Vote For Luke!!!

Leafs Fans. Luke Schenn wants to go to the All Star Game. VOTE FOR LUKE!!!!


Luke Schenn Wants to GO TO ALLSTAR! - leafspace Video - Official Home of Leafs Nation

LUKE SCHENN FOR THE ALL STAR GAME!!!

Ok everyone...

VOTE LUKE SCHENN FOR THE ALL STAR GAME!

http://vote.nhl.com/

you heard it here first!

Let's Get a Maple Leaf into the All Star Game!

Good afternoon Loyal Leaf Enthusiasts!

This is starting as a quick poll... but could really gain some steam if we all participate!

I am looking to get a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs into the All Star Game. It could be ANYONE on the team, as we can write in ballots.

Please leave a comment on this blog about who you would like to vote for... I will keep a running tally, when we have a clear winner, we will start the campaign!

GO LEAFS GO!!!

ISS Top 30 for the 2011 Draft

The ISS has just released the top 30 picks for the 2011 Draft!

Rank Player Pos Ht. Wt. S/C DoB Team League
1. SEAN COUTURIER C 6'3 193 L Dec 7/92 Drummondville QMJHL
2. RYAN-NUGENT HOPKINS C 5'11 155 L Apr 12/93 Red Deer WHL
3. ADAM LARSSON D 6'2 209 R Nov 12/92 Skelleftea SweE
4. GABRIEL LANDESKOG LW 6'0 200 L Nov 23/92 Kitchener OHL
5. RYAN MURPHY D 5'10 160 R Mar 31/93 Kitchener OHL
6. JOEL ARMIA RW 6'2 165 R May 31/93 Assat FinMi
7. VICTOR RASK C 6'1 195 L Mar 1/93 Leksands SJ18A
8. DUNCAN SIEMENS D 6'2 185 L Sep 7/93 Saskatoon WHL
9. BRANDON SAAD LW 6'2 200 L Oct 27/92 U-18 USHL
10. MATTHEW PEUMPEL LW 6'0 188 L Jan 24/93 Peterborough OHL
11. DOUGLAS HAMILTON D 6'4 190 R June 17/93 Niagara OHL
12. RYAN STROME C 6'0 163 R July 11/93 Niagara OHL
13. ROBBIE RUSSO D 6'0 180 R Feb 15/93 U17 USHL
14. DAVID MUSIL D 6'3 191 L Apr 9/93 Vancouver WHL
15. MYLES BELL D 5'11 213 R Aug 19/93 Regina WHL
16. SETH AMBROZ RW 6'2 202 R Apr 3/93 Omaha USHL
17. TOMAS JURCO RW 6'0 180 L Dec 28/92 Saint John QMJHL
18. ALEXANDR KHOKHLACHEV F 5'11 172 L Sept 9/93 Windsor OHL
19. DMITRIJ JASKIN RW 6'1 196 L Mar 23/93 Slavia CzeJr
20. VLADISLAV NAMESTNIKOV F 5'11 156 L Nov 22/92 Voskresensk RusS
21. MATTHEW NIETO LW 5'11 180 L Nov 5/92 U18 USHL
22. SCOTT MAYFIELD D 6'4 197 R Oct 14/92 Youngstown USHL
23. SHANE McCOLGAN RW 5'8 170 R Jan 1/93 Kelowna WHL
24. MAXIM SHALUNOV F 6'3 185 L Jan 31/93 Chelyabinsk Belye RusJr
25. TY RATTIE LW 6'0 180 R Feb 5/93 Portland WHL
26. COLIN JACOBS F 6'2 205 R Jan 20/93 Seattle WHL
27. MARK MCNEILL C 6'1 198 R Feb 22/93 Prince Albert WHL
28. PATRICK KOUDYS D 6'2 195 L Nov 15/92 Rensselaer ECAC
29. ADAM CLENDENING D 5'11 190 R Oct 26/92 U18 USHL
30. ROCCO GRIMALDI C 5'6 161 R Feb 8/93 USA Under 18 USHL

Arm-not-so-strong!

Nick Kypreos state that Leafs forward Colby Armstrong will likely miss 4-6 weeks with a hand injury that could require surgery.

Looks like Caputi will take his place on the third line!

What can Brown do for you?

Mike Brown and Colton Orr dropped the gloves at practice this week, but practice is just what they were doing.

With Brown falling during several fights early in this Leafs season, Orr and Brown decided to step aside and work on balance.

This work ethic Brown shows in every part of his game is just the type of attitude this team needs. Get better at ALL areas of the game! The new attitude has shown itself this year, as the Leafs have won 9 of a possible 10 points so far this year!!!

GO LEAFS GO!!!

Lebda in... Gunnar out...

The Leafs look to continue their winning ways, facing the New York Islanders tonight.

Only one major change for the Leafs; Lebda in, Gunnar out.

This will be our first chance to see Lebda in regular season action!

Here are a few clips to get you prepared...

Waiving the Finger

TSN is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs are waiving Jeff Finger...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=337178

If not claimed, he will report to the Toronto Marlies...

HockeyBuzz.com - Ken Beckett - Five Notes from Maple Leafs Practice on Friday

HockeyBuzz.com - Ken Beckett - Five Notes from Maple Leafs Practice on Friday

If the Sjoe fits!

A great opening night win by the Toronto Maple Leafs!

Although the team had some ups, and some downs, overall one player really stood out for me!

Freddie Sjostrom.

He was fast, strong on the forecheck, hit, and did all the little things you need from a shut-down third line winger!

I now pose this question to you... WHO IMPRESSED YOU THE MOST?

GoLeafsGo!

Leafs are tied for 1st in the east, and Kessel is on pace for 82 goals. Just Sayin'

Is the curse over?

