Toronto Maple Leafs: Be Careful When Upgrading Defence
It’s no secret that defence is the area in which the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to improve this offseason.
It’s an upgrade that everyone seems to be onboard with. And, there’s a good reason for that. Although many feel the defence core is perhaps underrated, nobody is going to argue that upgrading would be beneficial.
That being said, the Leafs should be careful.
Going Big
Of course, fans will rave about how their team should target high profile defenders.
From Oliver Ekman-Larsson to Erik Karlsson, it’s inevitable. Sure, these stars would work wonders. But there’s a price to pay.
It goes without saying that trading for star players sends a valuable package the other way. There’s already enough rumours about moving William Nylander. Most of which are unjust.
The Leafs’ offense is, in a word, fine.
There are holes here and there (fourth line centre, fourth line wing etc..). But, for the most part, it’s a solid group. This raises the question of whether or not it’s worth sacrificing such a powerful forward group to enhance the defence. It may not just be Nylander. There would likely be other pieces, perhaps Connor Brown.
Of course, many are rightfully opposed to moving Nylander or a young forward. While those people may be happy to keep him, it just means more pieces would be on the move.
Keeping a big name of the Leafs’ forward core would force them to deal multiple pieces. Even with the potential to dismantle the core. Kapanen, Brown, Johnsson, and even depth players with NHL potential such as Trevor Moore could be on the block.
The Actual Price
Acquiring star players also means acquiring their contracts.
In the cases of top 20 defensemen, you’re likely looking at $8 million per season. And, in many cases, more. Provided the Leafs lose the Tavares sweepstakes, this is definitely possible.
There has been an excess of salary cap talk recently. In the end, some contracts in the near future may call for finagling of the roster and payroll. Or, maybe even moving core pieces down the road. So, if you manage to exit the blockbuster trade without giving up a significant player, you may end up doing so anyway in the future.
In the event that they are fortunate enough to land the Islanders captain, it gets a little trickier.
In fact, one might even go as far as to say adding both John Tavares and a star defenseman wouldn’t be an option at all. Especially when factoring in the signings of the youngsters.
The RHD Effect
Delving deeper into the defensive needs shows another area come up. That being on right side defence.
Toronto’s left side is certainly stronger than its right. What, with Rielly, Gardiner, and Dermott already there. With Hainsey’s contract nearing its end and Polak unlikely to return, it’s a thin area of depth.
Granted there are Marlies who may step in down the road. It’s just not the immediate solution.
This causes people to, one might even say, overvalue right-handed defenders. Names like Radko Gudas and Julius Honka are among common suggestions. Then, because of the overvaluing of RHD, fans speculate about trades. Trades that would send Kasperi Kapanen and picks for someone like Gudas.
This is, quite frankly, absurd. Thankfully, the ones suggesting these trades are only fans, nobody associated with the team. Still, the RHD mentality is out there.
Another option for the right side would simply be a left-handed defenseman. Maybe even one who can play the right side. The cost would certainly be lower and it opens the doors to more options.
Even when it comes to free agency, you’re bound to overpay.
Besides, if your team is one Gudas away from Cup contention, is your team really even that bad to begin with?
Final Thoughts
Lost in the chaos of fan speculation is the idea that the Leafs can develop within their own system.
Marlies like Justin Holl may be ready to step into the lineup as early as next year. This would buy time for younger players like Timothy Liljegren and Sean Durzi down the road.
Overall, the Leafs have options when it comes to defence. But, they should be careful. They may very well overpay.
In the end, the solution may be as simple as waiting on some internal pieces.
Next: What's Better Than Depth? Quality Depth
Thanks for reading!