Leafs Make Second Round of Cuts

The Leafs made 17 cuts to their training camp roster on Saturday afternoon, along with placing 4 players on waivers.

Jesse Blacker, Sam Carrick, Andrew Crescenzi and Brad Ross were all sent back to their respective junior teams, while Jussi Rynnas, Ben Scrivens, Keith Aulie, Mike Brennan, Simon Gysbers, Korbinian Holzer, Juraj Mikus, Jerry D’Amigo, Brayden Irwin, Marcel Mueller, Greg Scott and Robert Slaney have been assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

Darryl Boyce, Joey Crabb, Alex Foster and Ryan Hamilton all cleared waivers on Sunday afternoon before being assigned to the Marlies.

Following the list of cuts, the Leafs current roster includes 3 goaltenders, 10 defenseman and 17 forwards. Here is the official roster:

02 Luke Schenn
03 Dion Phaneuf
04 Jeff Finger
08 Mike Komisarek
09 Colby Armstrong
11 Fredrik Sjostrom
15 Tomas Kaberle
16 Clarke MacArthur
18 Mike Brown
20 Christian Hanson
22 Francois Beauchemin
23 Brett Lebda
26 Mike Zigomanis
28 Colton Orr
29 Matt Lashoff
32 Kris Versteeg
33 Luca Caputi
34 James Reimer
35 Jean-Sebastien Giguere
36 Carl Gunnarsson
37 Tim Brent
38 Jay Rosehill
39 John Mitchell
41 Nikolai Kulemin
42 Tyler Bozak
43 Nazem Kadri
49 Danny Richmond
50 Jonas Gustavsson
81 Phil Kessel
84 Mikhail Grabovski

Game Day: Leafs vs. Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs kick off the season tonight in a highly anticipated exhibition matchup against the Ottawa Senators. The game gets underway at 7:00 pm at the Air Canada Centre.

The Leafs enter the pre-season with expectations of making the playoffs after falling short last season. On the other side, the Senators continued to bolster their team into a perennial playoff contender by signing Sergei Gonchar in the off season. Both teams will showcase their core of younger players in the pre-season to give them an indication of where they fit in the organization.

Tonight’s game is the third annual ‘Free Leafs Game’, sponsored by Coke Zero. Fans across the GTA have been lining up for contests and scouring for Coke products throughout the summer in hopes of winning tickets to the game. Tonight is when the true Leafs fans come out.

Ron Wilson is expected to rest his veteran players, namely Tomas Kaberle and Jean-Sebastien Giguere, during the pre-season so they are ready for the regular season.

Wilson also said that he expects to trim the Leafs roster down to 26 players (15 forwards, 8 defenseman and 3 goaltenders) by next Sunday. This means some players won't even see the ice in exhibition games. More high profile prospects like Nazem Kadri, Marcel Mueller and Jerry D'Amigo will play the majority if games so Leafs management can determine whether any of them are NHL ready.

Jonas Gustavsson is expected to start in tonight net for Toronto, while either Brian Elliot or Robin Lehner will go for Ottawa.

Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Sergei Gonchar, Alex Kovalev, Pascal Leclaire, Mike Fisher, Chris Phillips and Milan Michalek are all healthy scratches for tonight's game. Nothing official has been reported, but I'm hearing that Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Tomas Kaberle, Mike Komisarek, Mikhail Grabovski, Fredrik Sjostrom and John Mitchell are all sitting out for Toronto.

Experiencing success in the pre-season doesn't necessarily dictate how a team will play when the real games start. Just look at Toronto’s record last year. Furthermore, boasting a lowly record in the exhibition schedule could still translate into a winning season.

The game can be seen on Rogers Sportsnet in Ontario or on the www.mapleleafs.com live stream. For those who are not near a television., AM640 Radio will have play-by-play commentary of all the action, followed by 'Leaf Talk' hosted by Andy Frost. You can also follow us on Twitter @leafsnationweb for updates from the Air Canada Centre.

Tonight is the first of nine regular season games over a span of 12 days for the Leafs. There will be nighly Leafs hockey action leading up to the start of the regular season on October 7th, so things will start to get busy around here. Mike Komisarek puts it best: “Let’s drop that puck,” defenceman Mike Komisarek said. “Let’s get going.”

Fredrik Sjostrom 2010-11 Preview

The monumental trade between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames on January 31st brought hope to the blue and white, namely in the form of Dion Phaneuf and to a lesser extent, prospect Keith Aulie. The dark horse player included in the swap was Fredrik Sjostrom, who’s presence on the penalty kill has paid immediate dividends. The Leafs still finished with the 30th ranked penalty kill in the NHL, but expectations were increased after Sjostrom was acquired.

Aside from killing penalties and shutting down the opposition, Sjostrom has great speed and pursuit of the puck. He has a sizeable frame at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, although doesn’t use his size to his advantage. In order for the former first round pick to maximize his potential, he needs to finish all of his checks and use his reach to create more scoring opportunities.

One of the more prominent reasons for concern that the Leafs have is their lack of success on both special teams. Off season acquisitions like Kris Versteeg and Clarke MacArthur were brought in to help bolster the power play, while Sjostrom is the most notable addition in the past year to help the PK. Along with Tim Brent and Colby Armstrong, Sjostrom will anchor the top PK line for the Leafs. He hopes to generate the same success that he experienced when he led the New York Rangers in minutes played on the penalty kill during the 2008-09 season when the team finished 1st in the entire NHL with a 87.8% penalty killing success rate.

Based on the Leafs 74.6% success rate last season, anything in between that and the Rangers 87.8% rate from two seasons ago would be considered an improvement. With a stronger goaltending tandem and a healthy group of defenseman, the penalty kill would be better even without Sjostrom in the lineup. He is bring in to among the top 10 in the league in order for the Leafs to elevate themselves into the post-season picture.

The 27-year old will likely never reach the status expected from a first round pick, although he wasn’t acquired for that reason. Brian Burke and Ron Wilson need him to play a sound defensively game night in and night out. Sjostrom is entering the prime of his career with his fourth NHL organization and hopes to bring his special teams element to get the Leafs back into the playoffs for the first time in six years.

2009-10 Statistics
65 games, 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points, 12 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
75 games, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points, 18 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Can Sjostrom recreate the success he achieved on the penalty kill during his stint with the New York Rangers?

2 – Do you think Sjostrom uses his size to his advantage on the offensive side of the puck?

3 – Will the Leafs re-sign Sjostrom during the season or rely on younger players to step up and anchor the penalty kill?

Tim Brent 2010-11 Preview

The story of Tim Brent’s journey to the National Hockey League does not represent the conventional path taken by most players. After developing in Canadian junior hockey leagues or United States college hockey, players usually ply their trade in the American Hockey League, before proving their worth in the NHL. Brent’s accent to the big leagues follows a much different storyline.

Coming off a solid 35-point campaign with the Cambridge Winterhawks Jr. B hockey team, Brent was drafted second overall, two spots ahead of Columbus Blue Jackets sniper Rick Nash, in the 2000 Ontario Hockey League Priority Draft by the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.

Brent played four seasons with the Majors, where he scored 220 points in 238 regular season games. He also tallied 70 points in 69 OHL playoff games. Following the 2001-02 season, Brent was selected 37th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks did not sign Brent within two years from his draft date, so he became a free agent, which prompted him to re-enter the NHL draft.

