Now what?

 

The Maple Leafs have some soul searching to do. Finding a defenceman who actually knows how to play defence would be an excellent start. Yes, I am being facetious, but you get my point. We have more leaks in our defensive than a toilet. The defence has to be the Leafs' top priority. 

The free-agent crops are loaded with talent at the top, but it quickly thins out. Let's weed this list out and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but saying that, here are my top four free agent defensemen.

Alex Pietrangelo 

Alex can write his own ticket. He does everything well. He has a great slapshot for the powerplay. Alex distributes the puck well and has excellent vision. His best quality is that he makes everyone around him better. However, he might be out of the Leafs' price range. 

Tory Krug 

Tory's strength is that he is a great rushing defenseman. Do not underestimate his defensive abilities. He is a great skater and uses his speed to get himself out of trouble. He is a reliable number one or two defensemen. A solid pick, I would make the appropriate roster changes to fit him in.

Travis Hamonic 

Travis means the world to me. He is a leader in and out of the ice. He would give up his immortal soul for the team. Travis will become an instant fan favourite. He is an excellent stay-home defenceman and one of the best shot-blockers. As he is called, Hammer should be the best option, but you can probably sign him for around $4 million or less. 

Chris Tanev

Chris Tanev is a solid, experienced defenceman who can still play for a couple of years. He is great in the defensive zone and leads by example. Again, a cheaper defenseman. Who says you have to spend a lot to get results?

Randy