Toronto Maple Leafs: 2017-18 Preview: Looking at the defence

Third Pairing: Calle Rosen – Connor Carrick

Now, for the pairing that Leaf fans have been debating for months now. Rosen has been in the conversation since he was signed over the summer. The 24-year-old Swede has had a great preseason where he has put all his abilities on display. That paired with the poor preseason play of Martin Marincin makes Rosen a slam dunk for the sixth defensive spot.

He will see time with another defender that has been on the bubble, Connor Carrick. This is a huge year for Carrick as well. He had a very tough playoff series and has had a quiet preseason as of now.

Regardless, Carrick was always going to make the Leafs. He is a perfect third pairing defenceman. He likes to throw his weight around and is not afraid to get in someone’s face to try and rattle them.

His offensive game is the area that has to (and should) come around this season. Paired with Rosen, Carrick will have someone alongside him that likes to break the puck in and is a good skater.

This pairing just seems right. There are others who could play instead of him come opening, but he just seems like a perfect choice for Mike Babcock right now.