The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team with immense potential and a dedicated fan base. After a strong performance in the regular season, they fell short in the playoffs. It’s clear they need to make some changes to their roster in order to take that next step towards success. One area that could use some bolstering is their defensive depth. And a recent article from Heavy Sports suggests that the Leafs could take a flyer on a former second-round pick to fill that void.
The player in question is none other than Julius Honka, a 25-year-old defenseman who was selected 14th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2014 NHL draft. Honka is currently a free agent, and with his young age and potential, he could be a low-risk, high-reward addition to the Leafs’ blue line.
But why should the Maple Leafs consider giving Honka a chance? Let’s take a closer look at his career so far.
Honka spent the majority of his professional career with the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars. In his first season with the team, he tallied 31 points in 68 games, solidifying himself as a promising young defenseman. He then made his NHL debut in the 2016-2017 season, playing in 16 games and recording five points.
However, Honka never seemed to find his footing in Dallas. He bounced back and forth between the NHL and AHL, struggling to consistently crack the lineup. In 2018-2019, he only appeared in 29 games with the Stars, spending the rest of the season with the Texas Stars. And in the 2019-2020 season, he was loaned to JYP of the Finnish Liiga, where he had a successful stint with 23 points in 43 games.
Honka’s career may have hit a roadblock, but there’s no denying his potential. He’s a skilled skater with great vision and the ability to move the puck up the ice. His offensive instincts are strong, and he has a knack for creating scoring opportunities. With the right guidance and opportunity, he could thrive in the Maple Leafs’ system.
Moreover, the Leafs could benefit from Honka’s affordable contract. As a former second-round pick, he is still on his entry-level contract, making him a cost-effective option for a team that is already tight on cap space.
But what about the concerns regarding his defensive play? While Honka’s defensive game may not be as polished as his offensive skills, he has shown improvement over the years. With the right coaching and mentoring from veteran defensemen like Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin, Honka could continue to grow and become a reliable two-way defenseman.
Bringing in Honka could also add some much-needed competition for the Leafs’ current defensive core. With players like Travis Dermott and Justin Holl struggling to solidify their spots on the roster, Honka’s presence could motivate them to up their game and secure their roles.
Finally, let’s not forget that Honka is still a young player with plenty of room to develop. At just 25 years old, he has his entire career ahead of him and could be a long-term solution for the Leafs’ blue line.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the Toronto Maple Leafs could benefit from taking a flyer on Julius Honka. He may not have had the smoothest career so far, but he has the potential to be a valuable addition to the team. With his skill set, affordable contract, and room for growth, the Leafs would be wise to consider bringing him on board. Who knows, he could be the missing piece in their quest for the Stanley Cup.