As a new season approaches in Toronto, they have a lot of young and old talent to look out for. Some played last year and some didn't. Some even played for different teams last year. Here are the top 10 players to watch in the 2008-'09 NHL season:
10. No. 19 Dominic Moore
Last year Moore was claimed of waivers during the Maple Leafs west coast swing. He scored just five goals and 12 assists, however the Maple Leafs always seemed to have more energy in their step whenever he was in the lineup.
9. No. 55 Jason Blake
Blake came over as a free agent from the NY Islanders and didn't even have half as many goals as the season before (40 in 2006-2007 and 15 in 2007-2008). However what a lot of people don't realize is that he was 4th on the Maple Leafs in scoring.
8. No. # Nikolai Kulemin
Nik Kulemin should make his NHL debut this season under new head coach Ron Wilson this season. However you may end up seeing him split the season between the Toronto Marlies and Toronto Maple Leafs because there is always the risk that he may not do well.
7. No. 32 Alex Foster
Foster played in his first NHL last season and over three game didn't score a point. Alex Foster may be in the NHL next season but as an 'extra' which is when he is normally a healthy scratch waiting until there is an injury so he can get a spot in the lineup.
6. No. 14 Matt Stajan
Matt Stajan may very well become the Maple Leafs captain next season. Stajan does a lot of interviews, which is just what you need with a captain, and with the way things look the Maple Leafs 9th leading scorer last year may very well play on the top line.
5. No. 36 Anton Stralman
Last year Stralman played just over half the season (50 games) with three goals and six assists for nine points. He should play a full season this year in Toronto if a spot in the lineup remains open.
4. No. 7 Ian White
The only reason that Ian White cracks this list is because he may end up being a healthy scrach. With defensmen like McCabe, Kaberle, Stralman, Kubina, and the newlyh signed Jeff Finger, he and Carlo Colaiacovo may be splitting time.
3. No. 80 Nik Antropov
Antropov is coming off of a great season that saw him score a career high in goals (26), assists (30) and points (56). Antropov should be the Leafs leading scorer if Sundin isn't around in TO next year.
2. No. 31 Pavel Kubina
Last year Pavel had a comeback second half. Maybe this year he can have a comeback SEASON, which would re-gain my respect for Pavel Kubina.
1. No. # Luke Schenn
I'm sure that everyone knew that Schenn would be first on my list. If Luke Schenn plays in the NHL this season, he will be known as the NHL's Human eraser. It should be a great rookie season no matter when that season is for Luke Schenn.
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