Not because Connolly is capable of vaulting the Leafs to new heights single-handedly—because he cannot—but his role as a stop-gap to centers Nazem Kadri and Joe Colborne will play a pivotal role in the Leafs’ short-term success with Phil Kessel as its offensive leader.

It’s no secret that Tyler Bozak failed in his prolonged audition as a number-one centerman. Such an expectation was foolish from the onset but sadly neccessary due to the futility of the Leafs’ management in the past. To put it simply, general manager Brian Burke had little to work with and instead of developing his NCAA free agent acquisition on the third line, which would have been appropriate to his skill-set, Bozak was lauched into the fire as Kessel’s centerman and was expected to survive. Fast-forward a year and here we are, Bozak has moved down the depth chart and Connolly is the Leafs’ new number-one center—or at least a new project for Kessel.

Connolly, 30, is renowned for his puck handling abilities and even provides a two-way game—averaged 1:43 shorthanded ice-time last season. Unfortunately, he is also known for injuries post-lockout. His past two seasons have been his most durable, playing 73 and 68 games respectively. His injury concerns aside, Connolly has amassed 250 points in 302 games since the lockout, and it should be noted last season was his least productive with 42 points in 68 games. On the surface it may seem as though Connolly had an off-year, but that’s not the case. Connolly only averaged 16:54 of ice-time as the Sabres’ third-line center last season, as opposed to 18:37 TOI/G in the 2009-10 season. Moreover, Connolly averaged 3:43 of powerplay ice-time per game in the 2009-10 season, but only played an average of 2:49 on the powerplay last season. The difference? Connolly scored an impressive 27 powerplay points, which led the Sabres, with increased ice-time on the man-advantage, but regressed to only 19 powerplay points when his ice-time decreased. The moral of the story? Connolly, despite his defensive acumen, is better suited in a top-six role as a powerplay specialist. Considering the Leafs lack a) a centerman for Kessel, and b) efficiency on the powerplay, Connolly may well thrive with the Leafs considering he’ll be getting ample ice-time. Consider that Mikhail Grabovski averaged the most powerplay ice-time among Leafs centers last season with 3:08 PP TOI/G and scored 15 powerplay points. Connolly should average well over that amount with the first powerplay unit and be given every opportunity to produce.

The obvious concern, as previously mentioned, is Connolly’s health. It’s near impossible to predict whether Connolly can play a full season, or at least in the vicinity of 75 games, but rest assured he’ll produce near a point-per-game clip whether his injuries are behind him or not. For the sake of an offensive projection, let’s assume he does play 82 games next season. Quote me for a 70-point season from Connolly as the Leafs’ number-one center.

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While the need for a number-one center ultimately remains the Leafs’ target to solidify a berth in the post-season, the depth the club has added this off-season should not be overlooked. Tim Connolly may not be the number-one pivot the Leafs were looking for, but he does provide the top-six—and Phil Kessel—with a signifcant offensive upgrade compared to that of Tyler Bozak in the role last season. Not only did the acquisition move Bozak down the depth chart, but it placed he and the Leafs in a better position to succeed now that Bozak doesn’t have to worry about centering a star such as Kessel—which was far too much pressure for a player basically fresh off the NCAA ranks. That, and Bozak should now have Colby Armstrong on his wing for the forseeable future. The pair established great chemistry in the second-half of last season on the penalty-kill, often creating scoring opportunities and displaying sound positional play.

While there were several factors that led to the Leafs missing the playoffs once again last season, a lack of depth was certainly near the top of the list. Aside from the Nikolai Kulemin, Mikhail Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur line, there was absolutely zero consistency in the line combinations throughout the season. Head coach Ron Wilson continuously sifted through his limited options to establish a legitimate top-six unit, but to no avail. The lack of another top-six center ultimately led to the dismantling of any chemistry potentially established on the third or second-line—let’s be honest, the Grabovski-Kulemin-MacArthur line was the first-line—and it crippled the Leafs in the standings. There’s no denying the Leafs could use another star or two to aid its quest to respectability, but that is not the only route available to general manager Brian Burke. And this was evidenced with the Brad Richards sweepstakes. Burke missed out on the biggest unrestricted free agent available, and then immediately shifted his focus on Connolly, the second best center that was on the free agent market. He then traded spare parts for the services of Cody Franson and Matthew Lombardi, thus adding a considerable amount of depth to the roster. And make no mistake, Lombardi can be much more than simply a salary dump, and Burke knows this. Lombardi is capable of playing the left wing position, thus allowing Bozak to play center—led the Leafs with a 54.6 faceoff percentage—and adds something the Leafs lack, aside from the Grabovski line… a left-handed shooter. Not only does this give the third-line an advantage offensively, but Lombardi’s speed and two-way ability make him a great fit on the third-line with Bozak and Armstrong. Bozak is an accomplished face-off man, Lombardi is capable of scoring 40-50 points, and Armstrong adds a considerable amount of grit along with some offensive upside. If the line can establish chemistry in the early going of the season, the Leafs, unlike last season, can dress three scoring lines without having to worry about the opposition snuffing out its offense on a consistent basis. And with a top-nine unit, Kessel is much more likely to hit the 40-goal plateau—with or without Connolly—with less attention fixated on him from the opposition—and media.

Of course, all this hinges on Lombardi’s health heading into the 2011-12 season. If he truly expects to be ready for training camp, this will benefit the Leafs greatly, as the team will have an indication if he’s capable of sustaining the type of play that netted him a career-high 53 points two seasons ago. If not, Nazem Kadri and Matt Frattin(natural right winger)—who will be competing for the third-line left-wing role regardless of Lombardi’s status—are also feasible options for the third-line—Kadri is a left-handed shooter; Frattin right-handed. Not only that, but if Connolly is uncapable of playing a large portion of games, the line juggling could once again commence on a regular basis. However, the additions of two roster players, and prospects near NHL-ready, should ensure some consistency in the face of injury this time around.

If the Leafs finally attain the playoffs next season, expect the offensive output of its top three lines to play a key role in the matter.

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In an interview with the National Post’s Michael Traikos, general manager Brian Burke said his team is going to sit back and let the players compete for spots at training camp. This is good news for the likes of Nazem Kadri, Matt Frattin and Joe Colborne. While there remains holes on the Leafs’ roster, Rick Dudley told the Star that patience will ultimately address the team’s needs.

“Come training camp, if one or two young players makes the team, they’re going to have to move people, and they are not going to be able to move the people they just signed,” Dudley said, in reference to the active teams only July 1. “They’re going to have to move assets on their roster. That’s a good thing (for the Leafs).”

Such a tactic speaks volumes of the Leafs’ confidence in its top-six unit heading into the 2011-12 season. Perhaps not in the long-term, but the Leafs are still developing and fans should not be disappointed if Burke doesn’t make a big splash this off-season—in fact, it’s unlikely he does. Obviously the Leafs have no interest in acquiring leftover top-six players that could add no more to the line-up than the current unit already does. What the Leafs require, aside from a number-one center, is some help on the bottom-six, both in the form of veteran presence and a defensive specialist. While there are a few options in the free agent market—Chris Drury and Mike Grier most notably—the Leafs seem to be looking elsewhere to address its needs. While it’s unlikely Burke opts to offer sheet any restricted free agent, it’s within the realm of possibility he keeps an eye on any players that may be released if an arbitration ruling is too pricey for a team. If the Leafs’ management staff deems the options available as lateral movement, rest assured that Toronto will enter the season with its current roster. And that shouldn’t scare anyone.

As mentioned above, the Leafs still lack a number-one center, but with the additions of Matthew Lombardi and Tim Connolly, there is a considerable upgrade up the middle. No longer will Phil Kessel play alongside a 35-point centerman in Tyler Bozak, and that is perhaps the best news this summer. If Connolly is indeed healthy, or at least play over 70 games, he will provide the Leafs with a skill-set the club hasn’t witnessed since Mats Sundin departed. And no, I am not suggesting Connolly is on par with Sundin, but he posseses great hands and vision to adequately compliment Kessel’s abilities. Aside from Mikhail Grabovski, the Leafs had one center capable of playing in the top-six last season. With Connolly and Lombardi—if healthy— the Leafs have three centers capable of producing on a scoring line. Not only does this provide the club with newfound depth, it gives head coach Ron Wilson options to work with—and thus ultimately determine his fate in Toronto. It’s entirely possible the Leafs roll three scoring lines next season and take advantage of its depth, rather than rely on one or two lines. To put it bluntly, the Leafs simply lack star power at this point, so adding depth in a top-nine format is perhaps the club’s best chance at finally attaining the post-season.

