GM Marc Bergevin shopping for top 6 winger

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It is no secret to the hockey world that GM Marc Bergevin is constantly on the phones, negotiating with other general managers, in hope to improve his hockey club. If the Montreal Canadiens want to become legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, they must acquire a top six scoring right winger before the trade deadline. 

The window for a NHL team to win the Stanley Cup is very small, and Montreal is entering that window now. This is their time to make a big move in order to bring the Cup back to the city. Carey Price and Max Pacioretty are in the middle of their prime, and older guns such as Plekanec and Markov only have very little gas left in their tanks. While they have a great leadership core, culture and a very deep depth chart, they are only missing a single piece; a top six scoring winger. For the past 10 seasons, this has been one of Montreal's main issues. They solved their top line issues when Pacioretty became an elite sniper, but another scorer is needed. Signing Alex Semin to be "that" guy was a gamble, and with no surprise, he didn't pan out. 

The Canadiens have a various selection of prospects and picks to deal in order to obtain their need. As far as Bergevin's history goes as GM, he will certainly find that top six sniper to fill the void on the second line. 

Here are possible candidates for the job:



Kyle Okposo - RW, New York Islanders (3.5M$ - 1 year)
Age 27, Height/Weight - 6"1 / 217 lbs

Okposo has 6 goals, 14 assists in 25 games this season. His highest goal total in 2013-14 where he notched 27 goals. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent as of July 1st, 2016.


Wayne Simmonds - RW, Philadelphia Flyers ( 4M$ - 4 years)
Age 27, Height/Weight - 6"2 / 183 lbs

It has been reported that Wayne Simmonds is on the trade block. He and the Flyers have had a very slow start to the season, and things don't look like they are going to change anytime soon. Simmonds has only 5 goals and 7 assists after 24 games. He has three 25+ goal seasons in his career.


Jordan Eberle - RW, Edmonton Oilers ( 6M$ - 5 years)
Age 25, Height/Weight - 5"11 / 183 lbs

The Oilers have a surplus of developing young talent in their system, and a trade implicating either Eberle or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is almost certain. After missing a dozen games to start the season due to injury, Eberle has struggled to find his scoring touch. In 12 games he has 3 markers and a -11 rating.


Jiri Hudler - RW, Calgary Flames ( 4M$ - 3 years)
Age 31, Height/Weight - 5"10 / 183 lbs

The Calgary Flames are not the same team they were last season as they currently sit in 29th place, with a 8-14-2 record. Although he is a bit past his prime, Hudler still has all the tools to be a top six sniper. He recorded a total of 31 goals and 76 points last season and also coming away with the Lady Byng Memorial trophy. He has recorded 4 goals and 10 assists in 22 games this season.


Radim Vrbata - RW, Vancouver Canucks (5M$ - 3 years)
Age 34, Height/Weight - 6"1 / 194 lbs

Along with Jiri Hudler, Vrbata is a natural goal scorer who is a couple years past his prime. Nevertheless, he did put up 31 goals last season and had a 35 goal season with Arizona four years ago. After 23 games this season, Vrbata has 6 goals and a .071 shooting percentage.

Habs blow out Rangers, lose Price

Montreal Canadiens - 5        New York Rangers - 1 (F)

New York, New York --

The Canadiens(17-4-2) came into this game with injuries to Gallagher and Mitchell, and left the game with a big W and without Carey Price...The Habs goalkeeper played a stellar two periods before backup Michael Condon took over due to an apparent right leg injury. Price returned from his previous injury last Friday in a 5-3 Montreal win over the Islanders. He played only one other game before this injury. Devante Smith-Pelly recorded a two goal night on the top line in reassurance of injured Brendan Gallagher. Sven Andrighetto also recorded his 1st goal of the season in his second game, while Alex Galchenyuk added a goal and an assist. Tomas Plekanec also had a great night with 3 helpers. Things weren't so bright on the Rangers (16-4-2) side as goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was yanked after allowing a season high 5 goals on 24 shots.

