5 Reasons the Toronto Maple Leafs Blue-Line Is Better Than You Think
By James Tanner
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 28: Jake Muzzin #8 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to an NHL pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
The Toronto Maple Leafs face an interesting situation as the trade deadline approaches.
Everyone says the Toronto Maple Leafs need to upgrade their defense. The fans say it, the media says it, my friends say it, my colleagues say it.
When I tell people I think the Leafs blue line is fine, they look at me like I’m crazy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with a major upgrade, I just don’t think it’s needed.
If we assume Rasums Sandin is a part of the Leafs top six at this point, then the Toronto Maple Leafs have not dressed their six best defenseman at anytime this year.
Travis Dermott started the year on the injured reserve, and Sandin was sent down before he came back. Barrie didn’t start playing well until Babcock was fired, and it was injuries to Rielly and Muzzin that prompted the promotion of Rasmus Sandin.
Therefore the best lineup the Leafs can ice with their blue-line has yet to be seen:
Rielly-Barrie
Muzzin-Holl
Sandin-Dermott
Everyone says that the Leafs need to upgrade their blue line and since we haven’t even seen their best lineup, and since that lineup looks pretty good to me, I don’t know if they do.