Leafs Key Deals at Deadline

Another trade deadline has come and gone. Approaching the dealing, the Leafs needed a top-six forward and an insurance goalie. Their other priority was an extra defenseman for depth. And maybe an extra forward. How do I think they did? Here are my thoughts.

Reily Nash

Reily is a typical fourth-line banger who can bang with the best of them. A character guy who leads the team by example. You can never go wrong with having a Reily Nash on your team.  

Nick Foligno

Nick's best asset is his versatility. You can fit Nick anywhere in the lineup. He will fit in anywhere from the fourth line up to the first line. There is no task he won't do. And he will stick up for his teammates. He will have the Maple Leafs' backs. His greatest strength is protecting a lead; he is a beast in their end.

David Rittich

Nicknamed BSD (Big Save Dave), Rittich will give the Leafs every chance to win. A solid but spectacular goalie who gives you a chance to win everything. In Calgary, there is a lot of pressure to win. They can't afford to give up a bad goal. In Toronto, Rittich doesn't have to be perfect; his teammates will bail him out. All he has to do is be steady, which he has been for the Flames for years.

Ben Hutton 

Ben is essentially a fill-in dman. The Maple Leafs have been fortunate their back end has primarily healthy this season. The acquisition of Hutton will cover them if they are not. Ben is a stay-home dman who will fill in nicely as a number five or six when he is needed. Nothing flashy, but he does not have to be.

Islanders Options

Everyone knows that Lou is looking for a replacement for Lee. When you lose a player like Lee, the rest of the team has to pick it up a notch. The only weakness with this team is the offensive side of the game. However, Wahlstrom is taking over as the team's sniper. I have to admit; I am beginning to like this kid.

So who would you look at if you were the General Manager of the Islanders? Here are my thoughts if I were the General Manager. The Islanders have plenty of cap on LITR Boychuck and now Lee. So money is not an issue. I am not sure that I would bring anyone on the ice. If it is not broken, why fix it? For argument's sake, I will give you my top three picks.

Kyle Palmieri

Kyle is a dependable forward who can pitch in. He is a goal scorer with experience. He knows what it takes to win the game and he gets the job done. He is a pretty good stick handler and passer. He will fit right in with the Isles. 

Taylor Hall

Taylor has done more than struggle this year. He has been awful. The Isles will be relying on his best friend, Jordan Eberle, to bring him out of his slump. Combine that an urge to win the Stanley Cup, and Hall should be fine. Taylor has brought it in the past, including receiving an MVP award; he is capable of coming back. He is an outstanding power forward who would be a perfect fit with the Islanders. 

Connor Garland

The Isles may have to outbid the Leafs. Connor is a solid, no-nonsense hockey player. Nothing fancy. He gets the job done and moves on to the next task. He is a solid player with a great attitude. Connor is working on his career. He works hard and gets the garbage goals. Garland will be a solid player. 

Randy