No cup will ever be won with that D core

those contracts are actually about right, so kudos for that.


dear lord, that d is rough.

I think there is potential to add on D by moving Brown and using that money to sign a low-level free agent, but I think with the Leaf's top 9 the will be able to own so much puck possession that the defence will not be much of a problem. Similar to the Pens in their prime cup times.

Pens had better D than this. The offence is solid but the D is crap Defence wins championships not offence

The people who think they will sign Gardiner long term, I just do not think it is realistic salary-wise, and with the prospects that they have on the left. I am just not sure of a cheap reliable option on the right side. I just do not think they should give away the offence that makes them special to try and fix the right side. I am interested to see what Kyle does with the D this up-coming offseason.

Ron Hainsey was their #1 D in the 17 cup run, I think Reilly and Dermott alone are better than that.

ya, teams try to do that all the time. Ask Dallas how it goes. Need a blue line, or it's a likely second round exit.

They're D was pretty deep, despite losing Letang to injury. Definitely better than what is proposed in this ACGM.

Gotta disagree here. I don't think anyone would classify Caps or Penguis as "defensive minded teams". It's obviously a balance and a lot probably hinges on how close Liljegren/Sandin might be ready to contribute (if ever).

Leafs this year are doing just fine as far as goals against. No one is claiming they are great defensively, but the team as a whole is doing a good job of keeping the puck our of their net.

I'd think it's more fair to say 'The offence is incredible, the D is sub-par, and the goaltending is solid." I don't know if that can win a championship but they'll definitely be a contender each year.

Agreed...can't see any scenario where Gardiner stays. Even if he wanted the same salary he's making now. I think for at least this year and next, they will fill from within and/or random Europe signing.

Yeah, as much as a Leaf fan I would like to think they could win the cup every year Tavares is on the team, but if next year is a defence building year, while you have Marleau, fill the spot with someone who is without a contract, people will want to play for thsi team, then in 20-21 Sandin and Liljegren will both be ready and you have an extra 6.25 and Seattle expansion money to build the team.

Reilly, Dermott, Sandin and Liljegren will be a solid core, we just have to wait. Pair that with Freddy and the top 9, thsi will be an excellent team for a long time. No need getting rid of someone to have Jake for maybe 1 or 2 good years.