Sportsnet insults Maple Leafs defense in latest ranking

Out with the old and in with the new - but not everyone is appreciating what the Toronto Maple Leafs have done under new general manager Brad Treliving. Gone is Justin Holl off the blue line, while arriving is John Klingberg. Meanwhile, veteran Mark Giordano has one more year remaining on his contract; the same applies to T.J. Brodie. 

However, it doesn't appear as though everyone is impressed with the current look of the Leafs defense. According to Mike Johnston of Sportsnet, the Leafs have the 5th ranked defense of the seven Canadian NHL teams. 

Take a look: 

"Projected top six:
Morgan Rielly - T.J. Brodie
Jake McCabe - John Klingberg
Mark Giordano - Timothy Liljegren
Extras: Conor Timmins

Toronto’s new general manager Brad Treliving had a busy summer and on the defensive side of things brought in John Klingberg to skate on the right side after Luke Schenn and Justin Holl left town. Klingberg is coming off a disappointing year split between Anaheim and Minnesota but has a nice chance to rebound earning a spot on the team’s No. 1 power-play unit in training camp. Rielly and Brodie are likely to be tasked with defending opposing team’s top lines, which should help Kilingberg adjust to his third team in the past 15 months.

Timmins was a positive addition last season but the 25-year-old is currently dealing with what Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe called a “significant lower-body injury” expected to keep him out week-to-week to begin the season. Does Liljegren finally enjoy a breakout year and will Giordano be the same player who struggled in the post-season?"

Well, there, you have it. Sportsnet is clearly not impressed with how Toronto's defense looks going into the 2023-24 season. How do you feel about it? 

Recommended articles:

• Chris Pronger was how close to joining the Leafs?
• Discouraging update on Leafs' John Klingberg
• Pending tough decision for Maple Leafs ahead of season opener next week!
• Crazy reason for Calle Jarnkrok's absence announced
• T.J. Brodie has grim outlook on future with Leafs

Recommended articles:

• Sheldon Keefe publicly calls out Pat Maroon
• Mark Giordano departs Game 5 after hit from Pat Maroon
• Maple Leafs announce several notable scratches
• Leafs D Mark Giordano on the verge of NHL history!
• Mark Giordano sounds off on ex-Kraken teammates