Before Stecher was in the mix, there were rumors that the Maple Leafs were looking for a right-handed defenseman to round out their group. While Treliving would be wise to find a long-term fixture to take over for their power-play quarterback, the importance of finding another blueliner has diminished significantly since Stecher’s burst onto the scene. Because he and McCabe form such an effective tandem, Berube will have the opportunity to play Chris Tanev with Morgan Rielly once Tanev returns to the ice. Add in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and eventually a healthy Brandon Carlo, and the Leafs blueline isn’t in as much of a mess as people think.
Unfortunately, injuries have taken their toll and it is difficult to say when Carlo or Tanev will be back on the ice. But with Stecher’s strong play unfolding for the Maple Leafs, Treliving doesn’t have to make a panic move to try to upgrade his blueline, and can focus on upgrading his forwards.
Maccelli has been extremely inconsistent, his efforts can be questionable at times, and recently he has been in the press. Considering he had 57 points two seasons ago, is 25 years old and is a pending restricted free agent, it should give Treliving some substance to try to entice opposing GMs.
With how effective the third line has been, it has become clear that the Maple Leafs have something there. Scott Laughton has been doing much better lately and is starting to look like his Philly self. Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan both look like they deserve to be in the lineup every night. Treliving would be wise to see if he can bring in a right-handed winger who can play the entire middle six, and give Berube another option for the right wing in the first line, as Domi has been strong of late but has been very inconsistent this season. It’s certainly something the team is keeping an eye on, as there is the potential for Treliving to pull the trigger on a deal ahead of the holiday roster freeze in December.
While Domi and Maccelli may continue to be circled as potential upgrading targets, Treliving doesn’t have to worry about finding another experienced defender at this point. Troy Stecher has brought a tremendous work ethic, great speed and serious tenacity, and his formative chemistry with McCabe is something the team must build on.
Treliving should be working the phones, as the Leafs are still on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, and it’s clear they’re far from a completed package. However, the focus should be on the attackers and not on the blue line. Stecher has a serious impact on the ice, and it should influence Treliving’s conversations off the ice.
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