The defense has upgraded considerably since last season, with Mike Komisarek now the seventh defenseman on the depth chart. If he doesn’t get traded, it’s likely he sees limited time with the Leafs, as the club now has one of the most promising young defense corps in the National Hockey League. The addition of John Michael Liles and Cody Franson not only revamps the defense, but adds new dimensions to a crippling Leafs powerplay. And on the subject, Connolly’s presence on the powerplay shouldn’t be overlooked. He finished first on the Sabres in PP points in 2009-10, and tied for second last season—only played 68 games and had his least productive season since the lockout. If the Leafs’ additions to the lineup contribute as they should, the powerplay should dramatically improve upon its 22nd overall ranking last season.

If the Leafs are realistically expected to attain the post-season, though, its penalty kill is undoubtebly the key. The team finished 28th in the league on the PK last season, and suffered in the standings because of the fact. None of the Leafs’ acquisitions addressed this need, so unless Burke has another trick up his sleeve before the season starts, it’s likely the team is counting on its strong second-half performance to continue. Much of that also rests on the shoulders of James Reimer, who will be counted on to consistently perform at a level not witnessed since the lockout in the Leafs’ net. The fact that these question marks still cloud the Leafs is concerning, but fans must remember that the Leafs are still developing and are one the league’s youngest teams—Liles, at 30 years old, is the Leafs’ oldest player.

With all that said, if the Leafs can improve its powerplay, get stability between the pipes, and get a decent amount of production up the middle, I’d be confident in predicting the team’s first playoff berth since the lockout. Although that’s a lot of ifs, the Leafs finally have the assets that can realistically address its needs.

And that’s not even considering what Nazem Kadri and Matt Frattin may bring to the table. It’s foolish to assume the Leafs can contend for the Stanley Cup, but with legitimate NHL prospects in the pipeline and youth anchoring its core, the Leafs are not far off from reaching that goal.

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Before discussing what Burke may do next in his blueprint, let’s first analyze the moves he’s done in the past 48 hours. While Burke may not have found the number-one center the Leafs so desperately covet, he managed to acquire a decent secondary option in Connolly. Injury concerns have clouded the 30-year-old’s career post-lockout, but his ability to produce has never been questioned—although last season was his least productive in the last six years with 42 points in 68 games. If healthy, and that’s a big if, it would certainly be within the realm of possibility for Connolly to produce in the 70 point range with Kessel as his linemate. Perhaps the most undervalued skill that he’ll add to the Leafs is his defensive acumen. While he’s no defensive stalwart, he could certainly play a defensive system and contribute on the penalty kill—averaged 1:43 of shorthanded ice-time per game.

The Leafs’ special teams also improved with the addition of Cody Franson today. The 23-year-old defenseman produced eight goals and 29 points in his sophomore campaign with the Nashville Predators last season. While he’s another large body on the blueline at 6’5 and 215 pounds, he’s not known to throw hits—only 81 last season. He did, however, contribute on the second powerplay unit and produce respectable point totals given he averaged roughly 15 minutes of ice-time per game. If Franson continues to develop, he could well establish himself as a top-four defenseman with regular shifts on the powerplay. And keep in mind that Nashville plays a defensive system and its top-pointer only managed a measly 50 points. With added ice-time and a new system, Franson could hit 40 points next season under the right circumstances.

The addition of Lombardi is simply a bonus. If he manages to get healthy and put his concussion problems behind him—and that is once again a big if—he could contribute as a secondary scorer. His speed is second to none, but his offensive potential probably doesn’t exceed anything within the 50 point range. Obviously, the addition of Lombardi was the price to pay for Franson, but whether he plays is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

So, with all that said, what’s next? Well, taking a glance at the Leafs’ defense corps, Burke could afford to relinquish one his defenseman to fill another need—or to unload a bad contract. And with bad contracts in mind, Mike Komisarek is the new kid on the trade block. If a team, like say, the New York Islanders, decide to take on his contract to get to the cap floor, the Leafs could once again take advantage of the situation. While it’s unlikely any trade Burke makes from now on will import any front-line talent to the roster, the Leafs still require some bottom-six forwards to add some grit and veteran leadership. But who knows with Burke? If he’s fixated on adding some truculence to the top-six, it’s not unfathomable that he shakes up the roster with a blockbuster trade, especially after losing out on the Brad Richards sweepstakes. Moreover, there’s some intriguing options in the free agent market to upgrade the bottom-six. The two most notable being Mike Grier and Chris Drury. Both players are capable of playing the penalty kill and providing a leadership role on a young team. If they could be had relatively cheap, I think they’d upgrade the the Leafs’ bottom-six considerably.

With Connolly and Grabovski occupying the Leafs’ center positions, is it possible Burke may be in the market for another star winger? You get the sense Burke is not yet content with the Leafs’ top-six, and with Connolly signed on for two years, perhaps that makes Grabovski expendable? All these questions will be answered in due time, but for now, Leafs Nation is buzzing with the excitement of what tomorrow brings.

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The 30-year-old offensive defenseman has one year remaining on his contract with a cap-hit of $4.2-million. While he is a one-dimensional player, it’s worth noting that he led the Colorado Avalance with 153 blocked shots—although that probably correlates with his 36 giveaways, the most among Avalanche defensemen. He finished the season with six goals, 46 points and 18 powerplay points—three ahead of Matt Duchene. Liles’ defensive statistics may be underwhelming, but make no mistake, he’s here to play on the first-powerplay unit, and considering he led all Avalanche in PP TOI with over 245 minutes, despite missing six games, he’ll fit right into the Leafs’ blueprint.

The question, however, is if Liles’ tenure with the Leafs will be shortlived. If prospects Jesse Blacker and Jake Gardiner continue to develop next season, Liles may be used as stop-gap until they’re ready for the NHL. Considering Liles only cost the Leafs the conditional second-round pick they acquired from the Bruins—for making the Stanley Cup Final—it’s an ideal scenario for Toronto looking ahead to the next off-season.

With a puck-moving defenseman off the checklist, the focus shifts on acquiring a number-one center—and to a lesser extent a bottom-six player. Will that happen tonight? We’re about to find out. But keep in mind that Dave Nonis has said the Leafs are now willing to unload one of its defensemen to acquire a number-one center.

If it doesn’t happen tonight, the Leafs will likely focus on Brad Richards on July 1.

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Whether Burke decides to import two first-round prospects to the Toronto Maple Leafs or package them, along with other assets, for that elusive number-one center is a win-win situation considering the team’s needs. But if the bombastic Leafs GM is true to his word, there’s a significant chance he actively pursues that number-one pivot his club so desperately requires. Burke made it clear that such a trade would not occur on the draft floor and it would have to be worked out in the days leading up to June 24. Well, considering he had said there’s “several lines in the water” regarding potential trades, it’s logical to assume this Friday would be a prime time to pull the trigger. Not only would this elevate the Leafs as a serious playoff contender in the Eastern Conference, but it would increase its allure for any potential unrestricted free agents on July 1—and the Leafs would still require a puck-moving defenseman and bottom-six forward.

While a trade could occur at any time in the off-season, Burke doesn’t have the luxury of gambling should a team move its trading chip to another club or pull any deals from the table. While there has been much speculation surrounding Brad Richards’ potential destination on July 1, Steve Simmonds is reporting the Leafs are not one of them. Now, take this report with a grain of salt, as it is the only one of its kind and is based solely from hearsay. Then again, Simmonds is a respected journalist among the Toronto Sports Media, so whether you believe the article is entirely up to you.

All this leads to the potential centers Burke may target on Friday in Minnesota. And one that has been linked to the Leafs in the rumour mill is the 25-year-old, Paul Stastny. The Colorado Avalanche were supposedly shopping the $6.6-million center at the trade deadline, but the team quickly denied the reports. Well, surprise, surprise, Stastny has re-entered the ol’ rumour mill and none other than Howard Berger has confirmed that, once again, the Avalache are willing to trade its number-one pivot to make room for the blossoming Matt Duchene.

