Giguere Most Likely to Go
J.S Giguere is one of the most honorable and respectful hockey players in the NHL. He, unlike many others, would do what the Mats Sundin's and maybe the Tomas Kaberle's wouldn't do. He's willing to waive his NTC in order to provide Burke with another asset. If Giggy does move, he won't be bringing back a great return, but there is good possibility that he would resign with the Leafs next season. One NHL scout has provided me with 3 teams in which he sees the Maple Leafs trading with. The first team is the Washington Capitals. He can see Brooks Laich or Alex Semin coming to the Leafs. "Kadri, Giguere, prospect for Semin is something the Leafs would be interested. Based on scouting by myself and other's, I feel, collectively with others, that the Leafs are interested in Semin. Brooks Laich is another player the Leafs may try and get." He also reported to me that the Maple Leafs would be very interested in the services of Ryan Malone. Unfortunately, the named player he felt would be on the move, along with Giggy, is Kris Versteeg. Versteeg and Giguere for Ryan Malone and a pick. To me, this isn't a deal I would love, but a 2nd or 3rd round pick for a player who can be replaced by one of our many 2nd line players. Malone is a player that would go to the net and help winning right now. I feel that although we need to win right now, sacrificing Versteeg for him isn't a trade I had in mind. If Giggy would resign with the Leafs, we would come out victorious from the trade, although Versteeg could help in the future. Once again I do add that he is a second liner and we do have a lot of players who can fill that roll. He's a great player and so is Malone, but this isn't my favorite trade. Lastly, he sees "Giguere and possibly Kulemin" going to the Red Wings. Wings could use a rented goalie for this seasons playoff run, and a defensive player like Kulemin with offensive talent is a player the Wings would like. For who the Leafs would get in return is unclear to me.
Leafer
23/01/2011
Leafer
23/01/2011
Center Stage
When the NHL All Star game takes place, GM's meet from across the league at the event. This is when trade talks get interesting. Although the NHL's selected All Star's will be taking "Center Stage" on January 30th in Raleigh, N.C, the teams GM's will be busily working "behind the curtains" as they re-evaluate their situations. For some, they look to get a veteran player in hopes to push for the cup, and others, look to dump the veterans to these playoff contenders for youth and picks. The Leafs will be looking to get young to mid aged players. So who do they trade with? They must part with the veterans to get young prospects, which they are willing to do. Unfortunately, the most valuable veteran, in that of defenseman Tomas Kaberle currently is under a NTC. This means he cannot be traded unless he and his agent agree to waive the clause. Leafs General Manage Brian Burke does not like to ask players to go against what they agreed on earlier, as he sees it as a sign of disrespect towards his players. Burke does see that it's getting to the point where he has to make a move. This leads me to the latest rumor, that Burke has asked Kaberle to waive his NTC. Goaltender JS Giguere has already said he will waive his NTC if asked, but is yet to be approached. The Maple Leafs will have a difficult time getting young to prime aged NHL ready players considering lack of assets, and will have to turn to teams who are struggling inside, whether it is unhappy players or salary cap issues. We are all aware that the NJ Devils may need to move Center Travis Zajac or Winger Zach Parise as they are having cap troubles and both need to be resigned. The Leafs have also spoken in length to the Flyers so this leads many to believe Carter may be on the market as they'll need to open up space to sign the youngsters when their contracts are up, such as Leino and Giroux. Columbus Blue Jackets are having troubles of late, winning only 6 in 23 games. They have placed underachieving defenseman Mike Commodore on Re-Entry Waivers and will find out if he cleared noon on monday. They are also reportedly shopping a centerman; which I originally though may be one of Antoine Vermette (28) or even veteran Sammi Pahlsson (33) but instead it appears the teams 1st round pick, 6th overall, in the 2006 entry draft, centre Derick Brassard is the one on the block. At 23 years of age, the Quebec native is 3rd on the team in scoring and has recorded 9 goals and 18 assists in only what will be his second full NHL season. The 6' 1" center man could land in T.O, and Kaberle could be a good fit in Columbus. They would be glad to have him, as defensive scoring has always lacked the Ohio hockey club. When the All Star weekend rolls around, look for things to heat up, unless of course a deal gets struck in the coming week as that could set up an early explosion of deals around the NHL; though January 31st, the familiar date for Leaf fans, is a more likely time for deals to come into place as GM's will be side by side trying to gain the upper hand for next season, or attempting to set a stepping stone to build off in the next few seasons.
Leafer
15/01/2011
Leafer
15/01/2011
All-Star Madness
As the NHL All Star game approaches, GM's will gather at the event. While the players are "Centre Stage," the Leafs GM, among others, will be working busily behind the curtains. This is the time where deals will happen, prior to the trade deadline. After this weekend, or a few days following, teams will be waiting it out until the deadline, to try and pay as little as possible for players of interest. Maple Leafs appear to be interested in shopping Giguere and a second liner or two, hopefully in return for that essential first liner we're after. How, when, or if any players go is a mystery, but Giguere will move for the Maple Leafs if they can get an asset for him, and even a late pick would arouse the Leafs management. Giggy may resign with the Leafs in the offseason, for one more year, or they may ride the Monster and Reimer if they feel it's meant to be. It's become evident that the Monster will not be moved. If they had any intentions to move him, they'd be playing him to try and get him hot enough to have top trade value. We all know the Monster can play so they won't give him up for cheap, and if he isn't playing, he won't get much, so waive that off the trade list. Now is a better time than ever to trade one of Versteeg, Kulemin, Grabbo, or MacArthur. The Leafs would like to keep these players, but they are all second liners and if a deal could be made to give a 2 for 1, it would be considered. Grabbo is as good as he'll ever be, as he likely will never earn these minutes again, same with MacArthur. The Leafs argument to increase trade value is simple; play them top minutes and you'll get top results. As much as I and many others believe that these two players won't consistently put up these numbers, you can definately say that they can. Whether they really can is unknown, but their value's high as it probably will ever get. Anyways, this all-star game should have a lto of teams playing their cards, hiding their hands, and trying to strike some deals before it's too close to playoff time and teams are to far behind to cat
Who's "Tangible"
After the half point mark in the 2010-2011 season, teams all across the standings are looking at their positions now and begin thinking about "what's next." For some teams, it's who to trade away to build up for upcoming seasons. These would be the teams in the bottom third of the standings; where the Maple Leafs are seated. Then, theres the 6-10th place teams who are looking to trade small pieces in bunches to land a larger piece to help them get into and stay in the playoffs. Then there's the top teams who are looking also for that rental piece to put them over the top. For the Leafs, we have Kaberle as our only player to send out for rental with some value, and he has a NTC. We want to toss out smaller pieces for bigger ones, but we want really big pieces, and most all other teams have better assets then the Leafs have. This putting the Leafs in the spot where to get a player for the top line via trade, they must overpay to beat out other teams.
