Quoting: Rsamuelson
Fair enough, I can understand your points! So in your eyes you don’t think the leafs have an issue on the right side of their defence?
Things could always be better, but so far the right side is doing well, especially since Keefe took over. The two main issues were Barrie being cold and letting everything in, and uncertainty about Holl.
As of now, though:
1. Barrie is again the player he used to be. He finally got into the team's chemistry, and we couldn't find a better bargain.
2. Holl has become a fan favourite, and he could turn out to be the inspiring type of story of the late bloomer taking his place in the NHL. He's doing well, both defensively and offensively, and keeps improving every game. If anything, he's the one who could still be replaced by someone with more experience, but that would be heartbreaking in a sense. I'd like to see him remain and for his story end well. I couldn't see him being replaced with Stecher, for instance.
3. Ceci has to cope with some fans' distorted views and disparaging comments, but I like his play a lot without the puck. In a nutshell, he rarely lets goals in when on the ice, and that's what I want. His pairing with Dermott hasn't allowed a goal at 5v5 for many games now. He may be overpriced at 4.5M given that he doesn't produce offensively, but other than that, he's hasn't done much wrong, and his game with the puck keeps improving under Keefe. If he leaves, the player stepping in has to be able to play the same role on the PK, and defensively.
To me, the real problem with the RHD will be next year, when all three players leave as UFA!