my opinion, the Toronto Maple Leafs shouldn’t get caught up in the Butcher sweepstakes.
It would be a different story if he were a right handed defenseman, but that’s just not the case.
He should be a regular NHLer, but I just can’t see that happening with the Leafs because I think we have enough lefties in the system.
Quite frankly, there’s just not enough room for any more of them.
Now, I’m not saying that the Leafs should be 100% opposed to his services, but only if the price were right.
If it’s not, then they shouldn’t bother.
Don’t confuse what I’m saying either.
I think that every team should always be willing to listen to offers and explore possibilities to improve their team.
That only makes sense.
Yes, he’s highly coveted, but there’s no guarantee he’d see ice time with the Leafs anytime soon, especially with all the other lefties aboard.
No need to tie up more money, right?
Defensive Prospects
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Take a look at the left handed defenseman that the Leafs already have in the prospect system.
- Calle Rosén
- Andreas Borgman
- Travis Dermott
- Rinat Valiev
- Andrew Nielsen
When I look at that list, I look at a backlog of talent and that’s totally fine, great even.
It’s great that the Leafs have so much talent in the system because it creates internal competition, always pushing for the best out of everyone.
But I just don’t see the need to add to that left side.
Let’s now take a look at the right handed defenseman in the prospect system.
- Timothy Liljegren
- Vincent LoVerde
- Justin Holl
Yup, I definitely see a need to stockpile that side.
Right now, the Leafs have Nikita Zaitsev and Connor Carrick playing their natural right side.
Left handed Ron Hainsey who has played a lot on the right side in his career and it seems like he’ll do just that this upcoming season as per Mike Babcock.
But again, he’s a leftie.
Liljegren is the only other notable righty in the system since Alexey Marchenko was put on unconditional waivers.
I think they need to put their focus on acquiring some more righties, that’s all.
And just to make sure this is clear, I haven’t heard from any official resource that the Leafs are in pursuit of Butcher.
My response here is just based off of rumblings I’ve read from around the web.