In his second go around with the draft, the Ducks once again drafted Brent, but instead chose him with the 75th overall pick in the 2004 Draft. He joined the club’s farm team – the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks – in the fall of 2004 and went on to score a marginal 18 points in 46 games. He built on his rookie season by posting 24-and-30 point seasons with the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League. Brent earned a 15-game audition with the big club during the 2006-07 season, where he had only one goal.

After a fairly quiet NHL call up with the Ducks, Brent was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins during the summer of 2007 for Stephen Dixon, who is currently playing in the Swedish Elite League. Brent lit up the AHL that season, scoring 61 points in 74 games. He was recalled by the Penguins for one game during the season.

As if he wasn’t already frustrated, Brent was traded to his third organization in three years when the Penguins shipped him to Chicago in exchange for Danny Richmond. Then 24 years old, Brent began to realize that the window of opportunity for him to make the NHL was closing and he would likely serve as a career minor-leaguer.

Brent entered a contract year in the 2008-09 season with the Rockford Ice Hogs and scored at close to a point-per-game pace with 62 points in 64 games. He was rewarded for his stellar play with a one-year contract from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brent had 28 points in 33 games during an injury riddled season and also earned a late season call up with the Leafs.

The Leafs re-signed Brent for one more season to give him another opportunity to play a leading role on the Toronto Marlies. He had an outstanding training camp and pre-season, which cemented his spot on the Maple Leafs roster. The 6-foot, 197-pound centre doesn’t excel in any particular area, but is technically sound and specializes in killing penalties.

Despite some criticism directed as the Leafs coaching staff for not retaining Christian Hanson, the blue and white appeared to have made the right choice by keeping Brent around to help the team in the short term. At only 26 years old, with six AHL seasons under his belt, Brent is finally seizing the opportunity to contribute as a regular in the NHL. Fulfilling his life-long goal with his favourite team growing up is even more rewarding.

Tim Brent just hopes he is here to stay.

2009-10 Statistics
33 games, 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, 19 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
72 games, 12 goals, 10 assists, 28 points, 32 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 - Do you think Tim Brent deserved to make the Leafs roster instead of Christian Hanson?

2 - How many points do you think Brent will score this season?

3 - Will the line of Fredrik Sjostrom, Tim Brent and Colby Armstrong significantly bolster the Leafs penalty kill?

Colby Armstrong 2010-11 Preview

When the Leafs signed former Pittsburgh Penguin and Atlanta Thrasher Colby Armstrong to a 3-year, $9 million on July 1st, there was mixed reviews from fans about the signing. Armstrong would be a key player on any team because he has a unique ability to agitate the opposition and also score clutch goals. However, his offensive potential is limited and will never be considered a legitimate top six forward.

Most people would label Armstrong has a solid third line right winger who can fill in on the top two lines if needed, and would also play on both special teams. The substantial price tag aside, Armstrong is a useful player who has played alongside world class players like Sidney Crosby and Ilya Kovalchuk. His past experience playing with immensely talented players bodes well for his chances of earning ice time with Phil Kessel this season.

The 6-foot-2, 195 pound forward has posted double digits in goals in all 5 of his NHL seasons. He also notched 22 goals and 40 points during the 2008-09 season while playing for the Atlanta Thrashers. Barring injury, Armstrong can be expected to come close to scoring 40 points, although could fall short if the Leafs have another dreary season. The former first round pick in 2001 entered training camp at only 27 years old, so he may have some untapped potential.

The former first round pick’s impact will be felt most in a defensive role, where he is being counted on to significantly improve the Leafs penalty kill that ranked 30th with a 68% success rate last year. Along with Fredrik Sjostrom and Christian Hanson/John Mitchell, Armstrong rounds out a very formidable third line.

The off season acquisitions of Kris Versteeg and Clarke MacArthur have overshadowed the Armstrong signing, but can be seen as a positive for Colby to fly somewhat under the radar. Even from his days in junior and the American Hockey League until his time in Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby, Colby Armstrong has always flown under the radar and doesn’t want that to change one bit during his time in Toronto. He embraces his role and brings a skill set that is a vital component needed to build a championship team.

2009-10 Statistics
79 games, 15 goals, 14 assists, 29 points, 61 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
81 games, 16 goals, 18 assists, 34 points, 64 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Colby Armstrong is capable of playing a top six role or is he better suited as a third line grinder?

2 – How many points do you expect Armstrong to score this season?

3 – Is Armstrong worth the steep $3 million salary that the Leafs are paying him?

Clarke MacArthur 2010-11 Preview

The Maple Leafs were expected to acquire at least one first line winger during the off season, either through trade or free agency, however they opted for a more inexpensive, unproven player in Clarke MacArthur. He was signed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal on August 28th, following the Atlanta Thrashers decision to walk away from his $2.4 million arbitration award.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward scored 35 points in 81 games last season, so a $1.1 million salary is relatively cheap for a player of his ilk. Considering his average ice time last season (14:39) and his age (25 years old), MacArthur should be on to produce upwards of 40 points in a top six role for the Leafs. One area that MacArthur must improve was his dismal -16 plus/minus rating last season.

MacArthur is a responsible two-way player with solid offensive instincts, but struggles with consistency. For him to find consistent success, Ron Wilson should pair MacArthur with a playmaking centre, such as Mikhail Grabovski, who can feed the puck to Clarke and create more scoring chances.

The native of Lloydminster, Alberta was perhaps the best dollar-for-dollar signing in the off season. The majority of 40-45 point players are making well over $2 million per season, so the Leafs have a potential steal who can add another element to the team’s already formidable group of forwards. Tyler Bozak will likely centre the top line alongside Phil Kessel and Kris Versteeg, while Mikhail Grabovski will play on the second line with Clarke MacArthur and Nikolai Kulemin.

If MacArthur manages to stay consistent throughout the season, Leaf fans with be crediting Brian Burke with waiting until the latter part of August to sign MacArthur, as opposed to overspending for a veteran player on July 1st. There is no indication that MacArthur will be part of Toronto’s long term plans, but his offensive presence in the interim will help contribute to the Leafs pursuit of regaining respectability.

2009-10 Statistics
81 games, 16 goals, 19 assists, 35 points, 49 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
79 games, 18 goals, 22 assists, 40 points, 32 penalty mintutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think the Leafs got fair value for MacArthur at $1.1 million this season?

2 – Can MacArthur top the 40-point plateau in a top six role or is he better suited as a third line winger?

3 – Would you rather MacArthur get top six minutes or a younger player including the likes of Luca Caputi or Marcel Mueller?

Mikhail Grabovski 2010-11 Preview

Last season proved to be a difficult one for second year Leafs - namely Luke Schenn and John Mitchell. Although, they weren’t the only players on the Leafs who struggled at times. Third-year player Mikhail Grabovski had his ups and down last season, but off-ice troubles and an injured wrist midway through the season essentially wrote his year off and left the team wanting more from their projected second line centre.

Grabovski is one of the only remaining Leafs acquired in the Cliff Fletcher era. The Leafs originally sent defensive prospect Greg Pateryn and a second round draft pick to Montreal, which was in turn flipped to Chicago in exchange for veteran centre Robert Lang. Pateryn is a sturdy 6-2, 212-pound defenseman who is entering his third season with the University of Michigan.

It has been two-and-a-half years since the trade, but no real judgements can be made until Greg Pateryn makes it to the NHL, if ever, and if Grabovski rebounds this season. At this point, the trade looks fairly even judging by the fact that Grabovski has put up a solid 48-point season already and Montreal has a promising prospect on the rise. With Robert Lang no longer playing in the NHL, the Canadiens have nothing to show for in the short term, but may win the trade down the road.