So who for the Maple Leafs is tangible? That's and easy question; most everyone. "Are a lot of players on this team in play? Of course. We're in last place in our division...why wouldn't they be?" Stated Burke. He also went on to say "I think there are also guys that have played well enough that it should be a tough deal to get them out of there. I think there's a second list - they're not untouchables, but there are guys that have done enough for you that they have to be hard to move; they've got to be guys you want to hang onto." He put Maple Leafs winger Mikhail Grabovski, the teams hottest player of late, and winger Clarke MacArthur, the teams leading scorer. Brian Burke also mentioned that he is not shopping for second round picks, but is shopping for players who will make us better.
On a Maple Leafs lineup that some can argue is loaded with what should be second and third line players, what can make us better? A first line winger or preferabbly a first line centre would take a couple of our second liners at least, with other additions in the mix. Unfortunately, we are looking for a young to prime aged first line centre. Teams who are in the mix, will not be willing to trade first line centres because they need those first liners to have a cup chance, especially if they aren't recieving any game breakers in return; like the leafs have to offer. Then the teams out of the hunt are looking to keep/get young to prime aged first liners to build for their future. Who does this lead? The cap struggling teams, such as NJ, which are unloading pieces at the moment.
My list of untouchables is very, very short. It consists of Phil Kessel, Luke Schenn, and Jonas Gustavsson. All three of these players are our teams future and backbone, and unless were getting equal young talent at NO risk, I would much prefer these players to stay. On my "second list" as Burke would put it, would be: Armstrong, Versteeg, MacArthur, Bozak, Rynnas, and Aullie. These players have some trade value but are players who we can look to build around. Grabovski wouldn't be on this list as he's not going to improve his game. He's playing upwards of 20 minutes a game on most nights, and on any other team he'll play what, 15 minutes. He has trade value for a second rounder, and packaged with another player could get us a big improvement on what he offers. Kulimen, one of my favorite Leafs, is solid defensively and has offensive talent. He is a player who works hard and brings his game each night. We have Armstrongs, MacArthurs, Steegers, and younger players like Luca Caputi who can easily fill his position.
There are very few intangible players on the Leaf roster, and therefore teams will come knocking on our door. Will Burke be willing to come to terms and pay what is truly needed to get these players, or will he sit back and hope a first line players lands on his lap? The trade deadline in early march holds all the answers. Until then, the Leafs will continue to attempt to climb the latter and give the Bruins the worst pick that they can.
Leafer
09/01/2011
So who for the Maple Leafs is tangible? That's and easy question; most everyone. "Are a lot of players on this team in play? Of course. We're in last place in our division...why wouldn't they be?" Stated Burke. He also went on to say "I think there are also guys that have played well enough that it should be a tough deal to get them out of there. I think there's a second list - they're not untouchables, but there are guys that have done enough for you that they have to be hard to move; they've got to be guys you want to hang onto." He put Maple Leafs winger Mikhail Grabovski, the teams hottest player of late, and winger Clarke MacArthur, the teams leading scorer. Brian Burke also mentioned that he is not shopping for second round picks, but is shopping for players who will make us better.
On a Maple Leafs lineup that some can argue is loaded with what should be second and third line players, what can make us better? A first line winger or preferabbly a first line centre would take a couple of our second liners at least, with other additions in the mix. Unfortunately, we are looking for a young to prime aged first line centre. Teams who are in the mix, will not be willing to trade first line centres because they need those first liners to have a cup chance, especially if they aren't recieving any game breakers in return; like the leafs have to offer. Then the teams out of the hunt are looking to keep/get young to prime aged first liners to build for their future. Who does this lead? The cap struggling teams, such as NJ, which are unloading pieces at the moment.
My list of untouchables is very, very short. It consists of Phil Kessel, Luke Schenn, and Jonas Gustavsson. All three of these players are our teams future and backbone, and unless were getting equal young talent at NO risk, I would much prefer these players to stay. On my "second list" as Burke would put it, would be: Armstrong, Versteeg, MacArthur, Bozak, Rynnas, and Aullie. These players have some trade value but are players who we can look to build around. Grabovski wouldn't be on this list as he's not going to improve his game. He's playing upwards of 20 minutes a game on most nights, and on any other team he'll play what, 15 minutes. He has trade value for a second rounder, and packaged with another player could get us a big improvement on what he offers. Kulimen, one of my favorite Leafs, is solid defensively and has offensive talent. He is a player who works hard and brings his game each night. We have Armstrongs, MacArthurs, Steegers, and younger players like Luca Caputi who can easily fill his position.
There are very few intangible players on the Leaf roster, and therefore teams will come knocking on our door. Will Burke be willing to come to terms and pay what is truly needed to get these players, or will he sit back and hope a first line players lands on his lap? The trade deadline in early march holds all the answers. Until then, the Leafs will continue to attempt to climb the latter and give the Bruins the worst pick that they can.
