Leafs' Recent Losses Show Why GM Treliving Has To Bolster Roster By NHL Trade Deadine

Despite being at the top of the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ weaknesses have been exposed in their last two games – both losses, including a 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday, and a 3-0 blanking by the Vancouver Canucks Saturday. And the way they lost their most recent game was part of a disturbing trend.

Basically, the Leafs have had too many passengers at the moment. And their high-octane offense has dried up in no small part because of their inability to generate scoring chances.

For example, Toronto is currently 16th in the NHL in shots-on-goal, averaging 28.3 shots per game – but against Vancouver, they posted just 20 shots in total, including just five shots in the third period. And their power play was 0-for-3 against the Canucks, as they amassed only two shots in total on all three man-advantages combined. Under coach Craig Berube, the Leafs have been focused on low-event hockey, but a lineup with this many highly-compensated forwards and defensemen shouldn’t have to scrape together quality scoring opportunities the way they are right now.

The other element of Toronto’s current weakness is their depth. Third-pair D-men Conor Timmins and Simon Benoit were each minus-two against Vancouver, and Timmins in particular has looked sub-par with the eye test. Leafs GM Brad Treliving almost certainly will be looking for helpful depth on ‘D’ and up front, but replacing Timmins is a must from our perspective.

He makes too many questionable decisions under pressure, and he doesn’t contribute enough offense or shut-down defense to justify keeping him in the lineup night in and night out. While Benoit has steadily progressed during his time in Toronto, Timmins has shown why he isn’t going to be a long-term part of this team. Acquiring a veteran such as Montreal’s David Savard and/or Nashville’s Luke Schenn would firm up the Leafs’ blueline, and a couple of draft picks, prospects or pieces such as winger Nick Robertson would certainly get a deal done.

The Leafs also need help at forward, as Ryan Reaves, Pontus Holmberg and David Kampf could all be replaced via the trade market without having to give up much in return. Seattle’s Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde are two veterans who could slot in easily and give Toronto more grit and experience in advance of what they hope will be a deep Stanley Cup playoff run.

Related: If The Maple Leafs' Ryan Reaves Hasn't Fought This Season, Should He Go To The AHL?

As we’ve often said, things in Leafs-crazed Toronto are never as bad or as good as they seem. And while the Leafs aren’t far removed from a five-game win streak, they clearly took a step backward against Carolina and Vancouver. And their next slew of games includes tilts with Dallas, New Jersey, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Columbus, Ottawa, Minnesota, Edmonton and Calgary. All of those teams are either playoff teams or playoff contenders at the moment, so Toronto’s work will be cut out for them.

In any case, Treliving must make additions to the roster by the NHL’s March 7 trade deadline. The Leafs are a good team most nights, but their recent defeats make it clear they shouldn’t be done making alterations to the lineup. The Buds must take action in that regard sooner than later before their trade targets are acquired by a competitor. It’s time in Leafs Land to spend assets to get ahead, and adding depth will be crucial to their post-season hopes.

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