Joined: Jul. 2018
Posts: 927
Likes: 259
That doesn't look like a Cup winning team. It's essentially the same team as last year except you substituted TJ Brodie for TysonBarrie & Codi Ceci, Kasperi Kapanen for Jimmy Vessey, Andreas Johnsson for Wayne Simmonds. Last year's team technically missed the playoffs (Lost Qualifying Round) and it wasn't like last year's team was an aberration (the prior 3 years were 1st round exits).
I can tell you why the Leafs lose in the playoffs next year already: defense. It's been their problem for years because of poor roster construction having top 4 forwards eat so much cap space: regular season champs and early playoff exits.
This year would have been the correct year to tear down this team and rebuild. No temper tantrum fans throwing jerseys on the ice or booing the home team. Plus team would be on the rise when Matthews contract comes up. Instead of trying to hide the defensive flaws for the next 2 years and being forced to lose quality depth players while doing so.
Oh and Detroit rejects the Holl trade as they already have better younger RHD: (2019 1st rounder) Seider, (2016 2nd & current 1st pair RHD) Hronek, (2017 2nd) Lindstrom, (2019 2nd) Antti Tuomisto, (2020 2nd) William Wallinder, (2020 3rd) Donovan Sebrango, or (2020 3rd) Eemil Viro. Plus the 2021 loaded defensive draft class (where the Wings will pick in the top 8 almost guaranteed).