Same Old Same Old

The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their forward line with the addition of Ryan O'Reilly, giving them the depth they need to make a serious run this season.

I want to focus on the defensive side of the Maple Leafs. They could really use an extra defenseman who can help with defensive zone coverage. Here are three options for them to consider.

Luke Schenn

Luke is nothing fancy, just a mean, nasty stay-home dman. He is aware of his limitations and does exactly what is required of him, nothing more or less. He will do his best to bail out his fellow players.

Justin Braun

The Maple Leafs were rumored to be in talks with Justin last season. He is the perfect third-pairing defense. The Leafs are in dire need of toughness and strength. He is my pick for the trade deadline for the Leafs. 

Nikita Zadorov

I am not saying Nikta is available, but if he were available, I would be quick to snatch him up. He has a surprisingly underrated shot from the point. Zadorov is a solid dman who hits hard. He is a mountain to get off his feet. 

Final word

If Murray is unable to play due to injury, I'm curious as to whether the Leafs will look for a backup goaltender. My old friend James Reimer comes to my mind. 

Randy

Topsy Turvy

If I asked a group of ten New York Islanders fans whether they should buy or sell at the upcoming trade deadline, what would their response be?

SELL

For those who say sell, who do you sell? How many assets do we really want to part with? Let's look into our UFAs to determine the best course of action.

Scott Mayfield

A solid number 5/6 dman, Scott would be sought after by the deadline. Scott is a solid dman who would be a great addition to either the Leafs or the Bolts.

Zach Parise

Zach has been performing beyond any Isles fan's expectations of him this season. He makes a solid third-liner with some scoring punch. Zach also is a good penalty killer, which any team contending for the cup would love to have. 

Semyon Varlamov

He is probably the hottest asset the Islanders have on the table. There are up five or six teams who desperately need a goalie. Varly is a terrific goaltender who can still perform at a high level. The Buffalo Sabres are among those teams hoping to acquire Varlamov's services.

BUY

Now if the Islanders are to buy, what comes to my mind is it would make sense for them to acquire one more winger and an extra third-pairing defenceman. 

Evgenii Dadonov 

Evgenii has not been having the best of years, but he is capable of much more. A change of scenery could do him a world of good. Adding Barzal and Horvat or even Nelson to the second line could do him wonders. I am told that the Habs are willing to eat some cap in order to make this happen. 

Shayne Gostisbehere

There are many dmen out there on the market. Ghost (Shayne) comes to mind as number one on this list. The Islanders sure could use a second power-play quarterback on the power-play unit. Ghost has a terrific shot from the point. He is also an above-average puck distributor, giving the power play another option.

Randy