Leafer
09/01/2011
Unexpected For Some
Many of the Toronto Maple Leaf fans have been surprised by the Leafs struggles thus far. Fact is, ones who think realistically realize playoffs are more or less far away. The team can make the playoffs in 8th at best as much work is to be done. Lack of scoring to date has been a reoccurring problem for the Leafs and will continue to be an issue throughout the season. A trade would be necessary for season "survival" but will most likely not occur. Leafs don't have the assets required to pull the kind of trade that the Leafs really need. Toronto needs a play making centre as there is no player on the team capable of drawing attention away from Kessel and have the ability to set him up. Of course there are other teams out there with players to deal, but every team wants the star players, especially those down the middle. The other team in desperate to change their team is the NJ Devils who have talked with Burke earlier before the season, are also lacking on the scoring front, and are in some scoring trouble themselves. They are the only team in the NHL with less goals for then the Maple Leafs. The Devils need to make a move as they are low on cap space and need to sign two stars, Zajac and Parise. They probably won't sign both, therefore Zajac would probably be moved, although Maple Leafs don't have assets that NJ needs/wants. They want a player who can play defensively and add some talent up front. Leafs don't have anyone like that that NJ would want. So, with all this being said, Leafs would most likely truly improve their team by signing free agents. This meaning the team won't be true playoff contenders until about 2012-2013 (previous stats to build a team from free agent signings) season when the Leafs will be able to raise there prospects while adding missing pieces. Most winning teams win with the core of their team their own "raised players." For the Leafs, as of now, the core would grow to consist of Schenn, Kadri, Aulie, etc. For now the leafs fans will have to realize that a team won't jump from last to first, or fifth, maybe eighth at best. Leafs by all means aren't out of it yet of course, but no one should have expected the Leafs to dominate at all. We are getting scoring chances and just need to connect on a couple in one game and that may hopefully spark the Leafs. One player on any line that is hot will take pressure off the Kessels, Bozaks, and Versteegs and will also open up room for them. I still have faith in our Maple Leafs, but for our team to be true contenders we will have to wait another season or two for Toronto to be respectable.
Things that make ya go hmm
In the years since 3pt games were introduced (post-lockout) the playoff seeded teams in the standings as of November 1st changed very little until seasons end. Unfortunately for Leaf Fan the Maple Leafs' have managed to do it 4 out of 5 times.
05-06
-TOR & FLA had playoff spots; PHI & MTL got in the playoffs (2)
06-07
-TOR, MTL & CAR had spots; OTT, TB & NYI got in the playoffs (3)
07-08
-TOR, NYI & CAR had spots; WSH, NJ & NYR got in the playoffs (3)
08-09
-TOR & BUF had spots; WSH & PHI got in the playoffs (2)
09-10
-NYR had a spot on; BOS got in the playoffs. (1)
That is an average of 2.2 teams per season over the last 5 seasons
Now, when you look at the standing for the last 5 seasons and use the Christmas break (December 24) for comparison it changes even less.
05-06
- TML & NYI had spots; MTL & ATL got in the playoffs (2)
06-07
- MTL, CAR & BOS had spots; OTT, PIT & TB got in the playoffs (3)
07-08
- CAR, BUF & NYI has spots; Pit, PHI & WAS got in the playoffs (3)
08-09
- No change from Christmas Break (0)
09-10
- ATL had a spot; PHI got into the playoffs (1)
That is an average of 1.8 teams per season over the last 5 seasons
The Point;
(1) Due to parity and the 3pt games there is very little movement any longer making it highly improbable to come back after a horrid start or long losing streak, so those points accumulated early are valuable but only if the team continues to play consistently good hockey throughout the season. i.e. no extended losing streaks.
(2) Leaf Nation though very happy for the most part has to have some pause in being overly boastrous about the teams good start because they have seen this scenario before.
It is a vastly different team then those of the last 5 seasons but Leaf Fan should contain acts of boastfulness until the Toronto Maple Leafs have actually accomplished something worth boasting about. Which should be April 9th :)
SkyHawk
October 19, 2010
05-06
-TOR & FLA had playoff spots; PHI & MTL got in the playoffs (2)
06-07
-TOR, MTL & CAR had spots; OTT, TB & NYI got in the playoffs (3)
07-08
-TOR, NYI & CAR had spots; WSH, NJ & NYR got in the playoffs (3)
08-09
-TOR & BUF had spots; WSH & PHI got in the playoffs (2)
09-10
-NYR had a spot on; BOS got in the playoffs. (1)
That is an average of 2.2 teams per season over the last 5 seasons
Now, when you look at the standing for the last 5 seasons and use the Christmas break (December 24) for comparison it changes even less.
05-06
- TML & NYI had spots; MTL & ATL got in the playoffs (2)
06-07
- MTL, CAR & BOS had spots; OTT, PIT & TB got in the playoffs (3)
07-08
- CAR, BUF & NYI has spots; Pit, PHI & WAS got in the playoffs (3)
08-09
- No change from Christmas Break (0)
09-10
- ATL had a spot; PHI got into the playoffs (1)
That is an average of 1.8 teams per season over the last 5 seasons
The Point;
(1) Due to parity and the 3pt games there is very little movement any longer making it highly improbable to come back after a horrid start or long losing streak, so those points accumulated early are valuable but only if the team continues to play consistently good hockey throughout the season. i.e. no extended losing streaks.
(2) Leaf Nation though very happy for the most part has to have some pause in being overly boastrous about the teams good start because they have seen this scenario before.
It is a vastly different team then those of the last 5 seasons but Leaf Fan should contain acts of boastfulness until the Toronto Maple Leafs have actually accomplished something worth boasting about. Which should be April 9th :)
SkyHawk
October 19, 2010
PAST, PRESENT & SEASON:
"All things anew" should be the 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs' creed. A team that finished 29th overall in a 30 team league should be looking to change many things and Leafs' GM Brian Burke set-out to do just that since arriving in Toronto just over one season ago. The Leafs' truculent GM and the 'Nation' that is Leaf Fan started noticing a 'real' change post the January 31st trades with Calgary (Phaneuf & Aulie) and Anaheim (Giggy). There is an warranted excitement in the 'Nation' this year that has been lacking since the pre-lockout days.
