The Leafs have a 2C and a pretty good one contrary to the narrative put forth by some that he’s in steep decline and can’t be more than a 3C now.
3C is easily the biggest forward need.
Our defensive issues were a direct contributor to our offensive issues:
1) lack of point shots
2) lack of puck movement and production from the backend
3) too much time and energy spent defending.
4) weak side could exposed
Not to absolve anyone, but when your whole team struggles to score over multiple years and different supporting casts there might be systemic issues contributing to the challenges not just core issues.
This summer:
1) new head coach
2) new powerplay coach
3) one of the best defensive defensemen
4) a good puck moving defenseman
5) more balanced D
6) added Pacioretty, if healthy will help.
That’s not nothing to help the offense.
Keefe wasn’t able to implement a plan/style of game in the playoffs that maintained our ability to generate offensive while also keeping the defense tight enough to win.
Maybe Berube and his staff can. We’ll see.
I’m a firm believer good teams take on the attitude and traits of their coaching. Some of Berube’s traits rubbing off on this group would help them quite a bit I think.