Joined: Nov. 2016
Posts: 291
Likes: 12
Doug: I completely agree with TMLSage, Fleury isn't as highly touted as everyone makes him out to be. He really lacks all the criteria that would make him worth a package like this, let alone a package involving just possibly JVR or Bracco.
a) He's a left shot defenseman, and they aren't as highly valued as right shot defenders. Also the Leafs are so full on the left hand side it's scary.
b) He's an unproven prospect, with no NHL experience. He could be good, but he's not worth JVR if he could stumble in the transition from AHL to the NHL level.
c) He had a pretty solid first impression in the AHL, but compared to Dermott and Nielsen, it wasn't all that special - and also both of them did it two years younger than Fleury did.
Overall, Fleury could be really good, but Babcock likes his right to left pairings and Fleury would just overcrowd the left hand side even more than it already is. He would also slot in behind Dermott, Borgman and Nielsen (and more than likely Rosen) since all of the ones I just mentioned could very easily make the jump to the NHL if need be.
Also, regarding the post, Barrie is very overrated for a player who can really only play on the PP, and does a mostly rookie team that ranked 2nd in the NHL for PP% really need all that much help that comes in an overpaid form? I mean we already signed Marleau, so I think we hit the quota. Barrie is pretty terrible in his own zone and struggles often with consistency and because of that I think the Leafs should stay FAR FAR away from him. Rielly has the ability to be a great two way defender, and we already know Gardiner's offensive ability, so the Leafs should be targetting a more shutdown-type right handed defenseman like Pesce or Toronto native Tanev.