Grabovski can prove his critics wrong by starting the season strong and staying healthy all year. His penchant for being soft and shying away in the corners has affected his ability to rack up points. However, he excels when carrying the puck into the offensive zone and dishing it off to his linemates for a shot. Grabovski has slick hands and a strong wrist shot, but that will only take him so far. If he plays with a more physical linemate like Colby Armstrong, he can focus on the skill aspect of the game as opposed to doing the dirty work.

Judging by his skill set and previous point total of 48 points, Grabovski is capable of scoring 55-60 points this season if he plays in all 82 games. Failing that, he can be leaned on for at least 40 points.

Toronto is criticized for their lack of size and experience at centre, so Grabovski is on the hot seat to produce in a second line role. If he is unable to meet those standards, all signs point to him being shipped out the door. Brian Burke wants to round out his top six forwards with skilled players who can fulfill their specific roles. Grabovski will be given every opportunity to shine, but at the same time, is on a short leash if he underperforms.

So many questions surround Grabovski, including the alleged assault charges on a incident that occurred during the Vancouver Olympics in February, that leave the team questioning his place in the organization. His play in the short term will determine if he will be part of the team’s long term plan.

2009-10 Statistics
59 games, 10 goals, 25 assists, 35 points, 10 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
75 games, 22 goals, 36 assists, 58 points, 30 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Grabovski can rebound after a negative season last year and build on his 48-point season this year?

2 – How many points do you realistically think Grabovski can score?

3 – Would you rather have Nazem Kadri or another prospect centre the Leafs second line than Mikhail Grabovski?

Nikolai Kulemin 2010-11 Preview

The Leafs don’t have any legitimate first line scorers – with the exception of Phil Kessel – so secondary players like Nikolai Kulemin are expected to step up and fill the void. The 24-year old left winger is entering his third NHL season, after posting back-to-back campaigns of at least 30 points. The Leafs are banking on Kulemin to top the 20 goal, 45 point mark playing on the first two lines.

Like many of the players on Toronto, Kulemin was slow out of the gate last season and only scored 3 points in his first 15 games. He elevated his play by doubling his pace to 6 points in the preceding 15 games. Then he had 8 points in the next 15 games for a total of 17 points in 45 games. Based on these figures, Kulemin was on pace for 31 goals pro-rated (82 games). However, he finished with 36 points, which shows just how well he played in the second half. If Kulemin can continue his upward progression to start this season, he can realistically be expected to score between 40 and 45 points.

Along with his offensive abilities, Kulemin also prides himself in being a complete player by contributing on the penalty kill, where he averaged 1:14 of shorthanded ice time per game last season. He also scored 1 shorthanded goals. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but looking deeper at another stat explains where Kulemin is most effective. Last season, he took only 5 penalties and drew 23 from the opposition. Those numbers led the Leafs for the best penalties taken/drawn ratio.

The 6-foot-1, 225 pound power forward uses his large frame to overpower opponents in the corners and forecheck the opposition on both special teams. He will never be expected to score on a point-per-game pace, but makes up for that with his exceptional two-way play.

Head Coach Ron Wilson has already stated that Kulemin will start the season alongside Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel. This is a potential method for success based on the results that the trio produced in the final 30 games last season. Kulemin has started off slow the past two seasons, so the Leafs hope he can right the ship by playing with familiar linemates.

With two years of experience under his belt, Nikolai Kulemin is finally settling into Toronto and is poised to breakout into one of the best two-way forwards in the league.

2009-10 Statistics
78 games, 16 goals, 20 assists, 36 points, 16 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
79 games, 24 goals, 21 assists, 45 points, 20 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Kulemin will start on a line with Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel to replicate the success they had last season?

2 – How many points do you think Kulemin will score this year?

3 – Can Kulemin have a better start this season after starting slow last year?

Final Rookie Camp Thoughts

The Leafs official training camp is already underway, but I wanted to post my final thoughts on the annual Rookie Tournament that took place last weekend.

• Jussi Rynnas has a very projectable frame and covers a substantial amount of the net. His lateral movement and positioning are his key assets. Look for him to earn a few call ups to the Leafs this season.
• Ben Scrivens is also a sizeable goaltender who impressed with a sound butterfly style in his only appearance. He still needs at least one season in the minor leagues.
• Andrew Engelage had a tough break against the Ottawa Senators in the Leafs final game of the tournament. Looks like a future number one goaltender in the AHL.
• Jesse Blacker was one of the Leafs best defenseman and impressed me with his outstanding work ethic and puck moving skills.
• Simon Gysbers and Korbinian Holzer will both play in the AHL next season, but are potential top four studs in the NHL down the road. Both have great size.
• Former seventh round pick Barron Smith is a project but a potential steal from the later rounds. Has raw skills and willing to get physical in the corners.
• Drew Paris drew some attention as a tryout player.
• Brad Ross is the next coming of Darcy Tucker. Skill, grit and heart.
• Dale Mitchell and Sam Carrick both had good speed and weren't afraid to drop the mitts.
• Newly signed Marcel Mueller and late round pick Sondre Olden remind me of Viktor Stalberg and both could get a shot at a top nine role for Toronto in the future.
• Greg McKegg and Jerry D'Amigo are both only one year away from full time roles in the NHL.
• Brayden Irwin owns a big league shot, but his skating deficiencies with limit him from making an impact with the Leafs.
• Hate to say it, but Mike Liambas is an effective fighter and deserves a shot in the AHL or ECHL. Challenged Jay Rosehill to a fight in the Leafs main camp.
• Finally, Nazem Kadri showed flashes of brilliance but didn't dominate play. Possibly he was giving a sneak peek of what he would display at the Leafs official training camp.

Let the games begin!

Kris Versteeg 2010-11 Preview

Kris Versteeg was acquired to provide versatility and a dose of edge in a top six role for the Leafs. He comes from Chicago with a winning resume; which includes a Calder Trophy nominee, Stanley Cup ring and impressive lyrical skills (wait, does that count?). He has also posted back-to-back twenty goal seasons and has tallied 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 39 playoff games.

Despite being only 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Versteeg is known to mix it up in the corners and is not afraid to play on the edge. His two-way instincts put him in a good position to play a prominent role on both special teams for the Leafs. Versteeg played a supporting role with the Blackhawks last season, sliding between the second and third lines. In Toronto, he will be counted on to play between 17 to 19 minutes per game, compared to his 15 to 16 minutes per game average last season.

With his ice time expected to increase by two or three minutes, a 25 goal, 55 point season is not out of the question. Some are even projecting Versteeg to hit the 60 point barrier if he plays on the first line alongside Phil Kessel. Either way, his offensive skills are his best asset and his edginess makes up for his lack of size.

Versteeg was shifted around throughout the regular season and playoffs by Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and played with a variety of players in the process. This shows his versatility and ability to develop chemistry with all types of players. In the early stages of the season, expect Versteeg to audition with every player, but eventually settle into a second line scoring role alongside either Nazem Kadri or Mikhail Grabovski at centre. Versteeg typically played with Andrew Ladd last season, so playing with a player like Nikolai Kulemin would give him a similar fit.

On the other hand, the Leafs will be able to max his potential playing with Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel on the first line. This option will more likely come to fruition down the stretch when the team is fighting to make the playoffs. However, the trio will likely be separated for the majority of the season to keep the scoring balance on an already thin group of forwards.

