The Toronto Maple Leafs are now four games into the preseason. While their record so far of 1-2-1 isnt impressive, they have not lost a game by more than one goal, and the Leafs have been competitive in every one of their matchups so far. Several Toronto Maple Leafs players have stood out these past few games for their strong play, while others...not so much. Im going to take a look at which Maple Leafs players have carried their weight and are likely to make the team, and which ones will be on the block when it comes time to make cuts for the regular season. Below is a summary of players that have stood out for me, either in good ways or bad ways, after watching the Maple Leafs play their first few games.
Jonas Frogren: Frogren played his first game for the Maple Leafs tonight after coming over from the Swedish Elite League this summer. My first impression after watching him play was a good one. When this guy said in an interview that he liked to hit, he clearly wasn't lying. All night long, he threw some big hits. The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to need a defender who makes opposing forwards pay a physical price for bringing the puck into their zone, and Frogren looks like he is that guy. He showed the Maple Leafs coaching staff what he is all about-not a talented goal scorer, but if you bring the puck near the Leafs net, he will hurt you. He also cleared the puck out of the zone in some key situations, and should be a lock to earn a spot in the Maple Leafs lineup so long as he keeps playing this way.
Ian White: The next Maple Leafs player who has stood out for me in the first few games is Ian White-but not in a good way. This year, the Leafs are stacked on defense, and competition for a lineup spot will be fierce. Ian White has clearly shown that he doesn't measure up to the other Maple Leafs defenders. Since the first game, he has been consistently bad on the defensive side of the puck. While he did score a goal in tonight's rematch against Buffalo, it doesn't redeem him. First and foremost, he is a defenceman, and his job is to defend. If he can't defend, he shouldn't play. Somehow, whenever Ian White is on the ice, the puck always seems to find its way into the back of the Maple Leafs net. This is not accidental, it is a result of him too often blowing coverage on his man, or simply losing battles for control of the puck. The Toronto Maple Leafs have too many other defenceman who are playing well right now. There is no room in the Leafs lineup for Ian White, and my prediciton is he will be nowhere to be seen once the regular season is underway.
Ryan Hollweg: One thing the Toronto Maple Leafs needed to acquire this offseason was a scrapper and an agitator. It appears that they have gotten that player in Ryan Hollweg. Hollweg has not been flashy on offense, but that is not the role the Maple Leafs brought him in to play. He has dropped the gloves so far in almost every game the Leafs have played. Tonight, he had a good bout with Buffalo defenceman Craig Rivet. While Rivet was the bigger player, Hollweg held his own. He seems to have no problem getting under the skin of opposing players, and the Maple Leafs will need this type of play from him to throw other teams off their focus, and force them to play undisciplined hockey. So far, Leafs fans seem to be giving Hollweg a positive reaction, and I predict it won't take long for him to become a fan favorite in Toronto.
John Mitchell: The Toronto Maple Leafs got a real good look at John Mitchell tonight. He was given alot of ice time, but quite frankly, didn't do anything with it. Mitchell failed to impress me, and Im sure the Maple Leafs coaching staff wasn't impressed either. He just didn't stand out tonight on either side of the puck, but what hurt his chances of making the Maple Leafs most tonight was his undisciplined play. Mitchell took a very costly cross-checking penalty in the final minute of tonight's game against the Sabres. He took this penalty at a time when the Maple Leafs were clinging to a one goal lead, and facing a six man onslaught from Buffalo in a desperate attempt to tie the game. This put the Maple Leafs down one man, and allowed the Sabres to tie the game with 5 seconds remaining. They would go on to win in overtime. Players take stupid penalties frequently in the NHL, but when you are fighting for a lineup spot, taking one that costs your team a win is not a good way to impress the coach. Combine this with his mediocre play, and I would be willing to bet that the Toronto Maple Leafs send him down to the minors this season, where he will hopefully learn to make smarter decisions in the future.
Justin Pogge: Not much to say here. He was absolutely incredible in goal tonight for the Toronto Maple Leafs. All night long, he stood on his head to make some incredible saves. He was especially strong in the first period, where he completely shut down a surging Buffalo offense. His solid goaltending eventually allowed the Maple Leafs to get some momentum and take the lead. The goal he allowed in overtime was rather weak, but he went above and beyond many people's expectations for 3 full periods, so this is forgiveable. While it isn't likely he will crack the Toronto Maple Leafs starting lineup over Toskala and Joseph, it is clear that Pogge is the Maple Leafs goalie of the future. If one of the Leafs goalies is injured this season, I would feel more than comfortable with Pogge getting a call up to play in the regular season. Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson probably feels the same way.
Those are the Toronto Maple Leafs that I feel are worthy of mention so far in the preseason. Another player who has played strongly for the Maple Leafs is Luke Schenn, but because I evaluated him in my last post, I won't repeat myself here. It appears we are now getting a clearer picture of who will be a part of this team, and who will not. Once this gets ironed out, I think Toronto Maple Leafs fans will be in for an exciting regular season.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Maple Leafs Fail To Hold Lead, But Show Some Positives
The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped their preseason rematch with the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight, after the Leafs controlled much of the game. The final score was 5-4, but the Maple Leafs were haunted by a familiar ghost-a late game collapse. After holding the lead through the first and second period, as well as most of the third, the Leafs allowed two late game goals to cap off the same type of third period meltdown that made them infamous last season. Despite the disappointing finish though, there were still plenty of positives that the young Toronto Maple Leafs could take away from tonight's game.
Probably the most notable of these silver linings for Maple Leafs fans, was the performance of Luke Schenn. Schenn once again made a convincing case to secure a spot in this year's Leafs lineup. He did that by handling a daunting task that any defenceman in the league would have trouble with-defending Sidney Crosby. By most accounts, he old his own against the Pittsburgh superstar, and didn't look like he was out of place. On top of that, he also scored his first NHL goal in the second period. Though Crosby did tally a goal and an assist as well, Schenn's overall play continues to impress Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson, who once again stated that if Schenn looks NHL ready, he will be in the lineup.
