As the Toronto Maple Leafs undergo a shift in identity without Mitch Marner, an area of positional strength they should focus on prioritizing is the defense. The Leafs have a solid D core, but are generally weaker on the backend compared to up front on offense.
If the Maple Leafs are to flip the script of early playoff exits, implementing a strong defense is a must. As the 2 time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have shown, more often than not it is defense that wins close playoff series.
Dave Benson of Heavy Sports has targeted a player in free agency who is surprisingly still available for the Maple Leafs to consider signing in order to upgrade Toronto defensively: Matt Grzelcyk
Why Grzelcyk makes sense for Toronto
The longtime Bruin made the transition to Pittsburgh last season and had a strong year on a poor Penguins team, registering a goal and 39 assists for 40 points in 82 games. But the offense is just a bonus, it is Grzelcyk’s responsible shutdown game that makes him an attractive suitor for Toronto. By adding Grzelcyk to the fold, the Leafs could have a D core that looks like: Rielly-Grzelcyk, McCabe-Tanev and Larsson-Carlo. This would give the Leafs a defensive unit they can trust down the stretch in the postseason.
Depending on Grzelcyk’s asking price, the Leafs may have to move some money around to work him into their books. But a last minute move bringing a player of his caliber onto the table could be a smart play for a team that needs results when it matters this season.
