Snizzdaddy Says - Take 1

 Okay, let's take a stab at this blogging thing. 

Let's start by some introductions. My name is Chad, but you can call me Snizzdaddy. You can find me on Twitter (nobody calls it X because fuck Elon), my handle is @snizzdaddy69. Not even sure if I can swear on this platform but I guess we will find out soon enough! I'm a busy AF dad of 2 little girls, work full time in the child & youth care field, and am an avid golfer. Also...I LOVE the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

The Leafs were my true first love. I hear stories all the time about how people were "forced" into loving the Leafs because that's the team your parents cheered for..not me. My dad was a massive Bruins fan growing up (everybody boo my old man please). He was kind enough though to buy me the Tie Domi:What It Takes bio movie. If you haven't seen it...you've gotta check it out. I instantly fell in love with Tie and the Leafs in general. Being a shorter and slightly thicker fella, I wanted to be just like Tie. Growing up I was a pain in the ass to play against and lovedddd getting under the skin of my opponents. Unfortunately, hockey was never going to be a career for me, but boy do I love the game. Now you'll all be happy to learn that due to my extreme levels of fandom, my old man had no choice but to jump ship and join in on the misery that is being a fan of the Buds. 

Now let's get into the nitty gritty of this year's team and my thoughts about the new additions. 

Forwards: 

Obviously as a massive Domi fan, I was over the moon when Max was extended. I think he's the perfect Leaf, especially now that he's bounced around the league and has established himself as a veteran in the league. He's an elite playmaker and an all time shit disturber. And unlike a lot of the rats in the league; he can back it up with his fists. 

Tre knocked it out of the park with his PTO signings in my honest opinion. Max Pacioretty has stated time and time again that he feels better than he has in years, and his play through the first week shows. He's hard in the corners, has great hockey sense, and will be an excellent veteran presence. Stephen Lorentz...gimme alllll of that. This guy is so pumped to be a Leaf, it would not surprise me in the slightest if he puts up career number for himself. He's a dog on a bone and appears to be a very reliable player (we need those). 

Defence: 

Bradley has a very clear vision when he revamped the defence in the offseason. He wanted size and reliability. After one week of playing, he seems to have accomplished this goal. Providing Chris Tanev stays healthy, he's by far the best partner Mo has had in his entire career. Steve Dangle explained it best on the SDP. Chris Tanev makes you feel safe. Chris Tanev is the kind of guy that when he tucks you in at night and says that everything is going to be okay; you believe him on sight. As for OEL...consider me a BIGGGG fan this far. He's not only been a steady presence on the back end, but his puck moving and playmaking ability has not gonna unnoticed by Daddy Snizz over here. He's a big body and he knows what it takes to win. I was skeptical of his contract on signing day but I've thrown those insecurities out the window. We still don't know what we will get out of Jani Hakanpaa (aside from some cap relied thanks to our gracious hosts on Robidas Island). If and when he does return, He's an absolute monster of a human being and I've got a feeling people will be shying away from him a lot. 

Goaltending: 

Something you've got to know about me, I'm a HUGE fan of the Brick Woll. This guy's got so much potential and has already proven that he shows up when it matters. Unfortunately, it's clear that he's got some injury issues so Treliving was left with no choice but to go out and get himself a safety net...and boyyyy did he. 

Holy moly Stolie the Goalie. This guy is an absolute beast. I don't even remember a time in my life when I've felt more confident in our goaltending. Back when I was in Corrections College my tactics teacher taught us about the "pucker factor". It was that feeling you get when you know some shit is about to go down. I no longer get the pucker factor when it comes to the Leafs between the pipes. It's a nice feeling. 

Keeping in mind, we are only one week into the season. 79 games to go, but I feel good about this season, honestly a lot better than I thought I would.