Doug MacLean went after the Maple Leafs this week, questioning Kirill Marchenko and dismissing the idea that Darren Raddysh is a true No. 1 defenceman.
The former Panthers coach, who took Florida to the 1996 Stanley Cup final, didn't hold back on the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast.
On the Knies-for-Marchenko trade, his mind went straight to playoff hockey. "I always envisioned Knies as a guy the Leafs desperately needed at playoff time."
Then came the warning. "Marchenko cannot be another 'pretty boy.' They can't afford another 'pretty boy' in Toronto."
He also wondered whether the new winger blends with Auston Matthews. Through three games, Matthews has one goal and a -1.
The bigger shot was at the blue line. "The biggest problem with the Leafs is they still do not have a No. 1 defenceman."
Darren Raddysh's $8.5 million deal draws MacLean's doubts
MacLean went straight at Raddysh. "You guys may think Raddysh is that player, but I don't."
Raddysh carries an $8,500,000 cap hit and sits at -3 through three games. MacLean isn't even sure Toronto has a true No. 2.
Marchenko has started fine, with a power-play goal and an assist on a $3,850,000 cap hit. The question is whether that translates in April.
MacLean is right about the back end. The Leafs are 1-2-0 after a 3-2 home loss to Ottawa on Saturday, and the blue line keeps showing up as the weak spot.
It's like a band with three lead guitarists and no bass player. Plenty of flash, nothing holding the rhythm together.
Comments like these aren't heard much on Sportsnet these days. Rogers owns both the Leafs and the network, and critics argue that limits how hard the team gets questioned on air.
The same critique points to JD Bunkis and Sam McKee, whose post-game Leafs Talk show was dropped. Bunkis announced the news himself on X.
Jim Hiller's group hosts Nashville on Tuesday. John Chayka has already signalled he's open to adding on defence.
MacLean doesn't have to be polite anymore. Whether Chayka listens may decide if Toronto's next defence debate happens in April or in a quiet May.
Is Doug MacLean right that the Leafs still lack a No. 1 defenceman?
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