The Leafs are likely to have a very different defense corps next season
Yes, its that time of year. The Leafs are on the golf course early yet again, leaving fans and writers to contemplate whats next for the seemingly cursed Leafs. Next year's team will more than likely feature the same core as it did this season, but on the back end, things are going to have to be shaken up.
The Leafs D core post trade deadline this season was easily the strongest of the Matthews era. Rielly, Muzzin and Giordano patrolled the left side, while Brodie, Lyubushkin, Holl and Liljegren made for a stronger right side than we've seen in well over a decade. Lyubushkin and Giordano are both headed towards free agency, and both Liljegren and Sandin are RFAs in need of new deals. Thanks to Gary Bettman's wonderful salary cap, the Leafs won't be able to keep all 8 NHL level defenders they had this past season.
Without making any moves at all other than signing Sandin and Liljegren to new deals, the Leafs D core is still relatively good. Sandin would join Jake Muzzin and Morgan Rielly to make a formidable left side. Liljegren would fight for top 4 minutes with Justin Holl and TJ Brodie. All in all, its a solid D core, especially if Sandin and Liljegren continue to improve as full time NHLers. They've both earned full time gigs for themselves with their play.
Giordano and Lyubushkin could be the ones to really throw a wrench into things. Giordano in particular, as its believed he is willing to sign a "Jason Spezza" type deal. SDPN's Chris Johnston was quite confident this week that Gio would be back. Mark Giordano staying on at that low of a cap hit is too good to pass up, if he's willing to sign for league minimum or close to it, the Leafs would be fools to walk away. That creates a log jam on the left side, as I've said, Sandin has earned his roster spot. The Leafs could simply roll into the season with 4 very competent left defencemen, not a bad plan considering Jake Muzzin's injury history. The same goes for Lyubushkin on the right side. I wouldn't mind seeing his physical game return to the Leafs back end, even if he isn't the best puck mover in the league.
The Leafs could look at moving one or both of Muzzin and Justin Holl. Muzzin would be tough, he has a full no trade clause, and its rumored that the only team he would waive for is the LA Kings. Holl has no such trade protection and should be easy enough to move given his ability as a penalty killer. I would rather the Leafs keep all 8 D men, but the 7.65 million dollars of cap space that could be opened up by moving Muzz and Holl is an enticing return on top of whatever picks, prospects and players they could get back for them.
The biggest issue with moving on from Muzzin and Holl is that the Leafs would lose the incredible depth they had this season. Leaving the Leafs to dress players like Carl Dahlstrom if any injuries occur. If there's one thing we can credit Dubas for though, its finding affordable depth players. Its entirely possible he could find a depth defender or two on the free agent market that could slot into the lineup on any given night and not look out of place. It will be interesting to see which direction the Leafs GM takes. Either way, the Leafs blue line will be different next season than it was this year. I have a hard time seeing how they'll be able to improve on what they had this season unless Sandin and Liljegren take another step towards being the top flight D men they were drafted to be.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 916 ANSWERS The Leafs are likely to have a very different defense corps next season If you could only keep one UFA in Toronto, who would it be? | ||
| Giordano | 252 | 27.5 % |
| Lyubushkin | 178 | 19.4 % |
| Spezza | 136 | 14.8 % |
| Campbell | 350 | 38.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