It was a game of quick starts to the periods for Montreal. Recently called up form St. Johns, Sven Andrighetto scored his 1st goal of the season 5 minutes in the game off a rebound in front of the net. Under 3 minutes into the 2nd frame, freshly promoted to the 1st line, Devante Smith-Pelley puts up his second goal of the season as he snapped one blocker side past Lunqvist. With just under 5 minutes to the period, Rangers captain, Ryan McDonagh shoots the puck from the blue line, ricocheting off Nash and behind Price for a Power Play goal. The Habs came into the 3rd period with Michael Condon between the pipes in relief of another injury sustained to Carey Price. It has been reported that he sustained a right leg injury. The Price-less Habs stunned the Rangers, scoring two goals in just 72 seconds to start the period. Smith-Pelly tucked one in close through Lunquivst's legs at 17 seconds and Alex Galchenyuk sniped one glove side 55 seconds later for this 4th of the season. Captain Max Pacioretty added an insult to the injury by recording his 12th of the season on a beautiful feed from Alex Galchenyuk on the Power Play. Forward Alexander Semin also left the game due to a lower-body injury.

Montreal now improves to (2-0-0) versus the Rangers this season. They have won 11 of the past 10 meetings to New York in the regular season. The Rangers loss tonight ended a 9 game home winning streak, their last loss coming October 18th versus the New Jersey Devils in a 2-1 OT loss. Up next, Montreal face the Devils November 27th at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. It will be the first of back to back games versus the newly structured Devils (11-9-1). The Canadiens last played the Devils April 3rd, 2015, losing 3-2. Following the game, GM Marc Bergevin announced that Carey Price will not be starting due the leg injury he sustained in tonight's game. Michael Condon will get the nod in goal tomorrow night.

Winter Classic alumni rosters announced

A few hours ago, this years annual Winter Classic game, between your Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins, alumni rosters have been announced. Legends on both rosters such as Cam Neely, Ray Bourque and Brian Leetch for the Bruins and Larry Robinson, Mats Naslund and Alex Kovalev for the Habs have been welcomed back to play the friendly outdoor game. Don Cherry and Guy Lafleur will be behind the benches. The game will be held in the afternoon of December 31st at the Gillette stadium in New England. The Canadiens last outdoor alumni game took place in 2003, where they faced Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers. The Bruins last played in the 2010 Winter Classic where they hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park. 

Full Rosters

Prospect Report: Habs Top 10 Kids

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There are a few factors that play a role involving a player’s success after their junior years. These factors include injuries, size, work ethic and attitude.  The Canadiens have a solid group of prospects drafted from the last couple of years, especially the draft of 2013. Here is a ranking list I have strung together of the Montreal Canadiens top young guns that will be making the jump to the NHL in the next couple of years.

1.   Jacob de La Rose (drafted 34th in 13’)

LW/C, 20, St. Johns (AHL) 6-2, 190      Prospect Grade: A-

Hailing from Leksand, Sweden, de La Rose is a defensive-minded forward who can play wing and center.  He is not the fastest skater but has a high hockey IQ and his ability to read the play and cut off passing lanes is exceptional. His smarts have earned him 33 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season. His playing style is valued more in the bottom 9 and the PK, but can easily play in a top 6 role. If it wasn’t for such a deep Montreal depth chart, de La Rose would have been playing with the Habs this season. NHL: 2016-17

 

Reborn: The resurgence of James Reimer

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It could not happen to a nicer guy. Struggling to get a chance in net since the acquisition of the highly touted Jonathon Bernier. A man who helped the Toronto Maple Leafs end what had become the longest playoff drought in the National Hockey League.

James Riemer has been the man not only in this story but on the ice where it matters most. Despite a 2-0 loss to Boston that included an empty netter Reimer has been the Maple Leafs saving grace. Once considered a candidate to finish 30th in the league the Maple Leafs on the back of Reimer and his stellar play that have the hockey world thinking about the potential for playoff hockey.


Sporting a .933 save percentage and a 2.08 GAA Reimer is now in the top 5 in the league leaders at the goaltending position and is second only to Montreal Canadien superstar Carey Price in win percentage among starting goaltenders with a .778 win percentage.

Leading up to this year all eyes were on Bernier as he won the job out of training camp but he has struggled mightily out of the gate with an 0-7-1 start and an ugly .895 save percentage. His disastrous play has opened the door for the resurgence of James Reimer and he once again becomes the go to guy in the Toronto pressure cooker.

While his team has improved under new Head Coach Mike Babcock the club is still struggling to score goals and Reimer has given them a chance every night he's been in net since taking the starting job. A couple nights ago Reimer let in a shaky goal against the Hurricanes and Nazem Kadri came to the rescue by scoring his first goal in 63 shots to break his own slump while pushing the game to OT. A scoreless OT with some big saves led to the shootout and Reimer would return the favor with a huge save in the shootout



The Leafs would go on to win shortly after that save and the rest is history. A comeback win and another stunning performance for Reimer. He allowed one goal against Carolina and one goal against Boston when Zdeno Chara had a wide open slapshot from the faceoff circle that beat Reimer 5-hole. Despite that Reimer stopped 35-36 and has no doubt solidified his claim as the undisputed number one for the Maple Leafs going forward.

