The 2018/19 Toronto Maple Leafs - by Moses (a.k.a Stacey Marc Goldman)

  With the triumphant return of Auston Matthews, we see four lines that can compete with any organization in the NHL;

                                                           Lines

            LW                                             C                                             RW

1.  Zach Hyman                       Auston Matthews                     Kasperi Kapanen

2.  Andreas Johnsson                  John Tavares                           Mitch Marner

3.  Patrick Marleau                     Nazem Kadri                          Connor Brown

4.  Josh Leivo                           Frederik Gauthier                         Tyler Ennis


  What this writer would like to know of Leafs upper brass is who we'll acquire by the trade deadline.  Namely a top two defenceman.    

  With Auston Matthews and John Tavares, we have arguably the two best center-men in the game today.  Mitch Marner looks poised to lead the team in points and break the century mark as perhaps the best set-up man in the game today.  Matthews could very well top 50 goals this season (in a 68 game season - if he stays healthy the rest of the way), and Tavares still has a shot at 50 likewise.  Nazem Kadri playing alongside Marleau is a nice 3rd line option for further offensive production.  On the defence, we have Morgan Rielly leading the way, on to perhaps a Norris Trophy.  Ron Hainsey has been our best +/- player to date, and alongside Jake Gardiner gives us three defencemen who we can rely on for a deep playoff run.  Time will tell if Travis Dermott and Igor Ozhiganov can maintain solid defence with the Blue and White.  We also have stellar Toronto Marlies defenceman Calle Rosen who we can call up in a pinch.  

  What I'd like to know is what defencemen are available by trade today.  The assets that we can afford to part with are William Nylander, Nikita Zaitsev, and perhaps a high future draft pick.