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PHR Chat With Gavin Lee: 11/09/17
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Gavin Lee
6:12
I know all the talk in Toronto is about his poor start
But let's all remember that he's a 20-year old kid who scored 61 points last year.
DeadeyeFM
6:13
Is Freddie Andersen the answer in net for Toronto, or is the defence that is making him look bad?
Then how do the Leafs upgrade a defence that obviously needs upgrading?
Gavin Lee
6:13
It's a combination. Andersen is a slightly above-average goaltender. He's never been much more than that. Their defense isn't excellent, especially in their own end.
6:14
One way to upgrade it would be to move James van Riemsdyk, but that won't be a real answer. Getting a true upgrade over who they have would take drafting, or a big deal like you suggest. I just don't think it would be Marner.
DeadeyeFM
6:15
If Andersen isnt the answer, who is? The next couple years may be Toronto’s best chance to win before Matthews and Nylander’s new contracts kick in (unless the cap goes up big time)
Gavin Lee
6:16
I'm not saying they can't win with Andersen. Plenty of teams have won with just above-average goaltending.
Getting an elite goaltender is almost impossible.
So they'll have to improve the defense.
But that doesn't have to happen 20-games into this season.
6:17
Who knows. Maybe they go after the aforementioned Barrie.
Dan
6:17
Hi Gavin! Who are some realistic options the ducks can trade for considering their needs and cap space issue?
Gavin Lee
6:17
Hey Dan!
6:18
I wonder if they'd go after Jon Marchessault in Vegas, if the Golden Knights continue to slide.
He's so inexpensive, and could slide in at different positions for them.
Doc Halladay
6:19
I don’t think Barrie solves many of the Leafs defensive issues, he’s pretty infamous for his defensive lapses and overall lacking defensive play.
Gavin Lee
6:19
I don't think he solves it the way Mike Babcock wants to solve it, you're right.
6:20
But he drives play in the other direction for the most part, just like several of their other guys. It's so hard to find real shutdown options, that they might have to just go even further towards mobility.
DeadeyeFM
6:22
You arent saying they cant win with Andersen and neither am I, but they obviously give up too many goals and you cant do that in the playoffs. So an upgrade somewhere has to be made and their depth on offense may be the only way
Gavin Lee
6:22
Trading from their wing depth is probably the only way they upgrade, you're right.
6:23
But finding a better option than Andersen is basically impossible.
You're not trading for one of the elites.
DeadeyeFM
6:25
So is it possible for that to happen? Getting a top 4 dman, I mean. Or do they hope everything works out?
Gavin Lee
6:26
It's definitely possible. It's just a tough situation. Who gets pushed out of the Maple Leafs top-4 unless they get an absolute stud?
6:27
That rotating Carrick-Polak spot is the more likely upgrade spot.
They need to take some minutes away from Zaitsev.
Jake kistler
6:28
What is Pittsburgh penguins are doing
Gavin Lee
6:29
I think they're happy to be at the top of the Metro without basically any of their defenders playing up to their potential.
6:30
They'll be there at the deadline sniffing around.
Daniel
6:30
What does Buffalo do with Evander Kane?  He is playing great with Eichel but could walk at the end of the year.
Gavin Lee
6:30
There is this idea floating around that he might even re-sign with the Sabres before any real trade talk is done, but I still have to believe they move him before the deadline.
6:31
He's turned himself into their second best player, and would fetch a huge return on the market.
For a new GM and new coach, that fresh start will be mighty appealing.
Jeshua
6:32
Nielsen for Tavares?
Gavin Lee
6:32
This is my favorite one of all time now.
Andrew
6:32
What player, or package of, are most likely to be traded from the leafs to quell their thirst for a defenceman.
Gavin Lee
6:33
I just am not as sure that they're going to get a defenseman as some people are. But I'll always say van Riemsdyk. He carries the most value out of anyone they would consider moving.
6:34
They don't have the center depth to really go without Bozak unless they are ready to play Marleau there every game, and Komarov is a big part of their penalty kill and a huge favorite of Babcock.
Doc Halladay
6:34
With Arizona once again treading water and OEL a year and a half from UFA, is this the most realistic time where he could actually be moved?
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