The Signing: Stephane Robidas, D, 37, signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Deal: Three years, $9 million
The Cap Hit: $3 million
Where he fits: Robidas is a savvy old vet who’ll play top-four minutes for Toronto. He brings a right-hand shot, so a spot beside lefties Dion Phaneuf or Morgan Reilly might make sense. The Leafs blueline has been maligned for chasing the play the past few years and Robidas should help settle things.
The Good: Robidas is one of those guys who has quietly carved out a strong NHL career. Playing in Dallas for so long means he’s flown under the radar, but Robidas is a cerebral defenceman with enough offensive acumen to help the second power-play unit. Don’t look for Bobby Orr-like rushes. Just count on the puck getting moved more swiftly out of Toronto’s end—which should greatly please coach Randy Carlyle.
The Bad: Any time a player north of 35 years old sustains two major injuries in the same year, it’s a concern. Robidas had the unfortunate luck of breaking his right leg twice last year, the second fracture coming in the playoffs with the Anaheim Ducks after they acquired him from Dallas before the trade deadline. He’s expected to be ready for training camp, but some doubt must linger.
Grade. B+. Three years for a 37-year-old might seem like a lot, but crafty defencemen like Robidas play the game more with wits than speed. Robidas is lauded for his determination and this is definitely a step toward stabilizing the Leafs’ defence corps.