In the first edition of Maple Leafs Season Preview, we looked at the Maple Leafs offense. In case you missed it, here is the link to that article. For the goaltending preview, click here.
Now, a preview of the defense is the focus — who will make the team? What will the defensive pairings look like?
What do you think? Leave a comment below!
First Pair Preview:
Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev
No surprise here. Tanev was by far the biggest signing the Leafs made this past summer, and immediately gives Rielly his best defense partner…ever?
In theory, the two have complementary styles. Both are tough as nails, but while Rielly often rushes the puck and handles power play duties, Tanev is a defensive beast, blocking shots and taking away passing lanes. While Rielly has never belonged in the upper echelon of #1 defensemen, this is a very good first defense pairing on a very good team. No notes.
Crazy prediction: With Tanev helping to keep pucks out of the net and Rielly quarterbacking a potent power play, Rielly sets a personal +/- record this season (his previous best is +24).
Second Pair Preview:
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe
If the Leafs want to, they can balance all three defensive pairings by mixing one offensively gifted, defensively suspect player with a more traditional shutdown defender. Oliver Ekman-Larsson is inconsistent and possibly past his prime (in a worst-case scenario, this could be another John Klingberg Situation), but at his best he can run a power play and pile up points. Jake McCabe continues to be incredible value (Chicago is still paying 50% of his salary, leaving the Leafs with a mere 2 million dollar cap hit), and he is more than capable of being a good top 4 defenseman.
Crazy prediction: Ekman-Larsson, though poor defensively, turns back the clock to his Arizona days and piles up 40+ points.
Third Pair Preview:
Simon Benoit, Timothy Liljegren
The Leafs defensive depth drops off here, and if someone like Ekman-Larsson struggles, depth will become an issue. Simon Benoit had a surprisingly good season last year, endearing himself to Leafs fans and earning a contract extension. He hits well and generally makes smart plays with the puck, but lacks the foot speed to add any offense. Timothy Liljegren continues to be an enigma. He’s talented and shows signs of putting it all together, with the potential to become a nice dependable offensive defensemen, but has consistent runs of poor form that makes it hard for the Leafs to play him anywhere but the third pair.
If the Leafs deal with injuries or poor defensive play, some likely candidates to see time include Marshall Rifai (who seems well liked by coaches and has had a solid preseason), Connor Timmins (can get points but that’s about it), and Topi Niemelä (who seems destined for the Leafs in the future but may not be quite ready).
Crazy prediction: Liljegren struggles this season, and is traded at the deadline, with another team wanting to give him a fresh start.
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