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Toronto Maple Leafs quarter-season report card: Who is the MVP so far?

By David Morassutti

TORONTO,ON - SEPTEMBER 21: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs sets up the power play against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO,ON - SEPTEMBER 21: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs sets up the power play against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 13: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates after the puck during a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on November 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Defenceman

. Leafs 1st Pair. B+. Combine Rielly’s grade and a C+ for Hainsey.. Rielly, Hainsey

Morgan Rielly has taken his game to another level this season to the point where he doesn’t hesitate to join on the attack and hasn’t had many breakdowns defensively. One can only imagine the impact of having a different partner on the top line could have Rielly definitely gets an A for his hot start to the season.

Ron Hainsey hasn’t inspired a lot of confidence in his defensive ability and luckily for him, Babcock has limited his defensive zone starts. He would be better off on the third pairing but with obvious replacement, the Leafs are going to have to keep that pair together.

Gardiner, Zaitsev. . Leafs 2nd Pair. C. Gardiner B, Zaitsev C+

The second pair has struggled with the added defensive responsibility which is a big disappoint given Jake Gardiner‘s status as a pending UFA and Nikita Zaitsev looking to rebound after a tough sophomore season.

There has been too much inconsistency even though Gardiner can make an impact that won’t be easily replaced when the time comes to decide on his future. Zaitsev is not showing his value as a $4.5 million defenceman even though he has shown flashes.

You have to wonder how long this pair can stay together whether they move Zaitsev, or trade for another defenceman. Given the cap crunch that will eventually come to the Leafs, they can’t afford mediocre performances from their second pairing especially with the potential of Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren down the road.

. Leafs 3rd Pair. B. Dermott B+, Ozhiganov B-. Dermott, Ozhiganov

It looks like the Leafs have found a better alternative for their third pairing which was a problem the past couple of seasons. It helps that Travis Dermott continues to show his potential as a player who should be able to take on a bigger role sooner rather than later.

Igor Ozhiganov has been a safe option which is what you want on the third pairing but don’t expect him to be able to play tougher minutes at this point. You can tell he’s still getting used to the speed of the NHL game and there’s no reason to overwhelm him. He has been a better option than Martin Marincin and Justin Holl hasn’t played enough to give a proper assessment.

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