I think Dermott is on the move. Why carry 8 dman on a 22 man roster?

Defensive depth is very important come playoffs. Especially with Muzzin turning soft every playoffs for whatever reason.

I think if someone is moved for cap reasons, it’s likely Dermott or Mikheyev. But the defensive depth is far more important than the wingers.

I think Dzingel likely gets claimed - if not used by another team he’ll be a good trade chip to move and get a decent return. If he clears, great for Toronto because the majority of his cap hit is buried in the minors and he’s a great depth piece. If he doesn’t, then they clear the whole cap hit and they just dumped Ritchie for basically nothing - a pure win by Dubas.

100% it is but we can already have that. Biega, Dhalstrom, Rubins are all serviceable playing in the minors. With Trading Dermott and Holl we already have 7 capable dman and Sandin can play larger role if needed.

I wouldn’t trust any of Biega, Dahlstrom, or Rubins in a playoff game

don't get me wrong I agree but what are the odds of us being down 2 dman over 28 games max if we make the cup final. the odds are very low.

If Jake Muzzin is on the roster, I’d say it’s pretty strong. The guy is soft. Not durable at all and with him seemingly regressing it might mean his body is slowing down even more and is more vulnerable to injures. I’d be cautious having anything fewer than 8 NHL ready defenceman

I think its just poor luck tbh with Muzzin. He could've played in the bubble after game 2 but because he left the bubble to go to the hospital he couldnt return until he quarantined. For the MTL series it was LBI. its kinda annoying cause they don't disclose the injury

Depth is key for any team trying to make a run. Hence every day when people propose dumping Dermott Holl Engvall etc real fans give these acgms a thrashing. Let’s not rush and assume Luby is the answer either. Leafs have a bottom rotating 4 of Sandin Lily Dermott and Luby now. That is all.