Quoting: Boomer125
Everything about the way the Leafs play is geared to possession and play in the O zone which Risto is relatively strong at, also size and heavy hitter also missing on that blue line which Risto also accomplishes. There has also been this fasination with finding "Rielly's" partner and I'm like Dermott is not yet a full-time 2nd pairing player but has shown growth and the tools to do so, maybe I'll aquire Muzzin's partner and possibly look to move Rielly in the 2021 offseason for a fairly substantial futures package instead - I mean I do have Sandin and Liljegren who are ready to play 3rd pair and almost certainly ready to be #5 - #3 Dmen come the 2021 season
I understand that's the way they play, but that doesn't change there defense issues. It's obviously it can't be filled in house. There are many better options to satisfied your wants.
1.You want a heavy hitter.
2.You want a two way defenseman.
3.Toronto needs a defensively responsible partner for Rielly.
1, Heavy hitter: Sign Gudas for 1 or 2 years. Even if Lily is ready next year, it's not very logical to play 2 rookies together on the same pair even if it's the 3rd. Especially if you want to be a contender. Hence signing him for only 1 or 2 years.
2 and 3, Two way Dman: Montour. Yes he had an off year in Buffalo, but that whole team was off. He fits the bill, two way, puck moving dman with good defensive ability.
Yes these propositions are expensive, but can be done.
Reilly Montour
Muzzin Holl
Sandin Gudas
That looks like a Stanley Cup contending blueline to me!