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Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Takeaways from their Offseason Moves

By David Morassutti

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Auston Matthews puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Auston Matthews puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Mar 26, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) prior to the start of the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Ducks defeated the Senators 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Trading for Frederik Andersen

If there was one position the Leafs needed to address, it was goaltending. Garret Sparks and Antoine Bibeau still do not look ready to take the next step, while Jonathan Bernier showed he was not capable of being their starter.

So, instead of going into next season with questions in goal, the Leafs made a call to Anaheim. Frederik Andersen was a hot commodity on the goalie market, because the Ducks were most likely going to lose him to the expansion draft.

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Both Toronto and Calgary were rumoured to be interested in Andersen, but the Leafs had the right package to offer for the 26-year old starter. In the process, they get a player who has been a consistent producer since his debut in 2013-14.

The former third-round pick out of Denmark owns a 77-26-12 record, with a career GAA of 2.33 and save percentage of .918 in 125 games played (114 as a starter). In 28 playoff starts, he has a 17-9-3 record (three overtime losses) with a 2.34 GAA and a .916 save percentage.

Obviously, Andersen will be in a different situation in Toronto than in Anaheim. However, he brings a better track record than a goalie like Bernier, Vesa Toskala or Andrew Raycroft.

If the Leafs are serious about moving forward with their rebuild, they need to create a winning culture and the most important position for that is in goal. The contract the Leafs gave Andersen is a risk, but given his experience and the position, they are willing to bank on it moving forward.

Could they have tried to get James Reimer back as a free agent? Yes, but he probably would have cost the team the same amount in salary and term. (In any event, he chose to go with the Florida Panthers, who have a better shot at winning.)

The Leafs have shown their willingness to be patient and are committed to their rebuild plan, with Andersen’s five-year extension proving this. Of course, it is too early at this stage to say how it will turn out.

Next: Saying goodbye to unfulfilled potential

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