Taking Stock of Maple Leafs' Roster As Trade Deadline Day Approaches (Part One)

As the winter blahs are actively doing their best to get even the most bubbly of persons down in the dumps, one would wonder why I am gleefully standing here, humming the tune to "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year."

The answer to why I am doing this?

Trade deadline day.  And maybe a little lack of sanity.

A huge fan of the NHL and everything it encompasses, I am what you would call a bit of a roster movement freak.  As I have told many readers before, I enjoy watching the deadline day shows, and talking trades almost as much as I do the on-ice product.

I know, a little weird.

Nevertheless, as the NHL trade deadline nears, the whispers become shouts, the speculation becomes that much more intense, and the excitement of what could be, is ramped up for hockey fans around the globe.

There may not be a team with more questions right now than the Toronto Maple Leafs.  A team looking to be a seller, (although if Burke could make a move to get into the playoffs he would) the Maple Leafs have a lot of players who could be available come next Wednesday.

Let's take a look, a Toronto Maple Leafs roster audit, starting in goal:

Vesa Toskala: Have to start with the starter.  Vesa has had a bad year in between the pipes for the Leafs, in fact, some blame him for their record right now. A team that has been competitive on most nights, the Leafs might be a playoff contending team with some goaltending.  

Still, one bad year doesn't make a career, and there are some, myself included, who feel a healthy, confident Vesa Toskala can return to form in Toronto next season.  

I spoke to good friend Darren Dreger last week, who told me there was no interest around the league in Toskala, which was a relief to me.  Toskala is an above average goalie in the NHL when he is healthy.  He also needs to build confidence to get on a roll.  

As we have seen in games against Vancouver and New York, he is certainly playing with more confidence than ever, and his numbers reflect that.  

(To read the interview with Darren Dreger, click here)

If I had it my way, Toskala would stick around and split time with Pogge next season, but time will tell, his recent play may spike the trade value a little.

Curtis Joseph: Will not be moved at the deadline, and is likely riding out his last on-ice job in the NHL. While some other goalies may complain about the situation Cujo is in, the veteran goalie is taking it in stride, and doing his best to help out Toskala and Pogge wherever possible.

Justin Pogge: Has shown a little bit of everything in his short time in Toronto. Confidence, athleticism, determination, and shakiness. It's way too early to tell if Pogge is the goalie of the future in Toronto.  Look for Pogge to take on a bigger role next year, splitting time with another goalie (likely Toskala.)

Moving from the net out, let's shift our focus to defense, where the Maple Leafs have gotten some good performances this season.

Pavel Kubina: Is as good as gone.  If not by next week, then most definitely by the summer. Kubina has had a strong season, potting 33 points.  His contract, once considered large, is now deemed acceptable as he nears the end of it.  

A big, physical blueliner with a cannon of a slap shot, Kubina can do a good job of anchoring the powerplay, and is someone who won't be easy to replace for Toronto.

Still, unless Kubina comes to Brian Burke within the next week, he is staying put.  He has not submitted a list of teams he would accept a trade to, and as Dreger reported to me last week, the Maple Leafs won't ask him to.

Tomas Kaberle: As smooth skating, puck moving defenseman go, Tomas Kaberle is one of the best.  Bargain priced at $4.25 million, there will be unbelievable interest in Kaberle over the next week, leading up to the 3 PM deadline.  

However, as stated with Pavel Kubina, Brian Burke respects the no trade clauses, and likely won't ask Kaberle to waive it.  Burke, showing good cap management, thinks it would be wiser to keep Kaberle at $4.25, then trade him and have to find a replacement at a higher price tag in the summer.

Ian White: There is considerable interest in Ian White, the forward/defenseman who's versatility has been vital to the Maple Leafs this season. The question now becomes, is White more valuable as a member of the Leafs, or in a trade, which would bring the Leafs a draft pick in return?

Jeff Finger: The focus of a future in-depth article by yours truly, Jeff Finger has gone from Summer punch line, to one of the more dependable Leafs defenseman. While his plus/minus isn't a fantastic reflection of his play, Finger has been solid both on and off the ice for the Leafs.  

He likely won't be traded.  Brian Burke likes his grind-it-out defenders, and he has a good one in Finger.

Mike Van Ryn: A nice surprise to the Leafs this season when healthy, Van Ryn brought puck moving skills, and a strong shot from the back end to the Leafs game. Unfortunately he has been slowed by numerous injuries this season, all of which have limited his playing time.

Van Ryn will be back in blue and white next season, which will hopefully be a healthy one.

Anton Stralman: The subject of at least a little trade chatter this year, Stralman hasn't progressed the way Leafs management have wanted him to. After showing some flashes of brilliance last season, Stralman spent part of this year in the minors after a lackluster start.  

Stralman has nine points in 28 games this year for the Leafs.

When speaking of Kaberle, Burke talked about how valuable puck moving defenseman are. Here is hoping he sticks to that mantra and keeps Stralman around. A young, smooth skating defender, Stralman has the chance to develop into a real strong top four defenseman for this team, if given the time and opportunity.

Jonas Frogren: I am telling you now, this guy will receive a year end award when I hand them out following the conclusion of the regular season, and you can bet it won't be for his offensive flare.

A lunch bucket and hard hat type guy, Jonas Frogren was lured over from his native Sweden by Cliff Fletcher in an effort to add some toughness to the Leafs defense corps. In just 35 games, Frogren has 66 hits, and 35 shot blocks, numbers that would be much higher had he played the full season.

He suffered a few injuries due to his rugged style, but Jonas Frogren has been a solid, sand-paper addition to the Maple Leafs, and he should only refine that style of play in next season.

Luke Schenn: The future alpha-male of the Maple Leafs defense.  Schenn, the fifth overall pick in last year's draft, has stepped into the lineup and looked right at home. Hard physical play, chipping in on offense where he can, and not playing with the confidence of a veteran, Schenn has been a key contributor to the blueline.  

Though he missed some time with a knee injury, Schenn has come back stronger than ever, and leads the team in hits by a wide margin (155 hits in 48 games, fellow defense partner Jeff Finger is second with 103.)  Schenn has also logged considerable minutes for the Leafs, and will only get better as the years go by.

Jamie Sifers: Another nice surprise for Toronto this season. After some strong play in the AHL, Sifers got the call to come play with the big club and hasn't disappointed. Showing a physical edge and some grit, he has fit in well as No. 5 or 6 defenseman.  

Join me tomorrow for part two of this roster audit, when we take a look at the forwards.

Just a reminder to join me right here, on Bleacher Report, next Wednesday Mar. 4 for the second annual trade deadline day live blog!  I will be blogging live from 8 AM right up until the 3 PM deadline and beyond, breaking trades as they happen.