Am I The Only One Happy With This Team

Team: 2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 5, 2021

Published: Aug. 5, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Here are some of the Leafs offseason adds compared to their loses.

----- Bunting = Hyman -----
Hear me out. Bunting is much younger than Hyman and is pretty relentless on the forecheck. I don't think the guy entirely gets the credit he deserves. Sure his shooting percentage may not be sustainable, but this guy will absolutely put up numbers by the side of Matthews and Marner. His contract is an absolute steal as well. Definitely a player I am beyond happy to have, and I hope he retires as a Leaf.

----- Kampf > Nash -----
Yes, Nash only played in 2 games for the Leafs, but Kampf will likely be filling the role Nash did in the playoffs. Younger, defensively sound, and a great penalty killer. Pretty happy with this signing.

-----Ritchie > Galchenyuk -----
Nothing saying Galch doesn't come back, but I wouldn't count on it. Galch was a very good complimentary player to Tavares and Nylander, but he was just that. A complimentary player. Ritchie is an actually decent scorer who has a massive frame. He's another guy that I was thrilled to hear signed in Toronto. Not a half bad contract either.

----- Mrazek > Andersen -----
Andersen's last season and a half with the Leafs was absolutely terrible. Good thing we got Campbell. Mrazek is younger and on a cheaper contract than Andersen.

----- Gabriel > Thornton -----
I would hardly say Gabriel fills Thornton's "role" on the team, but they are both likely fourth line guys. Thornton was just too old. Best case scenario Thornton retires and takes a front office job with the Leafs.

All and all, this offseason isn't as bad as some people have made it out to be. I am beyond excited to see this team take to the ice. If it works out then perfect, if not we will be seeing some serious changes in town which is always entertaining, whether that be good or bad. Bunting is not that much worse than Hyman, although entirely replacing Hyman's presence is a tall order for anyone. I think we will look back at his signing as an absolute slam dunk in just a few months. Ritchie brings a very welcomed presence to that second line. If Galchenyuk was able to put up points in that spot, then Ritchie will do it in his sleep. The third line can play a defensive game while still being able to drive some offense. Kerfoot in particular is perfect in this role, being a pretty good defensive forward while also being able to put up numbers. Hopefully Kase stays healthy. The fourth line has a very interesting makeup. I liked Brooks on the wing against Ottawa at the end of the season while he filled in for Marner, and Gabriel brings a nice physical presence that Simmonds really can't anymore. I can also see a Simmonds - Spezza - Gabriel pairing, but Brooks really does deserve a spot in the lineup and brings some much needed energy to that line.