Quoting: PleaseBanMeForMyOwnGood
That is utterly false. Every Leaf RD option apart from Biega is miles better in every defensive metric. Holl who really struggled to start the season is positive across the board and far better than Braun. This statement is entirely reading what stupid fans say and taking it as the truth.
Again, the metrics show that Braun is the best defenseman on a bad team. |A great defenseman would rarely, if ever, look good on a bad team in metrics. Is Braun a great defenseman? No, but is he a good 3rd pair veteran RD playing at the best of his abilities, yes. Is Braun having his best year since 2016, yes. I'm not saying Braun is a good top 4 guy, but hes playing well in 19:59 on a bad team. Again the metrics will show that there are 6 better dmen on the Leafs, because the Leaf team is good.
Hes a better defender and PK option than Dermott, and a better stay at home partner for Sandin. But thats my opinion. In my opinion hes a cheap and key add to the defense, something that cant be ignored this deadline, and other options are far more in cost and cap hit, limiting other deadline moves.
Is a bottom round 2nd alot? Maybe, but its not a great draft and alot of contenders would gladly solidify their defense for the price and cap hit.
Hell if I'm a Leaf fan I would rather make a move for a top 4 really good dman like Klingberg, or a defenseman who can produce offense, as most of the Leafs defense, other than Reilly isn;t. But again the price and cap hit would be far greater.