THE PAST
There is evidence to support those cries from the Nation that this year "things will really be different"; the Leafs' played 26 games post-the-deals mentioned above and finished 13-10-3 (.558 winning percentage); Giggy & Jonas had a respectable 2.77 GAA over that span and in fact each goaltender held down a better then .900 save percentage for the entire season, including Giggy's with ANA/TOR. The respectable finish is a direct result of those two deals mentioned above and with the naming of CAPhan Dion and the Leafs' defense there is no reason why those numbers can't remain the same or become lower. Where the Leafs' did not change post-trades is in the goals-for (GF) category (2.56 pre; 2.50 post) and I will be the first to tell Leaf Fan that this team is two 'quality' top-six players from becoming a true contender in the Eastern Conference and the NHL.
THE PRESENT
The additions of Versteeg (20), Armstrong (15) and MacArthur (16), who had a combined 51 goals last season for their respective clubs will help in the goal scoring department; couple that with continued growth of Leaf Sniper Phil Kessel, promising sophomore Bozak, the Rook' Kadri (if he makes the club?); along with a few of other Leafs' (Grabovski, Kulemin...etc.); I believe the talent is there to pick up their goal production by at least a third of a goal per game or plus 24 goals over last years effort which would put them in the upper-third of the NHL in terms of goals scored. Additional goals while decreasing your goals against is a sure recipe for a playoff spot in any league.
THE SEASON
The 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into a season where nothing is expected of them by the so-called hockey experts with most picking them to finish 12th in the East; however this blogger, as well as, many throughout the Nation and in Leafs' management are expecting improvement, noticeable improvement, contention for a playoff spot throughout the season, consistency in their play, aggressive fore-check, scoring by committee, strong defense and quality goaltending. IF the Leafs' come out of the gate slow as they did last year or if they fall out early due to long losing streaks then the Nation will be in an uproar and the 'critics' of the Maple Leafs' will be out in full force, regurgitating those tireless takes older then the Leafs' last Cup victory.
However, should the Maple Leafs' play up to their potential in goal and on defense, while receiving offensive help from the 'Phil the Thrill' Kessel, the newcomers (Versteeg, MacArthur & Armstrong) as well as the up-and-comers (Bozak, Kulemin & Kadri??) then the 2010-2011 edition of your Toronto Maple Leafs' will be as per the Irish Architect's Master Plan, "on its way toward truculent respectability" and maybe, just maybe, that elusive playoff spot that the Nation of Leaf Fan is anticipating having longed for it since the lockout.
SkyHawk
September 15, 2010
THE PAST
There is evidence to support those cries from the Nation that this year "things will really be different"; the Leafs' played 26 games post-the-deals mentioned above and finished 13-10-3 (.558 winning percentage); Giggy & Jonas had a respectable 2.77 GAA over that span and in fact each goaltender held down a better then .900 save percentage for the entire season, including Giggy's with ANA/TOR. The respectable finish is a direct result of those two deals mentioned above and with the naming of CAPhan Dion and the Leafs' defense there is no reason why those numbers can't remain the same or become lower. Where the Leafs' did not change post-trades is in the goals-for (GF) category (2.56 pre; 2.50 post) and I will be the first to tell Leaf Fan that this team is two 'quality' top-six players from becoming a true contender in the Eastern Conference and the NHL.
THE PRESENT
The additions of Versteeg (20), Armstrong (15) and MacArthur (16), who had a combined 51 goals last season for their respective clubs will help in the goal scoring department; couple that with continued growth of Leaf Sniper Phil Kessel, promising sophomore Bozak, the Rook' Kadri (if he makes the club?); along with a few of other Leafs' (Grabovski, Kulemin...etc.); I believe the talent is there to pick up their goal production by at least a third of a goal per game or plus 24 goals over last years effort which would put them in the upper-third of the NHL in terms of goals scored. Additional goals while decreasing your goals against is a sure recipe for a playoff spot in any league.
THE SEASON
The 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into a season where nothing is expected of them by the so-called hockey experts with most picking them to finish 12th in the East; however this blogger, as well as, many throughout the Nation and in Leafs' management are expecting improvement, noticeable improvement, contention for a playoff spot throughout the season, consistency in their play, aggressive fore-check, scoring by committee, strong defense and quality goaltending. IF the Leafs' come out of the gate slow as they did last year or if they fall out early due to long losing streaks then the Nation will be in an uproar and the 'critics' of the Maple Leafs' will be out in full force, regurgitating those tireless takes older then the Leafs' last Cup victory.
However, should the Maple Leafs' play up to their potential in goal and on defense, while receiving offensive help from the 'Phil the Thrill' Kessel, the newcomers (Versteeg, MacArthur & Armstrong) as well as the up-and-comers (Bozak, Kulemin & Kadri??) then the 2010-2011 edition of your Toronto Maple Leafs' will be as per the Irish Architect's Master Plan, "on its way toward truculent respectability" and maybe, just maybe, that elusive playoff spot that the Nation of Leaf Fan is anticipating having longed for it since the lockout.
SkyHawk
September 15, 2010
92 Realistic Expectations??
The 2010-2011 is shaping up to be a 'defining year for your Toronto Maple Leafs. So many unknowns; who is 1st line center?; who are the top-six forwards?; who will score goals?; will the top-five NHL defense be as good as advertised and can Giggy and Jonas backstop this edition of the Leafs' to the Dance?
It is no secret that the Maples Leafs had a disastrous start to the 2009-2010 season and never truly recovered from that 0-7-1 start, even though post-Phaneuf/Giggy trades the Maple Leafs were a respectful 7th in the East from January-April, unfortunately the season started the previous October and the dismal 29th place finish and quality picks traded to Boston made for a real sour summer in the 'Nation' as well as in the Irishman's Office.
I believe it is realistic for the Toronto Maple Leafs to earn 92pts this coming season. Now will that be good enough to get then a playoff spot? History would say, "yes it is" but will it be enough, when a team like Tampa should also be much improved. Now, because one believes something, even if there is data to back up the expectations, does not mean it will happen. Many things need to happen as they do for all teams for things to go as planned or as expected. I am also aware that the 'hockey experts' are picking the Leafs' to be around 12th in the East but many of these same 'experts' also picked the Leafs' to finish 8th-10th last year, calling them, "a bubble team", well their expertise and the bubble lasted about 7 games.
