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!