The goalie situation in Toronto has been a question for some time. Some would argue correctly that Curtis Joseph, Ed Belfour, Felix Potvin and Grant Fuhr had their career seasons with the Leafs. You could even convince me that it made sense to bring some of them back after they were long past their prime, if not for their ability to stop rubber but for the leadership capabilities in the dressing room and the ticket seat sales at the box office. What we have had is our share of streaky underachievers like Andrew Raycroft, Vessa Toskala, Jean Sebastien Aubin, Scott Clemmensen and Jonas Gustavsson. Young future stars which never took flight like, Trevor Kidd, Justin Pogge, Joey Macdonald and Corey Schwab. We are also well versed on over priced hasbeens, insert; Glen Healy, Justin Gigure and Martin Gerber. I think we can all agree that Giggy has not been worth the 6million plus salary and Jason Blake + Vessa Toskala trade. What about the aquisition of Olaf Kolzig who never actually managed to play a game in a Leafs jersey.
The Leafs have not made the playoffs in over five years. Coincidentaly they have not had a solid starter in that time frame either. Yes goaltending is not the only problem plaguing the team and may not even be the worst but, it is one that lingers and has yet to be dealt with properly.
As it stands right now the Leafs have Jonas Gustavsson a chronically ill underachiever with a serious problem when moving laterally. I do not see Gustavsson remaining in the North American hockey system certainly not as an NHL starter. The Leafs also have Jean Sebastien Gigure. The Stanley Cup winner brings with him a chronic groin injury and a bloated contract. Giggy will retire at the end of this year. This leaves James Reimer, a lesser known minor league prospect from a small community in Manitoba not far from where I myself grew up. He has shown some promise earlier on and has the ability to remain calm when playing at the NHL level. I personally watched Reimer play and noted a very good technical butterfly style. He is disciplined and determined. One concern is his glove side which he gets beaten on consistently. This seems to be becoming common knowledge as I have noticed more snipers shooting top shelf. The other more recent concern is the injury which Reimer received last night to the head. There are reports that he has suffered headaches and stiffness as a result. Rounding out the grouping are Ben Scrivens and Jussi Rynnas. Both are undrafted Free Agent Signings whom are more suited for a back up or AHL role.
Monday 28 February 2011
Tomas Kaberle Traded to Boston Bruins
Tomas Kaberle the 32 year old puck moving defencemen was traded to the Boston Bruins on February 18th for a prospect (Colbourne), 1st round pick (2011) and a conditional 2nd round pick (2012). In a press conference announcing the trade General Manager Brian Burke characterized Kaberle as; "One of the best defencemen to play in this era, if not the best."
Kaberle, originally from what is now known as the Czech Republic, was drafted in the 8th round of the 19996 entry draft, 204th overall. Known as a calm and cool power play quarter back Kaberle was 1 or 2 seasons away from playing 1,000 games in the NHL. All of which would have been with the Leafs. The next highest games played by a current Leaf is Nikolai Kulemin who has suited up just over 200 times for the Buds.
Regardless of whether you were a fan of Kaberle's or not you have to admit that he served the Leafs well. A strong abassador for the game both on and off the ice, his ability to see the ice and pass the puck are the stuff of legends.
Taking a look at the trade on a deeper analytical level it seems at least in this writers opinion that Burkie did fairly well. Yes Kaberle is a big loss and you will not find more ardent supporter than myself of that fact but when faced with the facts this trade was favourable for the Leafs. Maybe the Bruins felt bad for the lack lustre performance of Phil Kessel so they traded us back one of the 1st round draft picks we gave them. In that situation we are left with Kaberle a free agent July 1 who potential could come back to the Leafs (although I imagine he might be hesitant with the current regime in power). This essentially boils down to the Leafs receiving a prospect and a conditional pick in return for a rental player. Maybe Kaberle will sign with the Bruins, only time will tell. What is known is that Kaberle will be missed by Leaf Nation and will be an asset to which ever team he decides to sign with this summer. Good Luck and thank you for your dedicated service to our beloved Leafs.
Kaberle, originally from what is now known as the Czech Republic, was drafted in the 8th round of the 19996 entry draft, 204th overall. Known as a calm and cool power play quarter back Kaberle was 1 or 2 seasons away from playing 1,000 games in the NHL. All of which would have been with the Leafs. The next highest games played by a current Leaf is Nikolai Kulemin who has suited up just over 200 times for the Buds.
Regardless of whether you were a fan of Kaberle's or not you have to admit that he served the Leafs well. A strong abassador for the game both on and off the ice, his ability to see the ice and pass the puck are the stuff of legends.
