ZBBM
Active member
herman said:Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate said:Whoa there, Mr. Sangfroid. I hope it's that easy but at least as of now Muzzin brings some traits to the D that no one else does. I haven't seen Barrie play a minute yet but if the choice is between keeping him or Muzzin then I'd lean Muzzin, barring an auspicious audition by Sandin that shows he really can replace Muzz.
I debated internally the same thing. Muzzin brings balance to our D group.
The downside is his age. I don't want to spend a big UFA extension on a defensive Stanley Cup champion at 30+ years old who already plays a rough and tumble style on the left side.
On the flip side, the last time the Leafs had a right shot defenseman who could sit reasonably comfortably at the top of the depth chart was... Bryan McCabe. This is why Lou pulled the trigger on Zaitsev for term, because RD are so hard to find. Unfortunately, Zaitsev didn't work out the way we were using him here. Barrie, on the other hand, is Rielly on the other side of the ice and has played those top minutes. We have an opportunity to extend him let's say 6x7M in January and still be getting a lot of his good years left and give our weaker side more time to grow (or find new blood). He is already well aware that this team fits his playstyle, which shouldn't wear out as easily.
Those are good points but they don't really answer mine. Call me Z B-B McTroglodyte but I firmly believe you need at least one "rough & tumble" (thanks for that phrase, I like it) d-man to win in the playoffs.
It's obvious to me, reflecting on this trade in the calm, cool light of the following morning, that Dubas blew it again. He should have traded Kadri to STL for Parayko. : : : : : :