The Tyson Barrie Complex

It has come out that the Maple Leafs have been taking calls on the availability of Tyson. The highly-skilled defenceman is highly desirable. There is no shortage of hockey teams who have shown interest—the Flames, Canucks, and Blues, to mention a few.

Tyson has plenty of skills in the offensive game. Tyson's ability to distribute the puck to the forwards often leads to a scoring chance. He is known for being a terrific powerplay quarterback who has vision around the ice. He is a highly-skilled defenceman who fits into the system very nicely.

So why are we thinking about trading him? The first reason is that the Leafs know Tyson is a UFA and may demand upwards of $8 million a year. The is no way in the universe that the Leafs can afford to keep the highly-regarded offensive defencemen. The other downside is that Barrie's defensive play often gets him in trouble. To be fair, though, the Maple Leafs knew that before they acquired him.

The other dilemma for the Leafs as we approach the deadline is what to with Kasperi Kapanen. I am not bringing up him because of the benching incident. It is common knowledge the Leafs want a serviceable defenceman if they choose to keep Barrie. Kasperi has struggled this season, but still is a massive chip if the Leafs decide to use him.  He is an excellent penalty-killer with offensive skill to burn.

There is something that I have wanted to bring up some time. Jason Spezza's play since the evacuation of Babcock has been outstanding. Jason has fit in nicely as a third/fourth-line center with second-line powerplay ability. He might be a tad slow, but he has the hockey IQ, which makes him a great asset. He has been a great pickup, and I hope the Leafs decide to sign him to another one or two year deal.

There have been some rumblings that the Leafs might also pick up additional forward for depth reasons. This one will be on a straight rental basis. The acquisition will only work if the Leafs have the room to make it fit.

The Maple Leafs: Are they done?

With the major deal, the Maple Leafs now have an outstanding backup goalie. Campbell has filled in very nicely and has shown the Leafs can win with him in between the pipes. Campbell's success is vital for the Leaf's success. The ability to rest Andersen from time to time is enormous. A rested Andersen is a good Andersen. 

Kyle Clifford brings the Leafs something they have lacked for some time. A big beefy Centre who can do some hitting back. The Maples Leafs have a rep for their lack of toughness. The acquisition of Kyle goes a long way to address this weakness. Kyle is mentally and physically tough. He is willing to go into the corners where no man has gone before. Okay, that is a little flippant. But you get the point. Before the trade, the question was, to quote Wendy's, "Where is the Beef?" 

As a whole, the Maple Leafs are improving their play. But they still need to clean up the defensive play in their end. There is still too much sloppy passing and panicking running around like a chicken with its head cut off.  The most prominent example was the Habs games. Campbell saved their buts again and again.

The Maple Leafs vets have come to play. Matthews has been a monster, probably playing the best hockey in his career. Tavares is doing what a leader does. Marner's skating has been picking up and he is making plays that the fans are taking for granted. Nylander is on a career year, skating like the wind. So there are a lot of positives right now. I am especially excited about Campbell's play. Having two goalies will be handy down the stretch.

Are the Leafs done?  Not by a long shot. They are primarily looking for another defenceman. With Ceci's and Rielly's injuries, that is their biggest need. 

Randy

Kasperi Kapanen's price is the moon

The Maple Leafs have received multiple expressions of interest in Kapanen. But with the emergence of Rasmus Sandin, there is not such a hurry to get it done. The Leafs are so pleased with Rasmus that Kapenen's price is no longer a song. In fact, the Leafs would take a three or very good four defencemen. The Maple Leafs want a hockey trade instead of a cap trade for two reasons. One is the cap; the other is the new sensation, Rasmus Sandin.

The Leafs feel once Morgan Reilly is back, they can live with the defence if they can not land a trade for Kasperi Kapanen. Jake Muzzin is back and should get the rust off soon. With Rasmus playing like he belongs, the Leafs are quite comfortable with their top six. Don't get me wrong; if they can find a hockey trade for him, they will. But they are willing to wait for it.

The Maple Leafs have inquired about Alexander Georgiev. They were told Kapanen+. The Maple Leafs feel the price is too high for now. I am sure they will return to see if the price goes down. They know they need an upgrade in the backup goalie area. Again, they are not going to mortgage the farm to acquire one.

There is a major concern with Andersen being overworked. Michael Hutchinson is going to have to improve his play so Andersen can get his rest in between starts. Or the Leafs may have to bite the bullet and pay the asking price.

There is a concern the team is playing to lose. Sheldon Keefe realizes there is a need to shore up the play in the defensive zone. Come playoff time, there will be a lot more focus on the defensive play. The defensive leaders, Muzzin, Reilly, and Ceci will have to set the example. The leaders on the forwards, Marner, Matthews, and Tavares, must continue to come back to their end. The defence needs support from the forwards if things are to improve. If Keefe can't get results the Leafs, they will have to explore the need for new defencemen sooner rather than later.

Randy