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
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