Toronto Maple Leafs: Game of Thrones Crossover
By Omar L
Morgan Rielly as Bran Stark
Lower body injuries are not easy to overcome. Rielly has had two knee injuries in recent memory, one of which happened in his draft year. The 23-year-old also suffered an injury this season that impacted his level of play. Despite all that, Leafs fans still believe Rielly to be a top pairing defencemen one day.
Bran’s lower body injury is a bit more serious, but fans believe he will be one of the most powerful characters in the show.
Jake Gardiner as Podrick Payne
Gardiner and Podrick are two of the most improved members of their groups. The 27-year-old frustrated Leafs fans for years with his tendencies to make mistakes in games. Fortunately, Babcock has smoothed out the wrinkles of his game pushing Gardiner to have a career season.
Podrick is very similar. He was first introduced as being a shy and timid squire but has learned the politics of Westeros from Tyrion and to fight from Brienne.
Nikita Zaitsev as Grey Worm
Men of few words who can bring it when the battle starts. Zaitsev had a solid rookie season in the NHL after making the transition to smaller ice. He played on the top pair with Rielly for the majority of the season but also spent time with Gardiner.
Grey Worm was made the head of the Unsullied and is more likely to fight first and ask questions later. Both suffered from an injury, but fans don’t doubt that they will come back to do some damage in their next outing.
Frederik Andersen as The Night’s Watch
The last standing defence to a goal. The last standing defence against the dangers of the North. Andersen and the Night’s Watch are the most important pieces. Goaltending wins you championships and despite his early season struggles, Andersen has proven that he can be a number one goaltender in the NHL.
If Andersen falls, it’ll be extremely difficult for the Leafs to get to the playoffs again. If the Wall falls, good luck Westeros.