There certainly have been notable positives about his moves and how the team is compared to previous season.
But that being said there are still similar questions about this group’s ability to go on a run that we have seen in years past as well.
I think we can say he didn't mess it up.
His signings haven't been bad, but you can't look at Bertuzzi and Domi and say they are homeruns because they can produce with Matthews. Who can't produce with Matthews?
The "let them adjust" is kind of lame. Did they really adjust or is it just normal Matthews affect? Not only that, but if they get 35 games to adjust, perhaps holding GM's to trade deadline days players' impact is hypocritical. They get what 6 weeks to adjust? Can't have it both ways.
Bunting ($4.5mm) has 49 points, Bertuzzi ($5.5mm) has 42 points, Domi ( $3mm) 45 points. So it isn't like Bertuzzi and Domi added, they replaced.
It really is to the point where true evaluation will take place, in the playoffs.
We all, or at least all Leafs' fans, should hope we see a dramatic difference in the playoffs.
If the results are the same as last year, with another whimper out to the golf course, there will be nothing to celebrate. No chest thumping, maybe another round of handshake respect ...