Preseason has concluded for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After 9 games of juggling line-ups and testing their young guns, the Leafs have finished with a 2-6-1 record. However, this blog does not have the objective to bash the Leafs and bring the fan base to a heaving sigh. Instead, let’s take a different approach. Let’s go into the season with our heads high. Let’s go into the season with an optimistic state of mind. Let’s go into the season to watch some hockey!

These warm-up sessions have long been a deceiving affair. That’s not to say the Leafs won’t struggle like they have these past few weeks, but putting too much merit into these match-ups would be a mistake. After all, the intensity that engulfs the game of hockey is toned down in preseason. This alone affects the flow of the game, ultimately altering the final outcome.

Another important factor to consider is the Leafs’ revamped line-up. Nearly half the roster is new faces, so chemistry has yet to be established at a comfortable level. That, and the Leafs are considerably younger than years past, so some adjusting may be in need.

While in the end goaltender Vesa Toskala will be praising his new defense, he too, like the rest of the club, is going to have to adjust to the new defensive system put in place by head coach Ron Wilson. At first glimpse, the Leafs appear to have learnt nothing, but a pattern has been followed throughout the past few weeks. One that has fought with the franchise many times in the past, and that is 3rd period collapses. When the Leafs learn to contain leads, they will change their fortunes dramatically. If the Leafs were graded after 2 periods of play, consistency would describe them more often than not. However, things aren’t that simple for the 41-year Cup-less franchise, so some work will have to be done by Wilson and co.

Instead of moping over the possibility of an Ottawa Senators playoff quality team, let’s go into the season with our minds open. If Wilson could sell the defensive system to the players, the playoffs are not a far cry. Achieving the fallow goal wouldn’t snub the rebuilding plan either, as some valuable experience would be had from the wide-range of youngsters.

On the other hand, a season full of L’s on the calendar would assure a quality prospect in a draft pool that is expected to be strong. This would further to the new era of promising youngsters that is beginning to re-ignite this fallen club.
No matter what the outcome, some interesting stories will be developing throughout the course of this season. And no matter what hardships the Leafs endure, it’s refreshing to see a legitimate rebuilding plan in motion.

Let’s enjoy this season, not only because it’s hockey, but because it’s a new page for a franchise in dire need of one.

Tags: etc., hockey, Leafs, preseason, Wilson

It’s time for Ponikarovsky to step up.

No more excuses. The now-Canadian citizen is going to have display his talent and prove to the Leafs why he should rejoin them in the long-term. The six-foot-four, 220 pound sniper has shown glimpses of being top-six forward quality, but that’s as far as he goes before falling back into inconsistency.

In Ponikarovsky, the Leafs have a solid two-way player who has above average skating abilities and can snipe the puck with deadly precision. While he has a big frame, ‘Poni’ tends to be a little soft at times, taking his size for granted. If he’d be able to finish his scoring chances more often (he misses a lot), he could potentially become a 30-goal scorer.

While he was no stranger to the first line, Ponikarovsky only averaged 15:57 of ice-time last season. If he could find chemistry with Antropov again, he could spend a lot of time on the first-line and PP. In order to become a legitimate threat though, he’ll have to find the consistency he’s been lacking in his NHL career so far.

Much like teammate Alexander Steen, Ponikarovsky is often discussed in terms of potential. Now 28, it’s time for him to realize his upside and become a staple on the Leafs’ offensive attack. On a rebuilding club like the Leafs, it’ll be up to players like him to lead the charge and set an example. He’s had time on the top-line before so it’s not as if he’s new to the pressure that resides with Toronto. However, he hasn’t posted dominant numbers in his past few years with the Leafs.

Ponikarovsky’s last three seasons in the NHL:

2005-06: 81 21 17 38 68 +15

2006-07: 71 21 24 45 63 +8

2007-08: 66 18 17 35 36 +3

For a player who has often been called upon for playing with former-Leaf Mats Sundin (notice the “former”, I refuse to bring bad vibes and make him re-sign here), these point totals are simply not good enough. If he improves on finishing plays, however, Ponikarovsky could find his niche as a 25-goal, 50-point player who can contribute to the PK, but Wilson has some work ahead of him in order for this to happen. In any case, that’s the kind of player you want on a rebuilding team (or any team for that matter).

Of course, Ponikarovsky is not alone in this boat. In fact, nearly half of the Leafs’ current roster are underachievers who are being depended on to step it up in a big way.

Some work is in order, but if they can find their drive, the Leafs could surprise. There’s no time like the present, make your stamp or suffer (enjoy) the fate that players like Tucker and Wellwood shared.

As always, it’ll be an interesting season in Leaf Nation.

Fearless prediction: Ponikarovsky posts career numbers and finishes with 23 goals and 53 points.

Rebuild.

