It’s finally over. The anti-climactic hype of another trade deadline has passed us by. While most of the deals were made yesterday, the Leafs kept a couple of small deals in the chamber until today just to keep us all interested.
Ben Hutton is a Leaf and Alex Barabanov’s brief stint with the Leafs organization came to an end before the final buzzer went off:
Ben Hutton should prove to be a solid depth option. He can help on the penalty kill and brings some NHL experience (375 games). He’s an Ontario native, so he’s coming home to try to win a cup. However, one thing he doesn’t have is a single game of NHL playoff experience. During his time with the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks, he has never been part of a contending team. While this is an obvious knock on the “experience” aspect, you know he’ll be extremely excited to get some playoff experience under his belt at the age of 27.
This deal, combined with the additions of Nick Foligno, Riley Nash and David Rittich, have given the Leafs improved depth at every position. They’ve become a more well rounded team over the past few days and, as Kyle Dubas says, they should be able to play any type of game that any team can throw at them:
The thing to remember is that the Leafs didn’t have to make a big swing for a top line player. What they needed was depth, grit, leadership and drive. They get that from the moves they’ve made, so while the price for Foligno may have been a little higher than many expected, they’ve become a better team. That’s all you can really hope for…… well, that and adding a veteran that actually WANTS to be here, especially after his father was a Leafs alumni:
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Game #42: Leafs @ Canadiens
The trades made won’t actually change the lineup for a few days. It will be at least a week before we can see Foligno or Hutton in the lineup, all due to the necessary 7 day quarantine when crossing the border into Canada. David Rittich will be available tomorrow, as he didn’t have to cross the border into Canada, but he isn’t in Toronto yet.
One change to look forward to is the addition of Nick Robertson. He’ll play on a line with Pierre Engvall and Wayne Simmonds.
Jack Campbell is expected to start, while Hutchinson will backup.
Enjoy the game.
GO LEAFS GO!!