On Free Agency Day in 2014, the Leafs were convinced they could make a playoff run the following year, so to add some depth and veteran help, they signed defenseman Stephane Robidas to a three year contract. Robidas was expected to play alongside of one of the Leafs' young defenseman in either Jake Gardiner or Morgan Rielly to provide some defensive help and mentor them. Lots of people thought the Leafs signed Robidas to too much of a contract, but he's a good player to have around to help the younger players out. Let's take a quick look in depth and see what Robidas has to offer.
He's not neccesarily known as a very offensive defenseman. He doesn't put up too many points, but he's valuable in his own ways. He's a solid defenseive defenseman and, despite battling frequent injuries, he knows how to throw the body. He's a good mentor to have on your team for younger players that haven't experienced much of the NHL, and he's there to teach the youngsters the basics of the NHL and how to deal with certain things. Robidas spent most games last year on the bottom pairing alongside of Jake Gardiner, occasionally with Morgan Rielly and even sometimes watching from the press box. This year, it's looking like Robidas will be used as a player/mentor for the younger defenseman, but may not see as much ice time as last year.
STATUS: AVAILIBLE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
For Robidas, there isn't much of a right price for him. If he were to be dealt, it would likely be for a late round pick. That being said, it's looking like not many teams will be interested in his services, but if an offer comes around, it looks like management will look to flip him.
2015-16 ROLE: 7TH DEFENSEMAN/MENTOR
Heading into the upcoming season, the Leafs have too many defenseman that are NHL ready. Right now, they have Dion Phaneuf, Jake Gardiner, Morgan Rielly, Matt Hunwick, Roman Polak, and Martin Marincin as a likely defensive core, with youngsters such as Stuart Percy, T.J Brennan, and Scott Harrington as rookies who could earn some NHL time. Robidas will not be sent to the minors considering he'd have to pass through waivers, but he likely won't have a starting job on the opening night roster.
What do you think of Robidas, Leafs fans? Should the Leafs keep him around? Weigh in below.
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