Joined: Aug. 2020
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 471
Really interesting article, that kind of changed the way I look at Kämpf. I thought he was brought in more to create a ''shutdown'' line with the likes of Mikheyev and Engvall, but this definitely provides me with a new perspective. I was always so confused by the Kase signing, but now it all suddenly makes sense. I think that 3rd line can provide some much valuable secondary scoring and I think Kerfoot will benefit moving from the wing. I can see both Kerfoot and Kase having around 35 point seasons while Kämpf likely falls a little lower with his poor record of scoring goals.
I still think the Leafs need to ''fix'' that 3rd defense pairing. I don't feel comfortable at all with Sandin and Dermott as a pair although I really like both players individually. In my mind, I think Dermott has to go so that we can upgrade that position. Despite what a lot of people think about Colin Miller, I think he would be an excellent fit on that 3rd pair and his value is at an all time low. Mix in the SOO connection as well, I feel there is high likelihood of this being something the Leafs can pull off. Here is what Dom Luszczyszyn had to say about him in the summer of 2019, when buffalo acquired him: https://twitter.com/domluszczyszyn/status/1144723737117384704
I don't think what has happened in Buffalo is a good reflection of who he is a player. His defensive numbers have still been solid these two years, but his offensive numbers have decreased significantly. Miller is an excellent skater and puck mover that plays a physical game. In my mind he is an upgrade on Dermott. Let me know what you think.