The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially opened up training camp and look to set the tone for a strong season. The team’s DNA change has brought in numerous faces, while a culture shift is also a likely outcome.
But one of the most crucial elements has been building depth. Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs don’t have enough of it, especially on the blue line. The team’s top six blue liners look pretty much set. There might be a surprise here or there. But overall, fans have a good sense of who’ll hit the ice on opening night.
That’s why the Maple Leafs should look into bolstering their blue line depth. That depth could come in the form of veteran D-man Ryan Suter. The 40-year-old Suter last played for the St. Louis Blues last season. Despite not getting a contract offer this summer, Suter isn’t ready to hang up his skates just yet.
So, why not take a flyer on a veteran D-man who’s still productive despite his age? The Leafs’ depth chart projects Henry Thrun, who came over in the Ryan Reaves trade with the San Jose Sharks, as the club’s seventh defenseman.
Beyond Thrun, things could get a bit iffy. The Maple Leafs lack experienced defensemen who could gobble up tough minutes. Regardless of his age, Suter proved he could do that last season.
It really wouldn’t cost Toronto much to bring in the veteran D-man. The team has cap space and could use more leadership, especially as the team looks to write a new chapter in its history.
Maple Leafs Could Provide Suter One Last Shot at Glory
Ryan Suter has played in over 1,500 NHL games. However, he’s never won a Stanley Cup. That’s a possibility that the Maple Leafs could offer.
The Leafs, as a potential Stanley Cup contender, could provide Suter with an opportunity to go out with a bang. Suter could support the Leafs throughout a lengthy playoff run, potentially hoisting the Cup in his final season.
Suter could join other longtime blueliners like Ray Bourque, who hung up his skates after finally winning a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001.
That’s the path the Maple Leafs could offer the vet D-man. One final shot at NHL glory could be too much for the 40-year-old to pass up. Of course, that scenario depends on Toronto finally getting over the proverbial playoff hump.
Suter Has Been in the Same Situation Before
Last summer, Suter sat idly waiting for the phone to ring. It eventually did. The Blues were scrambling for defensive depth after top defenseman Torey Krug went down with a season-ending injury.
The Blues signed Suter to a one-year deal and got a solid season from him. He played in all 82 games, averaging close to 20 minutes a night. While his offensive numbers didn’t shock anyone, Suter was still a solid NHL blue liner in his 20th pro season.
With that track record, there’s no reason to believe the Maple Leafs couldn’t get the same from Suter this season. The worst that could happen is the team parts ways with the veteran at some point down the line.