his is clearly a transition season for the Maple Leafs as they move ahead without many familiar names - Sundin, McCabe, Tucker, Belak, Wellwood. Likely more players will follow as the season progresses. So perhaps for the first time in several decades their is some true competition for spots on the roster. Though to be honest I still believe most spots have been pre-ordained (especially the goalies). So here is a report card on the roster that is shaping up.
Moore: A
Moore has continued where he left off last season after joining the team off the waiver wire. He has been using his speed well to create opportunities and harass defensemen. He leads the team with 3 goals with 2 being scored shorthanded. But he is destined to be playing on the 4th line.
Kaberle: A-
A potential captain, he has been solid with a +4 and averaging over 3 shots per game. No McCabe to pass to so Kaberle is shooting more.
Colaiacovo: B+
Carlos has been healthy and has been one of the best defensemen so far. He has been doing a little of everything - hitting, blocking shots, carrying the puck, etc.
Finger: B+
Only played in 1 game so far but I thought he was solid. Blocks shots and moves puck out of the Leafs end. Nothing fancy about Finger.
Blake: B+
Blake has been working his way out of the doghouse after a horrendous season last year. He is a different player with only 2 shots on net in 3 games and a +4. He has been passing more and has 3 assists so far to show for it. Wilson has even been using him to kill penalties.
Mayers: B+
Fans will love this guy. Has heart, skates hard, hits hard and will chip in with some goals. I would make him captain.
Devereaux: B+
Solid two way player with great speed who will find a place on a checking line.
Schenn: B
A pleasant surprise that gets better by the period. Wilson has been giving him a healthy workload and he has responded well. Being paired with Kaberle doesn't hurt. First game he was a C- but continues to improve. Could stick with the team.
Hagman: B
As a major free agent signing he has a roster spot. Finding his way around the team but leads team in shots with 13 and has 2 goals so far.
Ponikarovsky: B
Poni leads the team in preseason scoring with 2 goals and 2 assists and will be on the #1 line. He is not competing for a job and his play reflects it.
Steen: B
I'm not a Steen fan at all but by default he may be the #1 centre to start the season.
Antropov: B
First liner by default just getting into shape for the season.
Kubina: B-
The big Czech has not been paired with Kaberle but that will likely change during the regular season.
White: B-
Looks better than last season but seems likely to be a victim of the numbers game. Barring injuries he will start the season on the Marlies or maybe the Florida Maple Leafs.
Stajan: B-
I think he might also be on the bubble this season if he fails to develop more. So far I haven't noticed anything different about Matt.
Hollweg: B-
Loves to hit. No surprise leads team in penalty minutes with 17 in 3 games. Fans will finally forget about Tie Domi.
Stralman: C+
Still making mistakes out there but only 22 with great puck skills. Will get better.
Grabovski: C+
Little Russian hasn't impressed me. Has some skill but is he an NHLer? Still will be given a chance because he is young, the Leafs are rebuilding and Fletcher gave up a draft pick for him.
Bell: C+
Effective as a banger. He will stick around for a checking line. I doubt his scoring touch will return but maybe he can have a fresh start this year.
Van Ryn: C
Anyone looking for a defensemen?
Frogren: C
Has only played 2 games and the most physical defensemen on team. Puck skills are Aki Berg-like. Not sure about him yet.
Kulemin: C-
He looks lost out on the ice and could use some seasoning on the Marlies. However, he may still make the team (see Grabovski).
Tlustly: D
Too undisciplined for my liking. Also could use some extended Marlie time but could make the team because of 1st round draft pick status (see Grabovski and Kulemin).
Kronwall: D
Got size but skills are just not NHL calibre.
12 years ago
