Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Deadline Debrief

Are you happy with what the Toronto Maple Leafs did, or didn’t do, at last week’s trade deadline?

That seems to be the question on everyone’s mind these days aside from “do we really need another outdoor game?”

And, here at EIL, we’re no different.

So, for this week’s edition of the roundtable, we set out to answer that very question. I’m sure this won’t be divisive at all.

Mike Stephens

Yes and no.

Primarily, I’m thrilled with the acquisition of Tomas Plekanec. He’s exactly the type of player this team needs, and it fortifies the position on their roster with the weakest depth. Come playoff time, opponents are going to look at Toronto’s lineup sheet, see Plekanec as their fourth line centre, and have a fit.

I’m also happy that Lou Lamoriello decided against mortgaging the future for short-term success. While the Leafs may fit into the contender category this year, this is a team that’s built for sustained success.

And, based on the ludicrous prices some teams paid for underwhelming reinforcements, it was best to use caution.

I mean, Boston gave up a 50-point centre (Ryan Spooner) along with a first rounder, among other assets, for Rick Nash and his 38 point pace. Come ON.

Even worse, Nashville paid a first rounder for Ryan Hartman. Really? Ryan Hartman? 

When did a winger with just eight goals on the year become worth a first rounder? Man, GM’s are dumb.

On the flip side, I’m very disappointed with how the Leafs declined to upgrade their defence. Going into the playoffs with Roman Polak in your top-six isn’t anyone’s definition of ideal, and such inaction on that front may hold this team back as the playoff pool begins to dwindle.

All in all, the good outweighed the bad.

The Leafs entered the deadline with a serious hole down the middle. Not only did they fix it, but they actually upgraded it as well, all without subtracting from their current roster.