He's been below average defensively the past two seasons. Im not saying he's doesn't play hard, he's just not effective in his own end. Overall he's still an elite player, but its obvious he struggles defensively.

All the analytics suggest he's been saddled with terrible partners for years. That is a fact everyone likes to ignore.

then why does Ceci have decent defensive metrics this season and Rielly's are poor?

You can not be serious about Hainsey are you? Look at the guy's plus/minus stats while playing in Toronto and they were off the charts good. Also, ask yourself who was Reilly's partner when he exploded offensively last year with the Leafs? Also, ask yourself why would Colorado let Barrie walk if he is such a great defenceman?

I like Barrie but not as Reilly's defensive partner.

Would be interested with other people's opinions on Ron Hainsey as a defenseman in the NHL?

"The Leafs have not had a player like him for a number of years."

Uh... they had Matt Martin just two season ago, right?

That is news to me, for most of the season Ceci has been the only negative Corsi player on the defence. Perhaps that has changed since he was moved to the bottom pair. The pairs defensive metrics were okay to start the season but they weren't great.

Wrong, Matt Martin does not bring to the table what Marchmant brings. Marchmant is an expert at getting opposing players pissed off with him, drawing penalities,intimadating while still playing a good team game. Martin was more of a true heavy weight to take on other team's tough guys but becomming too slow to actually make the hits.

You are going to soon realize what Marchant brings to the table in a hurray and it is not going to be fun for opposing teams and their fans. He is more like a Tom Wilson type player who can actually play hockey compared to Martin.

Plus minus means nothing. Ron Hainsey in his first season in TO wasn't bad but he wore out by the end of the season. His last season wasn't good. He definitely lost a step and Rielly had to bail him out a lot. Rielly has legit never had a good partner.

In the near future I think Liljegren is going to be that guy. He's fast and smooth, plays physical and is really good defensively. Two smooth skating defensively aware and smart defenceman who can both pass and skate the puck pit of danger is what the new best defensive defenceman will do. Big, mean stay at home guys aren't nearly as effective as someone that can move the puck and keep up with fast forwards. It's why Parayko is so effective, he's doesn't have as much offense as other top players but he can flat out skate and is defensively sound. Rielly with the right partner has the speed to take chances and if it doesn't go well, he can get back fast while having a speedy partner will mean he's back in position fast as well.

Holl wouldn't be bad either but I think on this team you have Muzzin and Holl being the shutdown line, Rielly and Barrie will create loads of possession and offense and Dermot and Ceci will be sheltered on the 3rd pair. I don't think anyone can deny it's currently working. For every bad defensive game they've had, they've had more where they looked much better. I think the system does lead to some gaffes at times and sometimes it'll cost you a game. But from what my eyes and the record tells me that this team is trending in the right direction. I think the mistakes that lead to the odd man rushes that happen too much will happen less and less, especially in the playoffs. But really I don't see the offense really slowing down much, I wouldn't be surprised if we have 4 point a game players by the end of January.

Great anaylsis and agree 100% that Leafs are trending in right direction. This team is well on its way to being great and powerhouse team in the NHL and the best part is that all the non-believers have no idea what is happening to the Leafs under the guidance of Keefe and Dubas right now. The Leafs have more great young prospects slow cooking in the oven so the future looks very bright.

I'd wager most do but really don't want it to work because their teams are still doing the same old thing everyone else is doing.