The problem with Muzzin is that he doesn't want to stay at home. So many times he is behind the opposing net when it's turned over and heading the other way. He needs someone that can back him up because even the smallest little mistake in the offensive zone immediately turns into an odd man rush the other way or a forward having to pick up for him. I think he should be paired with Brodie as a true shut down pair. That's all they have to do. Leave the offense to Sandin, Rielly and Liljegren.
I agree, Muzzin this year more than last seems to be 'jumping' into the rush or pinching in the O zone with a bit more reckless abandon. By no means if he doing it poorly, but it exposes his d partner, and the forward who is trying to cover for him.
The other thing is, if your not going to curtail him doing this as much, you need someone who is defensive minded but they NEED to be able to skate better than Holl.
**Long post incoming**
He isnt in the league anymore, but is there a guy who I would want to be able to add its Niklas Hjalmarsson. That type of player is supper valuable to winning, but they never get paid all that much.
He skated really well, played nothing but smart position defensive hockey, made the quick smart plays. He also never put up offensive numbers (29 points over last 200 games)
I dont think a guy like that exists right now?
I thought the Leafs may target a guy like Troy Stecher at the beginning of the year (RHD, expiring contract under 2m, more defensive minded) but he hasnt played in a few months after wrist surgery. Might still be worth getting?
Maybe you go after a Collin Miller (he plays a good amount of minutes, but he is hit and miss defensively) and maybe a guy like Mark Jankowski for F depth or Pysyk for d depth? After seeing Biega play a bit more, I think its safe to say we should be looking at getting more than 1 D.
Mayfield I dont think has the skating ability required to be paired with Muzzin in the top 4, but he would be an improvement on this years Holl, is cheap if he works, and the Islanders have been a tire fire.
Adam Larsson may be about perfect for what we need, but his cost to acquire and his cap hit make him a non-starter IMO. Seattle didnt take him, to sign him to a 4 year deal, to flip him this early. Saying that, he is the smart defensive minded guy who skates well that I think we could use.
Josh Manson could be really helpful, but I think his 'name' bring more value than he does TBH. He is obviously a capable top 4 RHD, but for whatever reason (im assuming the big hits) make people in the media and hockey circles salivate over the guy.