As for what's changed? Reimer has said he's a part of a goaltending focus group along with some other NHL goalkeepers and you can't discredit the work of new Goalie Coach Steve Briere. Reimer hasn't changed that's a certainty as the big smile win or lose hasn't gone away and the desire and compete to retake the Leafs top spot in net hasn't faded one bit.

Montreal Canadiens deafeat New York Islanders; Andrighetto recalled

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Montreal Canadiens - 5   New York Islanders - 3 (F)

Brooklyn, New York --

Playing their second game in as many nights, Montreal (15-4-2) registered their 15th win of the season in a high-speed, entertaining contest against the New York Islanders (10-7-3). For the first time in two weeks, the Canadiens' Carey Price was between the pipes after suffering from a lower-body injury. Showing no signs of rust, he stopped 33 the 36 New York Islanders shots on goal, earning him the win while posting a .917 SV%. At the other end, goaltending was a different story. After letting in 3 goals on 11 shots, Jaroslav Halak was pulled and replaced by backup goalie Thomas Greiss at the start of the 2nd period, who held his own by stopping 15 of 16 shots.

Montreal jumped on the Islanders right from the get go, scoring 2 minutes and 52 seconds into the game on a goal from Jeff Petry. Alexander Semin recorded an assist on the play, earning him his first point in six games. Going into the 2nd period, the Habs maintained a 3-1 lead. Only 39 seconds into the second frame, from the blue line, Travis Hamonic one-timed the puck glove side past Price to bring his team within one. With 5 minutes remaining to the period, defenseman Jeff Petry netted his second of the game to give his team a two goal lead again. Brock Nelson also added his second goal of the night at 7:25 of the 3rd period, wristing one blocker side. With under 2 minutes remaining to the game, down a goal, Islanders coach Jack Capuano pulls Greiss for an extra attacker. In the dying minute Carey Price shuts the door multiple times, allowing Brendan Gallagher to seal the deal in the empty net.

The New York Islander have now lost both games to Montreal this season, the first one coming on November 5th in a 4-1 loss at the Bell Centre. Next up, the Canadiens face the Islanders again on Sunday, November 22nd, at the Bell Centre for the third time this season, before heading back to New York to face the Rangers and the Devils.

Following the game, Marc Bergevin announced that Swiss prospect Sven Andrighetto has been recalled from the St. John's  Ice Caps of the AHL, while Torrey Mitchell has been placed on IR. Andrighetto has recorded 6 goals and 9 assists, for a total of 15 points in 17 games with St. John's  this season.

Leafs Rookies Out In The Cold

The pain Leafs Nation is set to endure became more evident today as the final cuts were announced and most of the promising Leaf prospects now find themselves preparing with Sheldon Keefe for the upcoming American Hockey League season.

Chief among the kids that got a long look was 2014 first rounder William Nylander. Nylander had a strong showing in camp and during the preseason he made new Leaf coach Mike Babcock think long and hard about his final cuts. Babcock's suggestion prior to camp was that the kids would have to steal jobs and Nylander was arguably the Leafs top forward during the preseason.

He made a strong impression and he certainly didn't look out of place however the new front office in Toronto clearly feels it's the wrong time to thrust the rookies into the NHL with the Maple Leafs heading for what could be a tough season.

Another bright spot was fellow second year pro Connor Brown.
The former sixth round pick has continued to improve while silencing many doubters. The small forward gained praise from Leaf coach Babcock and was also among the final cuts proving that not only has he defied his draft position but he's also found himself on the Leaf coaches radar.

Going forward it's clear the plan has not changed. The kids will over develop in the minors and the veterans will play out their contracts until it's time for the Marlies and Major Junior players to step in.

In the meantime settle in. It could be a very rough ride especially with future star Austin Matthews set to go first overall in the 2016 draft not that anyone would admit that maybe... just maybe this team is set up to fail. Mike Babcock will whip the dogs but maybe it's best the team bottoms out one time before the club begins to reassemble the main roster for the future.