The Leafs organization is banking on Kris Versteeg to follow up from last season’s success and bring his wealth of experience to a playoff atmosphere. He is only 24 years old, but will provide a calming influence in big games for some of the younger players who were playing bantam hockey the last time the Leafs made the playoffs.

2009-10 Statistics
79 games, 20 goals, 24 assists, 44 points, 35 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
82 games, 25 goals, 33 assists, 58 points, 31 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Will Kris Versteeg start the season on the Maple Leafs first line?

2 – How many points do you think Versteeg will score this season?

3 – Will his wealth of talent and experience in big games help propel the Leafs into the playoffs?

Tyler Bozak 2010-11 Preview

Tyler Bozak was a highly sought after free agent out of the University of Denver, where he scored 57 points in 60 collegiate games. The Leafs were one of 24 teams involved in the Bozak sweepstakes and ultimately won the right to sign him after offering him the chance to play in the NHL right away.

Bozak impressed with 5 points in 6 preseason games last year, along with a plus-2 rating, before being sent to the Toronto Marlies. An early bout with the H1N1 influenza caused Bozak to lose 10 pounds, which ultimately affected his performance in the AHL. He scored 4 goals and 20 points in 32 games with the Marlies. The 6-foot-1, 195 pound centre notched one assist in an early season call up, before being sent back down to the farm.

When Mikhail Grabovski went down with a wrist injury in early January, Tyler Bozak was given a chance to play a top six role in his place. Producing at a steady rate with 4 points in his first 5 games, Bozak was promoted to first line duties following the Dion Phaneuf trade – that saw Matt Stajan get shipped off to Calgary.

Bozak played the final few months of the season centering Phil Kessel and Nikolai Kulemin. He finished the season with 27 points in 37 games, placing him 11th in NHL rookie scoring. If you pro rate those numbers on an 82-game schedule, Bozak would have scored 59 points and placed first in rookie scoring.

The Leafs are often criticized for their lack of experience at centre, but Bozak committed to gaining muscle in the off season in order to matchup against other top centres in the league. At 24 years old, Bozak also is more mature than most sophomore players, which bodes well for him and his bid to repeat his stellar rookie season. If he starts the season on the same line as Phil Kessel, Bozak can be expected to tally over 20 goals and 30 assists. He will also play on the powerplay and penalty kill for the blue and white.

Undrafted college free agents often turn out to be flops or marginal NHL players (i.e. Christian Hanson), but based on his confidence during his rookie season, Bozak has proven that he can be counted on to play a leading role on the rebuilding Leafs team.

2009-10 Statistics
37 games, 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, 6 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
82 games, 22 goals, 36 assists, 58 points, 14 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Is Tyler Bozak the Leafs best suited centre to play with Phil Kessel?

2 – Will Bozak build on his success from last season or suffer from a sophomore slump?

3 – How many points will Bozak score for the Leafs this season?

Phil Kessel 2010-11 Preview

It was just under a year ago that the Leafs sent two first round picks and a second to the Boston Bruins in exchange for 21-year old sniper Phil Kessel. Fast forward one year later, Kessel is entering his second season with the Leafs with high expectations for himself. After posting back-to-be seasons with at least 30 goals, Kessel will be counted on to top the 40 mark to give the Leafs a chance of making the playoffs.

Kessel scored a modest 55 points last season in only 70 games, so a significant point increase is to be expected. However, those are quality numbers for missing training camp and the first month of the season. The 6-foot, 190 pound winger started strong out of the gate last season with an impressive 5 goals and 8 points in his first 7 games. He continued his strong play throughout November and into December, although his production significantly dropped off after December 18th, in which he went pointless in six straight games and then only 2 goals in 21 games.

Kessel regained his scoring touch in mid-January last season and maintained a steady pace throughout the remainder of the schedule, although often looked tired after shifts last season as he skated back to the bench. Appearing to wear down over the course of 70 games, Kessel will significantly benefit from a productive off season of working himself back into game shape. His first training camp in Toronto will prove as a beginning step to a successful and productive season. He can no longer cite his lack of preparation due to missing training camp in 2009 as a reason for not playing up to standards.

The acquisition of Dion Phaneuf last January helped the team in more ways than one. As seen towards the latter part of the season, teams are assigning their penalty killers to cover Phaneuf on the blueline, which leaves Kessel open on the half boards. Kessel will be relied on to improve his numbers on the powerplay this season and salvage the Leafs special teams out from the basement of the National Hockey League.

Depending on Ron Wilson’s impression of the Leafs in training camp, Kessel may or may not start the season on a line with Nikolai Kulemin and Tyler Bozak. The trio produced last season and may bode well to start the season on an enhanced Leafs forward group. The additions of Kris Versteeg, Colby Armstrong, Clarke McArthur and Mike Brown will all add a different element to the team, but it will take time to develop chemistry. Playing a familiar line of Kulemin, Bozak and Kessel will at least prove to be a reliable line if the other lines are inconsistent in the beginning.

Despite not playing in a full season, Kessel managed to crack the top 20 in goals, along with leading the Leafs in scoring. The former 5th overall pick can be expected to score over 40 goals and 70 points. He isn’t the biggest or toughest guy, but ‘Phil The Thrill’ has a deadly combination of skating, shooting and quick hands. This is a crucial year for Kessel to prove himself to Leaf fans that he was worth three high draft picks. He can erase that memory by leading the blue and white back into the postseason.

2009-10 Statistics
70 games, 30 goals, 25 assists, 55 points, 21 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
81 games, 42 goals, 30 assists, 72 points, 22 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Will Phil Kessel top the 40-goal mark or repeat with another 30-goal campaign?

2 – Do you think Kessel will start the season playing on a line with Tyler Bozak and Nikolai Kulemin?

3 – Can Kessel maintain his form throughout or slowdown towards the latter part of the season?

Previewing the Leafs Rookie Tournament

After another missed opportunity last season that led to an extended off season, the Leafs are back in action tonight with their annual Rookie Tournament. The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at 7:00 pm the John Labatt Centre in London, Ont. Along with the Leafs and Blackhawks, the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins are also participating in the tournament.

The Leafs prospects practiced this morning, which was followed by the Penguins facing off against the Senators, who kicked off the tournament today at 2:00 pm. The Leafs will also take on Pittsburgh tomorrow at 7:00 pm and Ottawa on Tuesday at 7:00 pm.

The annual tournament gives teams an opportunity to watch their top prospects compete against other teams’ top prospects. It also gives players a chance to impress the coaching staff and potentially vie for a spot in the National Hockey League.

Recently signed Finn Jussi Rynnas, who posted a 14-13-1 record in the SM-Liiga last season, will start in net for Toronto. All three goalies will see action during the tournament, with Ben Scrivens expected to start tomorrow night’s game against Pittsburgh and Andrew Engelage to play on Tuesday against Ottawa. Rynnas is expected to split time with James Reimer on the Toronto Marlies this season, while Scrivens and Engelage need seasoning in the East Coast Hockey League.

Perhaps the most heralded prospect in this weekend’s tournament is Nazem Kadri, who will play in front of the hometown fans in London tonight. After bulking up to 188 pounds in the off season, Kadri will be back with a vengeance and vying for a spot on the Maple Leafs out of training camp.

