Toronto Maple Leafs: Mikko Lehtonen Needs to Play Over Bogosian

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one player away from having an elite defensive-core and that player’s name is Mikko Lehtonen.

Zach Bogosian is a great depth signing for the Toronto Maple Leafs but after his debut, Mikko Lehtonen needs to replace him.

Over the past few seasons, Leafs fans have been quick to criticize and run defensemen out of town. From Mike Komisarek, Jake Gardiner, Cody Ceci and Tyson Barrie, the list of players that fan’s turn on is long. . After game one of the 2020-21 regular season, that title this season seems like it is unfortunately going to be held by Zach Bogosian.

Like I mentioned before, the Leafs are a better team with Bogosian than without him, based on their depth. In certain situations, Bogosian’s toughness and experience will be vital and in the playoffs, I think his services will be useful. However, during a 56-game sprint to the playoffs, where the game is more free, the team may be better off with him in the press box.

Lehtonen Needs To Play Over Bogosian

I know it’s only one regular season game and his debut as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it’s not like Bogosian has been a flashy player his entire career. You already know the type of  player you’re getting and the bad side of him showed during the 5-4 win against Montreal.

Sheldon Keefe was smart enough to only give him 10:49 of ice-time but within that short timeframe, his stats were abysmal. His Corsi rating was 27.3 percent and Relative Corsi For Percentage was -32.3 percent, which was the worst on the team (via: hockeyreference.com). Not only that, but Bogosian took two penalties, one of which the Canadiens scored on.

The Leafs are a team built off offense, speed and possession and Bogosian is the opposite of that. There’s a role for players like this, but that fact is that there isn’t any amount of toughness or tenacity that can overcome a sub-30% puck-possession rating.

Granted, it’s just one game and no one should be denied a chance to make a second impression.  The problem is that it’s a short sprint to the playoffs and the talent the Leafs have on the bench right now is tantalizing.

Mikko Lehtonen has zero NHL experience, but he’s 26-years-old and is coming off the KHL Defenseman of the Year Award. During his last 77 professional hockey games, he has 66 points. Prior to signing with the Leafs, he was arguably the best defenseman on the planet not playing in the NHL, so he deserves a chance to shine.

After watching the Leafs Blue vs. White scrimmage last weekend, I thought Lehtonen was a lock to start the season. He looked smooth, scored a goal and even did this during a shootout. His skillset seems to match the Leafs style of play perfectly.

Lehtonen is a left-handed shot but can play either side of the ice, so he’s a great tool for Sheldon Keefe. Not only that, but his services can be used on the power-play, which is something you can’t say about Bogosian.

I’m okay with Keefe’s decision to keep the line-up the same next game, because they won with that group on Wednesday, but the team would be even better if Lehtonen played. Let’s hope that Keefe doesn’t inherit the stubbornness of Mike Babcock , or we’ll be seeing way more of Bogosian than we should this year.