It's 1967. The Leafs have just won a Stanley Cup, their fourth in six years! But as the champagne began to flow, a dark shadow began to creep across the ice at Maple Leaf Gardens.

That Shadow was Harold Ballard.

Ballard was beginning to make his move, whispering into influential ears, launching his plan to take over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

By 1972 Ballard had complete control over the team. His term as the Leafs' owner was marked by fights with key players, including Keon, McDonald, and Sittler, poor win/loss records, and not a single Stanley Cup championship. It was a dark time for the team.

The storied franchise known as the Toronto Maple Leafs have not touched the cup since.

But is that about to change?

In 1983, a new cement pad was laid at Maple Leaf Gardens. Harold Ballard's footprints, along with a date were etched into the drying cement, serving as a long lasting reminder of the mans control over this team.

As the Loblaws/Ryerson University renovation continues at the historic building, construction crews unearthed the footprints. After contacting the Hockey Hall of Fame it was decided the slab of cement would be dug out, and donated to the HHOF (see article here!)

With Ballard's final mark on the team removed, will the curse of Harold Ballard finally be lifted? Can the Leafs once again claw their way to Lord Stanley's mug, earning the respect of the hockey world?

Or is there a new curse just beginning to take shape ....

Good-bye Wellwood!

Sportsnet analyst Nick Kypreos reporting that Kyle Wellwood will earn around US $1 million with KHL’s Atlant Moscow Oblast.

He will be joining former NHLers Jeff Hamilton, Jan Bulis and Chris Bourque with the team

The former Toronto Maple Leaf, and Vancouver Canuck was often criticized for not being in peak physical condition.

Maybe he can work off his gut in Siberia

Good Bye Wellwood!

New Blog Soon???

Good day all...

With a busy summer, I have not posted a new Leaf blog in a very long time.

Just know, that this blog is not dead, just in a coma until later this summer. As Leafs training camp starts back up, check back up here for updates!!!

2010/2011 Leafs Schedule!

New Leafs Schedule released.

Find it here http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm

Highlights include;

Home opener - Thu, 7 Oct 2010 Canadiens @ Maple Leafs 7:00 PM

Will Kessel finally play well? - Thu, 28 Oct 2010 Maple Leafs @ Bruins 7:00 PM

Taylor Halls first visit? - Thu, 2 Dec 2010 Oilers @ Maple Leafs 7:00 PM

Stajan vs Phaneuf - Thu, 16 Dec 2010 Maple Leafs @ Flames 9:00 PM

Burke's old team - Thu, 20 Jan 2011 Ducks @ Maple Leafs 7:00 PM

Stanley Cup Champs - Sat, 5 Mar 2011 Blackhawks @ Maple Leafs 7:00 PM

Last game of the regular season - Sat, 9 Apr 2011 Canadiens @ Maple Leafs 7:00 PM

Playoffs???

It's Official

Dion Phaneuf is now officially Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs!

Leafs Announcement!

New Leaf Captain!

TSN is reporting that Dion Phaneuf will be named Captain next week, as early as Tuesday!

Report Card - Tyler Bozak

Name/Position – Tyler Bozak/C
Height/Weight – 6'1"'/195 lbs
09/10 Games Played NHL – 37 Goals - 8 Assists - 19 Points – 27 Plus/Minus – minus 5 08/09 Games Played NCAA – 41 Goals -18 Assists - 16 Points – 34 Plus/Minus – N/A
Salary/Cap Hit - $875, 000/$3.725 Million

Analysis - Tyler Bozak was a player that a number of teams wanted to sign last year. He had a great season at the University of Denver, and was considered close to NHL ready. Some people even claimed that he was the equivalent of a first round pick.

When Tyler chose the Leafs, it allowed the team to have significantly more depth at the centre position.

He was expected to challenge for a roster spot, but was outplayed in pre-season by Viktor Stalberg. He then faced a number of injuries (including H1N1!), missing playing time with both the Leafs and the Marlies.

Cap issues also limited Bozak's playing time, until Burke was able to clear some space in that big late January shake up that brought Phaneuf.

When Bozak finally did get into the lineup, he tore it up. He finished 11th in rookie scoring, despite playing half as many games as other players.

If you pro-rate Bozak's points to 82 games he leads all rookies!

Tyler Bozak - 37 games 27 points (82 games 60 points)

Matt Duchene - 81 games 55 points (82 games 56 points) (finished 1st among rookies)

John Tavares - 82 games 54 points (finished 2nd among rookies)

Granted, there are some things we have to take into consideration. We don't know if Bozak could have kept up this pace through the whole season, and he is 3-4 years older than the players listed.

Overall, I think we can consider this season a success for Tyler Bozak. If he continues to develop like this, we can have a solid top 6 centre for years to come.

There is one thing to remember, the sophomore slump has hurt many great players, so limit your expectations for next year.

Grade A (a great rookie season!)

Report Card - Dion Phaneuf

Name/Position – Dion Phaneuf/D
Height/Weight – 6'3"'/215 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 81 Goals - 12 Assists - 20 Points – 32 Plus/Minus – plus 1
08/09 Games Played – 80 Goals -11 Assists - 36 Points – 47 Plus/Minus – minus 11
Salary/Cap Hit - $7 Million/$6.5 Million

Analysis - Dion Phaneuf had a disappointing year in Calgary. He was not playing like a 7 million dollar defenceman should play like. He had gone from the toast of the town, to the team scape goat in about a years time!

But Dion was really able to turn it around when he came to Toronto. He instantly added sandpaper, and leadership to the team. His vocal "encouragement" was obvious from the first game, and he backed this up with strong physical play.

Phaneuf is a player hand-picked by Brian Burke to lead this team. Burke has always had a strong number one defenceman to lead his team (Jovanovski, Pronger) and Dion will fill that position.