However, the best Toronto Maple Leaf on the ice was Thomas Kaberle. Kaberle appeared to have shaken the rust off, and showed his trademark skills in moving the puck. He finished the game with one goal, two assists, and a +3 rating. He clearly looked the part of the Leafs number one defender, as well as a possible candidate for the vacant captain's position. Dominic Moore also impressed again, scoring yet another goal tonight. I would say it is safe to assume that he has secured his spot in the lineup. The Toronto Maple Leafs also got their first look at Niklas Hagman, and though he didn't score any points, his handling of the puck was excellent. He set up a number of scoring chances, and looks to be a natural fit on one of the Maple Leafs scoring lines. If he can develop some chemistry with his teammates, Hagman could end up being a gem for the Leafs this year, and put to rest all those rumors that his high goal total from last season was just a fluke. Nikolai Kulemin was also involved in some great scoring chances for the Leafs, and looks to be getting more comfortable with each passing game. I expect this guy to be a real scoring threat for the Toronto Maple Leafs as soon as he gets more familiar with his new teammates.
One player for the Maple Leafs who still looked rusty however, was netminder Vesa Toskala. This is not much of a surprise, given that tonight's game was Toskala's first start of the year. He showed flashes of his top form at times, and made some highly difficult saves. However, he let in some weak goals as well that he likely would have stopped on a different night, and allowed 5 pucks to slide by him in only 25 shots. Had he been on the top of his game, the Leafs domination of much of the game probably would have been reflected on the scoreboard. Fortunately though, this is only the preseason, and the Maple Leafs will be hoping that Toskala can shake the rust off before October 9th. As long as he gets a few more starts in the preseason, I would expect Toskala to be just fine, and have no problem rebounding from tonight.
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs put up a solid team effort, and once again played fast and physical. They outplayed the defending Eastern Conference champions, who had most of their top talent on the ice tonight. The fact that they matched up so well with the Penguins tonight should be a sign of optimism for Maple Leafs fans. As long as they can keep up this new style of play, the Leafs should be able to turn a few heads this year. Provided of course, Ron Wilson can find a way to break the Maple Leafs old habit of melting down and collapsing in the final period. Good luck coach!
Probably the most notable of these silver linings for Maple Leafs fans, was the performance of Luke Schenn. Schenn once again made a convincing case to secure a spot in this year's Leafs lineup. He did that by handling a daunting task that any defenceman in the league would have trouble with-defending Sidney Crosby. By most accounts, he old his own against the Pittsburgh superstar, and didn't look like he was out of place. On top of that, he also scored his first NHL goal in the second period. Though Crosby did tally a goal and an assist as well, Schenn's overall play continues to impress Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson, who once again stated that if Schenn looks NHL ready, he will be in the lineup.
However, the best Toronto Maple Leaf on the ice was Thomas Kaberle. Kaberle appeared to have shaken the rust off, and showed his trademark skills in moving the puck. He finished the game with one goal, two assists, and a +3 rating. He clearly looked the part of the Leafs number one defender, as well as a possible candidate for the vacant captain's position. Dominic Moore also impressed again, scoring yet another goal tonight. I would say it is safe to assume that he has secured his spot in the lineup. The Toronto Maple Leafs also got their first look at Niklas Hagman, and though he didn't score any points, his handling of the puck was excellent. He set up a number of scoring chances, and looks to be a natural fit on one of the Maple Leafs scoring lines. If he can develop some chemistry with his teammates, Hagman could end up being a gem for the Leafs this year, and put to rest all those rumors that his high goal total from last season was just a fluke. Nikolai Kulemin was also involved in some great scoring chances for the Leafs, and looks to be getting more comfortable with each passing game. I expect this guy to be a real scoring threat for the Toronto Maple Leafs as soon as he gets more familiar with his new teammates.
One player for the Maple Leafs who still looked rusty however, was netminder Vesa Toskala. This is not much of a surprise, given that tonight's game was Toskala's first start of the year. He showed flashes of his top form at times, and made some highly difficult saves. However, he let in some weak goals as well that he likely would have stopped on a different night, and allowed 5 pucks to slide by him in only 25 shots. Had he been on the top of his game, the Leafs domination of much of the game probably would have been reflected on the scoreboard. Fortunately though, this is only the preseason, and the Maple Leafs will be hoping that Toskala can shake the rust off before October 9th. As long as he gets a few more starts in the preseason, I would expect Toskala to be just fine, and have no problem rebounding from tonight.
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs put up a solid team effort, and once again played fast and physical. They outplayed the defending Eastern Conference champions, who had most of their top talent on the ice tonight. The fact that they matched up so well with the Penguins tonight should be a sign of optimism for Maple Leafs fans. As long as they can keep up this new style of play, the Leafs should be able to turn a few heads this year. Provided of course, Ron Wilson can find a way to break the Maple Leafs old habit of melting down and collapsing in the final period. Good luck coach!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Toronto Maple Leafs Sharp In Preseason Opener
The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off the preseason tonight with a convincing 7-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Maple Leafs were unrecognizeable from last year's squad, with an overhauled roster that was full of youth, and featured many new faces. After letting in a very early goal and going down 1-0, the Leafs put their youthful speed to good use. Dominic Moore didn't take long to net the tying score after getting in alone against the Buffalo netminder. After that, it was all Maple Leafs, as Carlo Colaiacovo scored the go ahead goal to close out the first period. In the second period the Leafs would widen their lead scoring two unanswered goals, while the third period was full of high scoring action, as each team scored 3 times.
Though the first game of the preseason may hold little weight in the long run, the Maple Leafs had many bright spots in tonight's game that they can be pleased with and build upon for the regular season. One of the brightest was the play of Justin Pogge, who replaced Curtis Joseph in the Maple Leafs net after the first period. Pogge certainly looked the part of the Leafs future starting goaltender, as he played with confidence and made several impressive saves in the face of some intense pressure by the Buffalo offense. Also seeing alot of action tonight, was the Maple Leafs number one draft pick, Luke Schenn. Schenn recieved a significant amount of ice time, and was used often during the Leafs penalty kill. While he didn't put up any points, he was a +2, and was effective playing in his own zone. As was expected from him, he played a sound physical game as well. Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson was impressed with the young blue liner's play, as he could be seen nodding his head in approval while saying "good job" as Schenn returned to the bench. I might even go so far as to say that we could see Luke Schenn make the Maple Leafs lineup this year if he plays this well throughout the preseason.
