Are We Bad Enough?
Every one says the leafs are so bad, and as a leafs fan, it does get tiring. But im sure these kinda articles and attention to the leafs also gets annoying to none leafs fans, as it does to me as well. But are the leafs really as bad off as everyone says? I don’t think that they are.
Im not saying they are a legitiment playoff contender, because they are nowheres near. But they won’t lay dont and die like everyone thinks they should. As of right now the leafs have a pretty solid defensive team in my opinion. But their offense could be a problem. Now im pretty used to seeing the leafs lose, but im not used to see them get blown up every game, because they score alot, they just couldnt play well enough defensivly to keep the puck out of the net. Thats why i think it would be a good thing to sign Mats Sundin. If they have him, it makes everyone around him a bit better player. And if we can keep the scoring up, and goals against down, we wouldnt be that bad. Not saying we`d make the playoffs, but everyone counted Montreal out before last season began as well. We have alot of good depth scoring, and with the loss of Tucker and Wellwood, that hurts a bit, but the adding Grabovski, Kulemin, Hagman, that adds it back up and then some, as Hagman alone had more goals then Tucker and Wellwood together last season. The depth we have is great in my opinon, and our defense is better as well. If Sundin does come back for another season in Toronto, whether Toronto fans like it or not, I think they will be a better team then they were last season. Especially if McCabe gets dealt soon.
According to TSN Bryan will waive to go to Florida, once his 2million in siging bonuses is paid up. Assuming this happens, the only thing i can really see coming back is picks, unless it becomes bigger then just McCabe. SO Assuming McCabe is dealt for prospects or picks whatever, and assuming Sundin is signed, this is what i predict the lineup to look like.
Blake-Sundin-Steen
Ponikarovsky-Antropov-Kulemin
Hagman-Stajan-Tlusty
Mayers-Moore-Bell
(Devereaux-Grabovski-Hollweg)
Kaberle-Kubina
Colaiacovo-Finger
Stralman-Frogren
(White-Kronwall)
Toskala
Joseph
I don`t really wanna get into any trades and stuff, but I will predict that with tihs lineup, and looking at the other teams in the east, they will finish anywhere from 12-10. Even without Sundin, i can`t see them finishing behind the Islanders, a Joikenless Panther squad, or the Thrashers. But then i can never be sure.
Here`s what id predict the lineup to look like with the roster the way it is (without sundin)
Blake-Steen-Kulemin
Ponikarovsky-Antropov-Hagman
Bell-Stajan-Tlusty
Mayers-Moore-Grabovski
Kaberle-Kubina
Colaiacovo-Finger
Frogren-Stralman
Toskala
Joseph
Either way McCabe won`t be in the lineup, but i think he will waive and be traded. And if Sundin does not sign, i think captaincy and alternate captaincy should be Stajan(C) Kaberle(A) and Kubina (A).