Recent draft picks Bradley Ross (2010 Draft, 43rd overall) and Greg McKegg (62nd overall) with dress for the Leafs, while member of the German Olympic Team Marcel Mueller will also skate for Toronto. Former Erie Otter Michael Liambas, who performed the vicious hit on Kitchener Rangers defenseman Ben Fanelli last season, was invited to the Leafs training camp in hopes of playing in the American Hockey League this season. Jerry D’Amigo, Brayden Irwin and Kenny Ryan will also play for the blue and white.

On defense, Jesse Blacker and Korbinian Holzer are the more prominent names, while Keith Aulie, who was expected to play, is opting out of the tournament to continue to rehabilitate his injured shoulder. He is still practicing with the team on game days.

The Chicago Blackhawks also boast an impressive lineup, led by former first round pick Kyle Beach, along with Jeremy Morin, who was acquired in the Dustin Byfuglien swap. Former Leaf Chris DiDomenico will also suit up for tonight’s game.

Following the game, the Leafs prospects will be signing autographs for 30 minutes on the main floor of the John Labatt Centre in London, Ont.

The Leafs complete roster can be found here and the full tournament schedule here.

If you’re not attending tonight’s game, but are still interested in watching the tournament, tune into Rogers TV or MapleLeafs.com at 7:00 pm. The game will also be replayed on Leafs TV at 11:00 pm. Visit www.leafsnationonline.com following the game for a recap of what happened and analysis of the game.

I’ll be in attendance at tonight’s game, where I’ll be providing updates on the game and sharing my thoughts on each player throughout the contest. Follow us on Twitter @leafsnationweb for the latest throughout the weekend.

Brett Lebda 2010-11 Preview

When the Leafs signed former Detroit Red Wing and Stanley Cup Champion Brett Lebda in the first week of free agency, all signs pointed to Tomas Kaberle being moved in exchange for a scoring forward. However, the August 15th deadline passed with no Kaberle trade to be seen. With Tomas returning for another season, the Leafs defensive core ranks amongst the top in the NHL. The issue is that Lebda is making $1.45 million this season and may only play on the third pairing. It is a good problem to have for Brian Burke and Ron Wilson.

Lebda played a complementary role with Detroit last season, where he scored 1 goal and 7 assists, along with 24 penalty minutes, in 63 games. Lebda is small-in-stature at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, although he makes up for it with his sound puck moving abilities and good first pass. He does however lack physicality and is often criticized from his play in the defensive zone. If Lebda was paired with a more defensive defenseman like Mike Komisarek or Luke Schenn, he would thrive on the backend.

Lebda brings 62 games of playoff experience, which is a wealth of experience that will hold him in good stead if the Leafs make the playoffs this season. He can act as a calming influence for youngsters like Luke Schenn and Carl Gunnarsson, who have never made it to the dance.

When Lebda signed with Toronto, he believed that he could push for a top four role with the club, but that doesn’t look very likely, so he will form one of the best third pairings in the league. When one of the members of the top four is injured, Ron Wilson can rest in his laurels that Lebda will make a seamless transition from the third pairing.

Although he is not an overly offensive defenseman, Lebda posted a career high of 18 points during the 2006-07 season with the Red Wings. If played in the right situations – including on the power play – Lebda can be realistically counted on for at least 20 points this season. His playmaking tools will also contribute to the Leafs goal of improving their special teams.

The additions of Lebda, along with Kris Versteeg and Colby Armstrong, all add playoff experience to a young Leafs team that is desperately seeking an identity. All three will help ease the load for some of the younger and less experienced players on Toronto. The presence of Lebda on the blueline and the fact that he came from an illustrious organization for development like Detroit is reason for hope for Leafs fans.

2009-10 Statistics
63 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points, 24 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
72 games, 4 goals, 15 assists, 19 points, 32 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Lebda has a legitimate chance at cracking the Leafs top four defense?

2 – Will his puck moving abilities help improve the Leafs dysfunctional powerplay?

3 – How many points do you think Lebda will score for the Leafs this season?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

Carl Gunnarsson 2010-11 Preview

Carl Gunnarsson entered last season with hopes of making a good first impression on the Leafs brass before plying his trade in the American Hockey League for at least one season. After an impressive training camp where Gunnarsson displayed his two-way abilities on the blueline, he was sent to the Toronto Marlies, as expected. However, an early season quadriceps injury to Mike Komisarek opened a spot on defense for Gunnarsson. He was recalled from the Marlies on November 12, 2009 and never looked back.

When he was recalled, Gunnarsson scored 2 assists and 2 penalty minutes in 12 games with the Marlies. From that point on, Gunnarsson tallied 3 goals and 12 assists for 15 points with the Leafs. He also had a team leading +8 and only 10 penalty minutes in 43 games. His statistics indicate that he has the potential to be a 35-40 point defenseman down the road. Gunnarsson had 46 hits and 77 blocked shots last season, which shows that he plays a well-rounded game with the ability to play on both special teams units.

The 23-year old was an overage rookie last season, however he may experience a sophomore slump this season similar to Luke Schenn last year. Gunnarsson isn’t expected to crack the top four now that Tomas Kaberle is returning for another season. He will however play on the power play for the Leafs this season.

Unless the Leafs decide to bury Jeff Finger’s onerous contract in the minors, Carl Gunnarsson may be sent down to accommodate the number of defenseman on Toronto and cut some salary to avoid spending over the cap again this season. A trip back to the AHL could hinder Gunnarsson after earning a regular spot with the Leafs, but it could do wonders for him if he plays top pairing minutes on a very skilled Marlies team.

I’m under the impression that Gunnarsson will start the season with the Marlies, then be one of the first call ups for the blue and white. There is no use in having a young defenseman play third pairing minutes in the NHL, when he could be on a fast track in development playing over 25 minutes a night in the AHL.

Regardless, a short stint on the farm is a no-lose situation because Gunnarsson knows he is skilled enough to stay in the NHL, but he is aware that his minutes will be significantly reduced on a very deep Leafs defense. Plying his trade with the Marlies will provide him with a chance to shine, so he can come to the Leafs with a new-found confidence and desire to play in the top four.

Most fans and observers of the team think Gunnarsson is a lock to play in the NHL this season, but the possibility of playing on the Marlies is an interesting possibility that could come to fruition during training camp. Gunnarsson has the raw talent and skills to be a solid top four defenseman in the mold of Niklas Hjarmlsson, but will his time come this season or does he need more conditioning after overachieving last season?

2009-10 Statistics
43 games, 3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points, 10 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
52 games, 5 goals, 14 assists, 19 points, 12 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Will Gunnarsson build on an outstanding rookie season and earn a top four spot with the Leafs this year?

2 – How many points do you think Gunnarsson is capable of scoring this season?

3 – Do you think last season was a rarity and Gunnarsson needs more seasoning in the AHL?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

News and Notes

Complete Rookie Tournament Roster Announced

The Maple Leafs released their complete 28-man roster today for next weekend's Rookie Tournament in London. To view the full roster, click here.

NHL 11

For those of you who haven't purchased a copy of EA SPORTS NHL 11, I'd highly recommend that you go and out get one. There were no drastic changes from NHL 10, however some of the added features such as EA Sports Ultimate Hockey League and the addition of the three Canadian junior leagues - OHL, WHL, QMJHL. There are also many other game refinements and alterations including enhanced faceoff control, user celebrations, more variety of dekes and disallowed goals. In the Be A GM Mode, there is a differential between UFAs and RFAs, which enhances the realistic aspect of managing your own hockey team.