Among the other Leafs players who impressed tonight were Carlo Colaiacovo, Dominic Moore, Robbie Earl, and Jeff Finger. Colaiacovo was given alot of playing time tonight, and certainly made the most of it. His goal in the first period broke open a tie game and allowed the Maple Leafs to take control. He finished the night with with a +1 rating and 2 points. Dominic Moore was easily the best forward for the Maple Leafs, as his speed and hard work resulted in 2 goals, the second of which he managed to put past the Buffalo netminder as he was being taken down by a defender. Robbie Earl also showed his speed and marksmanship with a breakaway goal. As for the man with the big contract, Jeff Finger showed he is ready to earn his money, and gave Leafs fans a glimpse of what he will hopefully bring to the team once the regular season starts. He played great positional defense, and was very physical in front of the net, something the Leafs will need if they are to reduce their goals against this year. He finished the night a +2 and added an assist as well.
One Leafs player who was surprisingly quiet tonight was Nikolai Kulemin. The Russian superstar started his first game in a Maple Leafs uniform, and aside from a few hits, didn't make very much noise. I expect this will change once Kulemin settles in to the North American version of hockey and gets used to his new teammates. Overall though, the Toronto Maple Leafs put forth a good effort, and they did it with something Leafs fans aren't used to seeing-youth and speed. A long season is still ahead, and there is much work that Ron Wilson needs to do with this team, but the fast and youthful Toronto Maple Leafs did not look at all like the dismal hockey clowns that many analysts have predicted they will be. This season will be an exciting one for Maple Leafs fans.
Though the first game of the preseason may hold little weight in the long run, the Maple Leafs had many bright spots in tonight's game that they can be pleased with and build upon for the regular season. One of the brightest was the play of Justin Pogge, who replaced Curtis Joseph in the Maple Leafs net after the first period. Pogge certainly looked the part of the Leafs future starting goaltender, as he played with confidence and made several impressive saves in the face of some intense pressure by the Buffalo offense. Also seeing alot of action tonight, was the Maple Leafs number one draft pick, Luke Schenn. Schenn recieved a significant amount of ice time, and was used often during the Leafs penalty kill. While he didn't put up any points, he was a +2, and was effective playing in his own zone. As was expected from him, he played a sound physical game as well. Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson was impressed with the young blue liner's play, as he could be seen nodding his head in approval while saying "good job" as Schenn returned to the bench. I might even go so far as to say that we could see Luke Schenn make the Maple Leafs lineup this year if he plays this well throughout the preseason.
Among the other Leafs players who impressed tonight were Carlo Colaiacovo, Dominic Moore, Robbie Earl, and Jeff Finger. Colaiacovo was given alot of playing time tonight, and certainly made the most of it. His goal in the first period broke open a tie game and allowed the Maple Leafs to take control. He finished the night with with a +1 rating and 2 points. Dominic Moore was easily the best forward for the Maple Leafs, as his speed and hard work resulted in 2 goals, the second of which he managed to put past the Buffalo netminder as he was being taken down by a defender. Robbie Earl also showed his speed and marksmanship with a breakaway goal. As for the man with the big contract, Jeff Finger showed he is ready to earn his money, and gave Leafs fans a glimpse of what he will hopefully bring to the team once the regular season starts. He played great positional defense, and was very physical in front of the net, something the Leafs will need if they are to reduce their goals against this year. He finished the night a +2 and added an assist as well.
One Leafs player who was surprisingly quiet tonight was Nikolai Kulemin. The Russian superstar started his first game in a Maple Leafs uniform, and aside from a few hits, didn't make very much noise. I expect this will change once Kulemin settles in to the North American version of hockey and gets used to his new teammates. Overall though, the Toronto Maple Leafs put forth a good effort, and they did it with something Leafs fans aren't used to seeing-youth and speed. A long season is still ahead, and there is much work that Ron Wilson needs to do with this team, but the fast and youthful Toronto Maple Leafs did not look at all like the dismal hockey clowns that many analysts have predicted they will be. This season will be an exciting one for Maple Leafs fans.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Toronto Maple Leafs Top Line Lacking?
Just days before the Toronto Maple Leafs play their first preseason game, it is being reported that the Leafs first line will consist of Nik Antropov and Alex Ponikarovsky on the wings, with either Alex Steen or Mikhail Grabovski at centre. This comes as somewhat of a surprise to many Maple Leafs fans. For one, Ponikarovsky hasn't been mentioned as a contender for a top line spot on the Maple Leafs. Another popular belief was that Antropov would be given the nod as first line centre, given that the Leafs will be playing without their longtime captain Mats Sundin.
In my opinion, this top line would resemble too closely the "old" Toronto Maple Leafs. You know, the ones that missed the playoffs the last 3 seasons. While many people point out that Antropov and Ponikarovsky have developed chemistry playing together, the Maple Leafs have used both of them on the top line too often in the past. This season should be about change, and a fresh start. Trying a new top line combination would be more fitting to Cliff Fletcher's promise to bring change to the Leafs. Ponikarovsky playing on the top line will likely bump either Jason Blake or Niklas Hagman down to a lower spot. Both of whom are better goal scorers. In a previous post, I mentioned that Ponikarovsky would be a great fit on the Maple Leafs 3rd line. Being big and defensively aware also makes him perfect for that role.
