Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs still have some issues regardless of the deals they’ve made, with them still lacking that true offensive punch up front.
Although Brad Treliving has accomplished most of his goal of changing the Maple Leafs’ DNA this offseason, some issues still remain that need to be taken care of such as the future of Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf, or where all the new pieces are going to fit in.
Those new additions are all a part of a new-look team filled with grit, passion, and a whole lot of physicality. But while that’s great, and the pieces added are certainly going to bring a lot of excitement they really aren’t names that jump off the page.
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Those are the types of players who will add that punch needed. Sure, Max Domi might end up finding more chemistry with Auston Matthews but he’s incredibly streaky.The second line of John Tavares and William Nylander lack a true second line option, and if Maccelli is on the first for Domi; is he good enough to play there?
Roy is going to be glued to the 3C position, and Joshua is likely going to flank him on the wing and give him a physical and sneaky offensive option. Pezzetta will be in and out of the lineup and is unlikely to be an everyday player.
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So where’s the oomph? The team is going to rely heavily on Matthews; hoping he can bounce back from a down season, hope Nylander gets even better, and pray a soon to be 35-year old Tavares doesn’t regress.
It’s a lot to ask for from a team with the cap space necessary to make some type of move (Jack Roslovic still exists) and while it depends on a Kampf/Jarnkrok trade; at this point take the first offer and run.
Though if there was an option for Toronto, Kadri might be the best bet given his history with the team and city, skillset, and passion; but they are also asking to commit a lot of money to another aging star.
So for as much work as the team has done, there’s still more to do. Good thing there’s still a few months until October, though they should probably get on it sooner than later.
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