Joined: Nov. 2015
Posts: 1,565
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Media has made it obvious that Leafs need some defense help, and that's fair given that they're so stacked up front; BUT with the cost of defenseman, what would be there best bet be? They can either 1. Keep their same defenseman (resign Polak, Hunwick, Corrado) 2. Look to Free Agency to find some players or 3. Make a trade (keep in mind expansion draft will benefit leafs)
1. Keep their same core
This isn't an awful option, their top 4 are relatively young, Rielly is pushing no. 1 status and Gardiner has been an absolute stud. Carrick and Zaitsev can build off of their first NHL season, and look to improve the top 4. The issue comes with the bottom tier options, Hunwick and especially Polak are struggling to keep up with the Leafs pace. Marincin has been injured for the last month but he could be a serviceable top 6 defenseman.
2. Shop in Free Agency
There's a couple options here that make sense: Big ticket defenders include: Karl Alzner, Michael Stone, and Kevin Shattenkirk. Other options include Michael Del Zotto, Brian Campbell, and Kris Russell. This option allows the Leafs to keep all their forwards but it could cost more salary. I think as the Leafs continue on it's become apparent that they might not need to spend on a big ticket FA. If they were to sign Shattenkirk it would kick Zaitsev or Carrick out of the top 4, and cost the Leafs 7m. I think a more beneficial option would be to sign some options like a Brian Campbell, or a more fluid mobile defender in the bottom six to a cheaper shorter term contract.
3. Make a trade
This option isn't entirely bad either. The Maple Leafs are in a perfect position to acquire with the expansion draft looming over many teams to shed a defender (see ANA, MIN, CLB, etc). I think a player like Josh Manson, or a Calvin De Haan, and David Savard type could be had for a good price. These players might not cost too much and could help improve our depth. I think another option that exists that hasn't been talked about it them acquiring an ELITE defenseman. I don't know what kind of team would, but the Leafs could put together a solid package together. Zaitsev I think could be used as a good trade piece, he's a top 4 exempt defenseman, so a team could protect their depth; the Leafs could also use JVR or Kapanen. All these pieces could be used to pick up a player like Justin Faulk (a top tier right handed defenseman).
Personally I would like them to keep as much talent as possible, and to reduce huge salaries. So if that means we go into the new year with the same top 4 and a couple cheaper top six options than that could work