On the plus side though, Kulemin and Grabovski are still expected to start in the Maple Leafs top 6 forwards, where they will have the chance to fully show what they can do for the Leafs offensively. However, the proposed top line of Anropov and Ponikarovsky, minus Sundin, is not likely to amaze Maple Leafs fans, just as it hasn't in years past. I personally think that Kulemin and Blake on the wings, centered by Antropov, would be a more offensively capable first unit. That would give Kulemin the oppurtunity to get plenty of ice time with two proven goalscorers, rather than have him play alongside other inexperienced young forwards. Of course, it goes without saying that these lines are not set in stone, and are subject to being juggled multiple times throughout the year. I expect that the line juggling will happen fairly quickly, as soon as the Maple Leafs realize the same top line combination they have been using isnt going to cut it anymore.
Another player that I believe the Maple Leafs should and will give first line consideration to, is Niklas Hagman. Contrary to what some critics say, Hagman has proven he is more than a 3rd line checker, and is a serious goal scoring threat in the NHL. He did this by scoring 27 goals last year, a number that speaks for itself and cannot be ignored. As I have pointed out, he netted more goals than any Maple Leafs player last year, other than Mats Sundin. It would be a shame to condemn such a talent to a mere checking role. Look for Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson to give Hagman a top 6 role fairly early on in the season. He just might give the Leafs offence the boost it needs. There is indeed some offensive potential on the Toronto Maple Leafs-so long as they get their lineups right.
Schenn Solid In Maple Leafs Rookie Tournament
In other Maple Leafs news, the Leafs rookies closed out their prospect tournament with a 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers. The all-rookie tournament began on Sept. 13, and the Leafs young guns finished with one win and two losses. The losses came earlier in the tournament, to prospect teams from Pittsburgh and Ottawa. The good news for Maple Leafs fans, is that number one draft pick Luke Schenn put up an impressive showing. Reportedly, he was very effective in using his size, as well as clearing the puck out of the Leafs defensive zone. Apparently, he was also involved in a scrap as well. These are all things that the Maple Leafs are hoping he will bring to the team in the future, and so far, he appears to be living up to all the excitement surrounding him. It is still not clear if he will make the Maple Leafs starting lineup this season, but I would say he is making his case quite convincingly. However, if he is sent back to the Kelowna Rockets to continue his development, Maple Leafs fans will be willing to wait patiently until the time is right. Judging by his solid defensive performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie team, any wait will be well worth it.
In my opinion, this top line would resemble too closely the "old" Toronto Maple Leafs. You know, the ones that missed the playoffs the last 3 seasons. While many people point out that Antropov and Ponikarovsky have developed chemistry playing together, the Maple Leafs have used both of them on the top line too often in the past. This season should be about change, and a fresh start. Trying a new top line combination would be more fitting to Cliff Fletcher's promise to bring change to the Leafs. Ponikarovsky playing on the top line will likely bump either Jason Blake or Niklas Hagman down to a lower spot. Both of whom are better goal scorers. In a previous post, I mentioned that Ponikarovsky would be a great fit on the Maple Leafs 3rd line. Being big and defensively aware also makes him perfect for that role.
On the plus side though, Kulemin and Grabovski are still expected to start in the Maple Leafs top 6 forwards, where they will have the chance to fully show what they can do for the Leafs offensively. However, the proposed top line of Anropov and Ponikarovsky, minus Sundin, is not likely to amaze Maple Leafs fans, just as it hasn't in years past. I personally think that Kulemin and Blake on the wings, centered by Antropov, would be a more offensively capable first unit. That would give Kulemin the oppurtunity to get plenty of ice time with two proven goalscorers, rather than have him play alongside other inexperienced young forwards. Of course, it goes without saying that these lines are not set in stone, and are subject to being juggled multiple times throughout the year. I expect that the line juggling will happen fairly quickly, as soon as the Maple Leafs realize the same top line combination they have been using isnt going to cut it anymore.
Another player that I believe the Maple Leafs should and will give first line consideration to, is Niklas Hagman. Contrary to what some critics say, Hagman has proven he is more than a 3rd line checker, and is a serious goal scoring threat in the NHL. He did this by scoring 27 goals last year, a number that speaks for itself and cannot be ignored. As I have pointed out, he netted more goals than any Maple Leafs player last year, other than Mats Sundin. It would be a shame to condemn such a talent to a mere checking role. Look for Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson to give Hagman a top 6 role fairly early on in the season. He just might give the Leafs offence the boost it needs. There is indeed some offensive potential on the Toronto Maple Leafs-so long as they get their lineups right.
Schenn Solid In Maple Leafs Rookie Tournament
In other Maple Leafs news, the Leafs rookies closed out their prospect tournament with a 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers. The all-rookie tournament began on Sept. 13, and the Leafs young guns finished with one win and two losses. The losses came earlier in the tournament, to prospect teams from Pittsburgh and Ottawa. The good news for Maple Leafs fans, is that number one draft pick Luke Schenn put up an impressive showing. Reportedly, he was very effective in using his size, as well as clearing the puck out of the Leafs defensive zone. Apparently, he was also involved in a scrap as well. These are all things that the Maple Leafs are hoping he will bring to the team in the future, and so far, he appears to be living up to all the excitement surrounding him. It is still not clear if he will make the Maple Leafs starting lineup this season, but I would say he is making his case quite convincingly. However, if he is sent back to the Kelowna Rockets to continue his development, Maple Leafs fans will be willing to wait patiently until the time is right. Judging by his solid defensive performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie team, any wait will be well worth it.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Toronto Maple Leafs Season Outlook
With training camp only a week away, the Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for the upcoming season. It has been a long offseason for Leafs fans, and the team has undergone a complete overhaul thanks to General Manager Cliff Fletcher. Gone are the old faces who have anchored the Maple Leafs for so long, and replacing them are younger, lesser known players. With such a different roster heading into training camp, the Maple Leafs are going to look like a completely different squad when they finally hit the ice. So what can one expect from the Leafs this year? In one phrase, who the hell knows.
