Toronto Maple Leafs: Pros and cons of pursuing Alex Pietrangelo

Pro: Pietrangelo can be missing piece to roster puzzle

There is no doubting Pietrangelo’s reputation as one the top defencemen in the NHL which is why he’s a coveted player heading into free agency. A defender of his calibre does not test the market often and he can have an immediate impact.

Adding Pietrangelo would give the Leafs that coveted top pairing right-handed defenceman that has eluded them for a long time. He has been a solid contributor throughout his career scoring 16 goals through 70 games making it his fourth straight season with double-digit in goals.

Looking past his offensive numbers which have been fairly consistent, Pietrangelo has been a steady defensive force for St. Louis. He has been used heavily in defensive situations by the Blues starting 49.9 per cent of his shifts in the defensive zone and remains a positive possession player.

Pietrangelo averaged 24:11 of ice time and was on his way to scoring at a 60-point pace before the regular season was ended by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also important to note that Pietrangelo has proven to be durable.

He was fourth in Norris Trophy voting behind Roman Josi, John Carlson and Victor Hedman and that will give him in good standing with his next deal.