I have been used to seeing the Maple Leafs be completely offensively minded, but this year has been different.
A new GM has started to balance out the defensive needs, all while navigating a very very tight salary cap. It has led to this result:
And what’s more exciting???
At the trade deadline, the Leafs made deals that made them better (to compete with teams like Tampa Bay and Florida in the playoffs), nabbing a center and a defensemen to fill needs.
I’m impressed from the way the team made competitive moves to fill needs in order to try to win now.
While it’s still a long shot, I love how this front office’s philosophy is trying to compile a competitive team for the playoffs. Go Leafs Go!