Bender said:
CarltonTheBear said:
Bender said:
I mean, maybe Tampa really was onto something with getting Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman etc. You do need a bit of sandpaper.
Tampa also had to give up two 1st rounders and arguably their top prospect to get those guys though. So who knows if Dubas was in on either of them and get just outbid. The Leafs really weren't in a position to compete with those offers, especially with no 2020 1st round pick at that point.
I also don't think he's blind to the idea that having grit/sandpaper is beneficial. He's made trades in two straight years that brought in guys that fit that definition in Muzzin and Clifford.
Oh I'm not criticizing the Leafs, just an observation on Tampa. I do think Dubas recognizes the costs to acquire players such as that we might need more of that on the team if the cost fits.
It should be noted that Tampa didn't burn their core depth to add these finishing pieces, and if anything, they really stuck to their guns even when they missed the playoffs due to injury (the Leafs got in with rookie Matthews/Marner/Nylander/Hyman instead) or got trounced by Columbus.
They did crush the top of their prospect pipeline to do it (and the McDonagh trade), but got some good production from UFAs who wanted to play on a strong team for a little less.