Leafs, Coaching, Tank Nation and McDavid

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Leafs - A much needed win for the Leafs depending on what side of the fence you're on. The Leafs win in 4-3 in OT against the Winnipeg Jets. Kadri and Winnik has big nights and JVR broke a scoring slump. Leo Komarov put a rocket past Hutchinson and the offense came alive last night to earn the Leafs 2 points.

Coaching -

per The Leafs Nation quoting Damien Cox - Mike Babcock and his future in Detroit has kind of gone under the radar for a while now, which is probably exactly how (Red Wings general manager) Ken Holland would like it. But this we know: the Edmonton Oilers this week said they're not going to take the interim tag off of Todd Nelson, even though his record is pretty good. Toronto, of course, also has an interim head coach and we know that job may be open.

I think what's going to be interesting is that both of those teams, and others, won't make any decision on a permanent head coach until they know what's happening with Mike Babcock.

What we see here is pure speculation. You have two struggling teams in Edmonton and Toronto. Both as mentioned are using the interim tag since firing the their head coaches. Nelson is 10-12-3 so far in Edmonton which according to Cox is pretty good...... . The Oilers are looking better but a sub .500 record is hardly worth commitment.

In Toronto Peter Horachek is 3-15-2. Without question he's not going to be the head coach in Toronto.

To suggest these teams are going all in on Babcock on the basis that they have interim coaches is ridiculous and unfounded. Mike Babcock is sure to test the waters but make no mistake his players in Detroit are showing him they can compete and the playoff performance of the Detroit Red Wings will go far in determining if Babcock comes back.  With the leverage of being a highly sought after coach we already know Mike Babcock is going to cash in big. With a brand new arena on the way the way the team has battled for him I just can't see his future outside of Detroit all differences with Ken Holland aside.


Tank Nation - The fans were dealt a stinging blow in an anti Tank Nation perfect storm last night in the NHL as the Oilers lose 2-1 in regulation to the Anaheim Ducks and the Carolina Hurricanes also lost 3-1 against the New Jersey Devils. Toronto battled and got a 4-3 win which merely serves as a moral victory in the room and further stress for fans hoping to land one of the top 2 prospects in the upcoming entry draft. If there is a silver lining it's the depth of the draft and a top 5 pick should turn into a special player

Connor McDavid - Every point is a step in the wrong direction and last night the Leafs took two. The odds of winning the lottery are not as favorable as many may believe though they have improved over recent years. Short of a miracle the Leafs will not be selecting the young phenom who's been on every ones radar for years. McDavid would love to be a Leaf and unfortunately what we'll see is another young Toronto area prospect go on to help a US based team.

Twitter blows up on Morgan Rielly

Twitter got in a frenzy today when during the game day skate Morgan Rielly came forward with this gem of response.

TSN 1050's Jonas Siegel set's off the storm

Morgan Rielly today said positive approach, strong work ethic during tough time was key. "You're not here to be a girl about it."
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) February 20, 2015

Naturally Twitter exploded and the condemnation rained down on Rielly for some poorly chosen words.


It was not used to offend anyone and I'm sure deep down everyone is aware of that but it's going to be made into a big deal as many women are trying to change the perception of female athletes and females in general from being used as a symbol of weakness. Women are strong and also proud athletes who are in a constant fight to prove they belong and can rival male athletics. Many females will take offense to the comment and suggest that this why women are not taken seriously.

A perfect example of a guy putting women down is when UFC president Dana White once laughed and said "never" when asked if females would ever fight in the Octagon. Now women have gone from an experiment in MMA to the grand stage even headlining PPV cards.


Adam Proteau of The Hockey News

I don't want Morgan Rielly suspended or crucified. I do want the entire NHL to know these comments aren't going to go unchallenged anymore.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) February 20, 2015

Many people have lost sight of the fact that while Morgan Rielly may be a professional hockey player he's also just 20 years old. He's a young man in a male dominated sport where often times the way you talk with your teammates spills over into how you speak to the media and a slip up like this is only human.

Looking at it from an outside perspective do you feel talk like this is keeping women from shaking this perception that being a girl signifies weakness and fragility or do you feel Twitter and Toronto radio's reaction has been overblown?


Also our first ever poll results are in

Who goes first?

Dion Phaneuf	12 (75%)
Phil Kessel	4 (25%)

Votes: 16

Did Franson/Santorelli trade bring a sufficient return?

Yes	12 (80%)
No	3 (20%)

Votes: 15

The Next Captain of the Leafs is...