Season Preview

Our daily player-by-player previews continue with Carl Gunnarsson tomorrow and Brett Lebda on Thursday. Following that, we will preview the top 14 forwards before moving onto general season previews on September 24th. Leafs Nation Online will also have you covered for the Rookie Tournament this weekend and the Leafs main training camp, which begins on September 16th. Things are starting to ramp up around here, so make sure to visit regularly for the latest on the Leafs.

Blogroll

If you think you're blog should be displayed under our 'link' tab at the top of the page or want your article to be featured in our weekly 'Saturday Morning Coffee' column, please send an email to info@leafsnationonline.com or post your link in the comments section below.

Luke Schenn 2010-11 Preview

After exceeding expectations in his first NHL season, Luke Schenn experienced a slump last year, which is not uncommon for a second year player. Unlike his first season, he appeared to be reacting to the opponents’ next move as opposed to dictating the play. Despite his struggles on the ice, Schenn’s statistics indicate that he didn’t have that poor of a season after all. The target for criticism was perhaps stemming from his inability to repeat a stellar first season where he overachieved expectations set for him.

Based on his stats from last season compared to his first, he scored 3 more goals, the same number of assists (12) and three more points (17). Schenn had 21 fewer penalty minutes, although his three fewer fights last season were the likely reason for that number. One of the main reasons for optimism was Schenn’s +2 plus/minus rating, which was 14 points higher than his rookie season. Evidenced by his 3 more goals, his shooting percentage also increased to 5.0% compared to his 2.0% from the previous season.

However, these general stats don’t fully gage Schenn’s performance, so real-time stats like hits, blocked shots, giveaways and takeaways will better explain his overall performance from last season. Schenn’s 173 hits placed him 17th in the NHL among defenseman and second on the Leafs defense behind Dion Phaneuf (194 hits). This number places Schenn above the likes of Shea Weber (165), Drew Doughty (157), Anton Volchenkov (153) and Zdeno Chara (151). However, Schenn had 206 hits in his rookie season, so that number must increase this season for him to be considered in the group of top shutdown defenseman in the league.

Luke Schenn posted 116 blocked shots last season, which ranked him 62nd among defenseman. His 119 blocked shots from the previous season were in the same ballpark, so there is no considerable drop off in this category.

Schenn had 74 giveaways in his rookie season, compared to 41 last season, so he has evidently made improvements with handling the puck. In the takeaway category, his 22 last season were 11 less than the previous year when he had 33. This could mean he exerted less aggression on the opponent to attempt to take away the puck.

Combining for 379 hits and 235 blocked shots over his first two seasons in the NHL proves that Luke Schenn is on his way to becoming a future star defenseman and anchor for the Maple Leafs defense. His tremendous poise on the ice for a 20-year old is outstanding and his leadership qualities are beyond his years. There is a genuine reason for optimism and excitement for the organization and its fans that the team finally has a true star in the organization.

After adding 20 pounds in the off season, Schenn comes into training camp battling for a top four spot on the Leafs blueline. Now weighing in at 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, the ‘human eraser’ is poised to make his mark for the blue and white and become a feared defenseman around the league.

2009-10 Statistics
79 games, 5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points, 50 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
82 games, 6 goals, 15 assists, 21 points, 80 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Schenn will crack the Leafs top four defense this season?

2 – Will his added weight (20 pounds) bode well for his development or slow down his overall mobility?

3 – Will Schenn develop into the cornerstone of the Leafs defense (along with Dion Phaneuf) and be considered among the NHL’s elite?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

*Real-time statistics courtesy of http://www.behindthenet.ca/ and http://www.nhl.com/.

Rookie Tournament Coverage

The Maple Leafs official training camp doesn’t get under way until September 16th, although the future will be showcased when the Leafs annual rookie tournament begins this Saturday at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. The team of Leafs prospects – which includes former first round pick Nazem Kadri, newly signed Marcel Mueller, Jussi Rynnas, Jesse Blacker, Keith Aulie, Ben Scrivens, Brayden Irwin, Jamie Devane, Kenny Ryan, Bradley Ross, Greg McKegg, Sam Carrick and Josh Nicholls – will participate in three games over the four-day tournament.

The Leafs prospects open the tournament against the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:00pm on Saturday night. Following that, they faceoff against the Pittsburgh Penguins next Sunday and Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. The four-team tournament is an annual event held by the Leafs that gives the organization an indication of where their prospects are at on the developmental track and how they match up against other team’s top prospects. Some of the players participating in the camp will have the opportunity to display their talents to bid for a bigger role at the main camps.

Leafs Nation Online will have exclusive coverage of the event, with pre-and-post game coverage of all three Leaf games, exclusive player profiles, game photos, and instant updates throughout the tournament. I'll be in attendance for Saturday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks and will be posting live tweets throughout the game with thoughts on each player. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on Twitter @leafsnationweb to recieve updates throughout the weekend.

The full tournament schedule and complete Leafs roster can be found here. Last minute tickets can be purchased at the John Labatt Centre Box Office, by calling (866) 455-2849 or visiting online at http://www.johnlabattcentre.com/.

Stay tuned for updates this week leading up to the tournament.

Mike Komisarek 2010-11 Preview

Hope all of our North American readers enjoyed their extended Labour Day weekend. We took a one-day hiatus from the player previews yesterday to recharge the batteries, but we're back at it today with our Mike Komisarek 2010-11 Preview. Enjoy.
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After signing a five-year, $22.5 million contract on July 1st last summer, Mike Komisarek entered the 2009-10 season with significant expectations placed on his shoulders. The former Montreal Canadien came to Toronto expecting to compete for a role on the top defense pairing and also contribute on the penalty kill. His outstanding leadership qualities led to some fans speculating as to whether he would be named the next captain of the Maple Leafs.

Komisarek took two steps backward in the Leafs home opener against Montreal, where he was trying too hard to impress his new teammates, and as a result of that, he took three minor penalties in his first game. His plus/minus took a hit after the team started 0-7-1, however Komisarek took one step forward when he regained form as a solid shutdown defenseman. Just as he was coming into his own with the blue and white, an apparent shoulder injury forced him to undergo reconstructive shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the rest of the season. The injury also led to him opting out of participating for Team U.S.A. at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Komisarek finished the season with 4 assists, 40 penalty minutes and a -9 plus/minus total in 34 games. A perfect storm was brewing for Komisarek to potentially captain the Leafs, and then showcase his talents at the Olympics, although a series of shoulder and knee ailments forced him to pack it in. A prolonged off season enabled him to rehab his injuries before returning to on and off ice workouts.

Komisarek is a lock to play in the top four this season, likely alongside either Tomas Kaberle or Francois Beauchemin. Don’t count out sophomore defenseman Carl Gunnarsson from working his way into the top two pairings and potentially playing alongside Komisarek. His puck moving skills would complement Komisarek nicely. If he remains healthy, Komisarek should be counted on to play over 20 minutes a game with an emphasis on killing penalties. He doesn’t have an offensive flair, although he has posted 19 and 17 point seasons, respectively. Expect a 10-12 point season along with a significant number of penalty minutes.

Coming into this season, Komisarek doesn’t have the same pressure as last year because he is entering his second year with the team and playing on a team with very deep defense. Last season’s acquisition of Phaneuf takes Komisarek somewhat out of the limelight and reduces his need to play in all situations. However, Komisarek is fully capable of playing under pressure as evidenced by his playing time with the Montreal Canadiens. He should also earn consideration from Ron Wilson to wear an ‘A’ on his jersey as an assistant captain.

