As the NHL regular
season winds down, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a big
summer ahead. After a season that began with the expected hype and playoff
expectations, it soon came crashing down, solidified by a horrendous January.
But there are bright spots, and this summer is where Leafs management can turn
the tables.
Since
the trade deadline, where the Leafs sent the likes of Cody Franson, Mike
Santorelli, David Clarkson and Daniel Winnik away for prospects, draft picks,
and cap space, it was a good start. Most significant of returns was the 2015
1st round pick from Nashville for Franson. The 2015 is going to be a deep one,
with many cornerstone players up for grabs. Headlining them is of course Connor
McDavid. With the new arrangements in the lottery draft, though slim, the Leafs
have a chance of winning the McDavid sweepstakes.
On to
the present players on the Leafs roster/organization. Character has been seen
as an issue with the Leafs sudden descent, but the core players can be built
around. Though hard to see as the season winds down, there are many bright
spots in the locker room. Prior to the trade deadline, Joffrey Lupul told
reporters, "I want to stay here." Even Phil Kessel, who has struggled
down the stretch stated, "we're giving full effort." Players still
want to win in Toronto.
James
Reimer, is the longest serving Leaf being drafted back in 2006, has been a
bright spot in the Leafs roster. It's not his season numbers that have
highlight his season, but the character he showed in the dressing room. Being
the "backup" to Jonathan Bernier, he showed real leadership when he
called out his team's lack of effort in front of him. He's battled day in and
day out, and Leafs management has wanted that change in locker room culture.
Reimer is a character player that the Leafs can build around.
Contrary
to popular beliefs, I don't think the Leafs need to bring back Jonathan
Bernier. He has had two season to prove that he is an elite #1 goalie with the
Leafs, but hasn't shown the numbers. It isn't entirely his fault playing behind
the Leafs defensive system. But the Leafs can afford to let Bernier go, after
getting Matt Frattin back last summer, and the 2nd round pick going to LA being
used in this year's draft. The Leafs also have either Antoine Bibeau or
Christopher Gibson to possibly backup Reimer. If the Leafs can sign Bernier to
a affordable contract, by all means, do it. But with the expectation that
Bernier is expecting a raise this summer, it seems unlikely.
On
defence, speculations seem to lead to Phaneuf heading out of Toronto this
summer. Yes, it will be a loss, but under his captaincy, it doesn't seem like
he's the right guy now. Jake Gardiner and Morgan Reilly are locked on defence for sure. I also like the addition of Eric Brewer.
Though he's at the end of his career and has only had a small amount of games with the Leafs,
he's been decent, offensively and defensively. Yes, people will look for the
bad play here or there, but he's been good more than bad since his arrival.
This
summer is big for the Leafs if they hope to turn things around. With the
additional cap space freed up from the Clarkson deal, the possibility of
Phaneuf being traded, and Bernier as a RFA, big signings are possible. Nazem
Kadri leads the priority list, also being a RFA, and if its anything like last
time, it might be drawn out for a while. Richard Panik, Trevor Smith, and
Brandon Kozun are also set to become RFAs. Young defensemen set to become
UFA/RFA are Petter Granberg, T.J Brennan, Tim Erixon, and Andrew MacWilliams.
Young players need to be signed, and possible free agents to add to the team
will be key to the Leafs success down the road.
