The start of NHL preseason games are still over month away. While everyone is talking about Mats Sundin, I'll take a break from that to look at the overall potential of a team that is rebuilding.
Darcy Tucker, Kyle Wellwood, and possibly Mats Sundin are all Leaf players that are not going to be with the Leafs next season; however, the leafs have also held on to some key players and singed a few good free agents. So where will this put them in the up coming season?
Nik Hagman, Jeff Finger, and of course Curtis Joseph could be the best acquisitions this offseason for the Leafs. Don't forget that the Leafs also signed Matt Stajan to a two year deal as well as re-signing Dominic Moore and John Mitchell. Moore, who was picked up off waivers last winter, signed a one year contract and Mitchell was signed to a two year deal.
Hagman scored 27 goals last year and had 41 points. Hopefully he will bring some much needed offense to the Leafs. Jeff Finger, a 28-year-old defenseman, will help bring some support to Maple Leaf goalie Vesa Toskala who is one of the best goalies in the NHL. Toskala had a .904 save percentage and three shutouts last season and will be relived to see that a fully capable goalie (not that Raycroft wasn't capable...wink, wink) in Curtis Joseph, the same guy that left Toronto six years ago in search of a Stanley Cup, is back.
Let's not forget that the news is not all good for the Leafs. Darcy Tucker had 18 goals and 34 points last season and he will be missed by Leafs Nation. Tucker was a hard working guy that gave 115% every game. I still can't believe they got rid of Kyle Wellwood. Sure he had a few injuries, but he still has a bright future ahead of him, just ask Vancouver in couple years.
Mats Sundin. Need I say more? Even if I had to no one wants me too.
All-in-all, it surprisingly does not look too bad for the Leafs this season. They play in one of the hardest divisions in the league. Looking at it rationally, the Leafs may be able to sneak into a playoff spot ranked seventh or eighth maybe, but by no means are they Stanley Cup ready.
For those of you who are wondering why I didn't mention Luke Schenn, it's because he will need to spend at least one year with the Marlies in the AHL.
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