Quote:
Originally Posted by Mansfield
Hanzal is NOT a first line center. I can't see guys like Semin and Antropov coming in as stop-gaps either...then again BB did sign Connolly, so who knows.
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Well that depends on how you look at things. Hanzal certainly isn't a 1st line scorer, but he's certainly a defensive whiz. Lupul & Kessel have obvious chemistry, offensively these guys are 'ON'. Would they benefit from having a huge center who can have their backs in the defensive zone? I think it could work perfectly. The Leafs problem isn't a lack of top line scoring, it's secondary scoring that ails them. Semin is a very similar player to Kessel. Assuming Kulemin can regain form (25ish goals, plays big, protects puck, very good defensively), & Colborne can develop into a pass first defensively reponsible center w/ some scoring touch (very likely), that gives the Leafs 2 very solid
balanced lines. Balance is key for a long playoff run. Kadri can help carry the 3rd line offensively, Antropov (or another big center) can pivot the 3rd line.
The Leafs are only a few additions away from being a contender. Imo Semin & Hanzal would go a long way in making them a better team.