Toronto Maple Leafs: Is James Reimer’s Value Going Up? by Tim Chiasson

Toronto Maple Leafs: Is JVR Playing His Way Out Of Town?

Toronto Maple Leafs: Is JVR Playing His Way Out Of Town? by Tim Chiasson

When the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Phil Kessel from the Pittsburgh Penguins it was Kasperi Kapanen who drew most of the attention, not Scott Harrington.

Most people expected Derrick Pouliot to be coming back in the deal, so Scott Harrington was placed in the background – and has been all season.

Harrington, though, has been playing fantastic for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2015-2016. Here’s a look at where he ranks on the team in a few statistics.

[table id=110 /]

*stats from war-on-ice.com

He’s quietly been one of the Toronto Maple Leafs most steady defenders – which is great for the organization given the type of role (defensive defender) that he plays, as well as the boost he gives to the trade return if he plays well.

The argument could be made that he isn’t seeing top competition like some of the other defenders, but how well he’s playing in his role can’t go unnoticed and it shouldn’t be left unappreciated.

It’s worth noting that the defender who Harrington has spent the highest amount of 5v5 minutes with is Roman Polak. It’s not an easy task lugging Roman Polak around, and Harrington is doing a great job.

Outside of the Toronto Maple Leafs top offensive line (Kadri-JVR-Komarov), you’ll be hard pressed to find a player that could be considered to be carrying Harrington on the ice. He’s just been a very effective player on the blueline for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Depth on a team is key, and that’s exactly what Harrington is providing the Toronto Maple Leafs right now – and what he will hopefully provide for many years to come.

One of the biggest takeaways from the first month+ of action that isn’t talked about enough is just how good Scott Harrington is playing.

Are you happy with what Scott Harrington is bringing to the team right now, Leafs fans? Let us know your thoughts on the young defender in the comment section.