Leafs' Competitive Young Core For 2011-2012

How long must we wait for a strong Toronto Maple Leafs team, and what could it look like?  With valuable cap space available, the answer to the first question might be as little as two years.  The second question has no real answer, but we can play out scenarios to get an idea of what is possible.

The key question is how the Leafs can put together a strong ‘core’ of players who they can build on for years to come.  A good team requires role players and chemistry, but it also requires a strong core of talent in goal, defense, and forward.  Who could this core be made of for the Leafs?

I’ll keep the scenario aggressive, but realistic. Let’s start with those already in system. Luke Schenn is for real, and will be an anchor on defense. Following the examples of Pittsburgh and Chicago, Leafs could look to make him captain as early as 2011-2012.

Justin Pogge is an NHL goalie, let’s assume for this scenario that he develops into a clear N.1 goalie in two years.  Finally, let’s put Grabovski or Tlusty in as a top six forward for the same time frame.  

There is some further potential amongst prospects, but let’s assume none of them come through to become part of the core.  We go next to the prime draft pick we’ll have at the end of this year.  This could easily be a N.2 pick (Hedman), but let’s be conservative and assume they scoop Luke’s brother Brayden with the N.4 or N.5 pick.

He becomes a young core player within two to three years.  The Leafs will also land a strong young player or prospect in trading Kaberle and/or Antropov/Kubina.  Last year Philadelphia offered Jeff Carter (a young goal scoring forward with clear star potential even before his breakout season this year) and a first round pick.  

Young, with a very reasonable contract in place, Kaberle remains very valuable in a trade.  Let’s go with a rumour and have him packaged with Toskala to the LA Kings for Anze Kopitar.  This is all before any free agent signing, so finally let’s assume Leafs land Bouwmeester with some of their cap space.  

Going into next year, this would have the Leafs’ core looking as follows;

Goal: Justin Pogge (23)

Defense: Luke Schenn (20), Jay Bouwmeester (26)

Forward: Anze Kopitar (22), Brayden Schenn (18), Mikhail Grabovski (24)

Looks like the start to a good core for many years to come.  It’s not unrealistic, and still leaves room for Leafs to complement them with some good grit, leadership and role players.  Leafs can add more to this young core with next year's first rounder, as well as prospects or picks they get from trading Antropov or Kubina.  

So over to Burke to make this happen. It’s doable and gives us an exciting Chicago style team as early as two seasons from now.