Wednesday's FTB: What do the Leafs need?

If you missed it yesterday in comments, Nick Kypreos posted this:

Which discusses his information that the Leafs and Chris Tanev are discussing possible surgery to make him able to withstand future contact. The implication is that Tanev suffered a cervical spinal injury, and not the seeming more simple whiplash.

The biggest concern for Tanev is if he takes another hit similar to the one he received on Nov. 1 that knocked him out of the lineup. What are the risks of him further exacerbating the symptoms he’s had since? The hope is that any potential surgery would help alleviate that risk.

Tanev has appeared at a practice in a non-contact jersey and skated in a regular jersey after, which seemed to indicate he might be close to return. The Leafs had said they will further evaluate his status this week.

Meanwhile, if you recall Brandon Carlo, he's actually a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, not that you hear much about him. He was sent back to Toronto prior to the weekend to be evaluated by doctors, and Craig Berube said he might need surgery. It's been 🦗ever since.

So worst case scenario is both of these guys need medical treatment that lasts weeks to months, not days to weeks, and the Leafs have to play most of the season without them.

Does that change the need to add a forward?

The confounding factor, one I believe the Leafs, including Craig Berube grasp in full, is that the Leafs score a lot of goals and have really shitty offensive creation results at five-on-five and the power play. They have appeared to be better lately as they are managing some clean zone exits which have a knock-on effect offensively.

So is appearance reality?

No, not really.

And, the thing is, the Leafs are appallingly bad on the PK. League worst. So when you look at that in all-situations, which you can do yourself, they are, right now, allowing more Expected Goals Against than the league average scoring per game. In other words, they have to score way over average to win.

Or have great goaltending.

They had shitty goaltending when the defence was good and then everyone went doolally, and have only just started to come back to their senses.

They have scored a lot of goals and survived, barely, still in a position to play well and make the playoffs, or play excellently and make the playoffs with a good home-ice advantage. Or, naturally, do neither and not make it.

So what do you do? Add a forward, when it's obvious they need one, or add a defender when it's obvious they need one.

Bet on skill. That's what I think. Bet on the skill of the forwards plastering the cracks in their offensive play, bet on the skill making the power play work out and add a defender.

I saw a reference to Troy Stecher riding in on his white horse to save the Leafs' season, and that is not hyperbole. He is almost entirely a defensive defender. Likely why Edmonton didn't know what to do with him. Find another one. They have the benefit of being the cheapest players in the NHL. Hell, get two.

In other news, if you missed this, Bobby McMann will miss one game.

Toronto’s Bobby McMann has been suspended for one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay’s Oliver Bjorkstrand. https://t.co/UIn1IwOWUv
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 9, 2025