Intro:
Overall, I feel like the leaf's roster is pretty solid, there’s a reason why they’ve managed to stay at the top of the league for essentially the whole season. Their first, third and forth lines have been working and producing as expected. My only concern on the offensive side of their game is the lack of production from Tavares and Nylander, between them they take up just over 22% of the cap. Although I could eat my words if they continue to produce as they’ve done over the past few games against Edmonton and the second game against Calgary. You could argue to add to the defense but at the end of the day with the addition of Brodie and Holl finding his game we now have a legitimate top 4. The bottom pair consisting of a combination of Bogosian and Dermott or Lehtonen would be ok. Don’t get me wrong I think they’ve played great and we’ve only seen the tip of the Lehtonen iceberg but it’s not the flashiest of bottom 7 defensemen. In between the pipes we’ve been plagued with injuries, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised on how Hutchinson and Campbell have stepped up this year. To be completely honest I was worried when we lost Dell early on to New Jersey, but Hutchinson has more than earned his role on the team. As of trades the second line is in dire need of some sort of catalyst to get it going, if Tavares and Nylander can reach the level of production they are capable of the Leaf’s will have arguably one of the best rosters in the NHL. With the cap being super tight for the foreseeable future they’re going to need to rely on younger players such as Nick Robertson and Joey Anderson to develop and fill roles on the team. They both will be instrumental to the future of the Leaf’s with their cheap 3-year deals. To add upon that they shouldn’t trade their current prospects for temporary success or their picks, don’t get me wrong they’re going to give up something but for example Tampa is such a deep team due to the players they groom/draft and who knows maybe we get lucky and find the next Point or Kucherov. This year’s draft looks to be an absolute **** show, but Toronto has some of the best scouting in the league and can more than likely find some diamonds in the rough. If we want to keep Hyman and/or Andersen we’re going to need the roles to be filled internally or get some bargain deals. Anyways enough rambling, they need a Tkachuk or at least a player like them. A combination of physicality and offense talent. Bobby Ryan
Why Bobby?
He could potentially solve two of the Leaf's problems. His strength, size and physical play (Currently has 26 Hits as of March 3rd) will help the Leaf’s with their apparent lack of toughness. His main asset is his offensive prowess ever since Bobby has come into the league, he’s proven he can score, at the moment he’s putting up 12 points on Detroit, put him on a line with Tavares and Nylander he’s bound to improve upon it. My only concern is his plus minus, it not pretty to look at but can be explained by him playing for a bottom feeder team, Detroit. There’s a reason Bobby’s contract doesn’t have a NTC or a NMC on it, he’s hoping to have a good season and be traded to a contender at the deadline, and Yzerman would be a fool not to capitalize on it. As of what its going to cost to acquire him, he’s essentially going to the highest bidder. Yzerman will get every penny he can for him, a good player on a cheap deal is priceless to a cap strapped team. But I can’t picture him fetching more than a second I’m thinking around a third with some sort of throw in prospect.
Lines:
With Bobby slotting in to the second line and Simmons inevitable return the Leaf’s will have multiple players to keep your head up around. Muzzin, Bogozian, Simmons, Hyman, Bobby and a fired-up Leaf’s team should be enough grit to keep them competitive in the playoffs. Until Simmons return a rotation between Petan, Barabanav, Vesey and Engvall on the bottom left-wing spot would create some friendly competition. Same goes for Lehtonen and Dermot, some friendly competition couldn’t hurt, who knows maybe Roberson, Sandin or Liljegren work their way into the line up.
Anyways if you made it this far thank you, please let me know of any thoughts/feedback. I have a good feeling this is our year. Go Leafs Go!
I'm not really all that concerned with JT and Willy. 19 points in 23 games for both of them, nothing to really complain about. Kerfoot as done well on that line, Simmonds will bring a little extra when he comes back. If the Leafs need to bring in Bobby Ryan to rejuvenate JT and Willy, we are in big trouble.
Bringing in Bobby is a low risk move, but I think Simmonds coming back will bring a little more balance to the line-up, plus playing him on the 4th line would be a waste in my opinion. Also, it wouldn't make much sense to send a 3rd rounder for a 4th line player (if Bobby were to play there) when we have enough guys fighting just to get into the line-up.
So I'm hoping they squeeze a 2nd out of someone for Ryan but I think it will be a 3rd. The only thing about ryan is while his hands seems pretty good still his skating has taken a step back. Hes never been a fast skater but you can see it right away.
Bobby Ryan should garner at least a late 2nd round pick not late 3rd rounder he's our leading scorer with 6 goals 7 assists 13 points in 24 games or so and is actually starting to get on a little tear here as of late.
Leafs play well because their team is essentially built to play in a division like the north one - full offense, minimal defense, fast-moving puck and quick plays on the offensive.
I don't think Ryan would fit such system, nor would the Leafs benefit that much from bringing the guy in. He'd contribute no more to the roster than other veterans such as Simmonds and Spezza. Not the kinda guy that'd solve the 2nd line in my opinion.
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