Maple Leafs' Most Pressing Need Before the Start of the Season Revealed

Since completing the blockbuster trade with the Vegas Golden Knights that sent Mitch Marner to the desert, the primary focus for many has been about who replaces the offense and who becomes Auston Matthews' set-up man at even strength.

What the media and fans are overlooking is what happens to the Maple Leafs' top power-play unit. Last season, Marner was the quarterback on the top unit while Morgan Rielly, and at times, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ran the second unit.

As Leafs GM Brad Treliving continues his search for a top-six forward, long-time analyst and former NHL GM Pierre McGuire believes the real need is on the blueline.

Joining the 'Toronto Sports Rush' podcast on Monday morning, McGuire discussed the Leafs' roster at length, noting the additions of Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli and Nicolas Roy as very solid moves, but questioned the power play without Marner, hoping Morgan Rielly is able to rediscover his offensive form.

In order for the Leafs to address that need, they would have to move out a defenseman as they already have seven on their roster. As McGuire noted, it's something the Leafs and Treliving should look into throughout the season to find the right fit, rather than rushing to make a move at the start of the season.

In that regard, the Leafs may have an internal fix whether that becomes Rielly, Ekman-Larsson or even someone else.

The need for such a player, though, is a good reminder of how important it is to draft and develop all types of players, as if the Leafs had a mobile, young blueliner, who happened to be a power play specialist in their system, perhaps this issue wouldn't seem as large as it is.