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.