In recent days, both Brian Burke, and Ron Wilson have hinted at making Phaneuf Captain next season, and we can expect that to happen in the next month (a unveiling of the Leaf's modified jersey will come in the next few weeks, where another announcement is expected as well...).

Overall, Phaneuf is a great fit, will be a great mentor to other Leafs defencemen like Luke Schenn, and may be the one to lead this Leaf's team to playoff victory! (ok, this last statement may be a bit premature ;)

Grade - B plus (if Dion can put up a full season of strong play, he will be bumped to an A!)

Colts Head Coach Hawerchuk

Had a chance for a quick interview with the Barrie Colts new head coach Dale Hawerchuk.

Barrie Colts have a new head coach!

The Barrie Colts have a new coach!

Former NHL star and Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk will take the position left void when Marty Williamson left last week.

UPDATE - RELEASE FROM THE COLTS!


BARRIE COLTS INTRODUCE NEW HEAD COACH
DALE HAWERCHUK BECOMES FIFTH HEAD COACH IN CLUB HISTORY


Barrie, ON- The Barrie Colts junior hockey club is proud to announce today that Dale Hawerchuk will be taking over as the team’s Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.

“We’re excited to have Dale joining our team. To have someone of his caliber taking over as head coach is very exciting for the team and for the community,” stated Howie Campbell, President of the Colts organization. “We had a very long list of candidates for the job, but Dale is the best fit for our organization and for our team. We’ve shown that we’re committed to putting a winning team on the ice in Barrie and Dale shares that passion,” added Mr. Campbell.

Hawerchuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001. As a junior in his rookie year, he was the playoff MVP and led the Cornwall Royals to a Memorial Cup Championship. In his second year in junior, he scored 81 goals and 183 points and led the Royals to their second consecutive Memorial Cup title. He was named a QMJHL First Team All-Star, the Canadian Major Junior Player of the Year, and Memorial Cup MVP.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this team,” said Hawerchuk. “With my experience as a player at the pro level as well as my recent experience as owner and director of hockey operations of the Orangeville Crushers in the Ontario Junior A league, I think I bring some relevant experience to the Colts organization. I’m also really happy to be part of this community. Barrie is a great hockey town with great fans. I’m anxious to get started,” Dale went on to add.

Hawerchuk was drafted 1st overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1981, and became the youngest NHL player in history to reach 100 points (a record since broken by Sidney Crosby in 2006), and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. He went on to play 17 years in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers.

Dale played for Team Canada in the 1987 Canada Cup, and was named Canada's MVP with a goal and two assists in the decisive third game of the Finals against the Soviets.

Dale announced his retirement from the game following the 1996–97 season at age 34. He retired with 518 goals, 891 assists and 1,409 points, placing him 17th on the career NHL points list.

Report Card - Fredrik Sjostrom

Name/Position – Fredrik Sjostrom/LW
Height/Weight – 6'1"'/220 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 65 Goals - 3 Assists - 8 Points – 11 Plus/Minus – minus 2
08/09 Games Played – 79 Goals - 7 Assists - 6 Points – 13 Plus/Minus – minus 11
Salary/Cap Hit - $750,000/$750,000

Analysis - Fredrik Sjostrom came over from Calgary in the Dion Phaneuf trade.

He is a player that Leafs management (Cliff Fletcher) specifically targeted. A former first round pick that is very quick, he made an instant impact on the Leaf's lacklustre penalty kill.

Although never developing the offensive prowess you would expect from a first round pick, he is a player who has great skill, is strong on the puck, wise defensively and fantastic on the penalty kill.

Sjostrom reminds me of another player the Leafs once had, in Jiri Tlusty. A player with great speed, and skill, but can't seem to put those abilities together to score goals.

He is a great addition to the 3rd line, and will continue to help the club's special teams.

Grade - B plus (just a few goals shy of an A).

***SJOSTROM HAS VERY FEW VIDEOS AS A LEAF, SO HERE IS A NICE GOAL FROM HIS TIME IN CALGARY***

Report Card - Wayne Primeau

Name/Position – Wayne Primeau/C
Height/Weight – 6'4"'/225 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 59 Goals - 3 Assists - 5 Points – 8 Plus/Minus – minus 1
08/09 Games Played – 24 Goals - 0 Assists - 4 Points – 4 Plus/Minus – minus 3
Salary/Cap Hit - $1.4 million/$1.4 million

Analysis - Wayne Primeau was brought in last year to add some veteran leadership to the bottom 6 of the roster.

In the 18 years that Primeau has been a full time NHLer, he has never been known as a goal scorer. His top output was with San Jose in 03/04 with 9 goals, and 20 assists. His role on the team was clearly defined from day 1.

Primeau did have some success this season, at one point teaming up with Kulemin and Stempniak to provide a very effective 3rd line. He filled his spot well, but as the Leafs move forward they are better served with a quicker, younger player in that position (Hanson or Irwin will likely fill the void).

Primeau isn't signed past this year, and likely won't have his contract renewed by the club.

Grade - C plus (played his role, but did nothing to keep him around).

Report Card - Viktor Stalberg

Name/Position – Viktor Stalberg/LW
Height/Weight – 6'3"'/210 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 39 Goals - 24 Assists - 22 Points – 14 Plus/Minus – minus 13
08/09 Games Played College (Vermont) – 55 Goals - 18 Assists - 27 Points – 46 Plus/Minus – plus 11
Salary/Cap Hit - $715,000/$850,000

Analysis - Viktor Stalberg is a Leafs draft pick that seemed to come out of nowhere. Drafted 161st overall in 2006, Stalberg looked to be a long term project that likely wouldn't make the NHL. He was playing in Sweden when picked by the Leafs, and decided to take the U.S. College route to develop.