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As long as contract talks go smooth in Toronto it's got to be Nazem Kadri. The poster boy for home grown players in Toronto. His offensive gifts have taken a backseat to a more responsible two way game. Randy Carlyle's influence over Kadri and his at times tough love approach have built a stronger player in Kadri. The over confident kid from his early days is turning into the steadying leader in the dressing room.

His composure and ability to make it onto the score sheet even in the dark days show a maturity that not only is he able to continue to play hard but he's also able to do it despite the circumstances that plague the Leafs heading into this rebuild. Kadri will be the veteran presence on this Leaf team when the dust settles and the young guys the team bring in will be looking to Kadri to lead.

The team defied Leafs Nation when Nazem Kadri the 7th overall pick was made to take the long scenic route in regards to the development despite being a dynamic offensively gifted player in junior. He was sent back to the London Knights after his draft year where he exploded for 93 points in 56 games and when fans were calling for him to be make the big club Kadri wound up spending most of the next year in AHL with the Marlies. He would go on to spend part of his first three pro seasons with the Marlies riding buses and trying to prove his worth.

Kadri's first full season was a good one 50 points in 78 games and he's currently on pace for 57 points this season despite a more brutal than usual team slump in TO and a greater focus on his two-way game.

Kadri isn't going to win the Hart trophy but his time here and the work he's put in represents the patience that has been missing from this club for over a decade+. You can knock Brian Burke for his at times over the top comments and penchant for being the face of the the Leafs during his time but the system he put in place has finally got Leafs Nation to put it's expectations in check to a certain degree.

Since Burke was GM the Leafs have learned to be patient even if it costs people their jobs and to stay the course with young prospects. Of the Leafs last three drafts the only player to taste NHL action and he's done so full time is stud offensive blue liner Morgan Reilly who Burke famously said was #1 on the Leafs board at the draft but was available at #5.

Four drafts ago (2011) is the next time we see Leafs prospects with NHL experience. Josh Leivo and Stuart Percy are finally starting to get looks with the big club. Leivo has been up and down between the Leafs and Marlies and Percy had a strong camp and started the year with the Leafs before being sent down.

It can be argued the Leafs have played it too safe with their selections but it's clear Kadri was the beginning of a new era in Leafs development. When Luke Schenn was rush to NHL the pressure was too much and after a strong rookie season he burnt out and people started calling for a trade. The Leafs fortunately were able to flip him for James Van Riemsdyk. This helped Burke realize the answer wasn't a quick retool as he first suspected but a wake up call and also that rushing prospects at the urging of the fans and media was not the way to go.


Kadri's self belief took a back seat to proper development and the kid who was once his own biggest fan realized the name on the back of the jersey wasn't as important as that big Leaf on the front. Ever since it's been fun to watch Kadri. He takes less risks now and having played a lot this season with Winnik and Santorelli he's shown a much better commitment to two-way hockey and as he grows as a player so to does his status as a veteran going forward for the Leafs.

I was there in Ottawa that night a hat-trick for Kadri and a beauty ending to the night with Ron and Don in the house

Will Kadri land the Captaincy in the event of a Phaneuf trade? I don't have the answer but I believe he has all the tools and the mental strength to carry this team on and off the ice and I'd be ecstatic to go and get a C put on my 43 jersey.

Why things failed in Toronto?

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It's easy to come out and blame the coaches. It's easier to say the players are lazy. Heck you wouldn't be wrong to pin the blame on the Toronto media either. What's clearer now more than ever is that it takes a special breed of player to not only come to Toronto in the first place but also to thrive in this market and that's something few players have been able to do in recent times.

Leafs fans have watched for years as desired free agents refuse to go the mecca of hockey that is Toronto. Some cite the extreme pressures of performing for the fans where a rough stretch has seen jerseys tossed and even waffles.

Often times the players that do sign in Toronto go on to have career worst years and the contracts they sign... Well it's like an anvil in a Looney Tunes skit when things start to go wrong and when it goes wrong early it gets brutally uncomfortable. David Clarkson is the flavor of the next 5 years. The hype machine blew up early with Clarkson when he was compared to Wendel Clark and he made a bold move to reverse Clark's famed #17 and chose #71 much to the excitement of some Leafs faithful. Then came the preseason suspension and the injuries and the lack of production for a $5+ million a year player. Suddenly the top prize of NHL free agency is one of the biggest busts in recent history. The contract is currently un-tradeable and this is just year two of seven!