One thing that stands out though, is that many of the Maple Leafs acquisitions have been defencemen. It seems that Fletcher has been focused on fortifying the Leafs blue line this offseason. The most notable of these defencemen acquisitions, is Mike Van Ryn. Van Ryn was traded to the Leafs by Florida in exchange for Bryan McCabe and a 4th round pick. Convincing McCabe to waive his no movement clause was probably Fletcher's most significant achievement this summer. In doing so, he saved the Toronto Maple Leafs a great deal of cap space, and replaced an inconsistent defenceman with a physically solid, and defensively aware blue liner. Other notable Maple Leaf defencemen acquisitions include Jeff Finger and Jonas Frogren. Neither of these players are known for their ability to score points, but both have reputations as stay-at-home defenders who play very consistently in their own end, and aren't afraid to throw some hits. The Maple Leafs it seems, are building their defence corps to do what a defence is supposed to do-keep the puck out of the net.
Also worth mentioning, in addition to the new defencemen acquisitions, is that the Maple Leafs did not trade Pavel Kubina as many people had speculated. After August 15, Kubina's no trade clause kicked in, and Fletcher chose not to move him before this deadline. Leafs head coach Ron Wilson had made no secret of the fact he wanted to coach Kubina, and that he would be a valuable player in his defensive style of coaching. It appears that Fletcher listened to his head coach's advice, and as a result, the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely have one of the better defensive pairings in the league. It is safe to say that Thomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina will form the Leafs top defensive unit, and that should be one of the bright spot's for Leafs fans in this year's roster. I expect this pair will have an impressive showing this season, and will be heavily relied upon given the overall lack of experience on this year's Maple Leafs team.
In my opinion, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have a much better defensive showing this year than last season's dismal performance. The new acquisitions on the Maple Leafs defence will make the unit as a whole much more physical, and more consistent in their own zone. With the exception of Thomas Kaberle, don't expect this group to put up much points however. While they may not chip in much offensively, they will give Vesa Toskala some much needed help in keeping the puck out of the Leafs net. Under the guidance of a known defensive guru like Ron Wilson, don't be too surprised if this group causes the Maple Leafs goals against to drop this season.
Maple Leafs Offence a Question Mark
While the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have taken a big step forward on the defensive side of the puck, their offence is a different story. Given that Mats Sundin will likely not be starting the season with the Leafs, the top goal scorers on this team are newcomer Niklas Hagman who had 27 goals last year, and Nik Antropov who had 26. Other than those two, the Maple Leafs have nobody in their lineup who scored 20 or more goals in the NHL last season. On paper, it would appear that the Leafs will be seriously lacking any offensive punch this year. This has of course, resulted in many analysts predicting a basement finish for the Maple Leafs in the standings this year. While the situation appears grim on the surface, there are still some unknowns to consider.
The biggest of these unknowns on offence, is Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake. While he had a disappointing goal total last year, Blake has shown in the past that he can score, and score big. Jason Blake has the talent to lead this team in goals, but he will have to greatly step up his game in the absence of Sundin, and return to his old form. Other question marks are Leafs newcomers Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski, who will both likely see ice time on one of Toronto's top two scoring lines. Kulemin has looked good in Russia, and Grabovski has impressed in the AHL. However, will they be able to transfer their skills over to the NHL level? If the Maple Leafs are going to make any noise on offence this year, they will have to.
So while the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely be better at stopping the puck from going into their net, it looks like they're going to have a much harder time putting it in. With such a different team hitting the ice though, it is impossible to predict how the Leafs will fare this season. While they are younger, faster, and more defensively sound, they are also inexperienced and unproven. Despite what the analysts may be saying, it is impossible to predict how the Maple Leafs will do this year, until they actually start playing. Regardless of whether or not they grab a surprise playoff spot, or a top 5 draft pick, the changes taking place will make the Toronto Maple Leafs one of the more intriguing teams to watch this season. October 9th is almost here.
One thing that stands out though, is that many of the Maple Leafs acquisitions have been defencemen. It seems that Fletcher has been focused on fortifying the Leafs blue line this offseason. The most notable of these defencemen acquisitions, is Mike Van Ryn. Van Ryn was traded to the Leafs by Florida in exchange for Bryan McCabe and a 4th round pick. Convincing McCabe to waive his no movement clause was probably Fletcher's most significant achievement this summer. In doing so, he saved the Toronto Maple Leafs a great deal of cap space, and replaced an inconsistent defenceman with a physically solid, and defensively aware blue liner. Other notable Maple Leaf defencemen acquisitions include Jeff Finger and Jonas Frogren. Neither of these players are known for their ability to score points, but both have reputations as stay-at-home defenders who play very consistently in their own end, and aren't afraid to throw some hits. The Maple Leafs it seems, are building their defence corps to do what a defence is supposed to do-keep the puck out of the net.
Also worth mentioning, in addition to the new defencemen acquisitions, is that the Maple Leafs did not trade Pavel Kubina as many people had speculated. After August 15, Kubina's no trade clause kicked in, and Fletcher chose not to move him before this deadline. Leafs head coach Ron Wilson had made no secret of the fact he wanted to coach Kubina, and that he would be a valuable player in his defensive style of coaching. It appears that Fletcher listened to his head coach's advice, and as a result, the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely have one of the better defensive pairings in the league. It is safe to say that Thomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina will form the Leafs top defensive unit, and that should be one of the bright spot's for Leafs fans in this year's roster. I expect this pair will have an impressive showing this season, and will be heavily relied upon given the overall lack of experience on this year's Maple Leafs team.
In my opinion, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have a much better defensive showing this year than last season's dismal performance. The new acquisitions on the Maple Leafs defence will make the unit as a whole much more physical, and more consistent in their own zone. With the exception of Thomas Kaberle, don't expect this group to put up much points however. While they may not chip in much offensively, they will give Vesa Toskala some much needed help in keeping the puck out of the Leafs net. Under the guidance of a known defensive guru like Ron Wilson, don't be too surprised if this group causes the Maple Leafs goals against to drop this season.