HOW will the Toronto Maple Leafs manage to go from 29th overall, 16th in the East to a 92 point season you ask, knowing it is a +18 points over last years team, am I crazy, you ask? , possibly but I think just realistic. This can be achieved though the continued implementation of "Burkies Blueprint". Goaltending and Defense first, scoring by committee. The Leafs' in this Bloggers opinion a 'Sleeper, like that Ole ratty looking car back in the 70's that stuck up on you before blowing by. Anyone who watched a Leaf game last year (prior to Giggy's arrival) knows that other then Jonas (Rookie with illness issues) there was not too much resembling goaltending or defense for the matter prior to Dion's arrival. That was then, this is now, and what we have now is a collection of young forwards eager to earn a spot on a team that has several openings at forward.
Using the Maple Leaf roster as it is today, carrying 23 players (2 Goalies, 7 Defense & 14 Forwards), using those perimeters mentioned in the first paragraph of this story I believe it is realistically possibly for the Leafs' to achieve 92 points in 2010-2011 and earn their way back to respectability and who knows, maybe even that elusive Dance Ticket...
REALISTIC PROJECTIONS??
Scoring:
40 - Kessel
25 - Versteeg
20 - Kulemin; Macarthur; Armstrong
15 - Bozak; Phaneuf, Grabovski
10 - Kaberle
6 - Gunnarsson
5 - Beauchemin; Brown; Hanson; Mitchell; Schenn, Kadri
4 - Sjostrom; Orr
3 - Brent
2 - Komisarek
1 - Finger
230 - total goals for (GF); only 14 more then last year but 230 GF would put the Leafs' around 10-12 in the entire NHL. Couple that with my realist goaltending numbers below and it should become clearer how the Maple Leafs could conceivably earn 92pts next season.
Goaltending:
The goaltending tandem of Giggy & Jonas has the potential to be a formidable duo that will certainly be a major upgrade over any tandem containing Toskala in the mix. With Gustavsson's health issues seemingly behind him . Giggy is wanting to prove the doubters wrong ; that his career is far from over and probably a little bit of "Hey kid, watch how I do it" added in. I don't see either having 'Vezina' type seasons but productive seasons, with quality starts from both and a few 'steals' mixed in. I don't think a tandem average of 2.75 and a .914 save percentage is unrealistic from these two. This is a .5 goal a game difference over last year but with this 'D' and these Goalies, that is not a whole lot; besides losing Toskala has to be worth at least a half-goal a game over 82 does it not?
W-L-OT/SOL
Giggy: 22-18-5
Jonas: 18-12-7
TML: 40-30-12 = 92pts
GF: 230-235
GA: 226-230
Playoff Seeding: You will have to wait for the my Northeast Division - Season Preview/Predictions article coming to TML Insight in the not to distant future.
SkyHawk
September 5, 2010
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
It is no secret that the Maples Leafs had a disastrous start to the 2009-2010 season and never truly recovered from that 0-7-1 start, even though post-Phaneuf/Giggy trades the Maple Leafs were a respectful 7th in the East from January-April, unfortunately the season started the previous October and the dismal 29th place finish and quality picks traded to Boston made for a real sour summer in the 'Nation' as well as in the Irishman's Office.
I believe it is realistic for the Toronto Maple Leafs to earn 92pts this coming season. Now will that be good enough to get then a playoff spot? History would say, "yes it is" but will it be enough, when a team like Tampa should also be much improved. Now, because one believes something, even if there is data to back up the expectations, does not mean it will happen. Many things need to happen as they do for all teams for things to go as planned or as expected. I am also aware that the 'hockey experts' are picking the Leafs' to be around 12th in the East but many of these same 'experts' also picked the Leafs' to finish 8th-10th last year, calling them, "a bubble team", well their expertise and the bubble lasted about 7 games.
HOW will the Toronto Maple Leafs manage to go from 29th overall, 16th in the East to a 92 point season you ask, knowing it is a +18 points over last years team, am I crazy, you ask? , possibly but I think just realistic. This can be achieved though the continued implementation of "Burkies Blueprint". Goaltending and Defense first, scoring by committee. The Leafs' in this Bloggers opinion a 'Sleeper, like that Ole ratty looking car back in the 70's that stuck up on you before blowing by. Anyone who watched a Leaf game last year (prior to Giggy's arrival) knows that other then Jonas (Rookie with illness issues) there was not too much resembling goaltending or defense for the matter prior to Dion's arrival. That was then, this is now, and what we have now is a collection of young forwards eager to earn a spot on a team that has several openings at forward.
Using the Maple Leaf roster as it is today, carrying 23 players (2 Goalies, 7 Defense & 14 Forwards), using those perimeters mentioned in the first paragraph of this story I believe it is realistically possibly for the Leafs' to achieve 92 points in 2010-2011 and earn their way back to respectability and who knows, maybe even that elusive Dance Ticket...
REALISTIC PROJECTIONS??
Scoring:
40 - Kessel
25 - Versteeg
20 - Kulemin; Macarthur; Armstrong
15 - Bozak; Phaneuf, Grabovski
10 - Kaberle
6 - Gunnarsson
5 - Beauchemin; Brown; Hanson; Mitchell; Schenn, Kadri
4 - Sjostrom; Orr
3 - Brent
2 - Komisarek
1 - Finger
230 - total goals for (GF); only 14 more then last year but 230 GF would put the Leafs' around 10-12 in the entire NHL. Couple that with my realist goaltending numbers below and it should become clearer how the Maple Leafs could conceivably earn 92pts next season.
Goaltending:
The goaltending tandem of Giggy & Jonas has the potential to be a formidable duo that will certainly be a major upgrade over any tandem containing Toskala in the mix. With Gustavsson's health issues seemingly behind him . Giggy is wanting to prove the doubters wrong ; that his career is far from over and probably a little bit of "Hey kid, watch how I do it" added in. I don't see either having 'Vezina' type seasons but productive seasons, with quality starts from both and a few 'steals' mixed in. I don't think a tandem average of 2.75 and a .914 save percentage is unrealistic from these two. This is a .5 goal a game difference over last year but with this 'D' and these Goalies, that is not a whole lot; besides losing Toskala has to be worth at least a half-goal a game over 82 does it not?