If this is indeed accurate, one must naturally assume that Burke will engage in trade negotiations with the Avalache. Hockey forums are aflame with trade possibilities, and almost all of them include the Leafs’ top prospect, Nazem Kadri. Unfortunately, the Leafs would likely have to relinquish Kadri if they were to realistically acquire Stastny. While such a trade makes just about any Leafs fan uncomfortable, it actually makes sense when you consider that Stastny hasn’t even reached his prime and has already established himself as a 70-point player. While Kadri could reach that plateau and even contribute more to the ice, he is unproven. And the Leafs, under Burke’s current blueprint, require proven players to fast-track the Leafs to respectability. Considering the team’s lack of depth up the middle, Kadri may be the sacrificial lamb to finally acquire an elite centerman.

Normally, the idea of trading away Kadri on a team that is just now adding depth to the prospect cupboard would seem absurd. And perhaps it is. But considering the circumstances, acquiring a number-one center now, as opposed to years down the line when (and if) Kadri is ready, could elevate the Leafs to new heights. Not only would Phil Kessel have the number-one center to reach his goal-scoring potential, but the powerplay would improve and the addition of such a player would add new dimensions on offense, which as a result could give some breathing room for a defenseman such as, say, Dion Phaneuf—who’s dying for another 15+ goal season. Now, what else is included in a deal to land Stastny is up for debate (Gunnarsson and draft picks?) but it seems near impossible for Kadri not to be the focal point for the Avalanche.

If the Avalanche are indeed willing to part with Stastny, though, expect Burke to make a serious pitch for the number-one center.

Is it Friday yet?

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The problem, however, is that those options would not improve the Leafs up the middle, but rather on defense and bottom-six positions. And if Burke is set on acquiring a number-one center to finally ail the Leafs’ most glaring need, he will likely have to go the trade route or send an offer sheet to a restricted free agent—an unlikely scenario considering Burke’s stance on the tactic. While there are other centers available in free agency, the most prominent names include Michael Nylander, Tim Connolly, Jason Arnott, Michal Handzus and Brooks Laich. The most enticing center available, both in terms of offensive potential and age, would have to be Laich.

Laich, 27, had an underwhelming season, dropping from the 20-goal, 50-point plateau he established himself at the two previous seasons— it should be noted that all of the Washington Capitals’ top pointers suffered a drop in production with the implementation of a defensive strategy, rather than the run ‘n gun strategy they were previously (in)famous for. He did manage to rank second among Washington forwards in blocked shots (54), fifth in hits (113) and finished with a 51.3 faceoff percentage. While none of these statistics are particularly overwhelming, he is no doubt a valuable commodity as a secondary scorer. But therein lies the problem. The Leafs have an abundance of secondary scorers that cannot adequately fill the role as a first-line forward for a full season. Adding a center of Laich’s caliber would bolster the Leafs’ depth up the middle, but the lack of an elite centerman would, once again, cost the Leafs precious points in the standings. It is due to this fact that Burke will no doubt explore other avenues if he wishes to remedy his team’s biggest woe. Otherwise, the Leafs will continue to spin its tires in the post-Sundin era.

While there are a number of intriguing free agent forwards—Tomas Fleischmann, Ville Leino, Simon Gagne, Erik Cole, Radim Vrbata, Michael Ryder and Jussi Jokinen among the list— players of such caliber shouldn’t be viewed as a necessity for the Leafs. With the likes of Clarke MacArthur (assuming he re-signs), Nikolai Kulemin, Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, Nazem Kadri and potentially Matt Frattin on the Leafs’ forward ranks, Burke should focus on acquiring more crucial needs.

With all that said, if Richards decides to sign with another team on July 1—assuming it doesn’t take him weeks to decide—expect Burke to actively pursue a center through trade. Who that might be is anyone’s guess—Jeff Carter and Paul Stastny have been linked to the Leafs before. And if Burke is offered a deal to acquire a number-one center at the NHL Entry Draft on Friday, does he pull the trigger and avoid the risk of losing all his options? Only time will tell, but the next couple weeks will be defining for the Leafs and Burke.

Considering the circumstances, if I was a betting man, I’d put my money on Burke offering Richards a lucrative long-term deal. If the Leafs are that desperate to acquire a number-one center, it is logical to absorb a large amount of money towards the cap as opposed to relinquishing an already limited amount of internal assets.

Bring on the Draft.

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In the case of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager, Brian Burke, this off-season could well determine his fate in Toronto. With approximately $22-million in cap space (assuming the cap raises $4-million) and restricted free agents Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur, Tyler Bozak, Luca Caputi, Ben Scrivens, Jay Rosehill and Christian Hanson to re-sign, Burke should have at least $12-million (if not more) to play with in free agency. What his gameplan is to address the Leafs’ needs is anyone’s guess, but unless he pulls the trigger on a blockbuster deal at the Draft, it’s safe to assume he’ll be active when July 1 hits. It’s no secret that the Leafs’ biggest need is a centerman, and considering Brad Richards is by far the best option available, Burke will undoubtebly explore that avenue. But another pressing need for the Maple Leafs is an offensive defenseman to replace Tomas Kaberle. Leafs fans no doubt are hoping for Carl Gunnarson to fill that role, but he’s unlikely to blossom into an elite puck-moving defenseman anytime soon. And sure, if Dion Phaneuf’s second-half production is any indication (1 goal, 11 points, -8 in first 33 games; 7 goals, 19 points, +6 in last 33 games), he’ll help lessen the void and contribute on the powerplay with consistency. But the Leafs cannot rely on Gunnarson, Schenn or any other defensemen on the roster to adequately fill the role as the powerplay quarterback.

While options are limited in the free agent market for offensive defensemen, the most intriguing are Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen, Kevin Bieksa (more of a stay-at-home defender despite two 40-plus point seasons), James Wisniewski, Andrei Markov and Ian White (I’d love to see him back in Blue and White). In terms of offensive talent, Ehrhoff probably tops the list, and because of the fact he’ll likely command at least $4-million. Should the Leafs make a serious pitch for Richards, there should be a sufficient amount of cap space left to sign a defenseman of Ehrhoff’s caliber. If Burke does manage to import both a centerman and offensive defenseman, thus filling the team’s two biggest needs, the powerplay should see a drastic improvement from last season (which ranked 23rd overall). With more firepower upfront—not to mention the inclusion of an elite playmaker— the Leafs would add new dimensions to its offense, and thus create more offensive opportunities for its defensemen, especially Phaneuf’s slapshot from the point.

This is all hypothetical, but for once, the Leafs have the cap space to match any offers teams will make to unrestricted free agents. If Burke wants to compete in the playoffs in the present instead of the future, and we all know that’s the case, then you can expect an aggressive approach this off-season to remedy his team’s needs. While many in Leafs Nation may wish to avoid such an approach and develop internal assets to fill the team’s needs instead, it’s just not feasible considering the current state of the Leafs. To realistically and succesfully execute that approach, the Leafs would have to rebuild the traditional way, and we know that’s not happening with Burke at the helm. And it is due to this fact that the off-season of 2011 may very well determine Burke’s future in Toronto. The pieces are beginning to connect, and Burke’s vision of the Leafs will come to fruition very soon. Whether that translates into success is currently unclear, but for the first time in a long time, Leafs fans have legitimate reason for optimism. And that’s something.

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The need for such an asset has been abundantly clear since Mats Sundin fled for a certain team that shall not be named. Many have auditioned for the role, and some even found limited success, but no player has been able to sustain any sort of consistency to solidify a legitimate first-line that meets the NHL standards to succeed. Since Burke took the helm as Leafs’ GM, he has imported many assets to instil faith in a franchise in dire need of it. And while Leafs fans remain patient to declare their team a legitimate contender, it’s fair to assess the Leafs as a respectable club on the verge of a better tomorrow. But in Burke’s limited time as GM, he has yet to remedy the team’s most glaring need… a number-one center.

If the speculation heading into the Leafs’ 2011 off-season proves accurate, then this summer could be a significant moment for Burke, the Leafs, and its fans. If Burke is to finally add a number-one center to the Leafs roster, then the likelihood of targeting unrestricred free agent Brad Richards is obviously high. But with the recent trade rumors surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers and Jeff Carter, perhaps there is another option for Burke to consider.

