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Is this as good as it gets? Brian Burke has done a great job improving the Leafs’ defence, and Gustavsson makes their goaltending far better than last year, but with the loss of Antropov and Moore the Leafs forwards are made up of third and fourth line players.
You hear a lot from hardcore fans about the Buds ranking 10th in scoring last season, but the key to remember is that forwards need to play two ways to be effective…and that Kubina was a key piece of the offence last year.
Who can the Leafs count on next year? Well, Hagman is a strong third line forward. Ponikavrosky will score 20-25 and get in front of the net. Blake will continue to slow down, but grind out 20 goals. Primeau and Orr will help form a solid energy line. Stajan will float through another season until he is traded.
After that there is hope, but no certainty. Grabovski offers the most upside, but will never be the superstar the Leafs want him to be. Kulemin is a year away from being an effective winger. Tlusty, on the other hand, offers real upside for 2009-2010 and will be fun to see him play with bigger teammates. Similarly, John Mitchell is ready for a 20 goal season. Hanson and Wallin could crack the lineup, especially since Stempniak is Marlie bound.
Yikes, not too inspiring is it? Burke will surely keep his eye out for a trade, as well as potential signings, but the Leafs start the year as weak as any team in the league up front.
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