Yes, it is this time of year, the General Managers all go to the shopping malls to haggle over prices. The Maple Leafs are no different. They would love to add another no-nonsense dman to make the opposition, let's say, more cooperative. Now, this is just me, but I think they should look into acquiring a seasoned backup goalie who has some playoffs experience. I have not heard that the Leafs are even sniffing for a backup at this point.
Let's look at the dmen the Maple Leafs are considering.
Radko Gudas
Radko means business. A big physical dman, he can fit in as a great number four or five. He has shown great strides in his play and will both add some offence to the game and shore up the defence. He is solid in his own zone. But so far, they have not been able to coax him out of Philly. Keep an eye on him, especially if he goes on the market.
Adam McQuaid
You get what you pay for — a serviceable number six dman. Adam can give the Leafs precisely what they need as a third pairing defenceman. He won't hurt them in their own end. McQuaid is a stay-home dman who knows his limitations. He is a smart player who does not get caught pinching in. He won't add any offence, but he will shore up the defensive zone play, something the Maple Leafs so vitally need.
The third line gritty forward who can beef up the Maple Leafs for a matchup against the Bruins. Everyone knows the Bruins intimidated the Leafs into submission last year. The Maple Leafs would love to eliminate that problem this year.
Wayne Simmonds
Simmonds would add some beef to the team. The Maple Leafs have a very gifted forward who lacks the size to go to the net. Wayne fits this bill. His specialty is garbage goals. He will go to the net and find the puck. If he has to beat up someone to get it, so be it. He would get his share of goals, and maybe clear some room for Matthews and Tavares.
Marcus Johansson
Marcus is a solid winger with some speed. I have not heard him connected with the Maple Leafs, but he is being shopped around. He would add some offence, but his size would help give the smaller forwards some room to roam. He was very talented with the Capitals; he could just be able to regain his offence in Toronto. He would be a good fit for the Leafs.
Eric Staal
The last one on this list Eric Staal. He is the perfect faceoff specialist, with plenty of grit. Eric is on the market for a price; will the Maple Leafs bite? Only time will tell.
Here is one more morsel to chew on: The Leafs may be looking for a solid number four centre. They need a solid penalty-killer with some size to wreak havoc and get inside the Bruins' heads. The Maple Leafs need to get bigger; it is time to stand up to the bully.