In 2008/2009, Viktor nearly doubled his point production in the NCAA from the year prior. He was a Hobey Baker finalist (see link; given to best player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association for Men's Hockey).


Stalberg amazed people early this year. He tore up the pre season with 6 goals and 3 assists in 8 games. His blinding speed and big size allowed him to drive the opposition wide, than drive the net. The early production earned him a roster spot with the big club to start the year, but that is when the production stopped. He wasn't creating the same chances, and wasn't using his speed.


Stalberg was leveled by Volchenkov, and suffered a mild concussion thus ending his early season splendor.


As he got back into the lineup later in the year, Stalberg got back to using his speed, and was an effective 2nd/3rd line player.

He was on pace for 20 goals if he had played the whole season, and impressive stat for a rookie.


If Stalberg can continue to use his speed to drive towards the net, we could have a great second line player for years to come!

GRADE - B plus (great showing, keep improving!)

Report Card - Rickard Wallin

Name/Position – Rickard Wallin/C
Height/Weight – 6'2"'/195 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 60 Goals - 2 Assists - 7 Points – 9 Plus/Minus – minus 7
08/09 Games Played SEL – 55 Goals - 18 Assists - 27 Points – 45 Plus/Minus – plus 7
Salary/Cap Hit - $800,000/$800,000



Analysis -Rickard Wallin is a player that doesn't really fit Brian Burke's system.


He is not skilled enough to play in the top six, yet not physical enough to play in the bottom six. He was a smart defence forward, but failed to turn the smart plays into scoring chances.


A leader for his team Farjestads in 08/09, Wallin tagged along with Gustavsson as they joined the NHL last year.

Wallin had played in North America in the past (Jumping between Minnesota and their farm team from 2002-2005) but never developed into a consistent NHL player.


Although he wasn't expected to be a top NHL scorer, he was expected to be able to get a little more than 9 points.

Wallin has decided to head home next season, and has resigned with Farjestads.


Grade - D plus (more was expected).

Report Card - Phil Kessel

Name/Position – Phil Kessel/RW
Height/Weight – 5'11"'/185 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 70 Goals - 30 Assists - 25 Points – 55 Plus/Minus – minus 8
08/09 Games Played – 70 Goals - 36 Assists - 24 Points – 60 Plus/Minus – plus 23
Salary/Cap Hit - $4.5 Million/$5.4 Million



Analysis - Phil Kessel has the potential to be a dynamic offensive force in the NHL, but he isn't there yet.

Overall, Phil had a good season. Coming back from shoulder surgery in the fall, he looked slow, and didn't seem to trust his linemates. He would often take bad angle shots instead of pass to the open man, although with Kessel's fantastic wrister those bad angle shots often went in (a bit of a catch 22).

As the season went on, he was able to catch his breath between shifts, and developed great chemistry with Kulemin and Bozak.

Kessel would show flashes of brilliance, teasing that he might make top 10 in league scoring. Other games (especially against Boston) Kessel would be held off the score sheet.

He was brought in to score, and that is what he did.

Kessel, lighting the lamp 30 times, ended up with the 23rd most goals, more than either of the Sedin sisters, more than Eric Staal, or Pavel Datsyuk!

If Kessel can learn to trust his linemates more, and make smart passes and plays, we could really see a top line develop for the Leafs over the next few years.

Grade - A minus (progressed as the year went on, but still needs to grow).

Barrie Colts Update - Williamson out

Head Coach Marty Williamson has left the Barrie Colts organization.

He will be joining the Niagara Ice Dogs Monday morning.

Williamson has been with the Colts for 6 years.

UPDATE - It looks like the Barrie Colts and Marty Williamson couldn't agree on contract terms, meaning Williamson went elsewhere.

Williamson wanted a 3 year deal, but the Colts were only offering 2 years.

Korbinian officially signs

Leafs prospect Korbinian Holzer has officially been signed to a contract.

Holzer was drafted in the 4th round back in 2006 (another good JFJ pick!).

The 6'3", 210 pounds German has been developing well, playing on both the Olympic and World Championship teams.

He is big, and plays with an edge (which we know Burke loves), and could be a depth defender down the roads for the Leafs.

For now, he will have to bulk up a little more, and will likely get top 4 minutes with the Marlies.

Report Card - Francois Beauchemin

Name/Position – Francois Beauchemin/D
Height/Weight – 6'/215 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 82 Goals - 5 Assists - 21 Points – 26 Plus/Minus – minus 13
08/09 Games Played – 20 Goals - 4 Assists - 1 Points – 5 Plus/Minus – minus 3
Salary/Cap Hit - $4.2 Million/$3.8 Million



Analysis - Francois Beauchemin is one of the toughest players for me to analyze.


I find Francois to be very frustrating. He makes several offensive pinches a game, that lead to odd man rushes (the evidence is in his minus 13!). He often leaves his check alone, giving them good offensive chances. He plays physically, but never lays out those game changing hits.


However, we can see a much different story by looking at a few other stats.


Beauchemin averaged the most time on ice by all Leafs defencemen, playing over 25 minutes a game.


Beauchemin was given the 'A' early in the season, showing his leadership qualities. He was invited to the Olympic camp last summer for Team Canada, and was named to Canada's World Championship team this spring.

We do get a much better player for the cost of Jeff Finger!


Francois really reminds me of Ian White. Both players were on the smaller side, but had a low centre of gravity and battled for the buck. Both could chip in offensively, and both likely had too much ice time.


As the Leafs improve their play this upcoming season, it will be interesting to see how Beauchemin plays. With better defensive coverage from the team, his pinches may benefit our offensive break aways. And with an improved d-core, he may not have to play so many minutes.


Beauchemin translates to "good road", so lets hope he will lead us down it.


