For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter
The Toronto Maple Leafs blueline may be an area that they try to upgrade before the NHL trade deadline for a potential playoff run, but with veterans Ron Hainsey and Jake Gardiner unrestricted free agents at the end of this season, GM Kyle Dubas also has to consider his defensive situation going forward, and he took a step in that direction by signing Calle Rosen to a two-year, $1.5 Million extension.
The 24-year-old has shown steady improvement after signing a two-year entry-level contract in 2017. After playing four NHL games at the start of last season, Rosen went down to the AHL and acclimated to the North American style of game, scoring 22 points (4 goals, 18 assists) in 62 regular season games leading the Toronto Marlies in defensive scoring during the Calder Cup Playoffs with 11 points.
In 24 AHL games this season, Rosen has nearly eclipsed his 2017-18 offensive totals with 19 points (2 goals, 17 assists) in 24 games, and was scheduled to be a restricted free agent next summer.
The Leafs appear optimistic that Rosen could step into the NHL next season with a pair of years in North America under his belt, with the prospect of Hainsey retiring, Gardiner hitting a big payday in free agency and not wanting to rush youngsters Timothy Liljegren or Rasmus Sandin to the NHL.
The lefty shooter played the right side during his two seasons in Sweden and was also used there during the pre-season. His versatility and low cost ($750,000 AAV) gives Dubas options. Barring a significant blueline addition at the deadline, Rosen could be a candidate to replace Travis Dermott on the bottom pairing if Dermott moves into the top four with the departure of Gardiner or could factor in on right defense if Nikita Zaitsev and Igor Ozhiganov have to move up.
*******
New podcast. @MikeInBuffalo @NormanJamesTLC #TMLTalk #Bruins #NHL https://t.co/ROPmeIvcmA pic.twitter.com/XKvNDbzmHe
— The Leafs Convo (@TheLeafsConvo) December 10, 2018