One of the reasons that I think the Toronto Maple Leafs defense is underrated is because of Connor Carrick. He seems to be viewed as a fringe part of the team, but I believe he could turn out to be a really good player.
Acquired in February 2016 along with Brooks Laich and a second round pick from Washington for Daniel Winnick and a fifth round pick, Connor Carrick has been in and out of the lineup ever since.
A small but scrappy player, the 24 year-old former fifth round pick has almost no offense to his game but is strong defensively.