Grade - B (We will see what next year brings)

Report Card - Jeff Finger

Name/Position – Jeff Finger/D

Height/Weight – 6'1"/210 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 39 Goals - 2 Assists - 8 Points – 10 Plus/Minus – minus 11
08/09 Games Played – 27 Goals - 6 Assists - 17 Points – 23 Plus/Minus – minus 7
Salary/Cap Hit - $3.5 Million/$3.5 Million

Analysis - Jeff Finger is a good, all around defender. And that is why Brian Burke doesn't like him. He is not a player you can say is overly defensive, although he does what he needs to do in the defensive end. He isn't a great offensive producer, although he will chip in the odd goal here and there. And although he can lay a few big hits, no one would call him a physical force.

I think, Finger is a great 7th d-man that can fill into just about any roll as the need arises. Unfortunately, his salary says he should be much more than that.

Finger was in and out of the lineup all year. He could never solidify a roster spot, and the coaches seemed to favour the physical Exelby over Finger.

Jeff is signed through the 2011/2012 season, so unless he can be included in a trade (not likely), he will be sticking around the Leafs organization.

GM Brian Burke has hinted at burying contracts in the minors if need be, and Jeff Finger seems a likely candidate. Look for him to be sent to the Marlies if another big trade/UFA signing is made.

Grade - D (Would be a higher grade if the salary wasn't so high, leaving expectations much lower)

Report Card - Jamie Lundmark

Name/Position – Jamie Lundmark/C
Height/Weight – 6'/200 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 36 Goals - 5 Assists - 7 Points – 12 Plus/Minus – minus 7
08/09 Games Played – 27 Goals - 8 Assists - 8 Points – 16 Plus/Minus – plus 2
Salary/Cap Hit - $600,000/$600,000



Analysis - Jamie Lundmark is a player brought in by Burke to fill a vacant roster spot. After sending half of the Leafs forwards to Calgary in the Dion Phaneuf trade, the team was in need of warm bodies.

Claiming Lundmark off waivers (ironically from Calgary) Lundmark stepped right in and played a smart defensive game.


I don't expect Lundmark to be around next year. The UFA served his purpose, and will move on to another team that needs a roster spot filled.

His open roster spot is better filled next year with a young player like Irwin or Hanson.


Every once in a while, a team can hit a home-run with a waiver claim player (see Dominic Moore), unfortunately on this one we were walked to first base.


Grade - B minus (Played his role, nothing special).

Report Card - Carl Gunnarsson

Name/Position – Carl Gunnarsson/D
Height/Weight – 6'2"/200 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 43 Goals - 3 Assists - 12 Points – 15 Plus/Minus – plus 8
Salary/Cap Hit - $630,000/$800,000


Analysis - Carl Gunnarsson was the Leafs most consistent defenceman.

The smooth skating Swede came out of nowhere in his rookie season, stealing a roster spot from Finger and Exelby.

An injury did limit him to 43 games, so it will be interesting to see if he can continue his great play through a whole season.

Although never "flashy", Carl always seemed to make the smart/safe play, clearing the zone, and stopping the offensive chance. He led defencemen in plus/minus, and was trusted by head coach Ron Wilson in all situations.

Being named to Team Sweden for the World Hockey Championships just highlights Gunnarsson's ability and poise.

Carl will be a big piece moving forward, and could prove to be a great 3/4 defender for years to come. A Luke Schenn/Carl Gunnarsson second pairing has the potential to be one of the best in the league! That's right, I said it!

Grade - B+ (With more games under his belt, Gunnarsson would have pushed an A!)

Report Card - Mikhail Grabovski

Name/Position – Mikhail Grabovski/C
Height/Weight – 5'11"/185 lbs
09/10 Games Played – 59 Goals - 10 Assists - 25 Points – 35 Plus/Minus – plus 3
08/09 Games Played – 78 Goals - 20 Assists - 28 Points – 48 Plus/Minus – minus 8
Salary/Cap Hit - $2.75 million/$2.9 million



Analysis - Mikhail is anther Leafs player with an injury filled season second season with the Leafs (this is not a repeat from last week`s blogs!).


In his first year with the team, Grabovski proved an effective second liner, who was capable of putting up 50 points in a season. He also managed to add some testosterone to his game (although he used it mainly in practice where he fought his own players, except one time where he pushed a referee).


Grabovski was expected to continue his growth this year, and even push for a first line centre position. But a weak start to the regular season, and a broken wrist in March limited his effectiveness.

With Tyler Bozak proving his worth as a first/second liner, and Nazim Kadri expected to compete for a starting role with the big club, Mikhail may be on his way out. If Kadri can step in to the top 6 next season, Grabo is gone.

There have been rumblings and rumours that Grabovski could be packaged with Kaberle in a deal this summer (as Kaberle`s no-trade clause is void through the summer months), but I expect Burke to hold on to Mikhail until Kadri can prove that he is ready for the NHL.


Grade - C + (Goodbye Grabo?)

Report Cards - Continued on Monday

Have a great long weekend everyone!!!

Toronto Maple Leaf Report Cards will continue on Monday!

Kyleblogskyle

Report Card - John Mitchell

Name/Position – John Mitchell – C/LW
Height/Weight – 6’1/204lbs
09/10 Games Played – 60 Goals - 6 Assists - 17 Points – 23 Plus/Minus – minus 7
08/09 Games Played – 76 Goals - 12 Assists - 17 Points – 29 Plus/Minus – minus 16
Salary/Cap Hit - $500,000/$487,500


Analysis - John Mitchell is a sophomore player who had high expectations for himself, but couldn't deliver after an injury filled season.

In an interview last off season, John Mitchell set a (maybe unrealistic) goal of lighting the lamp 20 times. A knee injury in November led to Johnny missing 20 games through to January.

Mitchell did show good strength on the boards, and had flashes of offensive prowess (although his dekes can turn into giveaways, leaving odd man rushes the other way).

