I'm sure there's someone worse than Johnson, but that pairing does sound absolutely dreadful.

Pretty good first impression by Batherson as well though. Even without our 1st this year and the 2 big UFAs, things are looking good for the future. White is slowly growing into the elite 2way centre he was projected as, Tkachuk is everything that was 'hyped' about him and more, and Chabot's taken over Karlsson's role very nicely. Our young defence just needs to grow and to find a goalie for the future or hope that Andy's legs don't give out before Gustavsson is ready.

It really is fun to watch Tkachuk play. I like that he likes being involved on the ice any way he can. Hits, scoring, play making, net front presence, annoying the other team. Definitely one of those love him on the team, hate him if he's against you.
Could we include a high mileage Pyatt in that Ceci deal? lol he just needs a change of scenery, the press box

I'd also like to put in a nomination for the one-shift experiment of Orlov with Carlson, which should have been great, on paper, but gave up a goal in the first minute, last night, on a play where neither was covering anybody, and got broken up, in time to win the game.

Manning-Orpik would be terrible.

Im Leafs fan but the level he plays on and his involvement is just purely amazing and something other players need to look at. Example in Toronto is Marner, he is not scared of anything but Tkachuk has body to do these types of things.. I love his game and I appreciate those kinds of players who are not scared to put shine upon themselves in difficult situations! I love his game a lot.

I havent seen that but I believe you. I remember when the Leafs got Phaneuf, Kostka, Holzer and so on on D-core.. disgusting to watch..

ECHL defence pairing of the year imo lol

Nah. They'd be fine. Orpik was top three in the playoffs in hits, shots blocked, and plus minus. Manning starts less than 40% of his shifts ahead of the red line this year, but has about even corsi. Not much offense between them, but you could put them against anybody, and they would hit them, block their shots, and get the puck out of the zone.

It's not really a fair comparison because Orpik's contract is so much better, but they're both decent.

Oh man, Marner is going to get paid big time. He's one of the best offense creators in the game right now. I am actually more afraid of Marner than Matthews with the puck haha.