That was the game plan going in to the off-season after another abysmal season from our boys in Blue and White.

Given this arduous task was veteran GM Cliff Fletcher. I mean, it’s not every day that MLSE realize their failure and place this kind of responsibility on their GM (or… is it?).

Fletcher got to work right away, trading a 3rd round selection in the 2008 draft for Jamal Mayers. While this received mixed reception, the presence of Mayers to the Leafs’ now young line-up is going to add some leadership to a team sorely lacking it.

Next on the list was buying out the contracts of veteran-Leaf Darcy Tucker, and the incumbent Andrew Raycroft — Kyle Wellwood was also left to pursue his career elsewhere. The loss of Raycroft is an obvious plus to the Leafs, but the subtraction of Tucker is a puzzling one. He’s proven he can score goals, be a threat on the PP, drop the gloves, and bring some leadership. It was a bumpy ride last season, and Tucker is one the decline, but he can still contribute in the NHL. Holding on to a player of his caliber seems more logical then simply wasting 3-million dollars on nothing.

Before I bring up the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, let’s view how many draft picks Fletcher has brought in and out this off-season:

Picks Acquired

2008 - 2nd (PIT for Gill)
2008 - 3rd (FLA for Kilger)
2008 - 5th (FLA for Belak)
2008 - 5th (PIT for Gill)

Picks Traded

2008 - 3rd (TOR) to NYI for Schenn
2008 - 3rd (FLA) to STL for Mayers
2008 - 5th (TOR) to MTL for Grabovski
2009 - 2nd (TOR) to NYI for Schenn
2009 - 5th (PIT) to NYR for Hollweg
2010 - 2nd (TOR) to MTL for Grabovski
2010 - 4th (TOR) to FLA for Mike Van Ryn

Draft Picks Remaining

2009 NHL Draft

1st (TOR)
2nd NO PICK: (NYI for Schenn)
3rd (TOR)
4th NO PICK: (SJ for Toskala, JFJ)
5th (TOR)
6th (TOR)
7th (TOR)

2010 NHL Draft

1st (TOR)
2nd NO PICK: (MTL for Grabovski)
3rd (TOR)
4th NO PICK: (FLA for Van Ryn)
5th (TOR)
6th (TOR)
7th (TOR)

Looking at that, the draft doesn’t seem to be the chosen route to build upon our weak prospect pool. With that said, however, Fletcher did manage to attain Luke Schenn (The Human Eraser) and that alone impacts our prospect cupboard to quite a degree (quite sadly I might add). Fletcher’s feelings on building through the draft have long been long summarized by his infamous quote, ”Draft shmaft”. With that in mind, one could hope John Tavares is a Leaf at next years draft to atleast make up for the two quality picks we’ll be lacking.

Going into the UFA frenzy period, the Leafs, for once, didn’t throw ridiculous amounts of money at players for the purpose of reaching their mediocre 8th place goal… but they were given the Finger, quite stiffly I might add. Yes, Jeff Finger and his new 3.5-million dollar contract stole the show — completely putting Niklas Hagman and co. in the shadows and perhaps for the better. While Finger’s presence should help the Leafs’ defensive woes, Fletcher should have known better than to give a player with 94 games of NHL experience, at 28, a four year 14-million dollar contract. On top of that, Fletcher has created quite the log jam on the back-end, hurting the chances of the Leafs’ young defensemen at cracking the line-up. To further the problem, he then signed defenseman Jonas Frogren, from the SEL (Swedish Elite League), to play in one of top 6 positions. And when the Leafs were finally granted permission to trade the struggling veteran and longtime-Leaf Bryan McCabe, they brought in Mike Van Ryn, an offensive defenseman who is essentially a lesser-version of McCabe but comes with a smaller price tag. Excuse me, but is cap space really all that important for a team that is rebuilding anyway? If you ask me, this will be another transaction that Fletcher will be regretting when McCabe is back in form.

On a more positive note, the best move by Fletcher may be the acquisition of head coach Ron Wilson. Wilson is under the belief that this team will only turn it around when a stronger defensive game is in place. ”Do you care if you win 2-1 or lose 6-5? How do you protect a smaller defense? You forecheck like mad men.” Explained Wilson, ”Look at Detroit. It’s no fun to play against them when you never have the puck.” Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Wilson though is that he understands good things take time, ”I think the last few years it’s been ‘We need to make the playoffs, we need to do this, we need to do that. And you start start cutting corners to satisfy all these other people’s needs and you end up not doing the right thing.” The Leafs will be a lot more interesting –€“ and promising –€“ with him behind the bench.

All in all, this was a rather perplexing rebuilding plan from Fletcher. We’ve lost more draft picks then gained, and we’re forced to put our hopes in cloudy prospects such as Mikhail Grabovski. While parting ways with Sundin was crucial, the Leafs can acquire many assets if they were to trade their remaining veterans - Vesa Toskala’s name comes to mind.

