As the season goes on, I think there's been a shift from hating his moves to actually coming back around and appreciating some of the work he's done. Of course, still lots of games to be played, but given some of the freakouts that happened in October, it's only fair to also look at the positive developments of late.
Good
Lagesson, Benoit signings - The team has been going through the ringer with injuries on D and these have been quality pieces that have stepped up in a time of need and performed well
Noah Gregor signing - Gregor has been very good, he is a sparkplug in the bottom 6 and is still only 25, and while he lacks finish he is one of the leaders in shots / possession / chances generated while also playing good defense
Martin Jones signing - Jones is a low risk good insurance move especially given how Woll is now injured and Samsonov has been very unstable this year
Domi signing - After a bit of a slow start, he's been a great fit at 3C and has formed a very solid line with Robertson and Jarnkrok. It's been a while since the Leafs have had a formidable third line that actually puts consistent pressure on the other team, and Domi has been a big part of that. Signing him also allows to push down Kampf
Okay
Bertuzzi signing - If anyone said that they wouldn't have done this deal, they're probably lying or being captain hindsight. Has Bertuzzi's production been disappointing? Yes, HOWEVER he is playing very well otherwise and has been giving his best effort each night, and tilts the ice when he is out there. He is really snakebitten right now (6.25 sh% at 5v5), but is a leader in CF%, xGF% and individual shots and chances generated. Him and JT have been doing some great work together on the boards and cycle, they just need to convert more
Kampf contract - 2.5M seems a little steep for Kampf, but he's played better of late and is a swiss-army knife type player for the team, often having played in the 3C role previously. He also generally takes on tough assignments and has also played decent in the playoffs, and is signed through his prime. A fairly reliable player who gets some undeserved hate
Bad
Reaves signing - Tough to defend this one. He's been better of late, but given that there's guys like Steeves and McMann and we traded Lafferty away, there were better options that bring more to the team. Luckily, his contract can be fully buried pretty much if need be
Klingberg signing - In principle, I actually don't hate this. The idea behind it was good, the team needed more offense from the back end and Klingberg was a premier offensive D in the past, unfortunately he was injured and it appears Treliving and pro scouting may not have done their due diligence. A healthy Klingberg would've been a great addition otherwise. He's LTIRed now though and gone for the year, so no harm no foul overall I suppose. Wish we could've just brought back Gus though
Overall, not a bad body of work, and certainly nothing crippling here. If his worst move is a 4th liner who can be completely buried, that's not too bad. Wish he could've moved out a core piece but I suspect Shanahan prevented that from happening.
