There\u2019s No Need to Rush any Maple Leafs\u2019 Decision on Defense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Two things: first, I\u2019m not a big fan of rentals unless it has a chance to turn out like last season\u2019s Mark Giordano trade. Giordano came home and stayed past the end of the season. Second, it’s unlikely that the Maple Leafs will make any trades prior to the trade deadline. There\u2019s no reason for it; and, given the team\u2019s 10-1-2 record over their past 13 games, is there any reason for panic? That\u2019s rhetorical – the answer is No.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Brodie will be returning soon enough and the regular season will be a good time for (a) the two young Swedish defensemen Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljigren to get some solid game action and (b) the organization to learn who\u2019s who on the blue line. There are options for this team that (think Mac Hollowell) include the team\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But a Trade Deadline Deal Might Be a Thing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Right now, even with the defence suffering injuries, things are going pretty well. In the short term, Jordie Benn is doing better than expected. Victor Mete is in the wings, and he has NHL experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The point is that any trade for a defenseman makes no sense until later in the season. Sure, the team\u2019s defence has turned the puck over a few times and the youngsters have at times looked like rookies. But aside from the odd mental lapse or two, the defence has been generally solid this season. And we will soon be 20 games into the regular season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the trade deadline is another deal. If everything falls right for the Maple Leafs, I can see them trying to pull in another defenseman as they pulled in Giordano at the last trade deadline. It certainly worked out well for them last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What a Pickup with Mark Giordano<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Giordano trade made sense at the last deadline because there was little certainty about Jake Muzzin\u2018s status. Gladly, Giordano has been re-signed. Sadly, Muzzin\u2019s injuries have persisted. In retrospect, getting a steady, reliable, and mentoring veteran defenseman such as Giordano signed for so little money in the offseason was like finding gold at the end of the rainbow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only did Giordano\u2019s signing address some of the defensive needs left by the space where Muzzin used to line up, but you have in Giordano a player who truly wants to be in Toronto.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n