W-L-OT/SOL
Giggy: 22-18-5
Jonas: 18-12-7
TML: 40-30-12 = 92pts
GF: 230-235
GA: 226-230
Playoff Seeding: You will have to wait for the my Northeast Division - Season Preview/Predictions article coming to TML Insight in the not to distant future.
SkyHawk
September 5, 2010
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The Naz' Factor:
Leaf Nation has been abuzz since the Rookie Tournament in London, Ontario earlier this month about Nazem Kadri and not for all those reasons you would think. It is no secret that Kadri had a less then impressive rookie tourney and his lackluster play filtered into the early pre-season games in which he has played. It is not like the Toronto Maple Leafs set him up to fail or that they never gave him an opportunity in key situations or to play with talented line-mates as he played in most every situation and with quality line-mates in Versteeg and Armstrong.
Last night Kadri received what many, including his coaches, perceived to be his final opportunity to crack the 2010-2011 Maple Leaf lineup and to his credit Kadri made the most of that opportunity while playing the left side on the top line in Versteeg's spot with Bozak and Kessel; he also played on the number one power-play unit with those same line-mates and Nazim played up to his billing and produced.
The Kadri Line: 3pts (2G, 1A); +/- Even; playing 16:36 minutes, including 7:18 of PP time.
Nazem's effort last night raises more questions for the Leafs';
Let's pretend for a moment that the Leafs' keep Kadri around when the season starts verses the Canadiens on October 7th. Even if Kadri only stays in the NHL for 9 games, it presents issues related to those 5 questions asked above.
There are some real challenges with line combination's should Kadri be thrown into the mix, such as question #2; center or wing? Given that the definitive answer may not be known until Sunday morning after the completion of the NHL pre-season; with that in mind I have laid out a few options available to the Leafs'; I will only deal with the forward units as this is the area affected should Kadri make this team out of camp??
OPTION #1 - 1st Line Wing Man: In this scenario Kadri would play on the left side of the #1 unit with Kessel/Bozak;
Line Combination's: (1) Kadri-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Grabovski-Versteeg; (3) MacArthur-Brent-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
OPTION #2 - 2nd Line Wing Man: In this scenario Kadri would play on the right side of the #2 unit with Grabovski/Kulemin;
Line Combination's: (1) Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Grabovski-Kadri; (3) MacArthur-Brent-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
OPTION #3 - 2nd Line Center: In this scenario Kadri would center the #2 unit with MacArthur/Kulemin;
Line Combination's: (1) Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Kadri-MacArthur; (3) Sjostrom-Grabovski-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
OPTION #4 - 3rd Line Center: In this scenario Kadri would center the #3 unit with Sjostrom/Armstrong;
Line Combination's: (1) Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Grabovski-MacArthur; (3) Sjostrom-Kadri-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
Note: In each scenario the #1 PP unit would be Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; #2 PP unit would be Kulemin-Grabovski-Kadri
Personally I don't believe Nazim's defensive game, physicality and/or play away from the puck is such that Option #4 is really an option at all ; nor do I think his play while at center has been good enough to warrant bumping Grabovski from his current 2nd line center spot as illustrated in Option #3, so by process of elimination; IF Kadri hangs around it looks like Option #1 or #2 (being a 'wing-man') are the most likely scenarios available to the Leafs', however, I never thought Kadri would step up last night like he did , which goes to show that no matter the various options available to the Maple Leafs' management team, the "Naz Factor" is causing deep thought throughout the 'Nation of Leaf Fan.
SkyHawk
September 30, 2010
Last night Kadri received what many, including his coaches, perceived to be his final opportunity to crack the 2010-2011 Maple Leaf lineup and to his credit Kadri made the most of that opportunity while playing the left side on the top line in Versteeg's spot with Bozak and Kessel; he also played on the number one power-play unit with those same line-mates and Nazim played up to his billing and produced.
The Kadri Line: 3pts (2G, 1A); +/- Even; playing 16:36 minutes, including 7:18 of PP time.
Nazem's effort last night raises more questions for the Leafs';
- Was it enough to stay in the NHL?
- If the answer is "Yes" to question #1; does he play Center or Wing?
- If the answer is "Yes" to question #1; where do you put him? Burke is on record as saying "Kadri must crack the top two lines to stay."
- If the answer is "Yes" to question #1; who's demoted to the Marlies in place of Nazim?; who before last night was a sure lock for demotion.
- Does his effort last night warrant another pre-season start this Friday or Saturday verses Detroit?
Let's pretend for a moment that the Leafs' keep Kadri around when the season starts verses the Canadiens on October 7th. Even if Kadri only stays in the NHL for 9 games, it presents issues related to those 5 questions asked above.
There are some real challenges with line combination's should Kadri be thrown into the mix, such as question #2; center or wing? Given that the definitive answer may not be known until Sunday morning after the completion of the NHL pre-season; with that in mind I have laid out a few options available to the Leafs'; I will only deal with the forward units as this is the area affected should Kadri make this team out of camp??