Ever since Tomas Kaberle denied a trade that would have sent him to the Flyers in exchange for Carter (and other assets), the 26-year-old center has been linked to the Leafs various times since. The idea of absorbing an 11-year contract doesn’t seem to bother many fans, and maybe it shouldn’t considering it is likely to lower his trade value, but there are other things to consider besides his contract. My personal opinion, after mulling over the possibility for a few days, is that the Leafs should stay away. I don’t doubt that Carter would be an impactful player for the Leafs, and he’d probably contribute many 30-40 goal seasons in his tenure, but—as often the case with trade rumors—the allure of blockbuster deals can sometimes create misconceptions. For one, Carter is similar to Phil Kessel in that he is a one-dimensional player. Although his defensive acumen is superior, he still ranked seventh among Flyer forwards in shorthanded ice-time, and has been criticized for an unwillingness to backcheck or enter the dirty areas. And while his goal-scoring ability would add some firepower upfront, it wouldn’t add any new dimensions offensively, as he’s a shoot-first type of player (led the Flyers with 335 shots; 89 more than the second-ranked Daniel Briere). I should mention again that I’m not insinuating Carter is overrated, as I think he’s a talented player, but if the Leafs are going to relinquish a considerable amount of assets (speculation is that Columbus is offering Jakub Voracek and the 8th overall pick) then the return must remedy the largest of needs. If Carter was an unrestricted free agent, I’d be on board for an attempt to sign him, but it just doesn’t make sense for Burke to offer an already limited amount of prospects and draft picks for a player of Carter’s type.

And it is due to the fact that the Leafs should be importing as much prospects and draft picks as possible that Brad Richards is a logical target. If The Fourth Period’s report is accurate, then Burke is already attempting to make a significant statement for next season. Not only is Richards an elite centerman, he’s accompanied with a Stanley Cup ring and is still in the prime of his career at 31 years old. Unlike Carter, he is not a goal-scorer (although he hit a career-high of 28 goals last season) and is known for his playmaking abilities. Not only would he add a new dimension to the Leafs’ offense, he’d be a considerable upgrade to any centerman the Leafs have paired with Kessel— who could realistically attain 40 goals with a centerman of Richards’ caliber—thus far.

Considering Richards is likely to test the free agent waters before commiting to any team prior to July 1, the Leafs will have to pay in the viscinity of $7.5 million dollars—likely a long-term deal—to acquire the coveted centerman. Whether that’s a logical deal for the Leafs is up for debate, but there’s no questioning the impact he’d deliver upfront.

The only other route, if the Leafs are to acquire a center, is to target restricted free agents, or players via trade. Both options would no doubt be costly in terms of prospects and draft picks if Burke is to acquire a quality player.

So the question is, unless the Leafs draft its own number-one centerman, would you rather absorb a significant amount of salary towards the cap, or relinquish future assets to acquire an elite center for the present?

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As the opening day of free agency inches ever closer, general manager Brian Burke will soon have to decide whether to retain Gustavsson as the team’s back-up goaltender. If Burke opts to sign a veteran goaltender in his place, Gustavsson will either be lost to the waiver wire in hopes of some American Hockey League experience, or rot in the press box for a full season. The uncertainty of whether Reimer can continue his stellar play between the pipes will ultimately contribute in Burke’s decision regarding Gustavsson’s future. Is it logical for the Leafs to enter next season with two unproven goaltenders? It’s debatable, and there’s certainly many sides to analyze such a dilemma.

If last season was indeed a sophomore slump for Gustavsson, then does he not have the potential to challenge Reimer for the number-one job? It was only a year ago when many had high hopes the 26-year-old would develop into the Leafs’ goaltender of the future. A couple of injuries and inconsistency issues later, and Gustavsson is the forgotten man in Toronto and suddenly expendable. Before I defend the once-coveted Swedish goaltender, let’s take a look at who’s available in the free agency pool thus far for veteran back-up goaltenders: Johan Hedberg (38 years old), Chris Osgood (38), Marty Turco (35), Ty Conklin (35), Mathieu Garon (33), Alex Auld (30) and Brian Boucher (34). The upside in acquiring one of the goaltenders listed above is that they could likely handle playing 20 to 30 games while aiding Reimer with any hardships he may encounter while handling the pressure-cooker workload of the Leafs’ starting goaltender job. The downside is the obvious exclusion of Gustavsson in the Leafs’ plans moving forward. Is the guidance of a veteran goaltender integral to Reimer’s development in the NHL, or can the healthy competition between two young goaltenders provide the foundation for prolonged success between the pipes?

It is a question Burke will soon have to answer—among many more—as July 1 approaches. If he chooses to enter next season with a goaltending tandem of Reimer and Gustavsson, it is a near certainty that some veteran goaltenders will still be looking for work—Jose Theodore was signed in October last season— should Gustavsson falter early.

It’s worth noting that Gustavsson was not a sieve throughout the entire 2010-11 campaign, though. Although he only played three games in October, he registered a .921 save-percentage and a 2.36 goals-against-average. In November, his workload increased to nine games, and he posted a respectable .912 save-percentage with a 2.66 GAA. It’s the following two months that Gustavsson’s play deteriorated drastically. He posted a .868 save-percentage in December (nine games) and a .841 save-percentage in January (two games), respectively. Gustavsson was then assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL for a two-week conditioning  stint, in which he performed admirably, recording a .955 save-percentage and a 1.14 GAA in five games.

It’s accurate to say Gustavsson has had an inconsistent tenure in the NHL thus far. He’s had his ups and downs in the 65 games he’s played, but was his mediocre performance in the second-half of last season really indicative of his potential? Or was it simply a young goaltender enduring growing pains as he finds his place in the NHL?

He certainly wouldn’t be the first goaltender that needs more time to develop.

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And that is due to several positive stories that have emerged since the all-star break. Despite the departures of Tomas Kaberle, Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg, the Leafs have overcome adversity and remain in the playoff race despite the overwhelming odds against them. The pessimist would cite their inability to reach the playoffs despite the team’s annual surgence to inch closer to the big dance, but this season has been different. Assuming they fall a few points short of the playoffs, the mere fact that the youngest team in the National Hockey League was capable of recording one of the best records in the league after the all-star break is an accomplishment in itself, especially considering the criticism for a lack of quality prospects in the cupboard in recent years. Moreover, add the resurgence of Phaneuf in the second half, the surprising offensive potency despite a supposed lack of talent in the top-six, and the emergence of Luke Schenn as aurguably the team’s best defenseman at only 21 years old.

However, perhaps the most intriguing story has been the dominant goaltending of James Reimer, the 23-year old Catholic who outperformed a number of goaltenders, including the American Hockey League, to grab the reins as the Leafs’ starting goaltender. Perhaps the NHL’s most humble athlete, Reimer has posted an incredible 17-7-4 record, 2.51 goals-against-average, .924 save-percentage and three shutouts as a rookie netminder. He has not only been the focal point in the Leafs’ playoff run, but he has given hope to a franchise in dire need of a franchise goaltender. While it is still too early to determine whether Reimer is capable of maintaining his status as one the league’s top goaltenders, he has put general manager Brian Burke in a complicated position.

Considering the Leafs will have upwards of $15 million in cap-space before July 1 hits, Burke must decide whether he will retain Reimer as the starting goaltender, or target a free agent such as Ilya Bryzgalov, who will more than likely test free agent waters. If he does the latter, Reimer will be relegated to back-up duties and would play no more than what he has already in the final quarter of the season. Such an acquisition would likely mean the end of Reimer’s tenure in Toronto considering Bryzgalov will likely seek a long-term contract. Considering the list of free agent goaltenders is bare in 2012, unless Pekka Rinne opts out of Nashville, Burke would be taking a gamble no matter what he decides, should Reimer be a flash in the pan and falter next season.

But has Reimer really come out of nowhere? While he doesn’t have tons of experience in any league he has played throughout his career, he has consistently recorded solid stastictics. Consider that since his inception to professional hockey in 2005, Reimer has played in the WHL, ECHL, AHL and the NHL and has never recorded a save-percentage under .910 (in fact, in 44 career games in the AHL, Reimer has a .921 save-percentage). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 Kelly Cup Playoffs when the South Carolina Stingrays captured the championship in the ECHL.

It’s difficult to determine whether Reimer is the Leafs’ goaltender of the future, but it’s a gamble well worth exploring considering what he has accomplished thus far. Maybe all he needed was a chance to shine.

