The sissy days of the Toronto Maple Leafs have to come to an end as Wade Simmonds gets some reinforcements from Zach Bogosian. What the Leafs get in Zach Bogosian is as advertised, a nasty stay-home dman who strengthens the Leafs tenfold. The beatdowns to our stars will happen less; we may get more skating room.
The Leafs addressed both issues this offseason. They addressed the toughness issue with Bogosian and Simmonds. They tried to address the defensive issue with Brodie and Bogosian. I feel they need one more defenceman to help with the defensive breakdowns. I know they have loads of defensemen on the roster, but do they have enough talent to win?
The Maple Leafs went out and signed up and comer Jimmy Vesey. Jimmy was the experiment that went wrong in Buffalo. He zigged instead of zagging, went right instead of left. Jimmy got lost on his way to the grocery store and still has not received the direction on how to get home. Vesey has all the talent in the world; he just has not put it together. If the Maple Leafs can help him do so, it is a win-win proposition. There is really nothing to lose at his cap as his salary is paltry $900,000. In hockey terms, that is a loaf of bread at the bakery.
Travis Boyd is a safe signing; he is what he is. A solid, fourth-line winger who can pitch in the odd goal and assist—a decent, cheap pick-up.
Last, but not least, the signing of Joe Thornton. Although the Maple Leafs value the experience he brings into the dressing room, Joe indeed has his best years behind him. I know this may be harsh, but this team lacks the will to win. Thornton will address this, as he will be motivated to win the cup in his last season. Joe has always wanted to play for his home town; this will give him a chance of winning a cup his final year.
Overall, you have to be excited about the new Maple Leaf team. I might be wrong, but I am really looking forward to being proven right.
Randy
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