Overall, he made it through his sophomore slump, and (if re-signed as an RFA) will again compete for a bottom six roll (with the ability to jump up to the second line).


Grade - C (limited action due to injury, with a chance to improve next season)

Report Card - Luke Schenn

Name/Position – Luke Schenn - D
Height/Weight – 6’2”/215lbs
09/10 Games Played - 79 Goals - 5 Assists - 12 Points – 17 Plus/Minus – plus 2
08/09 Games Played – 70 Goals - 2 Assists - 12 Points – 14 Plus/Minus – minus 12
Salary/Cap Hit - $850,000/$2.975 Million




Analysis – Luke Schenn's season followed that of many young NHLers who jump right into an NHL lineup hitting a sophomore slump (see also Steve Mason - Columbus, Carey Price - Montreal, Peter Mueller - Phoenix).

Luke impressed a lot of people in his rookie campaign, securing himself as a top 4 defence pairing. However, this year's group of defencemen were much improved, and Schenn couldn't seem to keep up. He was making mistakes, and not playing nearly as aggressively as he has shown in the past.

Until...

When Dion Phaneuf arrived, Luke seemed like a new player. He was hitting, playing a physical game, and seemed to be more vocal on the ice. He was once again showing the quality's that led Leafs nation to fall in love with him.

My prediction for this year is a great showing from Luke. If he can continue to make smart decisions, make a good first pass, and hit, he may be able to once again have Pierre McGuire yelling 'THE HUMAN ERASER!!!

Grade - C+ (the late season push wasn't enough to rise Luke above a 'C')

Report Card - Nik Kulemin

Name/Position – Nikolai Kulemin – RW/LW
Height/Weight – 6’1/225lbs
09/10 Games Played – 78 Goals - 16 Assists - 20 Points – 36 Plus/Minus – zero
08/09 Games Played – 73 Goals - 15 Assists - 16 Points – 31 Plus/Minus – minus 8
Salary/Cap Hit - $850,000/$1.487 million

Analysis – Stats mean nothing when it comes to Nik Kulemin. A forward who started the year off poorly, found his strength in the second half of the season, becoming the Leaf's best player regardless of the number of points he put up.

Kulemin learned to use his size and strength to overpower the opposition, and has great hands close to the net. Although his stats are remarkably similar to last year (a sophomore slump might I add), I believe Kulemin is due for a break out season next year. He would be a great sleeper pick for your hockey pool drafts!

Nik had great chemistry on the first line with Tyler Bozak and Phill Kessel, but was also effective with Grabovski on the second line, and with Primeau on the 3rd.

Grade – B + (Great showing, but room to improve!)

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Report Card - Colton Orr

Name/Position – Colton Orr – RW/LW
Height/Weight – 6’3”/225lbs
09/10 Games Played - 82 Goals - 4 Assists - 2 Points – 6 Plus/Minus – minus 4
08/09 Games Played – 82 Goals - 1 Assists - 4 Points – 5 Plus/Minus – minus 15
Salary/Cap Hit - $1 Million/ $1 Million

Analysis – Colton Orr was signed by Brian Burke last summer, to add grit and size to the 4th/3rd line and play a smart defensive game. One of only 3 Toronto players to play all 82 games, Colton Orr knew his roll.

Orr managed 23 fights this year, with a record of 11 wins - 8 losses - 4 draws (Fight stats from http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/1483/fightcard/reg2010)

His minus 4 is a huge improvement from the minus 15 last year, and minus 13 the year prior to that. His 239 penalty minutes led the Leafs, and was enough for second in the league, trailing only Tampa Bay's Zenon Konopka who had 265.

His 4 Goals and 6 points were also career highs.

At a cap friendly hit of $1-million a year, and signed through to 2012-13, Colton Orr is a great building block moving forward!

Grade – A+ (a player who knew his role, and played it well)

Report Card - Mike Komisarek

Name/Position – Mike Komisarek - D
Height/Weight – 6’4”/245lbs
09/10 Games Played – 34 Goals - 0 Assists - 4 Points – 4 Plus/Minus – minus 9
08/09 Games Played – 66 Goals - 2 Assists - 9 Points – 11 Plus/Minus – zero
Salary/Cap Hit - $6.5 million/$4.5 million


Analysis – Mike Komisarek is better than what Leaf fans saw this year. Touted as a tough, tenacious, shut-down defenceman, a horrendous start (by the whole team) gave many fans a negative impression.

Komisarek followed the bad start with a string of injuries that really hampered his style of play. Despite all of this, Komisarek was still named to Olympic roster on Team USA, but didn’t play in the tournament due to injuries.

His low number of points shouldn't be an indicator of his play, as it is on par with previous seasons, and appropriate for a defensive-defender.


Grade – C (but with great expectations for next year)

Toronto Maple Leaf Report Cards!

Starting Monday morning, I will be posting a report card for the Toronto Maple Leafs from last year.

Stay tuned.

And remember, a true Leaf fan will never buckle under the pressure of hating Montreal!

NO HABS NO!!!

Kyle

Suspensions for the Colts!

A number of Barrie Colts and Windsor Spitfires are facing suspensions, after a dust-up at the end of yesterday's game.

Colts Zac Rinaldo (again), and Darren Archibald, along with Spitfire Adam Wallace were suspended for various inappropriate physical interactions.

Both teams were also fined 5-thousand bucks, after a yelling match between staff in the press box.

Rinaldo is just coming off his last suspension, and has played a grand total of 1 game!

Calgary Flames sign a Barrie Colt!

The Calgary Flames have signed Barrie Colts forward Bryan Cameron.



Cameron had 53 goals in 62 games this season, totalling 184 goals in 318 games.