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With nine games until the 2010-11 season comes to a close, Phaneuf’s first campaign as captain has had its ups and downs. He’s on pace to finish with around 30 points in 66 games, which is well below his career-high of 60 points in 2008. While his offensive game has regressed in the past couple of seasons, Phaneuf is still effective in the defensive end. He has recorded 157 hits, 100 blocked shots, 43 giveaways and 26 takeaways despite missing 16 games with a lacerated leg injury. In comparison, Phaneuf had 194 hits, 88 blocked shots, 51 giveaways and 52 takeaways in 82 games during the 2007-08 season. The decrease in takeaways coincides with the fact that his offensive numbers have decreased, thus joining the rush less frequently and instead committing to defence, as evidenced from the increase in blocked shots(88 to 100) in 25 fewer games.

On the surface, it’s easy to cite Phaneuf’s offensive regression as evidence to his inability to return to form. However, is that really the case? As mentioned above, his blocked shots totals have increased sigificantly since his 60-point campaign. From 2008 to 2011 (and counting) he went from 88 to 86 (two less games; produced 49 points) to 100 (81 games) to the same amount this season but with nine games remaining (for a total of 66 games).

So are Phaneuf’s best days really behind him? Or is he a young defenseman building confidence while contributing at both ends of the ice? One cannot completely excuse his offensive regression, but if his play since the all-star break is any indication, Phaneuf is well on his way towards reaching the 50-point plateau once more. Since February 1, Phaneuf has produced 6 goals and 15 points in 24 games. If he could maitain that sort of consistency throughout the season, it’s within the realm of possibility that he scores 20 goals in the near future. Although it’s easy to forget, Phaneuf only turns 26 years old on April 10, so his prime is still a season or two away.

At this point, whether Phaneuf was the correct choice as team captain is irrelevant. He’s wearing the ‘C’ and no one can accuse him for lack of heart. He’s playing his best hockey during the most crucial point of the season for the Leafs. And as the team around him continues to improve, so will he. For a franchise that lacked considerable star power before general manager Brian Burke began molding his vision of a championship team, perhaps the Phaneuf era started a little too early for Toronto. Leafs fans wanted someone to turn the ship around and Phaneuf, despite dealing with his own struggles, was supposed to be our knight in shining armor. But as the Leafs continue to foster and import talent for the future, the weight of the world will lift from Phaneuf’s shoulders, and his confidence will only increase.

Expectations need to grounded, and ultimately time will unveil the result, but perhaps it’s not about the Leafs fixing Phaneuf, or Phaneuf fixing the Leafs. They’re fixing each other while paving a better tomorrow.

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Yes, “poor Kessel,” the one who was picked last at the All-Star Game and had 25-goal man Alexander Ovechkin snap a photo of him as he sat alone and made the best of an awkward situation.

Whether it’s what happened in Carolina, the hunt for a playoff spot or simply Kessel turning it on at the right time, much of the Leafs’ playoff hopes hinge on its 23-year-old sniper.

Kessel’s most productive hot streak came between December 28 and January 11, when he scored 4 goals and 11 points in 8 games. He currently has 15 points and 7 goals in his last 11 games (5 goals and 10 points in his last five games) and eight goals in his last eight games. Oh, and fun fact: Joffrey Lupul was acquired 10 games ago. Coincedence? I think not.

While this sort of play is not unfamiliar territority for the streaky sniper, it’s his willingness to drive to the net or even position himself close to the net (as seen on his goal against the Penguins last night) that is really impressive. This is no shot at Darryl Boyce or Joey Crabb, but Kessel is clearly benefitting from playing with suitable linemates in Tyler Bozak and Lupul. Bozak may not be the ideal center for Kessel, but no one can dispute the impact Lupul has had on the line. He’s getting in the dirty areas and opening space for his linemates with his size and puck control. While Lupul isn’t the biggest NHL player (6’1, 206 pounds) he can protect the puck well and it allows the line to cycle the puck more effectively and set-up plays instead of shooting from the perimeter.

With Bozak perhaps better suited as a third-line center, one must ponder how effective Kessel could become once he has a number-one center and enters his prime. It’s easy to forget, but at 23 years old, Kessel has plenty of time to erase the criticism that he’ll remain a streaky scorer for the remainder of his career.

But what centers might be available this summer? In the free agent market, Brad Richards is the only number-one center on the market and the only chance Burke has to land the 30-year old is to throw a considerable amount of money (same ballpark as his current $7.8 million cap-hit) and sign him to a lenghty term. Another option, according to Andy Strickland, is trading for 25-year old center, Paul Stastny. Any deal involving Stastny, however, would almost certainly send Nazem Kadri to the Avalanche. While Stastny could be a better fit than Richards in Toronto, relinquishing assets could prove problematic for Burke, so expect him to prioritize Richards at the top of the list—as the Leafs have plenty of cap space to spare.

While the Leafs’ drive for a playoff spot has been exciting, whether they make it or not shouldn’t deter from the fact that Kessel will never cost the Leafs success, only be a key contributor moving forward. If this is the sort of play we can expect Kessel to deliver in the clutch, then a number-one center should become even more of a priority moving forward. Not just to make the playoffs, but to thrive in them as well.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why the Kessel trade will never be horrific despite how the Bruins’ prospects pan out. Kessel is part of the culture change in Toronto and, at the very least, will be a contributor to any Stanley Cup the Leafs should win. He should always be remembered, at least for the time being, as a symbol of hope in Toronto.

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Here’s some quick thoughts on tonight’s tilt against the Penguins:

- The Leafs’ need for a powerplay quarterback was once again apparent tonight (0-5 on the PP). They failed to sustain any sort of pressure on the man-advantage and relying on Phaneuf and Lebda to shoot pucks through traffic is a failed experiment. Lebda can’t shoot or receive a pass and Phaneuf’s shooting accuracy speaks for itself. With a limited amount of options from the blueline on the powerplay, the Penguins had little trouble containing the Leafs’ forwards to the outside.

- I’m in utter disbelief, but Mike Komisarek has been playing his role adequately of late. His turnovers have diminished, he’s aggressive downlow and isn’t out of position or screening the goaltender as frequently. With a $4.5 million cap-hit, however, he’s still vastly overpaid even if he continues at this pace. But if he can turn his game around and provide the Leafs with the type of play that  Brian Burke coveted two summers ago, it’ll go a long way in stabilizing the Leafs’ defense.

- Even if the hot streak could end abruptly, Leafs fans have to love Phil Kessel’s willingness to drive to the net and cut inside for quality scoring chances, rather than shoot from the outside (which he could be prone to at times). Now that he’s not playing with two American Hockey League players, there’s less attention fixated on Kessel from the opposition and he’s creating scoring opportunities with linemates Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul. If the 23-year-old can find consistency he could score over 40 goals before entering his prime (a number-one center wouldn’t hurt either).

- James Reimer had another average game against the Penguins tonight. He struggled to read plays and his positioning was off on the first two goals, but he looked more comfortable as the game wore on. Reimer made some big saves throughout but by no means bailed the Leafs out of trouble. To be fair, the Leafs have to be one of the worst in the league at clearing puck past its blueline. Whether it’s losing battles to loose pucks or neutral zone turnovers, it has cost the Leafs on numerous nights.

- If the Leafs have any chance of making the playoffs, the team needs its captain to contribute as a defenseman. Not capable of scoring goals? Fine. But on the second goal against Phaneuf was caught in la-la land and allowed Chris Connor (I had to check nhl.com to make sure I spelled his name correctly) to skate up the neutral zone unchallenged and beat Reimer through the wickets on the breakaway. With the Leafs in the thick of the playoff race the team needs Phaneuf to display more intensity and defensive awareness. Otherwise, Phaneuf is being paid $6.5 million for his supposed leadership abilities.

- Mikhail Grabovski. That is all.

Bring on the Philadelphia Flyers.

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With the departures of Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg, Burke has managed to not only add some prospects to the cupboard, but relieve some cap space for acquisitions via trade and/or free agency . If Burke and Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli reach an agreement and Kaberle decides to waive his no-trade clause, the Leafs would free even more cap space assuming the team doesn’t acquire a bloated contract in return—which Burke is apparently willing. Considering Kaberle is eligible for free agency this summer, it’s hard to envision a lucrative return from the Bruins for his services. That’s not to say the Leafs won’t be able to acquire some important building blocks moving forward, but Kaberle won’t net an impact player of such caliber as, say, Jeff Carter.

