Chris Johnston

So, you know, if anything, O-Dog, it makes me think this might not be the worst kind of environment if the Leafs do end up deciding to move on from one of their goalies that, you know, there'll be teams out there looking for upgrades.

Now, you know, but it's tough.

Basically, I mean, if you don't have one of the five or six teams

you know, Sorokin's, Hellebuyck's, you know, the proven guys, Vasilevsky, that are at the top of the league every year and consistently making a difference.

You know, I think every team elsewhere feels like they're rolling the dice.

I mean, not to pick on them at this point, because I know it's discussed ad nauseum, but look at the Edmonton Oilers.

After getting to two cups, after Connor McDavid gives them a break on that extension, you know, they've still had a difficult time improving the goalie position.

And

You know, you might sit here and argue that they're worse off right now entering this year's playoffs than they were in the last two seasons.

So, you know, I think we'll probably have to see more trades because I don't see solutions out there that are easy just to throw pure money at and for agency.

And, you know, that could benefit a team like the Leafs who, you know, could have a player to move.

Well, one of the nicest stories probably in the league right now is Darren Radish, who's not a known commodity, but is at 20 goals as a defenseman, a little over 60 points.

And, you know, part of the way he's gotten there is that he's been the main fill-in for Victor Edmond for all those games that you mentioned, Dave, that Victor's missed this year.

You know, he stepped in on the power play and has at least been able to pick things up, you know, in terms of producing offense, distributing the puck from the back end.

So I think that's been a positive story for the Lightning.

But there's no good way to say that the Lightning are in a better spot if Victor is out for any meaningful amount of time.

And, you know, the difficult thing for us, of course, is, you know, the Lightning in their statement when they announced that he was taking that leave of absence basically said there'll be no information provided.

you know, don't ask us any questions about it.

It's a private matter.

So, you know, it's hard to know.