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.