Mike Komisarek and Francois Beachemin came to the Leafs in 2009. Komisarek would go on to be a flat out bust after leaving the Montreal Canadiens and would later succumb to a buyout from the Leafs. He's struggled to catch on with Carolina a season later and subsequently retired from the NHL returning to the University of Michigan to continue his studies and work as an assistant coach for the legendary Red Berenson.

Beauchemin was middle of the road with the Leafs. He didn't thrive but he also didn't disappoint and and in 2011 he was shipped back to the Anaheim Ducks for Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner. One of the better trades Toronto has made of late which some will argue. He's been a continued to play a dependable game for the Ducks and is in line for a new deal coming up.


Over the years it's been clear Toronto is a last resort. Mason Raymond came here for a season and bolted to Calgary. Dave Bolland cost the Leafs a couple picks. He had a promising start before an early injury that basically ended his season. Given the option to return he went south to the Panthers with a big payday in hand.

 Then there are the guys who didn't think about it. Some can argue it's a good thing when I throw out a few names... Brad Richards Leafs nation wanted Richards so badly to play with Kessel... a top line center for free! Fortunately Richards signed with the Rangers and was a bust in NY.  Vincent Lecavalier after being bought out by the Lightning. He's struggling in Philadelphia and has been a healthy scratch at times this season. Zack Parise and Ryan Suter. Huge cap hits on super long term contracts(13 years!!!) The two biggest fish in Free Agency both headed to the Minnesota Wild.


So part of the problem is Toronto's inability to attract star players. So what's your next option? Much like the New York Islanders the Leafs built through trades. They made some pretty damn good trades to and I credit Brian Burke outside of the Bernier deal. The aforementioned Beauchemin for Lupul and Gardiner. Luke Schenn for James Van Riemsdyk. Frattin, Scrivens and a 2nd for Jonathon Bernier. Make no mistake the Bernier trade will be a positive in a few years if he's not traded. He's struggled as of late but the entire team is void of all confidence so pinpointing one guy proves nothing.

The Phil Kessel trade is completely in the air. There was no way to know Toronto would bottom out and the Bruins would snag Tyler Seguin. If Toronto played a little better that pick would become 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th which ended up being Erik Gudbranson, Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter or Brett Connolly. Of those only Ryan Johansen has become a can't miss playing for Columbus. Even Seguin faltered in Boston and didn't become a breakout performer until he was traded to the Dallas Stars. Meanwhile Kessel has led the Leafs every season since the trade without a premier center.

The Dion Phaneuf trade was a step in the right direction whether you hate Dion or not.The piece the Leafs moved were spares. None of them went on to do anything significant. In that trade the Leafs acquired their best defender and although I dislike the contract that he got he is still the best defender in Toronto which will soon be challenged by the young Morgan Reilly but until the Leafs decide if Dion is to be traded or not you can't argue anyone could play the minutes and against the competition that he has.

The one thing that can never be argued is the level of talent in Toronto. It's abundant and it's going to be interesting conversations over the next few months as we try to learn what's ailing the Leafs.

Listening to Leafs Lunch on TSN 1050 there was talk about how the best players on the Leafs are not originally Maple Leafs products. For a team that has long traded picks for instant help this is no surprise but can it really be the reason the Leafs seem to fall on their faces after the new year comes around? Or is it that the constant pressure seems to peak each season during the Christmas break and regardless of who drives the 18-wheeler it's almost destiny for this team to collapse and limp into the summer dazed and confused?


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The next coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs is

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When we think of who the next coach of the Maple Leafs will be many fans pine for soon to be free agent Mike Babcock the current Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings. A Stanley Cup winning coach. An Olympic and World Championship of Hockey gold medal winning coach it's obvious there will be no shortage of suitors if Babcock hits the open market.

Babcock is open about his desire to be the best coach of his generation and many would argue that helping turn the Leafs around would solidify him at the top of the coaching ranks as if his resume did not already.

There are a few thing to think about with Babcock. #1 He's got a good thing in Detroit. His Wings are playing above expectations and he's been gushing to the media about some of his players of late which makes you wonder if the challenge of moving on is slowly giving way to his loyalty to Detroit.

#2. Mike Babcock left the Anaheim Ducks to sign with the Red Wings. As a coach in the NHL he's never been fired and he's currently the longest tenured coach in the League with 9 years behind the Wings bench.

