With Fred Andersen out long term (probably the season) and Kotchekov also now injured, I wonder if the Canes come and ask about Murray as a stop gap.
My worry is the playoffs, Marlies are a playoff team as well and the Leafs will need at least 3 goalies depending on our health. I'd much rather Hildeby and AA playing in the AHL playoffs gaining that experience than riding 3rd seat with us in the playoffs where Murray would absolutely be comfortable doing that.Future considerations would be sufficient for me, it's win-win.
We have 2 AHL guys that need the minutes and he gets a chance to play NHL games.
My worry is the playoffs, Marlies are a playoff team as well and the Leafs will need at least 3 goalies depending on our health. I'd much rather Hildeby and AA playing in the AHL playoffs gaining that experience than riding 3rd seat with us in the playoffs where Murray would absolutely be comfortable doing that.
That being said, depending on injuries obviously, maybe being backup in the NHL would be better experience for one of the younger guys than being with the Marlies and still give us quality goaltending in the NHL which is obviously the most important factor to consider.
A 3C with an ability to score is a must. Only time Toronto looked good in the playoffs and advanced was when ROR was acquired. Maybe Bunting would be the wrong target, but I believe we are in need of another top 9 winger that can score as well. Toronto needs to find a way to get creative and add.Laughton and Bjugstad, sure. We need a center.
But we don’t need any more small wingers like Bunting when we have a red alert need for a center and only a limited amount of cap space.
A 3C with an ability to score is a must. Only time Toronto looked good in the playoffs and advanced was when ROR was acquired. Maybe Bunting would be the wrong target, but I believe we are in need of another top 9 winger that can score as well. Toronto needs to find a way to get creative and add.
There's a hole in the lineup in top 6/9 winger spot in my opinion. You have Knies/Matthews/Marner/Tavares/Nylander, after that to play in the top 6 you have one of: Domi/McMann/Patches/Robertson. To play top 6 and Top 9, neither of those players right now have been very good through 18 games this year.
I wish we signed Dylan Strome when Chicago didn’t qualify him. Looks like he found his game in Washington.I wouldn't get too worked up about the third line wingers at this point.
We need a 3C... sure. The sooner we get one, the better.. no waiting until the deadline on this one. The top six when everyone is healthy, is Knies Matthews Marner Tavares Nylander Patches.
Domi, McMann, Robertson, Steeves, Grebenkin can fight it out for the remaining two Wing spots on the third line. Well.... really it's everyone but Domi fighting for one spot. I would wait a bit and see if a new C, can make that line work, with one of those players...
I'd swap out Reaves and Kampf, for Olivier and Acciari... but I don't think Kampf gets moved off the roster.
Some C's that might be available this year;
Brock Nelson, Acciari, Laughton, Ryan Strome, Granlund, Kunin, Gourde, Sissons, Dickinson, Pageualt, Dvorak, Evans.... At least, that's who I see might be available.
I like Laughton, but he doesn't bring as much scoring as someone like Granlund might... but Laughton is extended to next year, and Granlund is likely a pure rental for us.
Looking at potentially available centers I'd probably try for Dvorak
I think he may end up being the best mixture of ability and acquisition cost
He's not a complete plug, give him a couple of decent wingers and he may score at a 30-40 point pace as our 3C