2009-10 Statistics
34 games, 0 goals, 4 assists, 4 points, 40 penalty minutes

2010-11 Preview
75 games, 4 goals, 8 assists, 12 points, 120 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 - Will Komisarek rebound this year after a disappointing first season with the Maple Leafs?

2 - How will the Leafs defensive depth affect Komisarek and will it limit him to a more limited role than he played for the Canadiens?

3 - Can Komisarek regain his former self as one of the elite shutdown defenseman in the league?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

Francois Beauchemin 2010-11 Preview

Part of Brian Burke’s first free agency at the helm of the Leafs was to reshape the Leafs defense by ridding the team of players brought in during the John Ferguson regime. Longtime Leafs Bryan McCabe and Carlo Colaiacovo were shipped out by former General Manager Cliff Fletcher. The only remaining defenseman from the famous ‘Muskoka Five’ was Pavel Kubina, who displayed solid two-way instincts with a quality shot from the point. However, Burke opted for a younger and more abrasive player in Mike Komisarek by shipping Kubina to the Atlanta Thrashers.

Along with signing Komisarek, the Leafs inked former Anaheim Duck Francois Beauchemin to a 3-year, $11.4 million contract. Beauchemin won a Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2006 and played the most minutes among defenseman during the 2007 playoffs. He was originally brought in to the Leafs organization to log big minutes and provide a stable presence from the backend. He is also capable of playing both special teams. A combination of high expectations, a depleted group of forwards and shotty goaltending led to Beauchemin starting off slow in his first season with Toronto.

The Leafs got out of the gate with a 0-7-1 record that boasted the likes of Beauchemin and Tomas Kaberle anchoring the first defensive pairing. Vesa Toskala was the linchpin for criticism and believed to be the reason why the Leafs played so poorly in the early goings of the season. However, Francois Beauchemin appeared to be trying too hard to impress the organization and its fans in his first season. He was often out of position and was affected by his lack of footspeed, which limited him from breaking up one-on-ones. He had a -5 plus/minus over the first four games and finished with a -13 plus/minus total for the season, placing him second worst on the team. It was also his worst plus/minus total of his career.

Despite finishing with 26 points in 82 games, along with 33 penalty minutes, Beauchemin did not play up to par both defensively and offensively last season. He is capable of posting at least 30 points per season while having a plus/minus rating closer to even. One bright spot from last season was his 170 shots on net, which averages to 2.07 shots per game. That number should only increase if he is given more power play time from head coach Ron Wilson this season.

With the addition of Dion Phaneuf and the Leafs decision to retain Tomas Kaberle, expect Beauchemin to play fewer overall minutes, but likely more on special teams. Reducing his minutes throughout the season will keep him rested in the event that the Leafs make the playoffs. Limiting his ice time will let him slide into the role he has played famously throughout his career as a supporting defenseman. There is common belief that last season was only a blip in the radar for a defenseman who is one of the best secondary players in the league. His under-the-radar, smart playing style often goes unnoticed, but a trip back to the playoffs for the Leafs is when Beauchemin can really shine.

2009-10 Statistics
82 games, 5 goals, 21 assists, 26 points, 33 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
82 games, 6 goals, 22 assists, 28 points, 45 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Will Francois Beauchemin rebound in his second season as a Leaf?

2 – Will he benefit from the addition of Dion Phaneuf and decreased workload compared to last season?

3 – Is Beauchemin the odd man out with Kaberle coming back for another season?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

Saturday Morning Coffee

Good morning everyone! Welcome to the first edition of Saturday Morning Coffee; where we bring you links to the most interesting blogs, videos and interviews from around the web. This will be a weekly column aimed at giving fans a summary of the previous week and something to read on a Saturday morning while drinking your favourite beverage (for those wondering, the Leafs mug above is currently listed on eBay). For casual fans who are interested in following the team, but would rather have a summary of what has happened, this column will provide you with that. Without further ago, here are your links in a headache-resistant neon blue:

• Maple Leafs Hotstove's Joe Cino takes a look at the Marlies Forward Prospects in 2010.
• SkinnyFish over at Pension Plan Puppets is tired about the constant hate for Mikhail Grabovski.
• Maple Stir-up approves of the Clarke MacArthur signing and answers some questions surrounding the Leafs.
• Leafs HQ summarizes the Leafs recent transactions, takes a look at some of the happenings around the league and is giving away Leafs jerseys.
• The NHL and NHLPA have agreed on new contract rules and approved Ilya Kovalchuk's 15 year, $100 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.
• The Toronto Star showcases the top prospects - including Nazem Kadri - who posed for their 2010-11 rookie hockey cards. The Star also takes a look at Tyler Bozak's off season and expectations for the upcoming season.
• Newly opened Real Sports Bar and Grill, located next to the Air Canada Centre, was named America's Best Sports Bar by ESPN (yes, I voted two to three times a day).
• The Leafs unveiled a new centre ice design with Canadian flags along the centre red line.
• Leafs President and GM Brian Burke had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of flying in a Snowbird with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Here is a Maple Leafs 2010-11 Season Preview video created by gmc1331 to get you energized for the new season. Unfortunately, it does not fit in the column and therefore shows that we're always thinking outside of the box.


THE FAN 590's Howard Berger interviewed the likes of new-Leaf Clarke MacArthur, blue and white hopeful Nazem Kadri, Phil Kessel and interview with Tyler Bozak and Mike Komisarek. Some interesting tidbits from those interviews about each player's training in the off season and expectations for the upcoming season.

That's it for the first edition of the Saturday Morning Coffee. Feel free to send a link to your blog or video if you think it should be featured in this column. Send your link to info@leafsnationonline.com, message it to us on Twitter or post it in the comments section below. Enjoy your Labour Day Weekend!

Tomas Kaberle 2010-11 Preview

Atop the Leafs list of priorities to upgrade leading into the off season was to address the lack of scoring and size up front by acquiring a top six forward. The Leafs 214 goals scored last season ranked them 26th overall in the NHL. The lack of offense and the abundance of defenseman led to speculation that the Leafs were interested in moving veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle for a top six winger who could compliment Phil Kessel. After months of speculation on where Kaberle could be headed, Kaberle stayed a member of the blue and white at the end of the day. The August 15th deadline came and gone without any activity. Two rumored deals that involved names like Ryan Malone from Tampa Bay and Derek Joslin from San Jose did not meet the expectations that Burke set before embarking on a summer long shopping trip.

Now that we know Kaberle is returning for another season – his thirteenth as a Leaf – we can safely pencil him in on the first defensive pairing with Dion Phaneuf. Kaberle’s smooth skating and puck moving abilities compliment that of Phaneuf, who can lay the body and tee up slap shots on the power play. Despite the outcome of not acquiring a top six forward, Kaberle brings irreplaceable qualities to the team that put the Leafs in good stead in a playoff atmosphere. Kaberle provides a smooth, stable presence from the backend and is a calming influence for younger players like Luke Schenn and Carl Gunnarsson.

Despite having the second worst power play in the league last season, the additions of Kris Versteeg and Clarke MacArthur and the Leafs decision to retain Kaberle, give the team a strong chance of improving upon last season’s numbers.

