Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 564
I have to think that if the AHL is playing, Sandin and Liljegren start the season there (unless they blow them away during training camp). Make them earn a job, don't hand it to them (and there's no way they'll be on the bench).
I'm not sure Calgary would do that trade, as they need help on D not necessarily at forward. I don't think Zadorov is a good fit because he's a a) a lefty who doesn't play right and b) not a great puck mover. The issue the Leafs have had is that nobody on the right has been able to move the puck well enough, and teams (Boston in particular) focus zone entries and dump-ins on that side to stay away the guys on the leafs D who do move the puck effectively.
For that money I'd rather sign Dylan Demelo who can move it, or somebody with a similar skillset to help provide some L/R skill balance.
My only Q about the 3rd line is what are they supposed to be good at? That setup is not going to be good at defending. They're not going to be great at creating offence either (though they might be average). I think they want a 3rd line group with an identity, either a defensively focused line to take that pressure off of the top-6, or another offensive line that has guys that can play up and down the lineup. IMO, I don't think that line accomplishes either.