It will be a battle for Bryan to make the NHL. The 5'11" forward will have to add some weight to his 180 lbs frame. He will also have to work on his defensive game, showing that he can do more than just put the puck in the net!

Colts make a draft swap!

This today from the Barrie Colts;

The Barrie Colts have announced today that they have completed two trades in preparation for Saturday’s Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Barrie acquired two third round draft picks from Belleville in exchange for the Colts third round selection in Saturday’s draft. Barrie will now select 55th and 61st in the third round, while Belleville gets the 43rd overall pick.

In a separate transaction the Colts traded two picks in this year’s draft to the London Knights, for a ninth rounder in 2011 from London and a third round pick in 2012 that originally belonged to the Windsor Spitfires.

Barrie sends London their fourth round pick, 81st overall and their 6th round pick, 121st overall in this year’s draft.

The OHL Priority Selection takes place this Saturday, May 1st at 9:00 a.m. Barrie will pick 21st overall.

The Colts - Game 2

After a third period break down in Game 1, the Barrie Colts look to rebound in Game 2 tonight.

The Colts didn't play well in Game 1, especially in the defensive end. This HAS to change tonight.

Game time is 7:30, at the BMC. No big changes expected.


And now for the an embarrassing Barrie Colts moment...

Here are Luke Pither, Bryan Cameron, Matt Kennedy & Mavric Parks making complete fools of themselves. ENJOY!

Another Goalie???

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed ANOTHER goalie.

College free agent Ben Scrivens (Cornell) has signed a one year, entry-level contract.

The Alberta native finished the season with a 21-9-4 record and a .931 save percentage!

He was also a top 10 Hobey Baker Finalist (player of the year).

This does give us lots of depth at goaltender, with Jiggy, the Monster, the newly signed Rynnas, and James Reimer in the AHL. It looks like one of these goalies has to go. The move may be to send Reimer to the ECHL, with Rynnas and Scrivens fighting for the job with the Marlies.

But here is the REAL reason Mr. Burke wanted this guy!!!

Didn't our dear old GM say something about needing more bottom six players?!?!?!?

Let's just hope he plays as well as another Cornell Grad...

OHL Final - Future Leafs

As the OHL finals get underway tonight, there are two Toronto Maple Leaf Draft picks to watch out for.

Kenny Ryan











The 50th overall pick in 2009, this is Ryan's first year in the OHL (he did spend some time in the Boston College, and the U.S. development program prior to this year).


In 15 playoff games, Ryan has 3 goals, 2 assists, and 10 penalty minutes.

Could be a third liner for the Leafs in a few years time.



Dale Mitchell











The 74th overall pick in 2007, Dale Mitchell is a small but feisty forward.

In 15 playoff games, he tallied 6 goals, 8 assists, and 12 penalty minutes.

To me, this kid looks like a new Darcy Tucker :)

GO COLTS GO!

Barrie Colts into the Finals!

The Colts are into the Finals!!!

Here is the sched;

• Game 1 – Tuesday April 27 at 7:35 pm – Windsor at Barrie
• Game 2 – Thursday April 29 at 7:35 pm – Windsor at Barrie
• Game 3 – Sunday May 2 at 4:05 pm – Barrie at Windsor
• Game 4 – Tuesday May 4 at 7:05 pm – Barrie at Windsor
• Game 5 – Thursday May 6 at 7:35 pm – Windsor at Barrie
• Game 6 – Saturday May 8 at 7:05 pm – Barrie at Windsor
• Game 7 – Monday May 10 at 7:35 pm – Windsor at Barrie

Windsor will be a tough team to face, but remember... the Colts have lost a grand total of ONE game in the playoffs so far. ONE!

And in the regular season, they registered just 10 losses!

The two teams have faced twice in the regular season, with Barrie winning both games (winning 4-2 in game 1, followed by 8-5 in game 2).

UPDATES:

Zac Rinaldo will be back from suspension in game 3 of this series.

GO COLTS GO!

Doughty for Norris?!?!?!?!

Drew Doughty (Olympian), Mike Green (has anyone seen him since the regular season ended?), and Duncan Keith (witty comment here) have been named as nominees for the Norris Trophy (top d-man).

The 20-year-old Doughty would be the second youngest winner in NHL history.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WAS THE YOUNGEST???

I will give you a hint... it sounds like Robby Bore....

Those are some big shoes to fill Mr. Doughty. Some big shoes indeed!

Lady Byng And Calder

The nominees for the Lady Byng Trophy (NHL's most gentlemanly player) and the Calder (rookie of the year) have been announced.

Martin St. Louis, Pavel Datsyuk, and Brad Richards are in the running for Lady Byng. Matt Duchene, Jimmy Howard and Tyler Myers are in for the Calder (voted on by the Pro Hockey Writers Association).

Datsyuk has won the Lady Byng four straight times, edging St. Louis the past three seasons.

---

To see the nominees for the other NHL awards, click here...

Jussi Rynnas - What a stache!

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to sign a new goalie, out of Finland. Jussi Rynnas is considered this year's Jonas Gustavsson. A big goalie, making big saves.

But Jussi has one thing Jonas does not...

A sweet moustache.

Based on my extensive research (youtube) I have found a video that accurately describes the new goalie.

P.S. This video may or may not contain a foreign language with no subtitles.

The video basically says;

"I am Jussi. I have a very nice moustache. I am a goalie. The moustache is the source of my power. I can't wait to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. MOUSTACHE!!!"

The Leafs sign new Goalie.. "The Finnish Monster"

Just got word... the Leafs have signed goalie Jussi Rynnas. I will launch up an update later this afternoon...

NHL AWARDS

As the playoffs continue, other big hockey news is also announced.

Yesterday, the finalists were announced for the Vezina Trophy (awarded to the best NHL goalie, voted on by the league's GM's).

