Sep 23, 2009

My Thoughts On The 09/10 Leafs

Toronto this year seems to be heading in the direction of the light.... finally!!!

For years pervious Leafs teams have been missing something that is now a glaring fact, they have “young” speed and skill. This will help immensely on the forecheck, defence and in their transition game, another aspect of the game that Toronto was in dire need of improvement.

Toronto’s up front lineup is still lacking that killer point getter, they player that can change a game on his own, but that may come in time. The probability/possibility of adding a player like Phil Kessel to the team would be a huge boost. He could play on the top line and let Grabovski drop down to the 2nd line centre position, which would really help to fill out the Leafs offense.

Our problem right now is Toronto has an overload of 2nd/3rd line players under contract. Because of this competing with the Rangers, Pittsburgh, Washington or Philadelphia will be a challenge but at least competitive. The missing link is a true sniper on this roster. On the horizon is a trickle of new blood that one day might fill that role with players like Bozak and Stalberg (a JFjr. acquisition by the way), Kadri and others.

I’d really like to see Toronto leave Viktor Stalberg on this team because of his lightning speed... I feel he really should take the place of someone like Christian Hanson. Nazem Kadri has looked good so far in training camp and in fact wouldn’t look out of place on this team either.

I can actually see Stajan, Stempniak and White become trade bait to clear room for Kadri and/or Stalberg, I think this would be a good idea and give Stajan and Stempniak a new lease on their careers with another team. This would also keep the “new blood” flowing in Toronto .

Toronto’s defence is far more solid than some may think. Van Ryn had a rough season last year with multiple injuries, but looks fully healed and ready to get on track once again. The addition of Beauchemin, Exelby, Komisarek and the ever steady Kaberle and young Schenn things are solid on D. Ian White is a very versatile player that took regular shifts as a forward. This makes him a compelling case to be part of a trade deal to bolster the front of Toronto’s lineup. He is in fact rumoured to be part of the package for Phil Kessel.

A healthy Vesa Toskala will be the Leafs starter coming into this season but Jonas Gustavsson will be challenging him all year long, so Vesa has to keep on his toes and steal some games or he’ll be sitting on the bench for 30-40 games this year.

We might not be contending for the cup just this year, but we will be one of the 5 or 6 team’s competing fiercely for that final 8 spot. Now if a guy like Kessel comes on board we could move that position up one or two.

All and all; I think we do have much to be excited about this year unlike any other year, and it’s about time to.

Thoughts/comments are always welcome.

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