The leafs dont need a thug.
The leafs need to use the body more, and they will when the playoffs start.
You dont have to fight in the playoffs ... most players are so worried about taking a penalty that they usually shy away from most altercations.
A wilson on this team would be amazing, even a kassian would ok.
But these players are expensive to acquire and usually when they are available it is because they are broken down for this type of play in their career or another team has offered up a jackpot.
As long as the league properly enforces rules that are in place .... the leafs will be fine.
But there is the problem ..... it is the officiating. Full stop lol.
The leaf players will come around physically before the playoffs and the experience that they have gathered from the past 3 playoffs will allow them to compete in most areas.
Get a backup for Anderson, a serviceable depth dman and maybe a cheap vet with something to prove for their bottom 2 lines.
Unless someone knocks you over with an offer for anyone not named Matthew's, tavarez, and reilly, than I would just shop at the dollar store and get the limited amount of skill needed for the upcoming playoffs.
But if someone were to offer a first and prospect for barrie .... I would jump at it.
If someone offered me a second/third for ceci, I would jump at it.
A question for zeke or GM ..... are the defensive duo on the marlies ready to take their place on the leafs defence?
Would it be wise to leave them there for remainder of this season?
Being tough is a frame of mind ... the Matthew's, tavares, johnsson, kappy, hyman, engvall, Moore (?), muzzin, reilly, holl, even dermott have all begun to play a little more physical ... or were physical to begin with.
I am not concerned about this area at all.
If you go back and watch a game from the start of last season, you will see alot more competitive nature to this team game.
Btw .... I would do a dermott or johnsson deal in a second for nurse from edmonton.
Nurse a big big yes for this team. This guy has skill and heart the size of pectin.lol.
Btw teeds ... marchment wasnt tough. He was an opportunist that took full advantage of any player if it was available.
I watch domi chase this "tough guy" right off the ice, and marchment jumped into the bench of the bulls and he was screaming bloody murder Lololol ask Crowder and Ricci about that .... lol.
If anyone ever talks to brian marchment, ask him what happened with rob ray at his bbq in havelock (?). Rob Ray "IS" insaine lolol.
When the playoffs begin, the leafs will adopt the style of play necessary to prevail.
You can't hit what you can't catch.