Maple Leafs Notes: GM Search, Sundin's Domino Effect, Injury Update

Leafs Still Filtering Candidates For GM Job

The Maple Leafs are continuing to construct a short list of potential candidates who could become the next Maple Leafs GM (hmm, with the writers strike and all, this could be a good reality show, Apprentice style). 

While a GM won't be named until shortly after the postseason, one thing we do know for sure is that the new general manager will have full autonomy over the hockey club. 

This is news that Leafs fans have been waiting years to hear.  It seems that the powers that be on the board of governors have finally realized they simply don't know enough to run a hockey club.

It is similar to what Ken Campbell from the Hockey News said in an edition of the Hockey News from earlier this month. He said something along the lines of; "The fact that this board hasn't found a way to win yet speaks volumes about their competence, not their character." Ken couldn't have been more right. 

Now it appears that the new Maple Leafs general manager will have full reign over the hockey club, or as many fans and media people are calling it, a "Colangelo" type deal.  

Sundin Is the X Factor

With less than three weeks remaining until the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs have many questions and X-factors to consider. However, it may all hinge on the actions of the Leafs captain. 

Many people believe, if Mats Sundin does come off his stance, and decides to waive his no trade clause, then other Maple Leafs who have the no trade clauses (Tucker, Kubina, possibly Kaberle) will be more likely to waive them.  However, if Mats stands firm that he won't be moving on deadline day, expect most others to dig in their heels as well.

Kaberle on the Off Wing

So, something has been bothering me since watching Tomas Kaberle dominate the Accuracy Shooting event. And no, it's not the fact that he doesn't shoot, I've long gotten used to that. 

After all, the only thing he can do better than shoot, is pass. The thing that bothers me is where Kaberle took the shots from. Kabby was shooting from the off wing, something he never does when he plays in Toronto, he is always on the other side.  

I know that it is harder to take passes on the off wing sometimes, and plays off the board can be tricky too, but why wouldn't the Maple Leafs try Kaberle on the off wing at the point, especially on a powerplay that has sagged since game one.  Putting him there, would then shift Kubina to his off wing as well, giving the Leafs two pretty good shots from the point, one with accuracy and finesse, the other with more power.  

Maybe this has come up before in practice, I can't say for sure.  Just a thought though.

 
Injury Update

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