If, hypothetically, Kaberle is traded, what might be the next phase in Burke’s plan to restore the Leafs to respectability? Depending on the contracts the Leafs absorb between now and July 1, Burke could have upwards of $15 million to fiddle with in the free agent waters. Despite the lack of depth in this year’s free agent pool, Burke intends on being active. As Dave Nonis has stated, Kaberle will be replaced in the off-season if he is traded or tests free agency. Players potentially available come July 1 include Andrei Markov, Kevin Bieksa, Bryan McCabe, Ed Jovanovski, Eric Brewer, Joni Pitkanen, Christian Ehrhoff, James Wisniewski and more. And if you think that list if bare, that of the free agent forwards, besides Simon Gagne and Brad Richards, is littered with marginal second and third-liners.

Does this mean Burke intends on entering the bidding wars for Richards and offering a long-term, lucrative contract for the 30-year-old? Richards would undoubtedly upgrade the top-six and provide the Leafs with a legitimate first-line center for Phil Kessel, but is he the knight in shining armor that will push the Leafs into the playoffs for the first time since the lockout? Perhaps, but committing significant amounts of money to free agents—especially with Dion Phaneuf and Mike Komisarek on the roster for three more seasons— could prove costly.

But these are the types of risks that must be taken when rebuilding on the fly, rather than a traditional rebuild through the draft. It’s possible the next couple of seasons will determine Burke’s fate in Toronto, as the results of his rebuilding method should come to fruition by then. But it’s hard to criticize his methods even if it does fail when you consider that he has made the Leafs the youngest club in the NHL and has imported a decent amount of assets despite the team’s supposed dire state.

If a first-line center and top-four defenseman are brought into the fold, the Leafs could progressively rise in the Eastern Conference standings within a couple of years as its core develops. While many analysts cite that the Leafs lack the core to realistically contend for the Stanley Cup, it’s premature to determine that considering very few of its key players have reached their prime. I understand patience is wearing thin after 40 years, but it doesn’t mean every decision the Leafs make will lead to failure. If Burke’s method has proved anything, it’s that there’s at least realistic hope in Leafs Nation that brighter days are ahead.

The Leafs’ fate, however, hinges on Burke’s plan to acquire such talent in the off-season. Considering the limited amount of star players in the free agent pool, Burke may have throw considerable amounts of money at free agents in order to avoid another season with the same questions surrounding his team. Otherwise, trading draft picks and/or prospects for proven talent would only contradict his plan.

For a team that is attempting to harvest as many draft picks and prospects as possible, free agency is the perfect opportunity to avoid relinquishing such assets via trade.

It’s going to be an exciting summer for the Leafs.

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And that’s whether to retain the services of 24-year-old forward, Kris Versteeg.

Versteeg—currently playing on the third-line with Darryl Boyce and Frederic Sjostrom— is on pace for at least 20 goals and 50 points in just his third full NHL campaign. As Alex Tran mentioned in his blog, Versteeg is valuable in other facets of the game as well.

But the purpose of this blog is not to explain why Versteeg could be a valuable component of the Leafs’ rebuild moving forward. It’s about how his trade value could help the Leafs address one of its issues upfront.

While many seem to forget, it was only five short months ago since fans questioned whether the Leafs had any legitimate top-six forwards beyond Phil Kessel. With the likes of Verteeg, Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin all providing the Leafs with a balanced offensive attack, the club now has a number of serviceable secondary scorers. The emergence of these players has no doubt been a pleasant surprise for the Leafs, but a lack of strength and size upfront has been noticeable on many nights. The Leafs lack players that could use their size to cycle the puck down low and create chances with dominant puck control—unlike Mats Sundin or Nikolai Antropov. While that type of player is not at the top of Burke’s priority list—Kessel needs a number-one center badly— it is no doubt a necessity for a team in search of the scrappy, rough-and-tumble identity Burke envisioned.

In comes James van Riemsdyk. The soon-to-be 21-year old is having a decent season with the Flyers considering his limited ice-time. Van Riemsdyk ranks seventh among Flyers forwards in ice-time with 14:16 TOI/G and has recorded 12 goals and 24 points in his sophomore campaign. The budding power forward may not be the first-line talent the Leafs require—although he could be— but his acquisition would not be lateral movement for the Leafs considering the brand of hockey he’d implement into the top-six. He can protect the puck, open up space with his size and complement a scoring winger such as Kessel quite nicely. Although he’s been a healthy scratch a few times this season, it isn’t abnormal for a young power forward to require a longer learning curve in order to maximize their potential.

Although CSN Philly’s Tim Panaccio suggests the Flyers would probably have to relinquish van Riemsdyk to acquire Versteeg, I get the feeling it would take a little more from the Leafs to acquire a player of first-line potential.

However, assuming Burke would pull the trigger on such a deal, would he feel pressure to trade Kaberle for a first-line center? Or does he wait until the off-season and test the free-agent waters?

And do you think van Riemsdyk is more valuable than Versteeg?

Personally, I think van Riemsdyk would be a great acquisition not only for his offensive upside, but the new dimensions he’d add to the Leafs’ offense.

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Considering the Leafs have an all-time record of 25-56-6-2 in Buffalo, it’s not exactly earth-shattering that the club struggled to contain its Northeast rivals on the scoresheet.

Instead of going through the same old routine and blaming Wilson for each loss and acting as if inconsistency is abnormal for the youngest team in the NHL, let’s analyze the Leafs’ current condition with some objectivity:

Similar to James Reimer, Jonas Gustavsson began his NHL career with overwhelming support from the Toronto fan base after a stellar pre-season and respectable rookie campaign. And until about a month ago, he was touted as the possible goaltender of the future (sound familiar?). From the onset, Gustavsson initially appeared to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump and performed admirably when Jean-Sebastien Giguere succumbed to injury. From that point on any Leafs fan can tell you the rest of the story. Gustavsson struggled and descended the goaltending depth chart, making way for the Leafs’ new protege, Reimer. So now Gustavsson is a sieve and Reimer is the answer, right? Wrong. I’m not suggesting Gustavsson is better or worse than Reimer, because that’s not the point. How many goaltenders must the Leafs rotate, and statistically obliterate, before the club realizes that, despite dishing out nearly $25 million, its defense is an issue that must be rectified.

On the surface, the addition of Mike Komisarek, Dion Phaneuf and Francois Beauchemin to the Leafs defense sounded promising. Besides Beauchemin, who is an underrated rearguard for the Buds, the Leafs are commiting over $10 million to two defensemen that are nowhere near where they should be. Komisarek, who was supposed to be one of the league’s top shutdown defenseman, is a liability in his own end and averages a massive 14:43 of ice-time per game to go along with his -8 rating, which is the worst of all active Leafs defensmen (that doesn’t include Brett Lebda). Phaneuf, who once notched 20 goals in a season, has an underwhelming one goal in 36 games. But I can forgive the offensive shortcomings. It’s the defensive blunders, lack of vision and lack of speed that is inexcusable and has crippled the defense’s once solid reputation (that is, on paper). And I put a lot of emphasis on lack of speed. The “new NHL” ain’t so new anymore, so it’s no secret that speed is a crucial component to a successful franchise. To the Leafs’ credit, the forward units have been surprising successful and have shown its offensive pedigree at times. It’s the defense, however, that have been burned countless times from the opposition. Whether it’s an odd-man rush or quality shots from the slot, it’s not exactly an abnormality to see a defenseman in blue and white trailing the opposition. As mentioned, this is only one of the many issues plaguing the defense.

That’s not to say Toronto is in dire state and need to blow up the team again. In fact, I do not recall the last time the Leafs had the youngest team in the NHL with at least two players on pace for 30 goals (and both no older than 26 years old). The Leafs have some solid pieces in place to build on and some adjustments to the back-end, not the coaching staff, could go a long way in restoring respectability to Toronto.

Until the defensive issues of this team are rectified, however, goaltenders will come and go and the facade will continue. Even if Beauchemin is shipped at the trade deadline for valuable assets, it will be a step sideways for the franchise unless some mobile defensemen are brought into the fold—preferably those who can score goals.

But for the love of God, stop blaming every goaltender that dons the Blue and White. Is it really a coincidence that obtaining a .900 save-percentage is near impossible in Toronto since the lock-out?

An umpteenth amount of goaltenders later say no.

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He has once again cemented his stance to acquire players that will help the team immediately, rather than the future. His reluctance to stockpile draft picks might be concerning, but just how far are the Leafs from post-season berth? Well, any critic can point to numerous issues that have plagued the team’s chances, most notably the special teams, but the most pressing need has to be a first-line center to feed Phil Kessel the puck (not to mention add some size to the top-six unit).

