Leafs oddly quiet around D-Day
2014-03-16
Coming into the deadline on a 9-game win streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs held their ground as trades swirled around them. By only picking up veteran shut-down defenceman Willie MItchell off of waivers, GM Ron Dubin made a statement of faith in the current core.
"We're top five in the league right now," Dubin said at a press conference, "Why would we attempt to screw something up that's not broken? Sure we put a few inquiries for some guys, but I wasn't prepared to sell the farm, nor make a move that wasn't the right fit for us."
Rumours swirled all day that Dave Bolland was a likely candidate to come to Toronto, and GM Dubin confirmed this, saying he was in contact with the Blue Jackets about the 3rd line center. But, the deadline came and passed and Bolland stayed a Jacket.
"Yeah," Dubin responded, "I had some talk with (Columbus GM) MIchael about Dave, but a deal wasn't there to be had that we both favoured. Dave is a good player and would be wonderful to have, but I think Michael realizes that as well."
The Leafs have added some very good pieces over the course of the year, picking up Corey Perry, Saku Koivu, Andrej Meszaros and leading scorer Derek Roy.
"When we signed Marian (Hossa) to the deal two years ago, I made him a promise that I would find a centerman to play with him." Dubin said, "Derek Roy has been that guy, and, I mean, look! Both players are projected to hit 90+ points, and Marian is scoring at an unbelieveable pace! When I promise my players something, I made damn sure I follow through."
Mitchell was picked off of waivers from the Vancouver Canucks, but Dubin was happy with his defence corps before the deadline began.
"I didn't really see an area where we needed to drastically improve before the deadline. We're fourth in goals-for, and second in goals against. These boys are firing on all cyclinders right now, and its amazing to watch them at their best. When I saw Willie on the waiver wire, I couldn't say no. He's the type of player that will fit right into (Dan) Bylsma's system and we liked that about him."
Hitting the stretch run, the Leafs are in contention for tops in the division, and even the league. Stay tuned!
Just beat you - now do you feel you needed to improve?
Leafs oddly quiet around D-Day
Dubin content with roster
