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)