Kaberle will never be considered a punishing defenceman, nor will he ever be counted on to lead the team in blocked shots. His designated role as a first pass, puck moving defenseman suits him well and will be an integral part of the Leafs bid to make the playoffs. Kaberle’s 21 minutes per game average is likely to decrease next season to give more opportunity for Carl Gunnarsson, although expect Kaberle to still score between 40 and 45 points. His -16 plus/minus last season was last on the team. If he plans on playing first pairing minutes, that number must be improved this season.

Kaberle’s contract expires next summer so the discussion over whether the Leafs will re-sign the veteran and the potential asking price will be hot topics throughout the season. Depending on where the Leafs sit in the post season race, the team will evaluate whether to ask his agent, Rick Curran, for a list of teams he’d accept a trade to. However, if the Leafs are in playoff contention, it would be wise to retain Kaberle, who has past playoff experience and has skills that come in handy in the playoffs. Letting him walk on July 1st, 2011 would be detrimental for the franchise, who have put years of development into him. Based on all indications, Kaberle and his agent are willing to discuss an extension, but will only settle for a long-term contract to finish out the rest of his career. Speculation was rampant all summer regarding his trade status, but it may be rampant once again on whether he will re-sign with the Leafs, be moved at the deadline or walk as a free agent next summer. Only time will tell.

2009-10 Statistics
82 games, 7 goals, 42 assists, 49 points, 24 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
81 games, 6 goals, 39 assists, 47 points, 18 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Tomas Kaberle will be able to refocus on his game after a tumultuous off season filled with trade speculation and rumors about him not being interested in playing for Ron Wilson?

2 – Will Kaberle finish the season with Toronto or be asked for a list of teams that he’d accept a trade to at the trade deadline?

3 – If not, do you think he will re-sign with the Leafs or walk as a free agent next summer?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

Dion Phaneuf 2010-11 Preview

The majority of Maple Leafs observers and prognosticators – including the acclaimed Hockey News Yearbook – are predicting the team to finish out of the playoffs for a sixth straight reason. Expectations are higher than last season, but are not outlandish after the Leafs finished second last in the entire NHL last season. Who can blame The Hockey News for predicting the Leafs to miss the dance when they failed to address the lack of top six scoring? However, observers can’t highlight the defensive core as the reason for not competing for the post season.

The Leafs defence is a reason for optimism, led by newly minted captain Dion Phaneuf, who will anchor the blue line. Phaneuf, a 9th overall pick by the Calgary Flames in 2003, entered the league as a highly touted two-way defensive with a booming shot from the point and terrorizing body checks. The 6-foot-3, 215 pound defenseman tallied 20 goals and 49 points, along with 93 penalty minutes, in his rookie season. He followed than up by avoiding a sophomore slump and notching 17 goals and 50 points in his second season. Phaneuf truly became amongst the NHL’s elite when he had a 60-point season in 2007-08 with Calgary, where he was a finalist for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s best defenseman. Adding 7 points in 7 playoffs games boosted his stock and secured his status as one of the best up-and-coming defenseman.

After being awarded with a new six-year contract that would pay him an average of $6.5 million annually, Phaneuf came back to earth and scored on 47 points in 2008-09; 13 fewer than the previous season. A disappointing 5-game first round loss to the Chicago Blackhawks prompted the Flames to bolster their already formidable defense by acquiring star defenseman Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers. This was the first sign that the Flames were no longer banking their hope in Phaneuf, which eventually led to a falling out between the defenseman and coach Brent Sutter. On January 31st, 2010, the Maple Leafs made a monumental trade by snapping up Phaneuf from Calgary along with prospects, in exchange for a group of rather expendable players.

Phaneuf immediately had an impact on and off the ice; leading by example and representing the type of team that Brian Burke is attempting to assemble. His leadership, character and passion earned him the honour of being named captain at a press conference in June. After an uneventful off season, Phaneuf is eager to lead ‘his team’ back to the glory lands. A fresh start in a hockey driven city has boded well for him and promising for an illustrious career as a Maple Leaf. The 25-year old is the backbone of the Leafs rebuild and will be counted on when it matters most.

2009-10 Statistics
81 games, 12 goals, 20 assists, 32 points, 83 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
82 games, 15 goals, 32 assists, 47 points, 102 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – What are your point projections for Dion Phaneuf this season?

2 – Is Phaneuf capable of handling the pressure and responsibility that comes with being the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

3 – Will Phaneuf regain status as one of the elite defenseman in the NHL?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

Jonas Gustavsson 2010-11 Preview

Maple Leafs brass had high hopes for Jonas Gustavsson - otherwise known as 'The Monster' - last season after beating out three other teams to sign the acrobatic goalie. There was reason for optimism after Gustavsson was coming off a spectacular season in the Swedish Elite League, where he posted stellar numbers en route to winning the Le Mat Trophy after Farjestad was crown league champions. He also displayed his size and athleticism at the 2009 World Hockey Championships, where Sweden took home a silver medal. However, Gustavsson was forced to leave the tournament to be with his ill mother.

After signing with the Maple Leafs, J-Gus came over to North America to meet with Leafs management and players and become familiar with the city of Toronto. He trained with the team throughout August and into September, although dealt with two heart ablations during the Leafs training camp in September. This caused a significant setback for the rookie and put the team into a rather uncomfortable position. Fans wanted to see Gustavsson carry the load to determine if he was the real deal, but Ron Wilson handed the reins to Vesa Toskala. After going 0-7-1 out of the gate, the Leafs had already taken two proverbial steps back under Toskala.

Gustavsson made his first appearance on October 3rd against the Washington Capitals, but posted back-to-back losses in his first two starts. After surrendering five goals against over those two games, fans were cautiously optimistic over Gustavsson’s potential as a starting goalie in the NHL. As the season progressed and the rookie adjusted to the National Hockey League, it became clear that he has the abilities to carry the Leafs as the club’s number one goaltender.

It was solidified when Vesa Toskala, the former starting goalie, was shipped to the Anaheim Ducks along with Jason Blake, in exchange for Stanley Cup winner and former Conn Smythe winner Jean-Sebastien Giguere. This move marked a changing of the guard for the Leafs and showed the organization’s faith in Gustavsson. Giguere was brought in to provide veteran leadership and competition for the 25-year old Swede. From that point on, Gustavsson posted a 7-game win streak, along with a 2.00 GAA and 0.929 SV%. He capitalized on his opportunity and made up for several early season gaffes.

With several new off season additions and the news that Kaberle is returning, most of the storylines surrounding the blue and white do not involve Gustavsson. Despite his importance to this team, the pressure heading into this season isn’t overwhelming. It may prove to be a good thing for him because he had to deal with so much pressure last season and was forced to play in a much different environment in Toronto than he faced in Sweden. Armed with a new contract and sense of confidence, Gustavsson is poised to breakout this season as a legitimate starting goaltender. One could say the Leafs will only go as far as 'The Monster' does.

2009-10 Statistics
42 games, 16 wins, 15 losses, 9 overtime losses, 0.902 SV%, 2.87 GAA, 1 shutout

2010-11 Prediction
44 games, 23 wins, 15 losses, 6 overtime losses, 0.910 SV%, 2.52 GAA, 3 shutouts

3 Burning Questions

1 - Will Jonas Gustavsson develop into a legitimate starting goaltender for the Leafs this season?

2 - Does Gustavsson have the durability to start a stretch of games or does he benefit from rotating with a veteran backup?

3 - How many wins will Gustavsson earn this season?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.

Maple Leafs Annual

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