A native of Espoo, Finland, the Maple Leafs newcomer is coming off his best career season. He posted 27 goals and 14 assists while playing in all 82 games for the Dallas Stars last year. It is worth mentioning that this goal total was more than any player on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster in 2007-08, with the exception of Mats Sundin. That fact alone is enough to discredit any argument that Hagman will not play on one of the Leafs top 2 lines next year. It should be quite obvious that he was signed to be one of Toronto's top 6 forwards, especially given the lack of offense in the lineup, which will be more apparent should Mats Sundin not return to the Maple Leafs.
Aside from proving his goal scoring ability last year, Hagman has also earned a reputation as a solid defensive forward as well. This will make him a welcome addition to the Maple Leafs, who will likely give him plenty of time on the penalty kill as a result of his ability to play in both ends of the ice. He will also bring some much needed quickness to the Leafs, as Hagman has been noted for his above average speed. While there were concerns over his scoring ability early in his career, he effectively put those to rest with his 27 goal effort last season. I believe the Maple Leafs will get some much needed offensive punch with him in their roster.
Maple Leafs Expect Hagman to Improve With More Ice Time
Niklas Hagman began his NHL career with the Florida Panthers, where he put up a 28 point season in his debut in 2001-02. He followed that with two 23 point seasons before heading to Dallas. With his mediocre offensive production, many people didn't expect Hagman to ever be more than a 3rd line checker. However, as the Stars began to use him in a more offensive role, he proved that he can put up points when given enough ice time. After scoring 17 goals in the 2006-07 season, Dallas began to use him on their 2nd scoring line, which led to his breakout season last year. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be hoping that Hagman can continue this impressive showing. After looking at the drastic improvement in his numbers when given a top 6 role, it is reasonable to believe Hagman will be a reliable offensive player for the Maple Leafs, as long as he is given enough playing time. With the Maple Leafs current roster of unproven young players, it looks pretty clear he will get all the playing time he needs in Toronto.
Some Toronto Maple Leafs fans have questioned whether or not Hagman can replicate his showing last year. This concern among Leafs Nation is certainly a valid one. For years, Maple Leafs fans have watched painfully as once-great veterans were brought to Toronto, only to end their careers with disappointing numbers, or take up space on the injured reserve. However, Maple Leafs fans should know that Hagman is only 28 years old! He is not an aging veteran in the twilight of his career. He is under 30, and still young enough to improve his game. He has also played in all 82 games for the past two seasons, so he is not likely to be injury prone. I don't want to be the one to speak too soon, but I think there is plenty of reason to believe Niklas Hagman will continue to play well offensively for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In summary, the Maple Leafs have acquired a speedy forward who is a solid two way player, and still relatively young. I expect he will see action on either the 1st or 2nd line, as well as getting plenty of time on the penalty kill. Look for him to be one of the most reliable and consistent forwards in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup.
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