"Passes all the eye tests": Ex-NHLer urges Toronto Maple Leafs to sign 'perfect' $34,500,000 defenseman

Former NHL player and TV analyst Alan May thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs should sign defenseman Matt Roy. On Friday's "First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo" podcast, May said that Roy would be a perfect fit for the team, especially as a right-handed defenseman.

Roy signed a six-year $34.5 million contract with the Washington Capitals last summer. He is known for his strong defensive play and not flashy offense. Roy has one goal, four assists and a +5 rating this season. His simple but effective style makes him a valuable player.

"Toronto Maple Leafs, you know they'd really help themselves with one more right-handed defenseman, in my opinion," May said. "And Matt Roy is a perfect defensive defenseman. He's got all the underlying numbers; he passes all the eye tests. He's very physical. He skates very well. He moves the puck. He's a simple player to add so much to the team."

The Maple Leafs are playing well this season, leading the Atlantic Division with a 16-7-2 record. Their strong defense, allowing just 2.52 goals per game, ranks second in the NHL. Their penalty kill is effective at 82.8%. However, their power play needs improvement, ranked 17th at 20.0%.

On offense, the team averages 3.08 goals per game, with contributions from key players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner. Marner leads the team with 36 points, including 27 assists, while Nylander has scored 16 goals.

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Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive efforts limited the Predators' offense in 3-2 win

The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena with strong defense and timely goals. Nashville scored first in the opening period via Jonathan Marchessault.

Toronto tied the game early in the third period as Auston Matthews redirected a perfect pass from Mitch Marner near the net. A few minutes later, Matthews scored again, sliding the puck through Juuse Saros’ pads. William Nylander made it 3-1 during a 5-on-3 power play before the Predators cut the lead to 3-2 with Mark Jankowski's goal.

Joseph Woll made 22 saves, helping Toronto secure the win. The Maple Leafs blocked 18 shots, showing a strong effort to protect the net. The team also delivered 32 hits, using physicality to disrupt Nashville’s plays.

The Leafs held the Predators to 24 shots on goal, limiting their scoring chances. They killed two of the Predators' power plays, staying strong on the penalty kill. Toronto's consistent defensive effort and offense helped secure the win.