Leafs looking to change team character to better their playoff chances
Photo credit: USA Today
Leafs' news additions looking to add physicality to an often bullied team.
Identity is always something the Leafs have struggled with since they formed their current core. They've had the many years without grit in the past, not having players to stick up for their big stars. They have been working to fix that stereotype in recent years, which has already started to show in their first preseason game.
The Leafs have already seen an increase in physicality as a team, as well as having the young guys pitch in. This game especially is known for the being physical, as the battle of Ontario has been increasingly interesting to watch over the past few years.
The Leafs grit additions are exemplified with their free agency and draft additions. The Leafs love drafting big physical players, including Nikita Grebyonkin, who was seen in the fight.
Grebyonkin was a very interesting addition by the Leafs, as he was drafted in the 5th round two years ago. He has since grown in production in the KHL, but is mostly known for his entertaining tilts.
Grebyonkin is a guy who plays with a lot of emotion, and loves to get the crowd involved. He'd be an amazing addition for the Leafs, as he brings that physicality they desperately need along with being a great character in a massive market.
Grebyonkin is just one of the Leafs additions that show their change to their playstyle. The new Leafs are promised to be all about grit and doing whatever necessary to win. If the Leafs are able to change the culture problem, it may help them get better results in the postseason and could end up being the change they so desperately need.
| POLL | ||
23 SEPTEMBRE | 69 ANSWERS Leafs looking to change team character to better their playoff chances Do you think the Leafs will fare any better? | ||
| Another first round exit | 34 | 49.3 % |
| Can make it to the second round | 19 | 27.5 % |
| Can make it all the way | 8 | 11.6 % |
| Will do worse than last year | 8 | 11.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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