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Toronto Maple Leafs Season End Review

By David Morassutti

Apr 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (39) skates away after assisting on a goal scored by center Colin Greening (38) in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (39) skates away after assisting on a goal scored by center Colin Greening (38) in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Apr 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) carries the puck as Columbus Blue Jackets forward Matt Calvert (11) chases during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Defence

The Leafs defensive core was very inexperienced for the majority of the season. Led by 21 year-old Morgan Rielly and 25 year-old Jake Gardiner it will be a work in progress. Having Matt Hunwick provided stability, but unfortunately he spent too much time on the top pairing due to the lack of options, especially after Roman Polak and Dion Phaneuf were traded.

Unfortunately, injuries did not allow Leafs fans to see what Scott Harrington could offer at the NHL level, but he should be given a long look at training camp. Frankie Corrado had a tough time making the lineup and when he did he had his struggles, but he should get a better opportunity next season with a chance to start with Babcock at the beginning of training camp.

The highly controversial Martin Marincin is a tough player to give a proper assessment of, because he had a rough beginning to the season, before impressing Babcock with his play near the end. However, with his limited upside offensively and costly turnovers it is tough to see him playing in the top four, unless there are no better options.

Gardiner and Rielly did a commendable job offensively, scoring 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) and 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) respectively. The Leafs will need a defenceman with a even balance in both offensive and defensive abilities, which is tough to find in the NHL.

The Leafs penalty kill improved a lot under Babcock, finishing just above the Los Angeles Kings at 81.2 percent. With improved goaltending and defencemen, the Leafs PK can be even better and hopefully that can help them make the climb towards playoff contention.

Final Grade: C

With the departure of Polak and Phaneuf, it is tough to be so critical with the Leafs defence. Some nights the goaltending did not bail them out, while on others their lack of talent caught up to them.

Connor Carrick was a nice surprise, because he had good possession numbers and although he was a smaller player, he was not afraid to be physical. However, defence should be a focal point this offseason for GM Lou Lamoriello.

Next: Goaltending

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