NHL analyst Martin Biron evaluates Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending and D-corps additions during free agency

By ARJUN B

Modified Aug 09, 2024 13:10 GMT

NHL analyst Marty Biron weighed in on the Toronto Maple Leafs' offseason moves concerning their goaltending and defense. Biron expressed skepticism about the Leafs' previous goaltending setup, particularly regarding Ilya Samsonov, who has since signed with the Vegas Golden Knights.

"I was never a big Ilya Samsonov guy. And look, last year they had, you know, three goalies and it was kind of this piece of together," Biron said on TSN.

The major addition in goal is Anthony Stolarz, who signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers last season.

"Anthony Stolarz this year did really, really well in Florida, with the best goaltender when you look at the advance numbers, goal save about expectations per game. But he wasn’t a number one but when he played, he played like an elite number one. Can he play 40 games? Can he play 35 to 40 games this year? Absolutely," Biron said.

"But that means you Joseph Woll playing 40 to 45 games. So I think that’s where the question mark is, is where is Joe Woll going to be?"

"But I’m way more confident in the Leafs goaltending this year than I was in the Leafs entering the season last year with what they had in the crease," Biron added.

While Biron seemed confident in Stolarz's abilities, he expressed uncertainty about Joseph Woll's readiness to take on a significant role.

Martin Biron's take on the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense

Martin Biron acknowledges that Morgan Rielly remains the cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs defense but highlights the addition of Chris Tanev as a significant improvement. Tanev signed a six-year, $27 million contract with Toronto on July 1, 2024.

Another key addition noted by Biron was Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who inked a four-year, $14 million deal with the Leafs.

"Do I think those two moves are enough to say all of a sudden the Leafs are way better on the blue line? No, but it’s a start. So a little bit like they did last year with Max Domi and Bertuzzi, it’s kind of like, ‘hey, let’s find a couple of pieces that could be complimentary and work out," Bironi said.

The big difference this year, according to Biron, is the long-term commitment to Tanev and Ekman-Larsson.

“The differences they’re, they’re not one-year deals. Last year Domi and Bertuzzi were one-year deals. This year it’s a little bit different. Tanev and OEL, they sign long-term,” Biron added

Overall, Biron expresses confidence in the Toronto Maple Leafs' blue line compared to last season.