Luke Schenn Catching Attention in Toronto

Darcy Fuller — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:32:48 -0400

The Leafs' first round pick, and fifth overall, Luke Schenn is making a name for himself, and fast I might add. Five games into the preseason his play is not going unnoticed, and Leafs coach Ron Wilson is very pleased to have a young, fresh defenceman at his disposal.

At the beginning of the preseason there were numerous articles and talks predicting Schenn would be back in Junior hockey this season. Now the hype is building about Schenn as his play continues to be strong. Whether it's that first outlet pass or the grit of one-on-one play—either way he holds his own quite well.

Two weeks ago everything was pretty much set in stone for the top four defencemen on the Leafs' starting roster. They included Kaberle, Kubina, Finger, and Jonas Frogren.

Now Schenn has others thinking he is ready to play at the pro level, except there are others ahead of him such as Coliacovo, White, Stralman, and also Mike Van Ryan who was acquired through a trade to the Florida Panthers for Bryan McCabe and a fourth round pick. The Leafs would not have given up a draft pick unless they had something planned for Van Ryan.

With four games left in the preseason, if Schenn can continue his picture perfect game he colud very well be in the Maple Leafs' starting lineup. The question is, can he stick at the pro level?

He is not as flashy as any of the other defencemen because his A game is in his own end. Being a plus five already in preseason proves that. Look to see Luke Schenn make a healthy run at a spot on the Maple Leafs' blue line.

Cujo Loyalty: Curtis Joseph Should Excel as Maple Leaf Once Again

Darcy Fuller — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:09:02 -0400

I'm sure everyone is wondering why the Leafs made the move earlier this month for a 41-year-old past his prime in "Cujo"—Curtis Joseph.

Well, it goes a little something like this: 10 Years ago, a 31-year-old goaltender came and swept Leaf Nation off its feet. The hype was true—he was a phenomenal talent that deserved a bit more than the Leafs gave him. While lacking the scoring touch in the playoffs for four consecutive years, Cujo was the last bit of light going into a dark-tunnelled playoff run. He provided the most prestige goaltending had seen in awhile, managing to compile eight postseason shutouts in his stint with the Leafs.

Toronto has always lacked quality goaltending and have now found it with Vesa Toskala. The Leafs game plan to help Toskala was simple: Bring Back Cujo. Joseph's heart has always been in Toronto. With that in mind, the Leafs know he will give 120 percent. He brings his leadership quality and all his experience to the table.

Now, I know Cujo will never be young again or flash the talent he had was when he was younger...but hes smarter now, which came with age. He will backstop Toskala and accept his position as No. 2, but believe me when I say this: To him, his career is just starting again now that he is back in Toronto.

You will see a energized Joseph as he will be welcomed home. The spark of the light he once was will not be put out quite yet. He's back and ready for round three!

Bleacher Report - Articles by Darcy Fuller

Luke Schenn Catching Attention in Toronto

Cujo Loyalty: Curtis Joseph Should Excel as Maple Leaf Once Again