This entire subject shows how bad it’s been in Toronto for so long, when we have fans just penciling in Dmen who have their own substantial issues, as automatic Top 4 players.
OEL needed massive protection in Florida last year. Yet the Leafs are penciling him into a role he just couldn’t play anymore in Vancouver. I’ve been as tough on Liljegren as anyone, but Benoit and Hakanpaa?? Really guys?
They’ve spent years developing Liljegren now. Why on earth would they not start enjoying all that hard work starting to show itself? He took major steps last year, yet there’s people who wanna run him out of town over his $3 million contract.
There’s not but a couple of Dmen on the roster who can transport the puck right now. Getting rid of one isn’t the smartest thing in the world.
Look, if he is having a bad season by December even, then do whatever they have to, and replace his minutes. Let’s wait for that to happen first, before we run him out of town for players who have much more to prove.