For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The Toronto Maple Leafs have the NHL’s second-best record (26-11-2), but unfortunately are 10 points behind the league leading Tampa Bay Lightning and at the halfway mark look to be in line for a first round matchup against either Montreal, Buffalo or the Boston Bruins. The club’s recent five-game winning streak was due mostly to their offense averaging more than five goals per game, and the end of that streak was caused by defensive breakdowns and a subpar performance from Garret Sparks. With less than two months until the NHL trade deadline, the question is how GM Kyle Dubas will take advantage of the empty cap space the club has this season and can they add difference makers to improve the club’s chances in the postseason. Dubas finally address the organizational need for depth between the pipes with the acquisition of Michael Hutchinson, but what other moves will the rookie GM make before February 25th. With that in mind, we go to the wonderful world of Twitter and to the comments section to answer some of your questions about the Leafs:
Can the Leafs find a couple of defensemen before the trade deadline to give them a chance to contend for a Cup? More Grit and positional play in their own end is required.
— John W. Henderson (@PrinceLH2) January 1, 2019
21peter (from the comments) asks “Sandin showed last night, with 2 goals and an apple, that he's on his way to be a future top 4D. Should he get his 9 games with the big club this season?… A - There is no doubt that 2018 top pick Rasmus Sandin has shown promise and progress earlier than expected. The 18-year-old has not seem phased by the challenge of the American Hockey League and has played well for Sweden at the World Junior, but it’s unlikely that the Leafs will deviate from the development plan they’ve implemented with Travis Dermott and Timothy Liljegren. Dermott played nearly 90 AHL games before being recalled last January, Liljegren was on pace to play a similar amount but a high ankle sprain last month likely delayed his NHL debut. Unless Sandin stuns the Leafs at next year’s training camp, the earliest you can expect to see him is the middle of next season.
29 took Dubas for every penny he could get. Will it happen again w 34 and 16?... what's 24's cap number next yr?...Dubas wants to bring in guys w term...but how do you square that with next year's cap? Who likely goes? Hainsey to be back? Sandin is good.
— J (@alwaysbeLEAF) January 1, 2019
AM needs a LW like the one he had in Hyman. Is there a Hyman type out there who could be a fit for Matthews? Johnsson or Marleau are not the best fit.
— John Villella (@JohnVillella7) January 1, 2019
Nylander, Zaitsev, Brown and Liljegren to Dallas for Benn and Klingberg. Make it happen Mike
— mike verdile (@mikeyver) January 1, 2019
Is Bieksa a silly signing for rest of year? I liked him in Spengler Cup. Grasping at straws here, Zaitsev makes me angry, Id love get rid of him
— Wade Chisholm (@WadeChisholm) January 1, 2019
My concern is on defence the leafs need to upgrade if they are to have a shot at getting out the 1st round. It’s unfortunately going to cost them big,either prospects or roster players. If you could bring 1 d man who would it be Mike??
— Darryl miles (@Darrylmiles27) January 1, 2019
Is the "long stretch pass" that the #Leafs are always using something that Babcock wants them to do, or is it a risky play that they are tempted to do because of all their skill? #TMLtalk #LeafsForever
— Eli Cohen (@eli362) January 1, 2019
What's the value for Brown on the trade market? He seems to be the forgotten one
— Doogie13 (@Johnflee17) January 1, 2019
I’m sure the majority of leafs nation wants up grade on D or Veteran like Niklas Kronwall & Heavy 3rd or 4th liner for push back type Chris Kreider or Justin Abdelkader..
— Gary McAllister (@gmcallister15) January 1, 2019
I’m sure the majority of leafs nation wants up grade on D or Veteran like Niklas Kronwall & Heavy 3rd or 4th liner for push back type Chris Kreider or Justin Abdelkader..
— Gary McAllister (@gmcallister15) January 1, 2019