Ranking the Top 7 Toronto Maple Leafs Defencemen Heading into the 2014-15 Season

The Toronto Maple Leafs were not a good defensive team last season, which has led to some modest turnover among their top seven defenders heading into the 2014-15 NHL season.

While the core remains, except for Carl Gunnarsson, expectations will be much higher for this group.

Captain Dion Phaneuf remains as the No. 1 defender. Yet he should be challenged for top minutes by the mercurial but ever-improving Jake Gardiner.

With training camp in full swing, let's rank the top seven Maple Leafs defencemen heading into the regular season. Rankings are based on how the players are likely to be used and the minutes they will probably play over the course of the season.

7. Stuart Percy or Petter Granberg

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The No. 7 slot has proved to be a position featuring a good battle between some talented young defenders. There are at least four players with a legitimate shot at a much-coveted NHL spot, with an outside possibility that the club would retain eight defencemen.

The likeliest scenario, however, sees seven defenders making the team as the season begins with Stuart Percy or Petter Granberg filling this spot. Korbinian Holzer has also been a dark horse for the No. 7 spot.

Percy is not the most gifted skater, but he's smart with the puck and doesn't seem to panic when pressured. He rarely makes poor decisions, which is something the club can use in spades.

Granberg's game mirrors the departed Gunnarsson's in many ways, although this particular Swede is more physical. He's got good size and should develop into one of the Leafs' top defensive defencemen over the next few seasons.

6. Roman Polak

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Roman Polak brings increased grit, shot-blocking and physical play to the Leafs blue line. Polak is not going to floor anyone with jaw-dropping offensive play, but he'll be counted upon to play low-event hockey in his own end.

His career Corsi number is 49.3, per Hockey-Reference.com, which is not particularly good considering how strong the Blues have been in recent seasons.

But if he can bring that career number to the Leafs, it would bode well for a depth defender on a team that has struggled with puck possession for several seasons now.

Holding his own against some top offensive players is all that will be asked of Polak on most nights.

5. Morgan Rielly

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Morgan Rielly may end up as one of the Leafs' top three defenders by the end of the season. He has the talent to do so, but significant seasoning must happen in the interim.

Rielly is an excellent skater who can lead the rush yet still get back defensively with ease. He's got a very good shot, which makes him an offensive threat anywhere in the attacking zone.

His game sense continues to develop and will only improve as he plays in even more situations in 2014-15. Rielly should be a regular top-pairing defender in the next two or three seasons.

It would not be surprising to see the former Moose Jaw Warrior get 40-plus points this season.

4. Stephane Robidas

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Stephane Robidas has been brought in to play some tough minutes and help lead some of the young, talented Maple Leafs. 

While Robidas' best offensive days are behind him, he remains a mobile defender who plays bigger than his 5'11", 190-pound frame. He's never shied away from physical play and will prove to be a good teammate.

Robidas will likely play on all three pairings throughout the season, as he'll either be counted upon to be the defensive conscience on some duos or an offensive catalyst at other turns.

3. Cody Franson

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Cody Franson is due to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, per CapGeek.com.

This will be the most important year in his career, as he could have a new address next season. He may also be able to command a huge salary if he has a productive season.

He's that rare combination of size (6'5" and 213 pounds) and very good offensive instincts and has an ability to take the body when needed.

Because of his physical gifts, it always appears that Franson could be doing more, as he can dominate like few others when he's playing an aggressive brand of hockey.

With so much riding on this season, it will not be surprising to see a motivated Franson put up career numbers in anticipation of a huge payday with his next contract.

2. Jake Gardiner

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At just 24 years of age, Jake Gardiner's best years are ahead of him. Expect this season to be the best so far.

The former No. 1 pick of the Anaheim Ducks is developing into a top-pairing defenceman who can do it all. While he still makes defensive gaffes at times, he is a relatively strong possession player who makes things happen with his very good offensive instincts.

Gardiner had 31 points in 2013-14, and if he doesn't increase this total by at least 15 points in 2014-15, barring injury, it will be extremely surprising.

Gardiner should challenge captain Dion Phaneuf for the most minutes played on the team this season. Expect this former Wisconsin Badger to lead Toronto's defence corps in scoring in 2014-15.

1. Dion Phaneuf

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Captain Dion Phaneuf is the unquestioned No. 1 defenceman for the Leafs. He plays against the opposing team's top skaters every night, still brings a physical brand of hockey and produces offensively at even strength and on the power play.

At $7 million per season, per CapGeek.com, Phaneuf is the Leafs' go-to guy for the foreseeable future. With some other veterans in the room this season—namely Robidas, Polak, Winnik and David Booth—there should be less demands on Phaneuf.

He's likely to remain a polarizing figure in Toronto, but there's no denying that he's the team's No. 1 defender heading into 2014-15.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless noted otherwise.