OPTION #1 - 1st Line Wing Man: In this scenario Kadri would play on the left side of the #1 unit with Kessel/Bozak;
Line Combination's: (1) Kadri-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Grabovski-Versteeg; (3) MacArthur-Brent-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
OPTION #2 - 2nd Line Wing Man: In this scenario Kadri would play on the right side of the #2 unit with Grabovski/Kulemin;
Line Combination's: (1) Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Grabovski-Kadri; (3) MacArthur-Brent-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
OPTION #3 - 2nd Line Center: In this scenario Kadri would center the #2 unit with MacArthur/Kulemin;
Line Combination's: (1) Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Kadri-MacArthur; (3) Sjostrom-Grabovski-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
OPTION #4 - 3rd Line Center: In this scenario Kadri would center the #3 unit with Sjostrom/Armstrong;
Line Combination's: (1) Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; (2) Kulemin-Grabovski-MacArthur; (3) Sjostrom-Kadri-Armstrong; (4) Brown-Hanson-Orr
Note: In each scenario the #1 PP unit would be Versteeg-Bozak-Kessel; #2 PP unit would be Kulemin-Grabovski-Kadri
Personally I don't believe Nazim's defensive game, physicality and/or play away from the puck is such that Option #4 is really an option at all ; nor do I think his play while at center has been good enough to warrant bumping Grabovski from his current 2nd line center spot as illustrated in Option #3, so by process of elimination; IF Kadri hangs around it looks like Option #1 or #2 (being a 'wing-man') are the most likely scenarios available to the Leafs', however, I never thought Kadri would step up last night like he did , which goes to show that no matter the various options available to the Maple Leafs' management team, the "Naz Factor" is causing deep thought throughout the 'Nation of Leaf Fan.
SkyHawk
September 30, 2010
'Zak Beefed up and Ready:
Maple Leafs current number one center Tyler Bozak was the feature in an article on the Star.com website. In it 'Zak discusses the Stalberg trade as well as his new room-mate, Caputi. Tyler says, "He’s Italian and he said his family are good cooks and they’ll be bringing over some big things of pasta,”
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/856332--tyler-bozak-beefs-up-for-top-centre-job#article
SkyComment: 'Zak is in this bloggers opinion being under-valued by most of the so called experts but I believe in 2010-2011 he will continue the growth he showed in the 37 games he played in last year. I see him becoming the Top Six forward Burke believed he would be when he signed him out of college. Look for Bozak to benefit from the additional talent added this off season in that the Leafs will have two serviceable scoring lines, so other teams can't just focus on the B2K line (Bozak-Kessel-Kullie) ?? 'Zak will benefit from what should be an improved PP as well as the additional ice he'll receive by being one of the best in not the best face-off specialist on the team. This fan is looking for big things from Bo' this year, the Nation should be excited about the potential.
03/09/2010
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/856332--tyler-bozak-beefs-up-for-top-centre-job#article
SkyComment: 'Zak is in this bloggers opinion being under-valued by most of the so called experts but I believe in 2010-2011 he will continue the growth he showed in the 37 games he played in last year. I see him becoming the Top Six forward Burke believed he would be when he signed him out of college. Look for Bozak to benefit from the additional talent added this off season in that the Leafs will have two serviceable scoring lines, so other teams can't just focus on the B2K line (Bozak-Kessel-Kullie) ?? 'Zak will benefit from what should be an improved PP as well as the additional ice he'll receive by being one of the best in not the best face-off specialist on the team. This fan is looking for big things from Bo' this year, the Nation should be excited about the potential.
03/09/2010
In Burke We Trust
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had little to cheer about in the last 5 seasons, with the exception of hiring GM Brian Burke. Since that date, the Leafs have looked like a winning team in the making. We'll start by saying that before this past season, GM Brian Burke traded for 40 goal scorer, Phil Kessel, who lead the team in points and goals last season, with 55 points, despite playing only 70 games. Burke has made several acquisitions in the past season which included bringing in franchise defenceman, and your Toronto Maple Leafs Captain, Dion Phaneuf, as well as former Conn Smythe trophy winner, JS Giguere. And what was the cost of bringing these players in you ask? Well, the Leafs got rid of slumping, aging Jason Blake and his monsterous contract. They also got rid of a third liner at best in Matt Stajan, fourth liner Jamal Mayers, 5th defenceman, Ian White, and second liner at best, Niklas Hagman. All who are easily replacable, and have been replaced by General Manager Brian Burke. You know what they say Leaf fans, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Well, in this scenario, we got a nice golden treasure, and the Calgary Flames and Anaheim ducks got our trash, and nothing more. Brian Burke's team, ended the season as a new born team, despite finishing last in the conference, they were on a playoff pace after these trades on January 31st. Brian Burke later went on to draft seventh overall from the London Knight's Nazem Kadri. Who was fourth in the OHL in points, despite missing several games as he was representing Canada on the Junior's team. He finished 2nd in points per game, only behind first overall draft pick, Taylor Hall. What was the next move on Brian Burkes road to recovery? He traded a speedy Viktor Stalberg, who has offensive up side but not proven entirely, for a proven offensive talented, as well as solid defensive Kris Versteeg. The Maple Leafs also got prospect Bill Sweatt, who would have made this deal sweeter then sugar, but Brian Burke was unable to sign him. Later on during the off season, Burke signed free agent Colby Armstrong, who is expected to play a big role in the Maple Leafs defensive shut down line. Toronto also signed D man Brett Lebda on 1 year contract, giving time for Aulie and other defenceman to properly progress, without rushing them into play, in case of an injury. Also, defenceman Matt Lashoff was traded for, for a similar reason, and around the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs have some bait. Last but not least, Clarke MacArthur was signed, and will be a solid roster player, playing on the second or third line, bringing some grit as well as offense and great defense to a solid secondary team. Leaf fans are very confident in Brian Burke, one saying "In Burke We Trust." Another fan said, "Burke has a plan, and is following it." The Maple Leafs fan's, players, and organization are all on board and confident that General Manager Brian Burke knows exactly what he is doing. The trust comes from previous knowledge of how Burke built the ducks, in a similar fashion, and got them a Stanley Cup, and getting players from overseas such as Hiller. And also, in Vancouver, bringing them from nothing, into one of the best teams defensively, while drafting two very offensively skilled and talented players in the Sedin twins. If Burke continues down the road, doing what he is doing, the Maple Leafs will have a team with a serious shot at making the Stanley Cup finals in three years. The core of players is forming, but every team needs to "raise" it's own picks and players, and grabbing other's is much more expensive. So, with Aulie, D'amigo, Blackie, etc all in the making, the Leafs are looking for them to be fresh and ready in the not to near future. Until then, your Toronto Maple Leafs will continue to improve and get better as a unit, and "In Burke We Trust."
Leafer
September 6th, 2010
Leafer
September 6th, 2010
The Devil's in the Details??
