One Forward Away: Can the Leafs Find Their Missing Piece?

I am really hoping the Leafs are still looking for a top-six forward. They need one more forward to be a contender. Other than Jack Rosolovic.

Would you take a chance on Jimmy Vesey? Most people would say he is no better than what we have. I wonder if he could excel with the right combo. The one thing he has going for him is his age. He still has plenty of time to work himself out in the lineup. There is not much out there in the market when you’re considering Vasey. The problem is that the Leafs have to pay the price for a top-six forward. 

Turning to coaching, can Craig Berube mold this team into a playoff success? More critically, what will Matthews be like without Marner? There are a lot of questions about this season.

Do we think about bringing back Patches? I worry about his age being a red flag. His stats do not speak to me. Although he was expensive, he came through in the playoffs, something the Leafs so badly need.

Robby Fabbri is another forward who comes to mind, but again, he would have to take a pay cut to fit the cap for the Leafs. Unless Robby could go back to his early career days, I do not think he would be an upgrade over what we have.

Last word 

Look for the Leafs signing some PTO’s. They will try to address the forwards, making the camp enjoyable this season. I am excited to see how Ben Danford does in preseason camp. There is one thing for sure: this looks like Berube’s team. 

Randy