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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
May 3, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) carries off the boards during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game three of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Signing Matt Martin and Roman Polak

When you have a group of young skilled prospects ready to make their way to the NHL, a team has to address toughness and other intangibles. That is it what the Leafs did, by signing Matt Martin and Roman Polak, in the process making it clear they will not let their young players get pushed around.

Additionally, the youngsters will have role model players to help them in their transition to the NHL. While the Leafs may have overpaid to bring in those intangibles, it is better to do this over a shorter period, rather than over six-seven years, like other teams.

Leafs fans know all too well what happens when a team overpays for a player that has toughness, like they did with Clarkson. However, it is not the same situation, with Toronto only giving Martin $2.5-million over four years, as opposed to the seven-year, $5.25-million per season deal they gave Clarkson.

Martin has been a consistent player every year, who is dependable defensively and brings a much-needed physical element to the Leafs. This is what he had to say after signing:

"I want to continue to be a physical player, I want to continue to stand up for my players when needed and bring those traits I’ve brought throughout my career. At the same time, like I said, you want to expand as a player. You want to do whatever you can to – I don’t want to say move up in the lineup – be a more effective player all over the ice; offensively, defensively, whatever you can do to be better. A growing team like the Leafs, with a lot of young talent and good management and coaching staff, gives me an opportunity to expand and excel not only in my role but continue to grow as a player."

Polak is in the same situation, where he is not expected to be a major contributor for the team this time around, but will be an important role model for a young Leafs blueline. He and Martin will also push the young players at training camp to be at their best, something the Marlies had a tough time with in the AHL playoffs.

Leafs fans should feel better, knowing these players are around to help the youngsters along in the rebuild. Both of these signings should not cause concern, because even if they don’t work out, it will not harm what the team has been working hard to build.

Next: The impact of not signing Stamkos

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