#3 If you had Kronwall, Datysuk, Zetterburg, Nyquite and Tatar on your bench would you really pack up and leave to join a rebuilding team regardless of a potentially big salary increase?

It all comes down to how serious Babcock is about wanting to be challenged and I can assure you after nearly 10 years as Babcocks boss not even Ken Holland knows what's going to happen.


The option that sticks out to me and seems like the one that makes the most sense given the rebuild and the lack of winning that is on the horizon is Dallas Eakins.

Eakins is a former Marlies Head Coach who left the organization for the Edmonton Oilers coaching gig. His tenure there was nothing short of a disaster. Dealing with Edmontons high expectations for the under performing trio consecutive 1st overall picks (Yakupov, Nugent Hopkins, Hall) Eakins team went through a very rough time which started the jersey tossing media coverage which now plagues the under performing Maple Leaf franchise. The reality is Eakins wouldn't be brought in to win. He'll be brought in to continue developing the players he left when he went to Edmonton and he'll be the fall man for the rebuilding years in Toronto

His success in Toronto and the fact he's credited with being a great players coach lead me to believe that Eakins will be brought in to take the reigns. As we all know after this disaster since Carlyle was fired there is little to no chance Peter Horachek remains interim head coach and at this point he may be lucky to still have a job by next season.

Other potential candidates in now specific order: Steve Spott, Paul MacLean, John Tortorella, Guy Boucher, Brent Sutter
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Game 58 Panthers @ Leafs Recap

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Another loss for the Leafs. Also known as another win for Tank Nation. The Leafs once again show up and look lost for the majority of the game. Clarkson is being knocked down and injured, Gardiner's failing to keep the puck in the zone and Bernier is getting burned.

The bright spot is both Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak score with a house packed full of scouts and GM's from around the NHL. Kessel with a beauty snipe that few in the game can pull off and it adds a small lift to the crowd as the Leafs go on to lose 3-2.

Brandon Kozun returned to the Leafs lineup tonight. Kozun created a big buzz in the training camp and the preseason making the Leafs out of camp. He struggled once the season got underway and ended up injuring his ankle when he was checked and slammed awkwardly into the board. He was assigned to the Marlies and has had an average campaign. He didn't stand out tonight but didn't look bad and with a few games up we'll see if he can start to play his game but so far Kozun's faded as quickly as he burst onto the scene at the beginning of the season and many are hoping he can regain the form he showed early.

Olli Jokinen had a quiet game but was definitely trying and vocal in trying to rally the troops. He's not going to be a Leaf for long but anything he can do to improve his value before the deadline can't hurt even if he does not get dealt.

The intrigue of the approaching deadline is exciting and with over 20 scouts and GM's in Toronto tonight it's clear that not only are the Leafs still open for business but there may be a few surprises still to come because as good as Daniel Winnik has been he's not going to pack the scouts suites on his own. Potential Roman Polak and Tyler Bozak trades before the deadline are possibilities.

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Leafs: Looking Ahead(Defence)

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Some exciting times for the youth in the Maple Leafs organization. Many players have been plugging away the AHL level for a few seasons now and with the implosion and subsequent tear down beginning with the Leafs we are left to ponder who steps up and who gets promoted.

As we know there will be some tough times ahead in the next couple seasons as the Leafs "scorched earth" plan is put in motion. The losing will continue but the excitement will build as we watch the Leafs prospect ranks continue to improve. Prospect site Hockey's Future has the Leafs sitting 19th out of the 30 teams in the league.

Cody Franson was moved yesterday opening up the first blue line spot. Today the Swedish born Petter Granberg was recalled for the 3rd time in the last week. I had the pleasure of being in attendance for the 22 year old's first game as a Leaf which was final game of the 2013-2014 season again a game in which the Senators won 1-0 in what proved to be a boring game. Neither team got much going and it was the defense and goaltending that won the night. Granberg showed incredible poise and leadership on the ice directing team mates who were out of position and generally being tough to play against he played a very sound defensive game and left few openings to exploit. It looks as though Granberg will finally get a chance to stick on the Leafs blueline.

You can be sure the Leafs are still looking to deal. Captain Dion Phaneuf is rumored to be garnering interest from the Anaheim Ducks and the Dallas Stars. Phaneuf is no stranger to the Western Conference and had a Norris caliber season in his early days with the Calgary Falmes. Out west is the man who initially acquired Phaneuf in Brian Burke who is the current President of the Flames organization. Is there a desire to bring him back Alberta?

