Toronto Maple Leafs: No Trade Deadline Pressure
Toronto Maple Leafs Mike Babcock has not pressurized GM Lou Lamoriello for a trade.
The clock is counting down, we are twelve days apart from the trade-deadline and fans from many fan bases around the league are anxiously checking their phones for updates. Last night the first big trade took place when former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf was traded to the LA Kings.
After taking the time to let it sink in that the Senators are retaining 25% of Phaneuf’s salary, I would like to seize the opportunity to thank Lou Lamoriello for getting a deal done on Phaneuf, without retaining his salary. That being said, I do wish Phaneuf all the best with his new team.
No Pressure
Earlier today Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock told the media that he is not putting pressure on the Toronto Maple Leafs management to make a trade. Which is interesting, considering Babcock stated earlier he wanted the Toronto Maple Leafs to be buyers at the trade deadline.
Mike Babcock says he's not putting pressure on #Leafs management to make a deal before the deadline: "If you think anything we’re doing is affecting the way Lou sleeps, it’s not. Unless we don’t play well without the puck. He’s just going to go about his job."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 14, 2018
Helping Out Rielly
James Tanner suggested earlier today to trade for Chris Tanev. I just can’t comprehend the logic behind it. Yes, I too firmly believe that Morgan Rielly deserves a partner with top-pairing potential. But do the Toronto Maple Leafs need Tanev for that? [Editor’s Note: as the league’s potentially best shot-limiting defenseman, yes, they very much do!]
Currently, Ron Hainsey is playing at the right-defenseman spot on the top pairing. Not ideal, I agree. But we have Zaitsev on the second-pairing and Carrick for the third-pairing. The Toronto Maple Leafs also have Timothy Liljegren in their prospect-pool. Liljegren, who in potential, is a top 4 defenseman. So instead of trading for Chris Tanev, why not switch Zaitsev and Hainsey?
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Let Hainsey play with Gardiner, he seemed to benefit from that earlier in the season, until Liljegren is ready for NHL minutes. Chris Tanev might be more solid defensively, but I have faith in Zaitsev. And if the Toronto Maple Leafs would trade for Tanev, Zaitsev should go the other way, his contract is too big to be playing on a third pairing.
Brian Boyle
Last year, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello “rewarded” the Toronto Maple Leafs with acquiring Brian Boyle. So why does Babcock think they won’t get another piece this year? Personally, I think acquiring Boyle last year was to make the push towards the playoffs, giving the young guns the important experience.
This year, however, the race seems over. Heck, it seemed over by Thanksgiving.
There is still the option to either move Nylander, Marleau or Komarov to centre. It would be an instant improvement of Dominic Moore and opens up a spot for either Josh Leivo or Nikita Soshnikov.
Next: When A Win Is Really a Loss
Marleau might be an interesting option for the Toronto Maple Leafs to explore. It would maintain the veteran presence and opens a spot for Kapanen for a bigger rol on the team, something he deserves.
Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts!