Toronto Maple Leafs: The right-handed defencemen problem

The Toronto Maple Leafs have only a few right-handed defencemen in their organization, a problem that will have to be addressed with the way head coach Mike Babcock runs his pairings.

Those who have followed the Toronto Maple Leafs have observed a few trends in the organization. The most noticeable have obviously been on the ice after Mike Babcock was hired as head coach in May of 2015. When it comes to his defensive pairings, like many coaches, Babcock prefers to have a left-handed player (LD) with a right-handed player (RD).

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t exclusive to Toronto. There are many other teams in the NHL that are run the same way. However, the importance of this set up for the Leafs is a problem when you take a look at the personnel in the organization.

The Leafs have six defencemen signed for next season; Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, Nikita Zaitsev, Connor Carrick, Martin Marincin and Alexey Marchenko. It’s an even split between LD and RD.

Zaitsev had a sold rookie season after coming from the KHL, earning himself a seven-year extension in the process. Carrick and Marchenko were inconsistent at times for the Leafs. However, Carrick would most likely dress over Marchenko, if they are both still in the organization come October.

The Leafs’ two best defensive prospects are currently playing for the Toronto Marlies. Travis Dermott and Andrew Nielsen have had solid seasons in their first professional year of hockey. Both are left-handed shots.

Rinat Valiev has had a good season for the Marlies as well and is also a left-handed shot.

Other defencemen in the Leafs’ system include:

• Jesper Lindgren (2015 4th Round Pick)
• Stephen Desrocher (2015 6th Round Pick)
• J.D. Greenway (2016 3rd Round Pick)
• Keaton Middleton (2016 4th Round Pick)
• Nicolas Mattinen (2016 6th Round Pick)

The same problem occurs here. Toronto has a very few number of RD coming up. Lindgren spent time with the MODO organization in Sweden playing for the main squad and the junior team. He was signed to an ATO by the Toronto Marlies in April, but has not seen game action.

Despite playing at 6 foot and 161 pounds, many believe Lindgren has the skill and hockey sense to be an effective player. Whether that is in the NHL or not can’t be said for sure.

Mattinen saw an increased role with more playing time this season for the London Knights. His skating and gap control improved, allowing him to become a more effective defender.

Mattinen doesn’t have much of a slap shot, but his quick release from the blue line is accurate. Unfortunately, Lindgren and Mattinen, similarly to most prospects, are maybes.

On Dreger’s Cafè, Babcock said the Leafs have a few European signings to announce. It will most likely wait until the end of the IIHF World Hockey Championships, but there have been many reports that SHLers Calle Rosen and Philip Holm will sign with the Leafs.

The RD problem reeks it’s head again. The two Swedes played on the same pairing for VaxJo HC. . Both Holm and Rosen shoot left (Rosen played on his offside).

Obviously a spot for either of them on the team next season isn’t a guarantee. However, the more internal competition at training camp, the better the final roster will be.

There are two ways to fix the RD problem that would work for Toronto. Through the draft or via a trade.

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With the top four set to play in the playoffs, we know the Leafs will be drafting 17th overall this year. Many say that it’s best to take the best available player rather than draft by position.

If the Leafs wanted to take a RD, defencemen Cale Makar and Timothy Liljegren will most likely be taken by the time they step up to the podium. Other options include Kelowna Rocket Cal Foote or Conor Timmins of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

With the Expansion Draft coming up, the Leafs could pick up an impactful RD in a trade. Teams like the Anaheim Ducks are guaranteed to lose a good player to expansion.

With the way the Ducks in particular are set up, Josh Manson will definitely have to be left exposed. Perhaps the Leafs can make a deal there. It will be better for the Ducks than losing him for nothing.

Next: What the Leafs can learn from the Ducks and Predators

As much as they will try to deny it, the Leafs will be walking into next season with expectations. The team was fortunate to not have too many injuries during the regular season, but when there were, LD were being paired with LD.

It worked when it had to, but the lack of RD in the organization needs to be addressed. Hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.