The Leafs are finally exploring goaltending options amid crease crisis
Brace yourselves, folks. This might end up being a wild trade deadline for the Leafs. We all know that the team is struggling, particularly in the crease and on the blueline, but Dubas and company have already stated that they're not worried about their goaltending, right? Well, just because they felt that way a couple of weeks ago, doesn't mean they still feel that way now.
Reports have surfaced recently that would indicate that the Leafs are indeed doing their due diligence and checking in on goalies ahead of the March 21st trade deadline. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on his most recent edition of 32 Thoughts, Fleury remains an option, but it's a tricky situation.
I don't think it necessarily has anything to do with his trade or no-trade list. I think A) Chicago said that he is going to handle it the way he is comfortable; B) Does he think he can win somewhere?
If Toronto wants to go down that road, Fleury is going to have to be asked if he thinks he can win in Toronto. Plus, also, can they make a deal?"
Fleury is not the only name out there who can help the Leafs. Friedman also brought up the name Anton Forsberg in Ottawa. Is there a deal to be made there? Who knows? But I'd be surprised if Dubas hasn't at least checked in with his provincial rival.
Friedman wasn't the only NHL Insider talking about the Leafs and the goalie market, as TSN's Chris Johnston also spoke on the matter on Leafs Lunch this week, confirming that the Leafs had made calls on some netminders and are exploring the market.
They are actively � and it seems in a very thorough manner � figuring out what the market is for goalies. Making calls for those teams, seeing who might be moved, and what assets it might take, and at least getting an idea of what the market is.
They have asked about Marc-Andre Fleury. That is a difficult trade to make � not impossible, but it would require probably a third-party team or Chicago retaining half his salary or taking Mrazek back to make the dollars line up in a way the Leafs can accommodate in-season. The trick there is that it is not clear that Marc-Andre Fleury wants to come here."
While Dubas and Keefe have been trying to boost their goaltenders' confidence by sticking up for them with the media, perhaps they're finally seeing what the rest of us see. The Leafs' postseason run could be made or broken by one timely save. At this point, they aren't able to get that from either goaltender and are losing games to bottom-feeding teams.
The Buds have a big decision to make and only a week to arrive at the decision. They're running out of time for Campbell (now injured) and Mrazek to figure it out. With the pressure on Dubas to succeed in the postseason, he's under a lot of pressure to get this decision right.
| POLL | ||
MARS 13 | 572 ANSWERS The Leafs are finally exploring goaltending options amid crease crisis Will the Leafs make a move for a goalie? | ||
| Yes - They need to | 452 | 79 % |
| No - Campbell is the answer | 64 | 11.2 % |
| I think they'll address it in the summer | 56 | 9.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
