In the midst of this offseason frenzy, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has been making waves in the hockey world. One area where the Leafs have seen significant changes is on the blueline. Treliving wasted no time in fortifying the team’s defence by adding three key players through free agency.
The first move was acquiring the signing rights of veteran defenceman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars. The 34-year-old wasted no time in signing a six-year deal worth $4.5 million AAV with the Leafs, solidifying his place on the team’s blueline. Tanev brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, qualities that will undoubtedly benefit the young Leafs roster.
In a free agency frenzy, Treliving struck again by signing Stanley Cup champion Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who recently hoisted the Cup with the Florida Panthers. The addition of Ekman-Larsson adds a proven winner to the Leafs lineup, further strengthening the team’s defence.
To add a physical presence to the back end, Treliving also acquired Jani Hakanpaa. However, Hakanpaa’s situation is a bit delicate due to a serious knee injury. As of now, he is not an official member of the Leafs roster, and his playing status for the upcoming season remains uncertain.
In addition to these key acquisitions, Treliving bolstered the team’s depth on defence by bringing in Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers on two-way contracts. Head coach Craig Berube emphasizes the importance of solid defensive play, and with these new additions, the Leafs are poised to have a much stronger defence next season.
The Atlantic Division has long been known for its fierce competition, with numerous playoff contenders vying for the top spot. Teams in the division understand the importance of securing wins against their divisional rivals in order to improve their playoff positioning. Toronto’s biggest competition in the Atlantic will be closely watched as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The saying “defence wins championships” rings true in hockey, as evidenced by recent Cup winners like the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. Having a solid defensive core, coupled with a strong goaltender, is essential for playoff success.
Speaking of Tampa Bay, the Lightning made some changes to their blueline over the offseason but remain a formidable defensive force. Despite losing some key players, they still boast elite talent like Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh. Florida, on the other hand, faced significant losses in their defence corps, making them a weaker team compared to last season.
The Boston Bruins are not resting on their laurels and made some notable moves to bolster their defence. Adding Nikita Zadorov to their already strong lineup gives the Bruins added size and toughness on the back end. Led by young star Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins defence is solid in all areas and will be a formidable challenge for the Leafs and other teams in the division.
Overall, the Leafs have made significant strides in improving their defence this offseason, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead. With new additions and a renewed focus on defensive play, Toronto is primed to make a statement in the Atlantic Division.