Maple Leafs Offence a Question Mark
While the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have taken a big step forward on the defensive side of the puck, their offence is a different story. Given that Mats Sundin will likely not be starting the season with the Leafs, the top goal scorers on this team are newcomer Niklas Hagman who had 27 goals last year, and Nik Antropov who had 26. Other than those two, the Maple Leafs have nobody in their lineup who scored 20 or more goals in the NHL last season. On paper, it would appear that the Leafs will be seriously lacking any offensive punch this year. This has of course, resulted in many analysts predicting a basement finish for the Maple Leafs in the standings this year. While the situation appears grim on the surface, there are still some unknowns to consider.
The biggest of these unknowns on offence, is Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake. While he had a disappointing goal total last year, Blake has shown in the past that he can score, and score big. Jason Blake has the talent to lead this team in goals, but he will have to greatly step up his game in the absence of Sundin, and return to his old form. Other question marks are Leafs newcomers Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski, who will both likely see ice time on one of Toronto's top two scoring lines. Kulemin has looked good in Russia, and Grabovski has impressed in the AHL. However, will they be able to transfer their skills over to the NHL level? If the Maple Leafs are going to make any noise on offence this year, they will have to.
So while the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely be better at stopping the puck from going into their net, it looks like they're going to have a much harder time putting it in. With such a different team hitting the ice though, it is impossible to predict how the Leafs will fare this season. While they are younger, faster, and more defensively sound, they are also inexperienced and unproven. Despite what the analysts may be saying, it is impossible to predict how the Maple Leafs will do this year, until they actually start playing. Regardless of whether or not they grab a surprise playoff spot, or a top 5 draft pick, the changes taking place will make the Toronto Maple Leafs one of the more intriguing teams to watch this season. October 9th is almost here.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Ponikarovsky Still A Good Fit For The Toronto Maple Leafs?
Recently, it seems that quite a few Toronto Maple Leafs Leafs fans have been calling for the Leafs to trade Alex Ponikarovsky. He has been the subject of many trade rumors on Maple Leafs internet message boards, and has simply been left out of many online lineup predictions for this year's Leafs team. So why do many Leafs fans assume that Ponikarovsky will simply disappear this season? In my opinion, he is still a good fit.
For one thing, he is a proven goal scorer, which is something the Toronto Maple Leafs will need this season. He has had 2 seasons in which he scored over 20 goals, and netted 18 for the Leafs just last year. While these numbers aren't incredible, they are still pretty good. Another thing worth mentioning is that Ponikarovsky is a +45 player throughout his career with the Maple Leafs. While some people may not put much stock into a plus-minus rating, it does indicate that he is a defensively aware player in his own end of the ice. He is also known as a good skater with a hard shot. To say that there is no room for him on the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup this year, is completely unfounded in my opinion. The Maple Leafs will have many unproven forwards in their roster this year, so there is more than enough space to accommodate Ponikarovsky. Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has also stated he is happy with his roster moves so far, and has not announced his desire to get rid of him. When Fletcher wants to move somebody, he usually makes it known (think Bryan McCabe). Given this, there is every reason to believe Alex Ponikarovsky will definitely be playing with the Maple Leafs this season. The only question is, which line?
Maple Leafs To Give Ponikarovsky A Checking Role?
As previously mentioned, the Toronto Maple leafs will feature many young and unproven players up front this year. While some people say Ponikarovsky must be moved in order to give those players proper ice time to develop, I don't believe this must be the case. True, Leafs newcomers like Nikolai Kulemin, Mikhail Grabovski, and Niklas Hagman certainly show great offensive potential, and should get the chance to prove what they can do in the top 6. Veterans like Jason Blake and Nik Antropov are considered locks for a spot on the top two lines. So is there no space for Ponikarovsky on the Maple Leafs? Personally, I think he may fill a 3rd line role very well. At least long enough to give the above mentioned players their shot at valuable ice time with the Maple Leafs. For one thing, Ponikarovsky is pretty good defensively, as I pointed out with his career +45 rating. This may prove useful on a checking line, and if Leafs coach Ron Wilson can get him to use his size to push opponents around more often, he will be even better for this role. His hard shot will give the line more of an offensive punch as well. While he likely won't reach the 20 goal mark with 3rd line ice time, his presence will still give the Maple Leafs checking unit some definite scoring potential when the oppurtunity arises.
So there you have it. It is indeed possible for the Toronto Maple Leafs to keep Ponikarovsky in their lineup, and still give their young guns the ice time they need to develop. He could bring some much needed depth to the roster, and if somebody goes cold on one of the Leafs top lines, he could easily be moved back up into the top 6. After all, he has played there before, and shown that he can score goals for the Maple Leafs. Add to that there probably isn't a whole lot of trade interest in him from other teams, so it would probably do the Leafs more good to keep him on their roster and bolster their scoring depth. However, this season will be pivotal for determining his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will have to step up his game if he wants to avoid the trading block, but for now he is staying put on the Maple Leafs roster. So if you haven't penciled him in on your Maple Leafs lineup predictions for this season, now would be a good time to go back and correct yourself.
For one thing, he is a proven goal scorer, which is something the Toronto Maple Leafs will need this season. He has had 2 seasons in which he scored over 20 goals, and netted 18 for the Leafs just last year. While these numbers aren't incredible, they are still pretty good. Another thing worth mentioning is that Ponikarovsky is a +45 player throughout his career with the Maple Leafs. While some people may not put much stock into a plus-minus rating, it does indicate that he is a defensively aware player in his own end of the ice. He is also known as a good skater with a hard shot. To say that there is no room for him on the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup this year, is completely unfounded in my opinion. The Maple Leafs will have many unproven forwards in their roster this year, so there is more than enough space to accommodate Ponikarovsky. Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has also stated he is happy with his roster moves so far, and has not announced his desire to get rid of him. When Fletcher wants to move somebody, he usually makes it known (think Bryan McCabe). Given this, there is every reason to believe Alex Ponikarovsky will definitely be playing with the Maple Leafs this season. The only question is, which line?
Maple Leafs To Give Ponikarovsky A Checking Role?