Will Burke wait until the off-season to throw money at an unrestricted free agent, or will he attempt to remedy the Leafs’ woes via the trade route on February 28? If it’s the latter, it’s crucial Burke doesn’t trade any of Mikhail Grabovski, Clarke MacArthur or Kris Versteeg for another second-line forward. If so, the same old song and dance will continue and the Leafs will spin their tires as one the NHL’s worst teams. Burke has an abundance of second-line forwards at his disposal and the only way to move forward at this point is to acquire a first-line center. Whether that’s available on February 28 is another question entirely and overpaying for a pending UFA, like Brad Richards, could prove costly.

With that in mind, just how many options are available for Burke? The current group of forwards has proven to be inconsistent, as expected from a core of secondary scorers. And it’s unlikely he’s willing to part with more draft picks, so the current roster will have to be dissected to upgrade one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses.

So which players might be on the hit-list come Febraury 28? Well, besides nearly the entire team, here’s my guess on the players that could lure a nice return:

Francois Beauchemin, 30, $3.8 million cap-hit: With only a year remaining on his contract, the veteran defenseman could be a valuable commidity for a team looking to add some depth for a playoff run. He isn’t worth a first-round draft pick, but Burke isn’t interested regardless so if Beauchemin is indeed on the way out, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s packaged with a forward.

Tomas Kaberle, 32, 4.25 million cap-hit: The story that just never dies. Like every other year, Kaberle and his ghastly no-trade clause will once again be in question. Will Kaberle decide he wants a shot at the Stanley Cup, or play out his contract like Mats Sundin? It’s anyone’s guess, but Kaberle could net a nice return if he decides to waive. If not, re-signing the rearguard is crucial.

Tyler Bozak, 24, $.875 thousand cap-hit: The playmaker is having a sophomore slump and is struggling to live up to the hype of last season’s impressive stint with the Leafs. His play has improved of late and he certainly has the potential to become a decent center in the NHL. Of all players, I have a feeling Bozak is likely on the way out.

Mikhail Grabovski, 26, $2.9 million cap-hit: Personally, I think the Leafs should retain Grabovski, as he is an excellent secondary scorer and is capable of both scoring goals and creating plays quite adequately. However, his recent hot-streak has GMs knocking on Burke’s door and it would be foolish for Burke not to listen. If a lopsided deal is offered, Grabovski could be dealt.

Clarke MacArthur, 25, $1.1 million cap-hit: The pending restricted free agent is due for a hefty raise this summer, displaying great chemistry with Grabovski. In fact, it may be in the Leafs’ best interest to keep the duo intact considering how effective they have been together. However, if a deal sweeps Burke off his feet, I fully expect him to pull the trigger. As he had said, there’s basically no untouchables on this team. Considering how the Leafs acquired MacArthur, maximizing his value could prove beneficial.

Kris Versteeg, 24, $3.083 million cap-hit: Now on pace for 60 points, Versteeg is delivering as advertised. However, he is another valuable commodity that Burke could package for a nice return. As I said, the Leafs currently possess too many second-line forwards, and they must sacrifice at least one (in a package deal) to upgrade the top line. It’s only a gut feeling, but Versteeg could be the odd-man out considering the attention he has been garnering from other general managers.

So, the options are there, but what exactly is available for Burke to upgrade the Leafs? Besides the obvious in Richards, Burke’s targets might be revealed as the trade deadline approaches.

Until then, Leafs fans can only hope its players don’t turn cold and decrease in trade value.

One thing is for certain… change is on the horizon.

You stay classy, MLHS.

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I can’t help but cringe at Brian Burke’s reasoning for the call-up:

“I think in an ideal world, if we would have won a few of the last games, we probably would have given him a little bit longer but he has made the adjustments we’ve asked him to, he’s cut down his turnovers. He’s drawing penalties almost every night by getting hauled down. He’s been responsible and he’s been good offensively so he’s made a lot of the transformations that we needed him to make. In an ideal world, maybe another couple weeks, maybe three weeks, but it’s not an ideal world. We’re scuffling here.”

Kadri’s 14 points in as many games is impressive, but it’s hardly enough to warrant fast-tracking his development. Let’s not forget that Kadri stumbled out of the gate in his AHL debut and professional scouts even remarked how he looked “like any other AHL player.” In fact, he even got benched during the third period of his first game with the Toronto Marlies for poor defensive decisions. With each passing game he has improved, however, and he has since displayed the offensive flair that got him drafted seventh overall. And with the Leafs’ free-fall in the Eastern Conference standings, perhaps it was inevitable for Kadri to have his turn on the big club.

My personal opinion is that this is nothing more than stop-gap and if the Leafs’ offensive woes are truly as devastating as their slump suggests, then chaos will unfold before long. Whether that means a trade or simply riding out the rest of the 2010-11 season, the end fate is inevitable.

The desperation move from Burke was at least handled appropriately, though, as the expectations set for Kadri have not been blown out of proportion. Still, with the attention now fixated on the 20-year-old forward, he’ll be expected to produce at much higher clip than his pre-season production.

Should Kadri falter and prove that he needs more AHL seasoning, it’s crucial the Leafs do not let him stay dead in the water and instead send him back to the Marlies immediately.

All that said, it’s hard to imagine a rebuilding team opting for a desperation move such as this. The only thing holding the Leafs from the post-season is themselves.

Kadri, please prove me wrong.

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Fire this guy, trade this guy, call-up this guy, demote this guy or put this guy on a different line… we’ve heard it all from the analysts. Now I want to hear what the Leafs’ faithful have to say about their team’s free-fall in the standings.

So, without further ado, here’s 10 questions for you all:

1) Should Ron Wilson be fired? Explain.

2) Is it time for Nazem Kadri to play for the Leafs? Or should he remain in the American Hockey League and continue to develop?

3) If the Leafs are to trade one of its defensemen, who would you choose between Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin and Tomas Kaberle? Why?

4) Who should Brian Burke target to help end the Leafs’ dismal scoring-drought?

5) Is a trade even necessary right now? If not, why?

6) Do you think Dion Phaneuf and Tomas Kaberle would benefit offensively from an upgraded top-six unit?

7) Will the line combinations of Kulemin-Grabovski-Kessel and MacArthur-Bozak-Versteeg help light a fire under the Leafs?

8 ) If Burke waits until the off-season to bolster the forward ranks, are the playoffs still attainable?

9) Do you think Kris Versteeg will develop into a 60-point player in Toronto? Or has Burke already lost the trade?

10) By the end of the 2010-11 season, who will no longer don the Blue and White, in your opinion?

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No, I’m not heading to the nearest bunker yelling that the sky is falling (although I may just welcome the idea) but after losing six-straight games, it’s time to at least be concerned. And I don’t care about the four-game winning streak because clearly the Leafs were playing above its capabilities. To be fair, the goaltending and defense have upgraded considerably compared to previous seasons, but the offense has been downright abysmal.

It’s quite scary observing the ineptitude of the Leafs’ forward ranks with Phil Kessel on a scoring drought. I mean, how many times do we have to listen to Joe Bowen and Greg Millen discuss how the Leafs “have had their chances, but can’t find any luck”? It has nothing to do with luck. The fact of the matter is that the Leafs lack the skill required to be a consistent threat on the scoresheet. And it is, in fact, killing their chances at reaching the post-season for the first time since the lockout.

The real conundrum is that general manager Brian Burke has little options to bolster the offense. With captain Dion Phaneuf out for at least another three weeks, the Leafs simply can’t afford to relinquish one of its top-four defensemen in a trade. Moreover, the only defenseman that may garner a decent return is Francois Beauchemin (Mike Komisarek’s $4.5 million contract is too much for a defensive defenseman and Luke Schenn is surely an untouchable) and considering he leads the Leafs with a TOI/G of 24:31, it’s unlikely he’s used as trade bait.

It’s been suggested that Nazem Kadri should be thrown into the mix, but considering he struggled with the expectations bestowed upon him in training camp, it’s unfair to place that kind of pressure on his shoulders. If the Leafs want another legitimate top-six forward, perhaps it’s best to let Kadri develop in the American Hockey League instead of exposing him to such mediocrity.

Unless Burke is willing to change his stance and acquire some outside help through free agency (which wouldn’t solve the scoring issue), the Leafs will likely stand pat and hope its squad can rekindle the magic from the beginning of the season. But, with the Leafs now under the .500 mark, the team isn’t exactly underwhelming analysts.