Now that there appears, by all reports, in particularly TSN that the NHL and NHLPA have reached an agreement with regards to Contracts (Kovy) that appear to be circumventing the Cap. The Kovy deal will also be approved and accepted by the NHL as part of this agreement. This brings me to my point where the Leafs' are concerned;
With the Devils figured to be approx. 3.5M over the Cap there is chatter that the Devil's could be parting ways with their #1 Center, Travis Zajac, as well as several others. There is also some discussion out there that the Maple Leafs and Devil's will complete a multi-player swap in which the two primary players would be Thomas Kaberle and Travis Zajac. Obviously there are several issues with this potential deal, for example Kaberle's NTC and other players/prospects/picks needing to be included to not only make the deal work for both parties but to allow both to get under the Cap and # of Contract restrictions. Word is the Devil's were on the 'shortlist' of Teams passed to Burke last season so the thinking is, there is potential for Kaberle to waive and a deal gets done that could deliver a #1 Center to the Maple Leafs and at a price that does not tear apart the Burke Blueprint to Stanley.
SkyHawk
September 3, 2010
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With the Devils figured to be approx. 3.5M over the Cap there is chatter that the Devil's could be parting ways with their #1 Center, Travis Zajac, as well as several others. There is also some discussion out there that the Maple Leafs and Devil's will complete a multi-player swap in which the two primary players would be Thomas Kaberle and Travis Zajac. Obviously there are several issues with this potential deal, for example Kaberle's NTC and other players/prospects/picks needing to be included to not only make the deal work for both parties but to allow both to get under the Cap and # of Contract restrictions. Word is the Devil's were on the 'shortlist' of Teams passed to Burke last season so the thinking is, there is potential for Kaberle to waive and a deal gets done that could deliver a #1 Center to the Maple Leafs and at a price that does not tear apart the Burke Blueprint to Stanley.
SkyHawk
September 3, 2010
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Is Ryan in Play??
TMLinsight main blooger, 'Leafer' is reporting that the "Anaheim Ducks will be making an offer to Bobby Ryan in the next 48 hours. It will be their final offer, if Ryan does not accept, they will be shopping him. Unfortunately, it may be too late for Kaberle, its his call, this would leave Schenn as the likely man to go. Burke will do what he has to do in order to get the player our team really needs."
SkyComment: I understand that when trading there needs to be value for value but I am not sure I would allow Schenn to get away, even for a talent like Bobby Ryan.
02/09/2010
SkyComment: I understand that when trading there needs to be value for value but I am not sure I would allow Schenn to get away, even for a talent like Bobby Ryan.
02/09/2010
Nazem One to Watch:
The Bleacher Report (BR) list Toronto Maples 1st Round draft pick as one of the top 10 Rookies to watch in 2010-2011. The BR says, "Nazem Kadri makes the list of 10 rookies to watch because of his excellent showing in the World Juniors with Canada, and his magnificent season in the OHL with the London Knights, including a sensational postseason performance"
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/427659-10-rookies-to-watch-out-for-in-the-2010-11-nhl-season#page/2
SkyComment: Look for Kadri to come to Rookie camp loaded for bear; earning his way to the main camp. I believe he will make this team on his merits and not because of his draft position. It seems a little funny that the Leafs could 'potentially' have two rookies in their lineup come opening night if Jerry D’Amigo makes an impact??
02/09/2010
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/427659-10-rookies-to-watch-out-for-in-the-2010-11-nhl-season#page/2
SkyComment: Look for Kadri to come to Rookie camp loaded for bear; earning his way to the main camp. I believe he will make this team on his merits and not because of his draft position. It seems a little funny that the Leafs could 'potentially' have two rookies in their lineup come opening night if Jerry D’Amigo makes an impact??
02/09/2010
Grabovski
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been shopping Mikhail Grabovski for the past three days. He has received little to no interest from other teams. Tampa and Dallas have been offered Grabovski, as well as the Los Angeles Kings. Toronto wanted Moller, who is officially on the market, or Hickey, who is another good player. LA wants a player like Grabovski, with a better contract, and the LA ignored Burkes attempt to pick up one of the two. Grabovski, an offensive third line centreman, does not have a roster spot, according to Maple Leaf insiders, and is the odd man out. Toronto's third line is going to be a defensive shut down line, consisting of Sjostrom, Mitchell, and Armstrong, that is unless the Leafs can get the man they are looking for. Rumor has it that the Leafs want a third line centre, yes, another third line centre. This is an attempt to move Grabovski and Mitchell, and to rid of Grabbo's salary. Also, if the Leafs can grab a first line LW instead, Sjostrom will be knocked off the lineup, and the roster would be as follows: LW Bozak Kessel Kulimen Kadri Versteeg Macarthur Mitchell Armstrong Brown Hanson Orr. Thus once again leaving Grabovski off the team. Macarthur was also told that he will be receiving top six time, but Burke also said that this was as of now, and things could change and people may enter the roster.
Leafer
29/08/2010
Leafer
29/08/2010
Kadri Ready For the Show!!!
Nazem Kadri, the London Knight sensation, is the Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect. He is expected to make the club this coming season. He has been working hard this offseason and has put on 17 pounds, mostly in upper body strength. "I have to keep working hard...and give them a reason to put me on the top two lines." Kadri said in a recent interview. With a healthy Komisarek, a full season of Dion Phaneuf, and newly added Armstrong and MacArthur, the leafs have an incredibly tougher team then last year. "It's definately a safety factor," stated Kadri. "Being on the ice with those guys you can almost guarantee that nothing is going to happen. I can focus on my game and not anyone else." Said Kadri. "There is still a lot of work i have to do. If I am in the NHL, I have to keep working to stay in the NHL." Kadri is planning on making the lineup this season and is continuing to work. He will be ready to come to training camp in full gear, ready to show the fans, the players, and the organization what he really has to offer.
Leafer
02/09/2010
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=536742&navid=DL|TOR|home
Leafer
02/09/2010
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=536742&navid=DL|TOR|home
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follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/SkyzNest email Feedback to: [email protected]
