NHL Northeast Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs

Jack Porter by Scribe Written on August 16, 2009
BERN, SWITZERLAND - MAY 07:  Jonas Gustavsson of Sweden tends the goal during the IIHF World Championship Quarter-Final betweenSweden and Czech Republic at the PostFinance Arena on May 7, 2009 in Bern, Switzerland.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

By beefing up his fourth line and defense core GM Brian Burke addressed his major concern about the Leafs and their lack of toughness. Burke also took a leap on Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson in a hope he is able to be just as good in the NHL as in Sweden.

Burke, however, failed to add a top six forward to the mix prompting worries that the Leafs will not be able to score goals this coming season. All things considered, Burke did a good job for a first step in his rebuild of the Toronto Maple Leafs

General Manager

Brian Burke

Head Coach

Ron Wilson


Additions

Mike Komisarek D (FA, MON), Garnett Exelby D (Trade, ATL), Colten Orr F (FA, NYR), Jonas Gustavsson (FA, SWE), Francois Beauchemin (FA, ANA), Rickard Wallin F (FA, SWE), Wayne Primeau F (Trade, CAL), Joey Macdonald G (FA, NYI)


Subtractions

Pavel Kubina D (Trade, ATL), Tim Stapleton F (Trade, ATL), Anton Stralman D (Trade, CAL), Colin Stuart (Trade, CAL), Justin Pogge (Trade, ANA), Martin Gerber (FA, KHL),

Jamie Sifers D (FA, MIN), Jeremy Williams F (FA, DET), Kris Newbury F (FA, DET), Jamie Heward D (FA), Olaf Kozlig G (FA)


Top Goalie

Vesa Toskala


Top Forward(s)

Alexei Ponikarovsky, Jason Blake


Top Defenseman

Tomas Kaberle


Rookie To Watch

Tyler Bozak


Potential Training Camp Surprise(s)

Nazem Kadri, Mikhail Stefanovich


Projected Divisional Finish

Fifth Place

Vote Now! - Author Poll

The Leafs Will Finish In (Division)

  • 1st
  • 2nd
  • 3rd
  • 4th
  • 5th
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

The Leafs Will Finish In (Division)

  • 1st

    8.2%
  • 2nd

    17.4%
  • 3rd

    43.5%
  • 4th

    15.2%
  • 5th

    15.8%
  • Total votes: 184
(0)
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written on August 16, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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