As previously mentioned, the Toronto Maple leafs will feature many young and unproven players up front this year. While some people say Ponikarovsky must be moved in order to give those players proper ice time to develop, I don't believe this must be the case. True, Leafs newcomers like Nikolai Kulemin, Mikhail Grabovski, and Niklas Hagman certainly show great offensive potential, and should get the chance to prove what they can do in the top 6. Veterans like Jason Blake and Nik Antropov are considered locks for a spot on the top two lines. So is there no space for Ponikarovsky on the Maple Leafs? Personally, I think he may fill a 3rd line role very well. At least long enough to give the above mentioned players their shot at valuable ice time with the Maple Leafs. For one thing, Ponikarovsky is pretty good defensively, as I pointed out with his career +45 rating. This may prove useful on a checking line, and if Leafs coach Ron Wilson can get him to use his size to push opponents around more often, he will be even better for this role. His hard shot will give the line more of an offensive punch as well. While he likely won't reach the 20 goal mark with 3rd line ice time, his presence will still give the Maple Leafs checking unit some definite scoring potential when the oppurtunity arises.
So there you have it. It is indeed possible for the Toronto Maple Leafs to keep Ponikarovsky in their lineup, and still give their young guns the ice time they need to develop. He could bring some much needed depth to the roster, and if somebody goes cold on one of the Leafs top lines, he could easily be moved back up into the top 6. After all, he has played there before, and shown that he can score goals for the Maple Leafs. Add to that there probably isn't a whole lot of trade interest in him from other teams, so it would probably do the Leafs more good to keep him on their roster and bolster their scoring depth. However, this season will be pivotal for determining his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will have to step up his game if he wants to avoid the trading block, but for now he is staying put on the Maple Leafs roster. So if you haven't penciled him in on your Maple Leafs lineup predictions for this season, now would be a good time to go back and correct yourself.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Sundin Meets With Toronto Maple Leafs Management
Former Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin was in Toronto today to take part in a charity game. He also took the time to meet with Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher, as well as Joe Nieuwendyk, the assistant GM and former teammate of Sundin's. If anybody was hoping for a decision on whether or not he would return to the Maple Leafs, they will just have to keep waiting. Sundin reaffirmed that he was still no closer to making up his mind on whether or not he will be playing hockey next year, although Cliff Fletcher was apparently quoted as saying that the door will always be open for him to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Reports have also surfaced that after meeting with the Maple Leafs, Mats would be on his way to Montreal to meet with Habs GM Bob Gainey. Though Habs fans may get excited about that, the meeting will likely be more of the same, in that Sundin will thank them for their interest, and announce that he is no closer to a decision. In my opinion, this meeting is a simple display of courtesy, as it was when he met with the Maple Leafs. I do not believe it is a sign that he is close to signing with Montreal, and Bob Gainey has himself been quoted as saying that Sundin's interest in his team is minimal. As frustrated as Maple Leafs fans may be with their former captain, they can take comfort that in all likelihood, Sundin will probably not sign with their hated rival. Well, at least not right away!
Toronto Maple Leafs Preparing For Life Without Mats Sundin
Though Cliff Fletcher has stated he will "leave the door open" for Sundin, it is becoming clear that the Maple Leafs will have to plan to move forward without him.
With his representatives saying he could now take as long as December to make a decision, Maple Leafs fans have become increasingly frustrated with Sundin's procrastination. First it was said he would decide in August, then by training camp in September, and now it apparently wont be before the start of the season. So much for his statement of wanting to be with a team from the beginning of the year. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be starting the season without him.
In order to fill the leadership void that will be created by Sundin's absence, Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson has stated that he is considering a "captain by committee" process, in which different players will all get a turn to wear the "C". While some Leafs fans might not like the idea of a rotating captaincy, I personally think it could be a good solution. I suspect that if everyone gets their shot at leading the Leafs, then there will be a player that steps up and proves himself capable of being the full time captain. If anything, it will give some excitement to this year's Leafs team. Aside from that, we can expect many of the young players to get plenty of ice time, and show us what they can do.
Who knows, if each player on the Maple Leafs steps up to prove himself this year without Mats, we could end up being surprised with the results. Though they may not look as good on paper without Sundin in their lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still going to be a younger, faster, and tougher team than last year. Head coach Ron Wilson is also expected to deploy a very tight defensive scheme, which is something the Maple Leafs have lacked for awhile. Wouldn't it be ironic if all these factors come together to turn the Leafs into a surprisingly good team, while Sundin is sitting comfortably at home in Sweden. Then come December he may indeed finally decide that he wants to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but by then Cliff Feltcher may be closing the door and locking it shut.
Reports have also surfaced that after meeting with the Maple Leafs, Mats would be on his way to Montreal to meet with Habs GM Bob Gainey. Though Habs fans may get excited about that, the meeting will likely be more of the same, in that Sundin will thank them for their interest, and announce that he is no closer to a decision. In my opinion, this meeting is a simple display of courtesy, as it was when he met with the Maple Leafs. I do not believe it is a sign that he is close to signing with Montreal, and Bob Gainey has himself been quoted as saying that Sundin's interest in his team is minimal. As frustrated as Maple Leafs fans may be with their former captain, they can take comfort that in all likelihood, Sundin will probably not sign with their hated rival. Well, at least not right away!
Toronto Maple Leafs Preparing For Life Without Mats Sundin
Though Cliff Fletcher has stated he will "leave the door open" for Sundin, it is becoming clear that the Maple Leafs will have to plan to move forward without him.
With his representatives saying he could now take as long as December to make a decision, Maple Leafs fans have become increasingly frustrated with Sundin's procrastination. First it was said he would decide in August, then by training camp in September, and now it apparently wont be before the start of the season. So much for his statement of wanting to be with a team from the beginning of the year. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be starting the season without him.
In order to fill the leadership void that will be created by Sundin's absence, Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson has stated that he is considering a "captain by committee" process, in which different players will all get a turn to wear the "C". While some Leafs fans might not like the idea of a rotating captaincy, I personally think it could be a good solution. I suspect that if everyone gets their shot at leading the Leafs, then there will be a player that steps up and proves himself capable of being the full time captain. If anything, it will give some excitement to this year's Leafs team. Aside from that, we can expect many of the young players to get plenty of ice time, and show us what they can do.