I am a big fan of gritty defender Roman Polak. He has been a vocal leader for the club and while his numbers this season look bad he's been anything but that. The Leafs have been brutal in the last 25 or so games and it's going to make everyone look bad after such a rough stretch. That said other teams are aware and you can be sure there are some playoff bound teams quietly inquiring about his availability as the push for the Stanley Cup.

With Phaneuf and Polak gone and Korbinian Holzer showing very little in my opinion it opens up spots for the likes of youngsters like recently recalled Petter Granberg who is expected to fill the hole left by Cody Franson's departure and also late bloomer Andrew McWilliam who is having a good season with the Marlies brings a hard nosed style and also shoots right. Another Swede who could get a look as the season winds down is the fleet footed Viktor Loov who has 16 points in 47 games for the Marlies but he'll likely be given another season of big minutes with the Marlies. Stuart Percy has struggled since having a big run at Leafs training camp. It may be a confidence issue but Percy is likely spending another season in the AHL. He's still only 21 years old and if he can get his game together Percy will be given every chance to take a spot with the Maple Leafs.



Jake Gardiner continue to mature at a pace some are getting frustrated with but his abilities are clearly evident on a nightly basis. Many of Gardiner's plays are a fast breakouts that puts people on the edge of their seats or the flip side where he often circles back into his own zone and loses the puck trapping the Leafs in their own end. When he does this Gardiner is not doing himself any favors. After a big showing in the playoffs against Boston and signing a contract that some could argue is the reason Cody Franson was traded... He's been stagnant. I wouldn't say worse but he hasn't taken that big step. I'll always give Gardiner the benefit of the doubt and I don't think he's going anywhere so the hope in Leafs Nation is that with time he can put his game together and if he can start making better decisions he could really breakout and become a staple on the Leafs blueline for years to come.

In closing I would be remiss if I did not mention blue chipper Morgan Rielly, He's already in his second season with the Leafs and he's looking better and better as he gains experience. It looks as though his confidence has not faltered despite the tough free fall the Leafs have endured and he's starting to look like a premier defender which goes against the grain of how this club as a whole has played. With potential Polak and Phaneuf trades on the horizon Morgan Rielly may well be thrust into the top pairing and his trial by fire maturation process will really be tested. Rielly has come out of two Leaf collapses unscathed and he's got a lot of Leaf Nations hopes resting on his shoulders moving forward. A lot of pressure but the best always find a way to succeed.

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Leafs: Looking forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are finally in rebuild mode. Leafs nation saw a partial rebuild under former GM Brian Burke who came in with a bang acquiring now Leafs leading scorer Phil Kessel and then trading Stajan, Hagman, White and Mayers to the Flames for now Leafs Captain Dion Phaneuf. Eventually this led to trades for James Van Riemsdyk and Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner and Cody Franson

Now we are witnessing the Leafs tear down. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch from a transaction perspective. Today Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli were moved to Nashville for Nashvilles 2015 First round selection and Brendan Leipsic. Leipsic is a former CHL scoring champion and one of the top rookie point producers in the American Hockey League this season. The Leafs strike early by moving two players they couldn't get signed to extensions and bolster the impressive group of young forwards on their way through the system.

New Leafs prospect Leipsic joins OHL scoring champ Connor Brown with the Leafs AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies. Both players are top 5 in rookie scoring in the AHL and should become the top line for the Marlies as the team battles it's way back from a rough start. The Leafs top prospect William Nylander will have some strong options on the wing as if he hadn't already with Frattin, Abbott and Mckegg having good seasons thus far.

Marlies will get more talent next season to develop in Gauthier, Verhaeghe and Andreas Johnson. Rinat Valiev is 2 years away. #TMLtalk
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) February 15, 2015

As Paul Hendrick points out there are also players graduating from juniors next season led by Leafs 2013 1st rounder Fredrik Gautier. The 6'4 220lb Gautier will continue to grow as he makes the jump to the AHL in what will undoubtedly become a Calder Cup contender. Joining him will be Andreas Johnson who will likely be coming over from the SHL and Toronto born Carter Verhaege.

Looking forward there are rumblings of potential Bozak, Lupul and Winnik trades before the deadline as teams look to beef up for playoff runs and the Leafs continue to tear down as they build for what we all hope will be a much brighter future. Toronto now has two first round picks for the first time since drafting Tyler Biggs 22nd and Stuart Percy at 25th overall in the 2011 Entry Draft

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