Author Archive for Ron Guillet
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger, Journalism Student and Sports Editor at Cambrian College, Hockey Fan, Air Guitarist, Tim Thomas-like Road Hockey Goaltender
Phaneuf Injury Limits Options
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue its downward spiral to the National Hockey League basement after a frustrating loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight—not to mention increasing the likelihood that they may relinquish another top-five draft pick to the Boston Bruins. No, I’m not heading to the nearest bunker yelling that the sky is falling [...]
Leafs v. Capitals Post-Game: Lucky Number 3
Three goals in three minutes and three seconds in the third period. Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs actually came back from a two-goal deficit after two periods to gain a point in the standings. Let’s get right to it with some thoughts on the game:
Leafs/Rangers Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs (4-0-1) look to remain undefeated in regulation tonight against the New York Rangers (1-2-1) at the Air Canada Center in what should be a spirited affair. Some of the storylines heading into tonight’s game include Sean Avery (surprise, surprise), Kris Versteeg and Dion Phaneuf.
Leafs ‘Open For Business’
In an interview conducted by the FAN 590, Brian Burke revealed the Toronto Maple Leafs are “open for business” regarding trade negotiations. 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 [...]
Is Schenn Komisarek’s Kryptonite?
Upon drafting defensive stalwart Luke Schenn fifth-overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs had hoped they obtained a young defender capable of anchoring the blueline for years to come. Advertised to deliver menacing hits and possess exceptional defensive awareness, it didn’t take long for Schenn to crack the Leafs’ roster. As [...]
Player Projections + Opening Night Preview
If the Toronto Maple Leafs wish to avoid another eight-game losing streak to open its regular season, it’s vital the players don’t let last season’s collapse linger in the back of their minds—that’s especially important for Mike Komisarek considering the Leafs open the season against the Montreal Canadiens. Luckily for the Leafs, the odds seem [...]
Maple Leafs v. Wings Postgame Thoughts
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a game to forget tonight. This is not exactly the most enjoyable game to share my postgame thoughts, but here we go:
Leafs Primed For Playoffs?
For the first time since the 2003-04 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be on the verge of ending its post-season drought. Many factors led to the Leafs’ demise during the 2009-10 campaign, which ultimately meant the relinquishment of Tyler Seguin to the Boston Bruins. Inconsistency was the primary issue, as many key players were ineffective or downright useless—I’m [...]
Torres A Viable Option
The Atlanta Thrashers (Maxim Afinogenov) and Montreal Canadiens (Marc-Andre Bergeron) can attest to it: unrestricted free agent signings deep in the off-season could pay dividends. Yes, those two particular players may not play for those respective teams anymore, but they both provided their clubs with offensive boosts (Afinogenov scored 61 points; Bergeron 13 goals and [...]
Leafs Fans Must Sit Tight
Although many Toronto Maple Leafs zealots had me believe it, the sky did not fall when I awoke this morning, despite the outcome of the latest entry in the Tomas Kaberle saga. And guess what? Kaberle’s future with the Leafs does not dictate whether or not the team’s short-term goals will be fulfilled. In fact, [...]
Leafs Need More Offence
If the Toronto Maple Leafs hope to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season, the franchise must now focus on upgrading the offence. While the acquisition of Kris Versteeg certainly helps, the Leafs are still in need of some firepower upfront. Options are scarce in the free agent market, but the likes of Matthew [...]
Versteeg Just the Beginning
On the eve of the Free Agent Frenzy, Brian Burke has once again stole the headlines with the acquisition of Kris Versteeg to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Burke has added a player who can legitimately play as a top-six forward. The 24-year-old has two 20+ goal seasons under his belt in his first two years [...]
Savard Makes Sense
If Brian Burke is contemplating the idea of acquiring Marc Savard, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be on the verge of adding a substantial piece to its rebuilding plan. That may sound strange considering the playmaking center is nearly 33 years old and is the beneficiary of a seven-year contract, but there are other factors at play [...]
Chicago Trade Means No Sharp
Well, scratch another player from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ list of potential top-six forwards. Patrick Sharp is no longer an option for trade with the departures of Dustin Byfuglien, Ben Eager and Brent Sopel from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks now have the cap space necessary (with the anticipated demotion of goaltender Cristobal Huet) to tend [...]
Leafs Should Target Frolov
If the Toronto Maple Leafs hope to complete the task of qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in six years, they will need to import some firepower to the forward ranks. It’s unlikely the current group of forwards would provide the necessary boost for the Leafs to vault from 15th to [...]
Food For Thought: Nathan Horton
As July 1 approaches, there are no shortage of rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs as they attempt to bolster the forward ranks. Although Nathan Horton has not been linked as a potential target of GM Brian Burke, I believe it is within the realm of possibility. I base this simply from speculation posted at Spector’s [...]
Kadri Should Play Wing
Nazem Kadri is ranked fourth overall in points in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. He also has the highest points-per-game average. It has a nice ring to it when you take into consideration he was eliminated in the second-round by his ex-team, the Kitchener Rangers. Kadri compiled an impressive 9 goals and 27 points in [...]
In With The New… In With The Old?
Since Brian Burke has been at helm, the Toronto Maple Leafs organization has restocked its prospect cupboard and have instilled hope in a fanbase desperate to win. Leafs fans have witnessed both highs and lows during the 2009-10 season and, although they must watch helplessly as the Boston Bruins select either one of Tyler Seguin [...]
Retain One, Or Trade Both?
With the National Hockey League’s trade deadline looming, names like Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak are becoming increasingly popular in the Toronto Maple Leafs brass. Fans of the Blue & White have been playing armchair general manager and have formulated a number of trades since the Olympic break. But amidst the excitement of the yearly [...]
Victim of Expectations
Dion Phaneuf, as of right now, is not a Norris trophy candidate. Phaneuf took the National Hockey League by storm in his rookie season, producing 20 goals as a 20-year-old defenseman. He then had a successful sophomore campaign, breaking the 50-point barrier. In his third year, he had a 10-point increase and produced 60 points, [...]
