Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Buyers or Sellers? Probably Sellers

I know the trade deadline is not until March, but with the Olympic schedule freeze, there are really not that many games between now and the trade deadline. So who can the Leafs trade? When you think Toronto Maple Leafs, you don't think "talent" you think "disappointment"...at least I do...while I cry myself to sleep. Anyways, despite this, there is some players on the Leafs that can provide perhaps a draft pick, which the Leafs so desperately need. As far as I see, there are 2 untouchables on this team: Luke Schenn and Phil Kessel (I guess 3 untouchables if you want to include Nazem Kadri).

Tomas Kaberle- Obvious, it's been talked about for years, but he won't waive his No-Trade Clause and Burke won't ask him to. However, since making that statement, Kaberle's ice time has decreased: coincidence? He is probably the Leafs biggest asset, he can be the difference between being eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and making it to the finals. I would hate to see him go, but the Leafs can get something decent for him, potentially a first-round pick.

Vesa Toskala- Who'd take Toskala after his performance this season? Well...let's look at the Calgary Flames, they have no faith in their back-up goaltender (as evident in last night's 9-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks). However, the Flames do not have enough cap room, they made need to include a player to fit him under the cap, I don't know if that will happen, but you never know.

Ian White- He does it all: defense, forward, and goalie! He has been an outstanding (cheap) defenseman for the Leafs. If the Leafs can't sign him by the trade deadline, trade him, you can't lose him for nothing. A team needing more help on the blue line would really appreciate what White can offer.

Niklas Hagman- He has just broke his goalless drought. He is a streaky goal scorer, however he is leading the Leafs in goals right now. He has 18 of them. He is very creative with the puck and would be a decent 2nd line player. He could help out a team in need of secondary scoring.

Alexei Ponikarovsky- The "Big Pony" has been fairly decent this season. He can be an affective goal scorer as long as he is surrounded by the right line mates. Perhaps he'd look good in Nashville.

For now, this is what the Leafs have to deal with. We will see if Burke can work some trade deadline magic. Until next time Leafs Nation, good night and take care!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Midseason "Awards"

At this point in the season, the Leafs are an abysmal 15-23-9 coming off a horrible 4-2 loss against Carolina. However, in this blog, I want to take a look at the Leafs who have been surprising, disappointing, and what not.

Let's start off with the nasties: Disappointing!:

First off, Mike Komisarek. The former Habs defenseman was signed by the Leafs to a five-year $22.5 million contract. I am well aware that he was not signed to be an offensive defenseman, however, it's his terrible timing in getting penalties, and his consistency in giving away the puck. It's no wonder Montreal was so eager to get rid of him. He currently gets booed by Montreal fans...if he continues this way, Leaf fans will be joining them.

Vesa Toskala- Let's face it, this guy is not getting re-signed by another NHL team after his contract expires. He is horribly inconsistent. Sure he has hot streaks where he looks like he's unstoppable, but then his confidence shatters and he'll let in goals like this:

and his confidence shatters like a high school kid getting rejected by his crush. I'm sorry Vesa but you are not worth the draft picks we traded to get you. Maybe he looked like a good goalie a few years ago...but comparing him to Raycroft, of course Vesa looks good.

Jason Blake- Anyone who thought Blake would repeat his 40-goal performance from the Island when he came to Toronto is off their rocker. I will admit, he does work hard, out of all the guys on the ice, he fights to at least TRY to score. However, if the Leafs are looking to make the playoffs, you cannot depend on a guy like Blake. Blake was at his best when he played Dominic Moore, and vice versa. I know Moore maybe wanted too much on his contract, but I still think it was a mistake to trade him.

Surprising:

Ian White- He does it all: he plays defense, he plays offense, and he plays goalie! Watch out Vesa, White may have your job soon!

His contract expires this season. Hand the guy $2 million and keep him on the team! This guy is worth it!

Tomas Kaberle- This guy has been on the Leafs for years. He is currently 10th in all-time points for the Leafs and 2nd in Defensemen, only behind Borje Salming. I personally Kaberle should be captain. He's a great leader, and definitely can set an example for the young'uns...the Leafs need a leader...badly! Interesting about Kaberle, he has the most points of anyone in the NHL with less than 100 goals. Also, Kaberle only has 73 career goals...7 of those are overtime winners! Not bad for a guy drafted in the 8th round (204th overall).

Jonas Gustavsson- Now, I know he is no Marty Brodeur, or Roberto Luongo, but for a guy coming in from Sweden and having to learn how to play on North American ice surfaces, he has not done bad. He still has trouble handling the pucks but he is learning. At 25 years old, if the Leafs don't trade him away for a bag of pucks like they tend to do with decent players, Gustavsson could be a great starting goalie for Toronto for many years to come.



Well that it is for now. I know some of you are thinking what about Kessel? He's been a disappointment....well I say "no!" Remember, he did not have a training camp, and I mean, everyone goes through slumps, Kessel will be back up and scoring in no time. Patience is the key with some of these young Leafs! So until next time...keep your head up high fellow Leafers!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year, New Beginnings?

So far in this calendar year, the Leafs are 1-1-0. For the second time this season the Leafs beat Florida after erasing a 2 goal deficit. And once again, Jonas Gustavsson was outstanding! After allowing 2 quick McCabe (grrrrr) goals: Stempniak, Kaberle, and Ponikarovsky score 3 straight to give the Leafs the win!

Kulemin has stood out for me the last month or so. He has shown great defensive skill as well as great offensive skill, definitely one of the better 2-way players the Leafs have. Kulemin seems to be playing comfortably in the NHL now.

Francois Beauchemin saved the game for the Leafs. After a really DUMB play in the offensive zone, the Panthers had a 3 on 1 against Ian White. Beauchemin rushed back into the play just on time to deflect the shot away from the net on a shot that would've gone in for sure.

Overall, the Leafs played a lot better tonight than they have over the last couple of games.

I'm going to cut this one short because the World Junior Finals are on, and it is unbelievably exciting!!! GO CANADA GO!!!