Fletcher’s Grade: C (Ironically, that forms a sad face if you look sideways)

While Fletcher has done some questionable trades this off-season, the addition of Grabovski to the Leafs’ line-up is an intriguing one – one that is going to cost Toronto a 2nd round selection in 2010.

Grabovski is a bit of an unknown commodity. Having just 27 games of experience in his NHL career, (played 24 last season) he has shown strong offensive potential considering he’s been caught behind so many players on the Habs’ depth chart. The Belarusian was a victim of the numbers game, only averaging 11 minutes and 12 seconds of ice-time last season — he also registered a feeble 26 seconds per game on the PP. With that said, he garnered 3 goals and 9 points in the 24 games played.

At 24 years of age, Grabovski is still considered a rookie by NHL standards (25 games or over in one season classifies a rookie season) and could potentially surprise a lot of people. He turned some heads with his impressive AHL performance, scoring a total of 25 goals and 74 points in 78 career AHL games.

In Grabovski, the Leafs own an incredibly fast skater. He’s not afraid to skate through traffic, but he does have trouble staying on his feet when there’s physical play involved. Possessing strong puck handling abilities, Grabovski is effective 1-on-1 and is imaginative with the puck. While he knows his way to the back of the net, he’s primarily known as a playmaker, having the skill to perform tape-to-tape passes with his remarkable vision of the ice.

Many are under the belief that he’s a one-dimensional player, but Grabovski is fairly decent in his own end. He often returns to help out in his own zone and at times is even deeper in the defensive zone than some of the defensemen. His 5′11, 180 pound frame limits him when digging in the corners, but he works hard to harass the opposition.

When looking at the Leafs’ line-up, it’s possible that Grabovski may start the season on the third-line, but his talent suggests he can overtake the #2 center position if he finds some chemistry with his linemates (Nikolai Kulemin perhaps?)

Leafs fans are not expecting a ton from him, so if he produces somewhere in the 40-point vicinity it will be deemed a successful season. With increased ice-time and more responsibility on the PP he could potentially score over 50+ points. Anything is possible.

My projection for Grabovski:

80 GP
13 G
48 PTS

Here’s a tribute video for #84:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvb_F9mBpzE

While Steven Stamkos’ name is being mentioned frequently when speaking of the Calder Trophy, it would be a mistake not to consider the likes of Patrik Berglund, Kyle Okposo, Shawn Matthias, Bobby Ryan, Fabian Brunnstrom and Kyle Turris, among others.

Turris, drafted third overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by Phoenix, is coming off a remarkable season with the Wisconsin Badgers from the WHCA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association). In 38 games, he garnered 11 goals and 35 points which were high enough to lead his team in scoring. He also played in the 2007 Super Series, an eight-game challenge series between Russia and Canada’s national under-20 teams. He went on to lead the series in goal scoring with 7 as Canada won the series 7-0-1. He finished the series in his hometown of Vancouver where he scored 2 goals and was named MVP. Turris also led Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic, placing as the team’s top point producer after successfully capturing the gold medal.

Turris is said to be a dynamic player with offensive skills matched by few in his age category. He’s fast on his feet, has a very accurate shot and can handle the puck very well. A balanced offensive player, Turris has the ability to either take the shot himself or set-up a teammate. All this combined with his defensive awareness and ability to find holes are surfacing comparisons of a young Steve Yzerman or Joe Sakic.

While he’s not an overly physical player, his endurance and hockey sense allow him to avoid being rattled by the opposition. His 6-1, 170 pound frame will help him adjust to the NHL game in a smoother transition too.

At age 19, there are concerns he may start slow with the Coyotes, but Turris will be moved as the teams #2 center — moving teammate and possible linemate Peter Mueller to the wing — so playing behind Olli Jokinen should help his confidence.

Turris is no stranger to success either, accumulating many awards and honors throughout his short hockey career:

• 2006 BCHL Coastal Division Rookie of the Year
• 2006 World Junior A Challenge Most Valuable Player Award
• 2006 World Junior A Challenge All-Star Team
• 2006 World Junior A Challenge Scoring Champion
• 2007 RBC Financial Group Canadian Junior A Player of the Year
• 2007 BCHL Player of the Year
• 2007 WCHA Preseason Freshman of the Year
• 2008 All-WCHA Third Team All-star
• 2008 WCHA All-Rookie Team

All in consideration, it will be an interesting competition for the Calder Trophy. While there are candidates who might break-out and surprise, this year’s crop is expected to be led by Stamkos and Turris.

I choose Turris.

Predicted stats for Kyle Turris:

GP 80

G 24

PTS 66

Tags: NHL, rookies, Turris