JD Bunkis of Sportsnet recently analyzed two of the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ key offseason additions on defense: Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL). In his recent discussion, Bunkis raises whether Tanev and Ekman-Larsson are already positioning themselves (after only four games) to become the best free-agent signings the Maple Leafs have had on defense during the salary cap era.
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The Maple Leafs have historically struggled with free-agent defensemen making a significant impact, but Bunkis believes this year could be different. You can see and hear his thoughts below:
A History of Poor Free-Agent Signings on Defense
According to Bunkis, Toronto has had a long list of defensemen who failed to make a lasting impact after signing as free agents. He highlights some of the key names from the past:
- Ken Klee played 122 games for the Maple Leafs, contributing 44 points with a minus-2 rating.
- Pavel Kubina was perhaps the best of the bunch, logging 215 games and 101 points, ranking him among the top two or three free-agent signings.
- Hal Gill had a solid presence with 145 games and 40 points but didn’t revolutionize the Maple Leafs’ blue line.
- Mike Komisarek and Jeff Finger were notorious missteps. Komisarek managed 19 points and a minus-28 rating in 158 games, while Finger became a symbol of questionable signings with his minus-18 in 105 games.
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Other notable names like John-Michael Liles, Nikita Zaitsev, and Stephane Robidas also made brief and forgettable stints with the team. TJ Brodie and Zach Bogosian were among the better signings, Brodie being solid with a plus-70 rating in 274 games.
Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s Early Impact
Bunkis argues that despite being just three games into the season, Tanev and Ekman-Larsson have already made solid cases for themselves as some of the Maple Leafs’ best blue-line additions.
Tanev is known for his defensive reliability and physical presence. He has been a steady force on the back end. His ability to block shots, clear the crease, and anchor the penalty kill has been evident early in the season, giving the team the defensive stability they’ve long sought. He puts in 20-plus quiet minutes game after game.
Ekman-Larsson’s…
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