After a short break from writing I’m back on the horse and looking to gallop into the summer sun with some thoughts about the glorious 2016/17 season that Babcock and the Toronto Maple Leafs had. It was very successful with a number of records being broken as well as an exciting playoff series against the Washington Capitals.

That series easily could have ended in the Leafs favor if a couple of bounces went their way. After all, there were five games that went to overtime and all it takes is one lucky bounce or a referee’s arm going up to make a difference.

I’m still disgruntled about the penalty Kadri got against Ovechkin with that beautiful hip check. That alone was enough to sway the series in Washington’s favor and completely undeserving.

It happens, that’s part of the game, so nothing to get hung up on or make a big deal about, but certainly worth noting when looking at the big picture.

What impressed me most in that series was the play of the Leafs defensemen, particularly Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner. It seemed as if they really stepped it up a notch improving their overall play and were quite consistent overall. Another season under Coach Babcock and the improvements continue to add up for the Leafs young defensemen.

It’s pretty obvious that Matthews was in some sort of god-mode in that series, what a feeling it is knowing we will have Auston Matthews in the blue and white for years to come. Arguably one of the best players in the league at his age, you can only predict his talent with quality coaching and teammates will continue to grow. He’s a natural goal scorer and if you ask me, a natural leader and likely the one to sport the Captaincy when the Leafs management is ready to stitch the C on his chest.

There were a lot of bright spots this season. A lot…so many that it may be somewhat worrisome heading into next season expecting so much. So what can the Leafs do to improve their team overall without removing key pieces or hurting themselves in the salary cap world?
First thing is first, assessing the talent coming up through the pipeline. It seems like the Leafs will have another influx of some quality forward talent coming up within the next year or two. The defensive side of things (both NHL and prospect wise) is lacking compared to the quality that is upfront.

Personally, I think we need to improve Marincin and Marchenko who are both signed for the 2017/18 season. Carrick I am a fan of, he’s going to improve and he’s also got some toughness which the Leafs defense lacks. Connor Carrick is still young (23) and will be an RFA after next season. I expect his point total to vastly increase next season with a full season of play and no lingering injuries.

The Marlies have a few potential defensemen who could make an impact next season at some point. Andrew Nielsen, Rinat Valiev and Travis Dermott have potential as well as newcomers Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgman who were recently signed out of Sweden.

Nobody in this list is screaming out instant top four to me, which is exactly what the Leafs need to get to that next level defensively.

With the expansion looming and teams having to protect a certain number of players, there is a chance that Lamoriello and Shanahan have their eyes set on a handful of players and may be trying to come up with some ideas to solidify the defense of the blue and white.

As great as Andersen played after the first month, it would be nice to help him out with some more support. With him playing the amount of games he does plus another playoff run, we need to ensure he’s not getting 40 shots a night. Another quality defender would surely assist in making life easier for the Leafs number one goalie as well as the other three defenders in Rielly, Gardiner and Zaitsev.

The Leafs really did hit the jackpot with Zaitsev considering they didn’t have to use a draft pick, trade a player or picks to acquire the Russian defender. There was a large chunk of the season that I feel Zaitsev truly was our best defenseman. Now we have him locked for seven more years at a quality salary cap hit.

Are there any defensemen, or type of defensemen that you think the Leafs should go after?

Personally I feel they need someone who is tough, can deliver quality body contact and intimidates the opposition; especially in front of the Leafs net with a nasty side. Perhaps a Polak type player but younger and with more foot speed; after all, this Leafs team is lightening quick!

Nashville and Toronto both finished in the final wildcard spot and with the Predators on route to the finals, this shows that all you have to do is make the playoffs and anything can happen. Their records were very similar in the regular season and who knows what were to happen if our Leafs squeezed by the Capitals.

Perhaps Lamoriello can scoop up one of these quality Nashville defenders since they are going to have to make some decisions with the expansion and salary cap issues.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your day.

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