Who knows, if each player on the Maple Leafs steps up to prove himself this year without Mats, we could end up being surprised with the results. Though they may not look as good on paper without Sundin in their lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still going to be a younger, faster, and tougher team than last year. Head coach Ron Wilson is also expected to deploy a very tight defensive scheme, which is something the Maple Leafs have lacked for awhile. Wouldn't it be ironic if all these factors come together to turn the Leafs into a surprisingly good team, while Sundin is sitting comfortably at home in Sweden. Then come December he may indeed finally decide that he wants to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but by then Cliff Feltcher may be closing the door and locking it shut.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Bryan McCabe For Mike Van Ryn
Today the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they are parting ways with their veteran defenseman, Bryan McCabe. The Maple Leafs dealt McCabe and a 4th round selection in the 2010 draft, to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Mike Van Ryn. This doesn't come as a big surprise, as rumors of this deal had already begun to surface in August (See my previous post on the McCabe trade). Most analysts have been saying this trade would occur after the Maple Leafs were due to pay McCabe a $2 million bonus on September 1st. The rumors proved to be true, as Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher made the trade official today. However, what may be seen as a bit of a surprise to Maple Leafs fans, is the 4th round selection that was sent to Florida along with McCabe.
While a 4th round pick might not seem like much to give up, Leafs fans might be disappointed in losing yet another draft pick, during a time in which their team is in need of a rebuild. Not to mention the high returns that other teams have received recently in trades involving their veteran defensemen. Regardless, the Toronto Maple Leafs have still succeeded in shedding a large part of their salary. Cliff Fletcher appears to have delivered on his promise to bring change to the Maple Leafs.
A Look At The Maple Leafs Newest Defenseman
As of today, Mike Van Ryn is the newest member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has spent the last 4 seasons with the Panthers, after beginning his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. He is known as a stay at home defenseman, and while he is not as offensively gifted as McCabe, he is usually consistent in his own end. One of the biggest complaints Toronto Maple Leafs fans had of McCabe, was his poor defensive play in his own end, and his knack for turning over the puck. The acquisition of Van Ryn to replace him, should therefore come as welcome news for most Maple Leafs fans, despite having to give up another draft selection. In fact, when combined with other moves that have been made so far on the Maple Leafs blue line, it would appear that Leafs management is attempting to build a defense corps that focuses on preventing goals first, and scoring points second. McCabe was always good at scoring points, but Leafs fans can expect Van Ryn to be better on the defensive side of the puck.
The biggest advantage for the Leafs in acquiring Van Ryn however, is in the space saved in the salary cap. Van Ryn's cap hit against the Maple Leafs will be $2.9 million a year for 2 seasons, whereas McCabe would have taken up a whopping $5.75 million a year for 3 seasons. This essentially gives the Maple Leafs plenty of room to make more roster moves before the start of the season, should they choose to do so. This means that the cap space is now available for the Leafs to re-sign their former captain, Mats Sundin, should he decide to continue playing for Toronto.
However, one thing that the Toronto Maple Leafs should be a bit concerned about in this trade, is the injured wrist that Mike Van Ryn sustained last year, resulting in him only playing 20 games all season. The injury was bad enough to require surgery, and whether or not he has fully recovered from that remains to be seen. Van Ryn does not have a history of being injury prone however, and played nearly every game in the 3 seasons prior to injuring his wrist. So while this move may be a bit of a gamble, I can still see it paying off for the Maple Leafs defensive game. If Mike Van Ryn can stay healthy, he will be the type of stay at home defender Ron Wilson likes to coach, and should be a perfect fit to the new look on the Toronto Maple Leafs defense.
While a 4th round pick might not seem like much to give up, Leafs fans might be disappointed in losing yet another draft pick, during a time in which their team is in need of a rebuild. Not to mention the high returns that other teams have received recently in trades involving their veteran defensemen. Regardless, the Toronto Maple Leafs have still succeeded in shedding a large part of their salary. Cliff Fletcher appears to have delivered on his promise to bring change to the Maple Leafs.
A Look At The Maple Leafs Newest Defenseman
As of today, Mike Van Ryn is the newest member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has spent the last 4 seasons with the Panthers, after beginning his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. He is known as a stay at home defenseman, and while he is not as offensively gifted as McCabe, he is usually consistent in his own end. One of the biggest complaints Toronto Maple Leafs fans had of McCabe, was his poor defensive play in his own end, and his knack for turning over the puck. The acquisition of Van Ryn to replace him, should therefore come as welcome news for most Maple Leafs fans, despite having to give up another draft selection. In fact, when combined with other moves that have been made so far on the Maple Leafs blue line, it would appear that Leafs management is attempting to build a defense corps that focuses on preventing goals first, and scoring points second. McCabe was always good at scoring points, but Leafs fans can expect Van Ryn to be better on the defensive side of the puck.
The biggest advantage for the Leafs in acquiring Van Ryn however, is in the space saved in the salary cap. Van Ryn's cap hit against the Maple Leafs will be $2.9 million a year for 2 seasons, whereas McCabe would have taken up a whopping $5.75 million a year for 3 seasons. This essentially gives the Maple Leafs plenty of room to make more roster moves before the start of the season, should they choose to do so. This means that the cap space is now available for the Leafs to re-sign their former captain, Mats Sundin, should he decide to continue playing for Toronto.
However, one thing that the Toronto Maple Leafs should be a bit concerned about in this trade, is the injured wrist that Mike Van Ryn sustained last year, resulting in him only playing 20 games all season. The injury was bad enough to require surgery, and whether or not he has fully recovered from that remains to be seen. Van Ryn does not have a history of being injury prone however, and played nearly every game in the 3 seasons prior to injuring his wrist. So while this move may be a bit of a gamble, I can still see it paying off for the Maple Leafs defensive game. If Mike Van Ryn can stay healthy, he will be the type of stay at home defender Ron Wilson likes to coach, and should be a perfect fit to the new look on the Toronto Maple Leafs defense.
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