Toronto's Changing of the Guard: Who Completes the Top Six?

So, who is part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' top six? We have Auston Matthews with Matthew Knies. The makings of a second Line, John Tavares with William Nylander on the second line. So, who do we pencil in as the two extra forwards? One right wing for the top line. One left wing for the second line. I could be here all day, so I'll stick to my top three choices.

Matias Maccelli

Matias is a slick playmaker with tons of skill. This speed makes things happen. What makes Maccelli dangerous is his speed. He will have fun setting up JT, Nylander, Knies, and, of course, Matthews. He is a great option for the top six.

Max Domi

Max is a centre, but he has played wing in the past. Max would add a little muscle and grit. We would need the Domi of the Coyotes Days, where he put up numbers in the 40-50 points range. He would have to score garbage goals, picking up rebounds in front of the net. Toronto needs a pesky forward causing havoc to give the stars more freedom to roam.  

Easton Cowan

There is a heavy discussion on whether the Leafs should play Cowan. I am on the side that if he makes the Leafs Roster, he should be in the top 6. If he were in the bottom 6, I believe it would stunt his growth. Easton is an offensive juggernaut with a tremendous shot. You do not win MVP of the Memorial Cup tournament for nothing.

The last option, of course, goes through the trade route. I like this option; I have been saying all along that the Leafs are just one top-six forward away from being a contender again. Players like Mason McTavish, Nazem Kadri, and Jason Robertson from the Stars are all intriguing possibilities worth exploring.

No Entitlement, Just Drive: Schaefer’s Push for the NHL

Should Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders prospect, play with the team the whole season?

There is a lot of pressure on a team to put a number one pick straight into the NHL. Schaefer is one of the OHL’s most talented young players. He possesses the natural ability to become one of the best young defenders in the league.

Schaefer is very mature for his age. Despite everything he has gone through, he still has the ability to handle any situation like a seasoned pro. His hockey IQ is off the charts. He thinks like a veteran, yet he is only 18 years old. The biggest reason for him to graduate to the NHL is that he has nothing left to prove in the OHL.  

Add to this the fact that you hardly ever see the number one pick not make the NHL. I spoke with a source who pointed out something important: When a player’s picked first overall, there’s this expectation that he has to make the team. But with Schaefer, it’s different — he’s determined to make it. There’s no entitlement in how he carries himself. He’s not just assuming a spot is his. Still, that spotlight and pressure are always there.

If the Islanders don’t keep him, there’s always a risk they lose his respect or even lose him entirely after his entry-level contract is up.

  

I went to the expert, Colton Davies, for his opinion on Schaefer making the jump. You can follow Colton on Twitter @coltonrdavies. He is a great follower.

Colton Davies

Writer for Daily Faceoff:

“I think for Schaefer’s development, the best thing for him is to get that nine games of NHL action and then send him back to Erie to get another year of OHL hockey in.”

My source also confirms that if the Isles go this route, they have the option of keeping him on the roster. He goes on to say that it will be a tough decision.

Randy

Goodbye Marner, Hello Muscle: The Leafs’ Grit Over Glam Makeover

So, where do we go from here? The Marner saga finally came to an end. Mercifully, we got an asset in the trade. The Leafs’ priority is to bring in grit with a bit of added scoring. How have we done so far? I have a feeling Brad Treliving is not done.

Matias Maccelli

The Maple Leafs acquired Matias for a conditional third-round pick in 2027. We’re hoping he can bounce back from last year. He is a slick playmaker who might hit it off with Matthews. Terrific skater; I love his speed.  

Nicolas Roy

Roy is the perfect centre for the Leafs. Nicholas brings toughness and grit to a team that desperately needs it. He is a great penalty killer and could be utilized on power plays in front of the net. He is a solid option for the team late in the game to hold onto leads.

Dakota Joshua

Dakota Joshua is a pistol who will send shockwaves through a dressing room. He will not allow the Leafs to be pushed around.

I love what these three players bring to the team. Do they replace Marner? No, but they do bring in tons of heart and spirit to a team that needs a good kick in the butt. 

Mathieu Darche: A Bold Move That Could Put the Islanders Back on Track

When I heard Mathieu Darche had been hired, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not the sexy name that says the Islanders are all in. It is the name that says the Isles need to get with the times. That is to say, the Isles aren’t old, but maybe it’s time to trade in the Studebaker. 

Darche is more like a Ford Pinto, I jest, of course I mean a Ford Mustang. 

Enough of the metaphors; on to hockey dialogue. Why do I like the hire? I am glad you asked. Pardon me for using another metaphor, as a prosecutor for the defendant would say, “Let’s see the evidence.”

Keeping Patrick Roy

Every General Manager likes a mulligan. Roy gives the organization a Mulligan if things don’t work out. “He wasn’t my guy, now I’ll bring my pick.” This keeps everyone on an even keel and prevents panic in the dressing room. You want the transition to be as easy as possible for the players. Of course, it also keeps his butt out of the fire an extra year.

[You notice no image here. This is a family site; we don’t want any family filters going off over butt images. Okay, I am done.]

Maxim Shabanov

Maxim Shabanov is a no-brainer acquisition; a one-year deal for a highly skilled player. If he doesn’t work out, send him down to Bridgeport. It’s only a one-year deal, just move on. If he does work out, you have two options:

1. Keep him to make the playoffs; or
2. Trade him at the deadline to get more assets.

The only downsides are his size and reputation for being a one-dimensional player. The latter can be improved with coaching.

Trade of Noah Dobson

I am not paying Noah $9.5 million. No way, no how. Sorry, not doing it. From the Habs, you got prospects Kashawn Aitcheson and Victor Eklund, both of whom were considered highway robberies in the draft. And do not underestimate Emil Heineman, who is a pistol with some offensive upside. The bottom six are in dire need of improvement.

Johnathan Drouin

Jonathan Drouin brings in speed and more offense to an offensively struggling team. The Islanders’ cap is restrained this season, and Johnathan is a cheap option that fits the bill. He will fit in nicely with Barzal this year.

Matthieu Darche: How do you like me now?

Randy