Laundry list of issues has Friedman suggesting Leafs taking big picture approach

It's not about this year anymore. It's big picture time with the Leafs.

That's what Elliotte Friedman on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast is suggesting when it comes to the thought process of Leafs management at present time. Give it a listen.

And I couldn't agree more.

OK - the Leafs did win on Thursday night, but it took a superhuman effort from their best player and a lucky video review in the third period that helped propel the club to its first win in five games. This club has a laundry list of issues that aren't going away.

Here's just a few of those issues:

-TJ Brodie continues to struggle in a top pairing role with Morgan Rielly. Brodie has largely been very consistent during his tenure in blue and white but his play has severely diminished this season. Sheldon Keefe has been reluctant to move him off that top pairing but he might be forced to - which then begs the question: who replaces him? It can be argued the Leafs defence hasn't had the depth for years to compete with the best teams and this year, it's really rearing its ugly head.

-Other than the core four up front, the forward mix overall just hasn't worked and the head coach is clearly frustrated. This quote from Keefe earlier this week had me shaking my head. "After 42 games, I still have questions about who I can rely upon." If at the midway mark of the season the coach is still trying to figure out who he has to work with, that's not a good sign.

-Whether it was by design or not, management wound up letting several notable defensive players walk in free agency, opting for more scoring punch. Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi, over the course of their careers, have had some solid offensive seasons, but have never been known for their defensive play - and it's resulting in more defensive breakdowns.

-Then there's the goaltending. I think many Leafs fans are happy Martin Jones is around. He's been a saviour for this club after Joseph Woll was injured. But as it stands, this position is just a huge question mark. Can Jones continue to be good to satisfactory until Woll returns? And when Woll comes back, can he return to the form that saw him really shine earlier in the year? And what about Sammy? Well... one day at a time with him I suppose.

I think it's time for Leafs management to really think long term. I don't think you necessarily punt on this year but in no way do you trade the limited significant assets you have at the deadline for quick fixes. There's just too many issues at present time.

For now, I'm going to watch Matthews highlights on YouTube. At least he's one pace for a zillion goals. There's that I guess.