r/leafs • u/AutoModerator • 22h ago

Discussion Daily Free Talk / Armchair GM Thread

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u/whosoulie 19h ago

I feel this iteration of the team is still 2 players short. A number 2C and a top 4 D. 

Addressing those two concerns turn this team from a bubble team to a contender. 

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u/shadowpenguin29 19h ago

I think the top 4 D can be sorted out by fiddling with deployment. I think if McCabe and Raddysh are playing more time together at even strength as a minute eating pair (~20-22 mins), with Rielly and Tanev acting as the second pair (18-20 mins), they can be a fairly decent dcore.

The 2C issue just needs to be sorted out by Willy and McKenna building enough chemistry to drive the line. While he’s lost a step, JT is not as bad as his past 3 games, and is perfectly capable of playing with two play driving wingers in a more sheltered role. Actually playing Cowan’s line for more than 14 minutes a night would also help. I still believe that the team has the pieces internally to at least get them to the deadline in a decent spot, then we can evaluate for an upgrade.

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u/CMDRShepardN7 Nylander 18h ago

I might be crazy, but Rilley hasn't looked bad.

Him and Tanev might work again without Berube.

1

u/Sirrebral99 Knies 18h ago

I really hope he does. I've been very vocal about wanting Rielly gone before, he had a terrible game 1 then made some great plays in games 2 & 3. If he finds his game again, that's huge. Either long term to stick around or to pump his value to make a trade, Rielly playing well again helps both scenarios