It included;

Martin Brodeur, 45 wins, 9 shutouts, 2.24 GAA, .916 save %.

Ilya Bryzgalov, 42 wins, 8 shutouts, 2.29 GAA, .920 save %.

Ryan Miller, 41 wins, 5 shutouts, 2.22 GAA, .929 save %.

By the way, Martin Brodeur has been nominated for the Vezina 9 times, and has won of them!!!

SELKE NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED TODAY... (Top Defensive Forward)

Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

Pavel Datsyuk, 80gp, 27g, 43a, plus 17, 132 take aways, 55% faceoffs.

Ryan Kesler, 82gp, 25g, 50a, plus 1, 1 short handed goal, 83 take aways, 55% faceoffs.

Jordan Staal, 82gp, 21g, 28a, plus 19, 2 short handed goals, 41 take aways, 48.3% faceoffs.

Game 4 tonight!

The Colts back in action tonight, as they head to Mississauga up 2-games-to-1.

The Colts came out flying on Saturday, with a dominate 58-shot performance!

Luke Pither led the way with a pair - including the game-winner. Mavric Parks continues to be stellar, with 34 saves on the night. Alex Pietrangelo also continues to play very well, notching his 11th assist of the playoffs.

Tonight is a HUGE game, as the Majors can tie the series with a win!

GO COLTS GO!

A Monster Signing by the Leafs!

TSN is reporting that Leafs Goalie Jonas Gustavsson has signed on for two more years, in the range of $1.3-$1.5 million per season. UPDATE - IT LOOKS LIKE THE CONTRACT WILL AVERAGE $1.35-PER-SEASON..

What a deal! I was expecting the Leafs to pay more for a promising young goaltender who finished the season with a .902 save percentage, and a 2.87 goals against average...

Comparable Goalie Stats 2010;

Here are some comparable goalies in the league, and their cap hits for this year and next. Who would you rather have???

• Gusstavsson (Tor) - 42 gp - .902% - 2.87 GAA - $1.35 million
• Smith (TB) - 42 gp - .900% - 3.09 GAA - $2.2 million
• Huet (Chi) - 48 gp - .895% - 2.50 GAA - $5.625 million
• Pavelec (Atl) - 42 gp - .906% - 3.29 GAA - $1.43 million
• Giguere (Tor) - 35 gp - .907% - 2.85 GAA - $6 million
• Roloson (NYI) - 50 gp - .907% - 3.00 GAA - $2.5 million
• Theodore (Wsh) - 47gp - .911% - 2.81 GAA - $4.5 million

Draft Lottery tonight - Time to wear the paper bag

The NHL draft lottery is tonight, to determine who will get the top pick at the draft this summer.

The 14 teams not in the playoffs are entered into the lottery, but only 5 teams have a chance of getting the first overall pick.

Edmonton, who finished last, have a 48.2 percent chance of keeping the 1st overall pick, the Leafs are next, with an 18.8 percent chance of getting first, Florida with a 14.2 percent chance, Columbus at 10.7 percent, and New York Islanders at 8.1 percent.

BUT WAIT!!!

The Leafs don't actually have their first round pick this year, or their second. Remember... both were traded to Boston for Mr. Phil Kessel...

MY SUGGESTION, turn off the TV, and go for a nice long walk ;)

Colts face Mississauga

The Barrie Colts will face the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors in round 2 of the playoffs.

Mississauga beat Ottawa 5-3 last night in game 7 of the series.

In six regular-season meetings, the Colts won three times, lost two in regulation and lost another in a shootout.

Schedule;

Game 1 – Wednesday April 14 at 7:30 pm – Mississauga at Barrie
Game 2 – Friday April 16 at 7:30 pm – Barrie at Mississauga
Game 3 – Saturday April 17 at 7:30 pm – Mississauga at Barrie
Game 4 – Monday April 19 at 7:00 pm – Barrie at Mississauga
Game 5 – Wednesday April 21 at 7:30 pm – Mississauga at Barrie*
Game 6 – Friday April 23 at 7:30 pm – Barrie at Mississauga*
Game 7 – Saturday April 24 at 7:30 pm – Mississauga at Barrie*

Another Award for a Barrie Colt!

Barrie Colt forward Bryan Cameron has been announced as the Overage Player of the Year, winning the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy!

He is the first Barrie Colt to ever win the award.

Cameron led the league with 53 goals in 62 games played, and chipped in with 25 assists for 78 points and finished third in team scoring.

Past winners include;

2005–06 Ryan Callahan, Guelph Storm
2002–03 Chad LaRose, Plymouth Whalers

Colts Win!

After last night's 5-2 win over Brampton, the Barrie Colts are moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals!

Stefan Della Rovere led the way for the Colts in game 4, with 2 goals, 1 assist, and plus 1 on the night.

The Colts will play the winner of Mississauaga and Ottawa (their series is tied at 2-2). The next series will start late next week, giving the Colts a week of rest.

THREE STARS!

1. BAR - Stefan Della Rovere

2. BAR - Darren Archibald

3. BRA - Cody Hodgson

Colts down a Goalie, and key offensive player!

The Colts look for a sweep of Round 2 tonight in Brampton, but a few players will be on the shelf with injuries.

The Goalie Situation

The Barrie Colts will be down a goalie for at least the next few days.

Peter Di Salvo damaged cartilage in his knee on Sunday in Game 2 of the second-round series.

Minor surgery may be needed, but the team wants to wait and see if the knee will heal through rehab.

Luckily, the Colts acquired a goalie in Mavric Parks who has been GREAT! Mavric has 25 regular season wins this year... and has won both playoff starts.

Dalton McGrath (who started the year with the Colts) will move in as the backup.

The Key Offensive Player

Alex Hutchings (47goals 34assists this year) will sit out tonight with a groin pull. He should be ready to go for the next game.