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Some of you may know that one week ago I wasn't married, but now I am! And if you know anything about Indian weddings, you also know it was a full week of non-stop events and parties. Truly, no one does it like us.
While I was MIA, the Leafs did the bulk of their summer business, including the draft and free agency. I'll hold off on draft talk while I do my regular video and scouting for the Top 25 Under 25 later this summer, but I have some thoughts on the NHL roster we can discuss.
I have the next several FTBs in a row (making up for lost time), so let's start at the most important position the Leafs had to tackle this summer:
Defense
The Leafs signed three defenders: Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpää. They got Dakota Mermis a couple days later, too. With Liljegren signed before free agency, there's officially 10 defenders on the NHL roster. Even if Mermis and Cade Webber are destined for the Marlies, that's still eight defenders with Timmins at the bottom making $1.1 million. Oh, and don't forget to call me an optimist who's still waiting for Giordano to re-sign.
Tanev is a very good signing, giving the team a #2 once again. I'm not worried about the latter half of the deal simply because LTIR and trades exist. I also wouldn't be surprised if Tanev plays most of that contract as he's had some of his best seasons later in his career. If he turns into a pumpkin, well, it's back to free agency.
I wasn't sure what to make of the OEL signing until I did some digging on his stat cards and playoff results (he had enough this spring/summer that I thought it was worth looking at). I saw good passing and quite good impacts on shot share. I'm not sure yet how he does it since I haven't watched him much, but we'll get to that later.
His contract is reasonable on its face, but what really matters is fit – something I've been critical of the Leafs for since last year and most notably 2019-20. If OEL is the upgrade on Liljegren next to McCabe, I totally get it and I'm interested to see how that goes. With this signing the Leafs are likely moving away from Rielly getting the lion's share of offensive time with the stars and into a slightly more balanced approach. If Liljegren is still on the roster in the new year, then, uhm, what are we doing here folks. Overall, I'm hoping to like OEL this season.
Jani Hakanpää has had some weird rumours swirling around injuries, this is the latest report that's out there. He's very tall (like OEL) and apparently blocks shots and kills penalties – two things the Leafs needed. If he is going to be injured a lot, his contract likely won't get in the way of the Leafs being able to run a lineup. He got hard minutes in Dallas playing with Esa Lindell, so he's another reliable option.
I’m Jani Hakanpaa???? pic.twitter.com/9kzRrH5nhF
— Mark Magowan (@_magowan) January 19, 2024
Overall, I'm pleased to be seeing three new bodies join the defense that have done more than third pair duty. Experience and options are always good things. Because there are lots of options, it's impossible to get a handle on the pairings that'll be played throughout the season, but here's my first stab at it.
Rielly (PP) - Tanev (PK)
OEL (PP) - McCabe (PK)
Benoit (PK) - Hakanpaa (PK)
The only business left is the answer the Liljegren Question because I don't see a spot for him that'll make anyone happy on this team, poop or get off the potty on Timmins at some point for the same reason as Liljegren but worse, and sign Giordano to be the 7D because I want him back very much, please and thank you.
Good work from Treliving here on defense. I had aspirations for better over the summer, but those never get to play out. He filled the holes he didn't last season and now he has given his coach a competitive defense. B+
Various (former) Leafs and Branches
A challenge to all readers this summertime Friday to watch this whole video before the end of the morning:
This might be the longest highlight reel video I've ever seen (42 minutes!)https://t.co/AGq3bLnR5z
— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) July 5, 2024
Jake Muzzin looks to be taking Cade Webber under his wing this summer. I'm hoping for bright things in the future.
Cade Webber on Jake Muzzin:
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 4, 2024
"A guy I want to model myself after a little bit ... After I was traded here, he called me & introduced himself & we’ve been back & forth with little teaching points about my game"https://t.co/GfQsOlMeGt
Victor Johansson is at dev camp and has been nothing short of adorable.
Victor Johansson weighed in at 147 pounds at Leafs development camp; size is one reason he didn't expect to be picked so soon
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 4, 2024
"I need to grow a little bit in my body ... but it’s nice they’re believing in me"https://t.co/q7zBHFNcPG
Sounds like the Johansson household has The Passion ™️ pic.twitter.com/kRGZZKyT4I
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 4, 2024
Now, get ready for a blast from the mediocre past!
First down the runway: Nikita Zaitsev is leaving the NHL.
Nikita Zaitsev is heading home to Russia on a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg. He played eight seasons in the NHL with Chicago, Ottawa and Toronto.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 4, 2024
Carl Grundstrom signed with the youngsters in San Jose.
#SJSharks re-signed RFA F Carl Grundstrom to a two-year, $1.8M AAV contract. @PuckPedia https://t.co/0zxFMGQnzN
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) July 4, 2024
Martins Dzierkals re-signed with Skellefteå AIK of the SHL.
Dzierkals förlänger!
— Skellefteå AIK (@skelleftea_aik) July 4, 2024
"Skellefteå känns som hemma och jag tror vi har mycket mer att uppnå tillsammans", säger han.https://t.co/TBHkUVURm3
36-year-old Korbinian Holzer has retired from the German National Team after seven worlds and two Olympics. And he's still playing!
🇩🇪Korbinian Holzer retires from the German National Team!
— Hockey Worldwide (@H0ckeyWorldwide) July 4, 2024
Scored 9 (5+4) points in 65 games across 7 World Championships, 2 Olympics, and 1 OGQ.
He is signed with the Graz99ers of the ICEHL for next season. https://t.co/RWB42TJTct
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