Taking a look at the trade on a deeper analytical level it seems at least in this writers opinion that Burkie did fairly well. Yes Kaberle is a big loss and you will not find more ardent supporter than myself of that fact but when faced with the facts this trade was favourable for the Leafs. Maybe the Bruins felt bad for the lack lustre performance of Phil Kessel so they traded us back one of the 1st round draft picks we gave them. In that situation we are left with Kaberle a free agent July 1 who potential could come back to the Leafs (although I imagine he might be hesitant with the current regime in power). This essentially boils down to the Leafs receiving a prospect and a conditional pick in return for a rental player. Maybe Kaberle will sign with the Bruins, only time will tell. What is known is that Kaberle will be missed by Leaf Nation and will be an asset to which ever team he decides to sign with this summer. Good Luck and thank you for your dedicated service to our beloved Leafs.
Leafs Playoff Bound?
It can't be true. The Leafs in the playoffs. Usually the first sign spring is upon us is when the Leafs are out. Yes that might possibly be the worst joke ever and you may need to re-read it a couple times because it is that bad. But, the question once again is being uttered among Leaf Nation hopefuls and non-fans alike.
When I think about the last few seasons in recent memory I find myself following the Leafs throughout their mediocre season and then watching intently as they make a playoff run near the end of the season. But alas, I always awaken from the dream to find the Leafs a mere few points out of a playoff spot.
Here I am once again in 2011. The NHL season getting closer and closer to the end. Just like always we see some resemblance of a playoff bound hockey club. Putting wins on the board, Kessel finally showing some form. Newly acquired Joffrey Lupul pitching in scoring his first two goals as a Leaf Saturday night in an impressive overtime loss only to be followed by an equally exciting loss in Atlanta in OT the next day. I see Clarke Macarthur rise from virtual obscurity to have a cinderella season paired with rising stars Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. James Reimer is showing classic form, as well as determination and unwavering intensity. This to me looks like the beginning of a pretty decent hockey team. I haven't even discussed the fantastic blue line cast. So why is my gut telling me not to book the time off work so I can get down to T.O. just in time for Game 1 Round 1 of the Playoffs? Why don't I feel the urgency to select all my favourite Leaf snipers for the Playoff Pool? I think it may have something to do with this other feeling I have as well. The deja-vu that lurks in the fog like a tick nestled into my dogs fur. It seems like this has happened before.
Will the Leafs finally rise to the occasion and provide its devoted fans with a view into the post regular season world of the NHL? I guess only time will tell.
When I think about the last few seasons in recent memory I find myself following the Leafs throughout their mediocre season and then watching intently as they make a playoff run near the end of the season. But alas, I always awaken from the dream to find the Leafs a mere few points out of a playoff spot.
Here I am once again in 2011. The NHL season getting closer and closer to the end. Just like always we see some resemblance of a playoff bound hockey club. Putting wins on the board, Kessel finally showing some form. Newly acquired Joffrey Lupul pitching in scoring his first two goals as a Leaf Saturday night in an impressive overtime loss only to be followed by an equally exciting loss in Atlanta in OT the next day. I see Clarke Macarthur rise from virtual obscurity to have a cinderella season paired with rising stars Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. James Reimer is showing classic form, as well as determination and unwavering intensity. This to me looks like the beginning of a pretty decent hockey team. I haven't even discussed the fantastic blue line cast. So why is my gut telling me not to book the time off work so I can get down to T.O. just in time for Game 1 Round 1 of the Playoffs? Why don't I feel the urgency to select all my favourite Leaf snipers for the Playoff Pool? I think it may have something to do with this other feeling I have as well. The deja-vu that lurks in the fog like a tick nestled into my dogs fur. It seems like this has happened before.
Will the Leafs finally rise to the occasion and provide its devoted fans with a view into the post regular season world of the NHL? I guess only time will tell.
Newest Leafs Discussion Blog
This is the first in what I hope to be a series of successful blogs regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and all affiliated organizations. Posts may include topics such as; Maple Leaf Entertainment, Toronto Marlies, individual players, coaches and staff. I will also talk about trades, rumors, specific games, schedules, playoffs, rosters, statistics, injuries, scores, all from my viewpoint and personal opinion.
Who am I? Well, I am just an average white and blue blooded member of "Leaf Nation" who has been a fan since childhood, watches every game and even listens to Andy Frost's post game wrap up. Yes one of those die hard Leaf fans that has stayed with the ship long after it has sunk to the bottom. Then salvaged the wreckage only to have it sink again, and then again. I am open to opinions and don't necessarily think every player who has donned a Leafs jersey was sent from the heavens by the All Mighty himself.
Feel free to agree, disagree or not have an opinion at all. All feedback is acknowledged and appreciated. Respect and courtesy is requested.
Enjoy
Who am I? Well, I am just an average white and blue blooded member of "Leaf Nation" who has been a fan since childhood, watches every game and even listens to Andy Frost's post game wrap up. Yes one of those die hard Leaf fans that has stayed with the ship long after it has sunk to the bottom. Then salvaged the wreckage only to have it sink again, and then again. I am open to opinions and don't necessarily think every player who has donned a Leafs jersey was sent from the heavens by the All Mighty himself.
Feel free to agree, disagree or not have an opinion at all. All feedback is acknowledged and appreciated. Respect and courtesy is requested.
Enjoy
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