No matter what, the Maple Leafs need to invest in defense
It is becoming the age-old conversation, “The Toronto Maple Leafs biggest weakness is on defense.”
Well, while the team has made some improvements over the years to their blueline, the Leafs are still searching for a stable d-core in order to help them get over the hump, and make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Heading into the offseason, general manager Brad Treliving must find defensemen capable of giving the team structure, which will be desired by new head coach Craig Berube. Unfortunately for current players on the Toronto roster, free agency isn’t the only place Treliving will have to look to add.
The question will be, what will the team have to give up to acquire quality D-men and make the Leafs a more stable team on the back end?
That question was explored on Friday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, as Frank Seravalli and Colby Cohen discussed what the Maple Leafs’ offseason could look like, and whether or not Mitch Marner might be a piece that is moved.
Frank Seravalli: Are the Toronto Maple Leafs better with two $6 million players, or Mitch Marner at $13 million? Are they better with four $3 million players, or Mitch Marner at $13 million? Is he a talented player? Yes, of course, he is, but that’s not what we’re trying to solve here. It’s how to make the best version of the Toronto Maple Leafs possible…they’re missing three defensemen at least.
Colby Cohen: They got $18 million in cap space…when you look at the d-core in particular, they’ve got four NHL defensemen signed under contract for next year. You got Reilly, who makes $7.5 million, you’ve got McCabe who only counts for $2 million against your cap…you need to invest in your blueline. You need to use the Mitch Marner money to invest in your blueline. You need to use some of your empty cap space to invest in your blueline. Honestly, when you trade Mitch Marner, you should be looking for a legitimate top-pair defenseman in return…that should be your focus, fix and invest in your blueline.
You can watch the full segment, and entire episode here…