Darryl Sutter says Maple Leafs need to improve depth physicality this summer

As the summer weather heats up, so too does the season of roster (re)construction, as we inch closer to the NHL entry draft and free agency. It’s set to be a busy one for Brad Treliving, who promised incoming change after another disappointing end to the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On Wednesday, one of the great minds of hockey gave his two cents on the state of the Leafs, as Darryl Sutter joined Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill on Leafs Morning Take. For what it’s worth, the Stanley Cup-winning coach believes the Leafs are headed in the right direction.

“I think they took big strides this year,” Sutter said. “I know it’s frustrating for Leafs fans, but they did bring Craig [Berube] in, the team’s playing more of a playoff style game. And then adding the two righties on defence in Chris Tanev and [Brandon] Carlo made a big difference to their team.”

At his end of year media availability, Treliving said ‘There’s some DNA that needs to change,” with regards to the foundation of Toronto’s roster. But what does that mean in reality? There are a lot of ways this roster can be shaken up, from breaking up the Core Four, to bringing in new top-six talent, to re-evaluating their depth.

For Sutter, it all goes back to building that playoff strong, tough mentality the team has started to develop under Berube. With that, some changes need to be made to the bottom-six to ensure they can bring that physicality.

“Obviously, everybody has their opinions, but I just think that their fourth line needs a little more oomph and jam and identity,” Sutter said.

Speaking of physicality, one name that has begun to circle in the Leafs rumour mill is Florida Panthers’ attacker Sam Bennett. The Ontario native would bring some grit to Toronto, while also being known as a strong playoff performer. Having watched Bennett from his time as head coach of the Calgary Flames, Sutter said he sees the fit.

“I think he’d be really good in Toronto,” Sutter said. “I think Sam’s that classic two, three centreman, and if there was ever a way that came to fruition, he’d look pretty good there.”

In the meantime, he also gave credit to some of the team’s younger players who are taking steps in the right direction to be game changers in the future.

“Obviously those kids are gonna improve,” Sutter said. “Knies and McMann, boys like that are gonna really improve. I think they made a big impact on the team this year.”

With some solid players already up and down their lineup, this could be a crucial summer for Treliving and the Leafs to finally find that winning combination. Add some grit and size without losing too much skill, and things could be looking up in Toronto come next May.