Mikheyev isn't that close yet, but I'd certainly consider it if Ritchie still hasn't hit his stride in the next month or so.

1. He shouldn't play with Tavares (JT is more effective with decent speed on his wings)
2. He can't play with Kampf on the checking line
3. He doesn't fit that well on the 4th line (they are way more ineffective with no speed on either wing).

So if he's on the roster, and not earning that top LW spot, he really doesn't fit.

Didn't fans know this before Ritchie was signed by the Leafs? He was signed in the later summer, when the Leafs cap was precarious anyway. At times I don't know what the Leafs high priced and numerous executives are thinking.

Hindsight is easy to play the blame game, I don't love the Ritchie signing I also don't hate it. The one move the Leafs made the puzzles me the most is locking up Mrazek to a 3 year deal at 3.8. There were cheaper and just as good backup options to pair with Campbell this year. Not only does that 3.8 hurt this year but even more so next year when you want to try and lock up Jack. Riddle me that. 🤷‍♂️

Mrazek signing was good at the time. Soupy has been lights out, but I doubt anyone had any sort of real confidence in him playing this way in the summer. Mrazek can always be traded for minimal return if need be in the off season. At the very least, he gives the Leafs solid goaltending depth in the playoffs.

For a 1 maybe 2 year deal sure. But locking up any goalie this past summer to a 3 year deal made no sense till you knew what you had in Jack Campbell. Which as we have seen now, is a legit #1. So not only do you sign Mrazek to a 3 year deal at 3.8, you’ve set the bar for Jack but even worse gave him a NTC limiting your trade options. Agree to disagree but that was Dudas worst off season deal for me. Like the player but not for 3 more years

Big guy that can hit a bit and score garbage goals. I can see what they were thinking, considering the way the game changes in the playoffs.

He's played better in the last 5 games or so. 5% chance he can start to find his way on the top line.

I think he fit fine on the 4th line, not great but fine, but $2.5m for a 4th liner on a team constructed the way the Leafs are is intolerable.

Yeah, agree about the caphit.

They've had a few decent games as a trio, but I wouldn't be super confident with them providing any offence in 7 game series.

Bunting there (not that he deserves to be) makes them a legit line with a chance to chip in some secondary scoring.

I just find that Spezza is more effective with at least one more guy on the line that can transition the puck effectively.