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!