Maple Leafs' defense suddenly looks like it's working

"The improvement just happens to sync with the return of Chris Tanev. Tanev returned to the lineup on December 23 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. And the Maple Leafs' defense looked overhauled. All of a sudden, the Leafs have a serviceable defense core. Tanev, along with waiver claim Troy Stecher, has added stability to the blue line. That's not hyperbole. The eye test confirms it. The Pittsburgh game was a good example."

"With Tanev back, it seems like the Maple Leafs' blue line has found a type of homeostasis it had lost in his absence. While Morgan Rielly still needs a decent defense partner, the overall makeup of the defense corps looks much improved. The only challenge now is to maintain consistency. But if the last three games have been any indication, it seems like the Maple Leafs may have finally found some semblance of that."

"Assuming the Maple Leafs will still be buyers at this year's trade deadline, a blueliner could be in their sights. Since Brandon Carlo doesn't seem all that close to returning, Brad Treliving may have his sights set on a cost-effective defensive defenseman. That's a piece the club will need to assist Rielly on the top pair. Of course, top-pairing defensive defensemen don't grow on trees. And they most certainly aren't available at the trade deadline."

The Toronto Maple Leafs sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings while showing defensive improvement. Chris Tanev returned to the lineup on December 23 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the defense immediately looked overhauled. Waiver claim Troy Stecher also added stability to the blue line, producing a serviceable defensive corps. Recent games against Ottawa and Detroit showed better defensive structure and the team earned points despite sloppy moments. Morgan Rielly still requires a reliable top-pair partner. With Brandon Carlo's prolonged absence, the club may pursue a cost-effective defensive defenseman at the trade deadline, though high-end top-pair options are scarce.

Read at Editor In Leaf