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?