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.