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.