Value of Gauthier, Leivo lies in Corsi

I’m always impressed with your statistical input. Which stat do you think matters the most for a player and why? — Scot in Norway Hei Scot. Thanks as always. I think the most important stat depends on the player. For players paid to score, it’s goals. For goalies, it’s save percentage. Though, really, it’s high-danger save percentage, not a stat easily found. For grinders, it’s Corsi. For defencemen, it’s a stat teams keep that isn’t available anywhere — pass completion. I wrote earlier about Josh Leivo and you gave him a pass. I was at the Leafs-Devils game and he essentially did nothing in that game. Along with Frederik Gauthier, these players are good AHL players, but they can’t seem to make it to the next level. The Leafs are vulnerable with these guys on the fourth line. Besides, we seasonticket holders should not be subject to watching on-the-job training for roster players. I pay way too much for my tickets and don’t want to see these players on our first-team roster. Leivo and Gauthier are simply not good enough. Your comments, please.— Dan W. I still disagree. What exactly is the fourth line supposed to do? They play about eight minutes of five-on-five hockey. They’re supposed to provide energy. Score if they can, but don’t get scored on. Gauthier has started in the offensive zone on 13 of his 179 shifts (heading into Thursday’s game). Leivo is at 17 of 216 (all five-on-five). Their job is to get the puck out of their own zone, or out of the neutral zone, and into the offensive zone. Guess what? Their Corsi is over 50 per cent (50.68 for Gauthier, 52.17 for Leivo) meaning they’re generating more shots for than against, even with disadvantageous starts. And here’s another one: Gauthier has been on the ice for precisely one goal against and three goals for. That’s plus-2 on that scale. Leivo has been on the ice for five goals against, three goals for — minus-2. All in all, they’re doing what the coach is asking. Now, I’m not asking for the fourth line to get more offensive-zone starts. Those starts belong to the top two lines, where the real scorers are. But I don’t think anyone should be asking for dizzying displays of talent from the fourth line. They know they have to keep their game simple to keep the coach happy. What is the most any needy team would part with to acquire William Nylander? As we get even closer to Dec. 1, I can see Kyle Dubas listening to more and more suitors. He sure won’t want to be seen losing this. — Joe in Brooklin Dubas has to listen to suitors at this point. That’s just him doing his job. I don’t think Nylander will be traded, but you never know. Dubas may receive an offer he can’t refuse. A game-changing defenceman with a right-handed shot is what they’re looking for. It might be a step down from “game-changing” status if said defenceman is signed to a deal long-term at a cap-friendly price. ... Actually the Leafs have no one to blame but themselves by signing John Tavares. Not that he is not worth the $11 million he’s earning, but where did they think all the money was coming from?