On the bright side, at least the team is not in utter shambles with a competent defense and goaltending tandem. While it is premature to criticize Burke while he is clearly in the early stages of fast-tracking the Leafs to respectability (especially in the early-going of the season), it’s hard not to get frustrated considering mediocrity is familiar territory for Leafs fans.

Unless Burke is willing to do something drastic, as in relinquishing more draft picks (for the love of God, no), Leafs fans will have to sit tight. And that could mean another season counting the days until July 1.

You stay classy, MLHS.

ronguillet@gmail.com

Let’s get right to it with some thoughts on the game:

• Although most of my hair was pulled out in frustration, the Leafs displayed a lot of heart tonight and they deserve credit. It’s hard to remember the last time the Leafs came back from a two-goal deficit in the third period, but it’s encouraging they managed without captain Dion Phaneuf.
• Kudos to Nikolai Kulemin on the game’s first goal. Instead of shooting under pressure he opted to hold on to the puck, position himself for a quality scoring opportunity and take advantage of Micheal Neuvirth’s poor positioning.
• Luke Schenn continues to solidify his reputation as a defensive stalwart on the Leafs’ blueline. What he lacks in offensive ability, he has in delivering menacing hits. Entering his third campaign at 21 years old, there’s no longer an intimidation factor, as evidenced by his 42 hits, second among NHL defensemen.
• Kris Versteeg had his ups and downs tonight. He caused the third goal against with a careless pass in the neutral zone but came back in the third period with a breakaway goal.  Wilson’s experiment to play Versteeg on the point on the powerplay was intriguing, but it failed miserably. Versteeg couldn’t CAPitalize (HA, get it?… sorry) on his scoring chances, and he had plenty of time and space. I won’t lie, before he scored a goal I thought a trip to the press box might be in order to light a fire under the Stanley Cup champion. Currently riding a two-game point-streak, perhaps Versteeg is slowly coming around.
• Tomas Kaberle had a great third period, displaying the offensive talent that once made him one of the league’s top offensive defensemen. The first forty minutes were an entirely different story, however, as his defensive shortcomings were apparent. Had he sustained pressure on Boyd Gordon as he entered the Leafs’ zone, the second goal could have been avoided. Although Mikhail Grabovski did absolutely nothing to disrupt Jason Chimera from scoring the goal in front of the net (he literally didn’t even touch him).
• Although the Leafs’ struggles is familiar territory for its fans, the goaltending is one aspect that has vastly improved. Jonas Gustavsson robbed Nicklas Backstrom on a two-on-one and displayed poise between the pipes that he sometimes lacked as a rookie last season. He controlled rebounds effectively, which is usually his weakness, and didn’t overplay the puck against the Capitals’ high-octane offense. Despite allowing four goals, he’s the sole reason the Capitals didn’t run over the Leafs in the second period.
• The Capitals tied the game at 4-4 on a bogus penalty. Just sayin’.
• What a game for Mike Komisarek. He logged 25 minutes and 41 seconds of ice-time, recorded two assists and a +1 rating. He deserves credit for stepping up in Phaneuf’s absence and playing nearly double the minutes he previously logged.

Despite the shootout loss, it’s hard to get upset about the result of tonight’s game.

ronguillet@gmail.com

ronguillet@gmail.com

Although Burke didn’t reveal specifics, one would assume the Leafs are in the market for a big center. To be fair, Tyler Bozak and Mikhail Grabovski provide decent production down the middle, but neither are an adequate choice for a number one center in the long-term.

So get your trading caps on because the Internet is going to be flooded with trade proposals, most of which completely ridiculous. With rumors afloat that the Leafs are interested in Brad Richards, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, Burke declined to comment when asked if he was inquiring about the 30-year-old’s services. Of course, that could mean absolutely nothing and it’s likely Richards remains nothing but a pipedream, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

With the demotion of Jeff Finger, the Leafs have approximately $4.7 million in cap space. Even with Finger’s contract buried in the minors, the Leafs possess seven NHL-ready defensemen. Although it’s certainly an advantage for the club, one would think Burke is willing to unload a top four defenseman to acquire some firepower upfront. Dion Phaneuf, Tomas Kaberle (Burke once again said he isn’t going anywhere) and Luke Schenn are not getting traded, so scratch them off the list right away. And it’s hard to imagine any team willing to absorb Mike Komisarek’s $4.5 million cap-hit. That leaves Francois Beauchemin and his lucrative, but manageable $3.8 million cap-hit. The 30-year-old rearguard is off to a decent start with the Leafs and has established some chemistry with captain Phaneuf. If he continues to provide the Leafs with stability on the backend, perhaps his contract won’t be impossible to unload after all. However, the Leafs would,  in all likelihood, have to take a lucrative contract in return—and Richards’ $7.8 million cap-hit isn’t exactly a bargain.

However, as Burke had said, nothing is imminent (especially with the Leafs off to a torrid start), so it’s likely he doesn’t pull the trigger on a trade until the trade deadline. But until then, one would assume the Leafs’ lone bargaining chip is to unload one of its excess defensemen, which in turn would open up a top four spot for Komisarek.

In any case, it’s nice to see the Leafs in an advantageous position for once because of roster depth.

Do you think the Leafs should target Richards? If not, who do you think Burke will target in the coming months?

ronguillet@gmail.com

Advertised to deliver menacing hits and possess exceptional defensive awareness, it didn’t take long for Schenn to crack the Leafs’ roster. As an 18-year-old defenseman he donned the Blue and White for 70 games, rarely looking out of place—a rarity for young defensemen in the NHL. He had fans salivating for more, but he regressed in his second campaign, enduring the dreaded sophomore slump.

With plenty of questions surrounding the Leafs’ defense heading into the 2010-11 season, Schenn seemed like an afterthought as most analysts were concerned if Mike Komisarek and Francois Beachemin would rebound, or if Dion Phaneuf could handle the responsibility bestowed with the captaincy.

Perhaps the reduced pressure helped or, the likelier scenario, Schenn is developing as a 20-year-old defenseman should be, but the rearguard has been an integral part of the Leafs’ 4-0-1 start, which is good for first overall in the league.

To put it in perspective, here are some statistics you may find interesting:

• Schenn leads all Maple Leafs defensemen in shorthanded ice-time with an average of 3:21 per game.
• Ranked second for even-strength ice-time with an average of 18:14 per game; 16 seconds less than leader Tomas Kaberle.
• Ranked second on the team with 18 hits, one less than leader Phaneuf and tied for 7th in the NHL.

Consequently, Komisarek has had little opportunity to redeem his mediocre efforts last season. His ice-time has dropped to a mere 13:28 per game, which is about six and a half minutes less than he played last season. While Komisarek hasn’t been awful by any stretch, he hasn’t been the defensive force he once was in Montreal.  However, the 28-year-old rearguard has made the most of his limited playing time. He’s recorded 11 hits (eight less than Phaneuf who nearly doubles his ice-time) and eight block shots, ranking him second on the team. Ron Wilson’s attempt to ease Komisarek into the game after two injury-riddled seasons may prove successful, but it’s hard to imagine the rearguard stealing a spot in the top four with the emergence of Schenn and the chemistry established between Beauchemin and Phaneuf. Considering his lucrative $4.5 million cap-hit, Komisarek is no bottom-pairing defenseman. Thus, both the Leafs and Komisarek are in a dilemma.

Thankfully, Komisarek is not complaining about the reduced ice-time and instead is attempting to fight his way back. However, unless an injury sidelines one of the Leafs’ top four defensemen, Komisarek has a difficult uphill climb. For now, Schenn is the king of the defensive defenseman hill and kicking dirt in Komisarek’s face every step he takes. There’s just not enough ice-time to go around, and unfortunately for the Leafs, that means they’re stuck committing around $28 million (including Jeff Finger) to the blueline for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, the contracts of Beauchemin ($3.8 million) and Komisarek are immovable, and unless the Leafs part ways with Kaberle this summer, leaving a hole on the powerplay, the defense corps will remain the same until at least the summer of 2012, when Beauchemin’s contract expires. Until then, Komisarek’s role with the Leafs could remain limited. And unless John Ferguson Jr. takes the helm as Leafs GM, Schenn is an untouchable.

The question, however, is whether both Komisarek and Schenn can coexist on the Leafs’ blueline.

Logjam is an understatement.

ronguillet@gmail.com