Stock Watch for Toronto Maple Leafs' Top-Six Forwards

Scoring has not been a significant problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs' top-six forwards. Led by winger Phil Kessel, the Leafs have scored at a good pace and are currently 12th in the league in goals scored.

The team has battled injuries though, with Joffrey Lupul and David Bolland out currently. Centre Tyler Bozak has just returned to the club this week, but the team really hasn't been able to ice a complete lineup this season for any extended period of time.

The Leafs have had seven or eight players play in their top six throughout the year, but we'll focus on those players that have logged top-six minutes. Based on ice time, David Clarkson will not be included in this particular article, but Mason Raymond will be.

We'll take a stock watch of the Leafs' top-six forwards with just over a quarter of the season completed.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats are from nhl.com

Joffrey Lupul

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Joffrey Lupul has had some great games this season, but once again injuries have limited him in games played to 22. The Alberta native has earned 15 points this year, including eight goals. 

The Leafs winger is currently a minus-six and is averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time per game.

He does have a positive Relative Corsi number of 0.9 which is actually quite good on the Leafs as the team's shot differential numbers are not very good overall.

Lupul has not been on fire offensively to start the season. It would be surprising if he doesn't pick things up in the coming months. He's been effective when healthy, and the Leafs need him to be at his peak if they hope to make a push for the Atlantic Division crown.

Stock Watch: Staying Steady

Nazem Kadri

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Nazem Kadri has played well in small stretches this season, but overall, his game has not elevated the way many might have expected.

Kadri has not really seized the opportunity to become the go-to offensive centre that the Leafs need desperately. He is a dynamic offensive player, but because he's had a number of different linemates this season, he has not really fired on all cylinders yet.

He has earned 17 points which ties him for third on the team in scoring. Given his exceptional passing and good skills, there is no reason that Kadri is not better than a point-per-game player.

Kadri is still a young player and is continuing to learn how to play as a top-six NHL forward. Kadri has all-world talent without question. If he can continue to improve his defensive play, Randy Carlyle is likely to put more trust in him to play in all game situations.

Stock Watch: Rising Slightly

Mason Raymond

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Winger Mason Raymond is one of the more underrated skaters in the league. He has tremendous acceleration, and he can get himself into positions that less talented skaters cannot.

Raymond is tied for third on the Leafs on scoring. This is despite playing in a number of roles, from third-line winger through first-line winger. He's also spent some time on the first power-play unit.

Raymond's Relative Corsi number is an even 5.0. He has attacked with speed and been solid in his own end when called upon to defend. He's had 57 shots on goal, which is a very good number on a team that has been hard pressed to get many shots on goal most nights.

If the former Canuck is not in the Leafs' long-term plans, you can bet that there are a number of other teams that will be willing to pick him up when his one-year contract runs out next year.

Stock Watch: Rising Considerably

Tyler Bozak

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First-line centre Tyler Bozak has played just 13 games in 2013-14, but when he has played, he's been a solid contributor.

Bozak has four goals and four assists in those contests. He's at plus-six this season and has just two penalty minutes. While Bozak is not a lot of people's idea of top centre if he continues to be a plus player he's not likely to be unseated from the top line.

His shooting percentage is an unsustainable 28.6 percent, but if he can keep it in the teens, the Leafs will be more than happy. He logs a lot of tough minutes against other top centres which is not easy to replace.

Based on previous seasons Bozak isn't going to be a point-per-game player, but the Leafs don't really need him to be.

Stock Watch: Declining Slightly

James Van Riemsdyk

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James van Riemsdyk has had a really good start to this season. He's second on the team in scoring with 19 points. He's been a physical presence on many nights, without taking foolish penalties.

JVR has created extra space for Phil Kessel and his work along the boards has been very good. His play has likely earned him a spot with Team USA at the Sochi Olympics alongside Kessel on the top line.

He's earned a plus-five rating so far this year. His four power-play goals tie him with Kessel for the team lead. JVR is entering his prime and the Leafs will benefit from this in the years to come.

Expect his play to continue to be very good as his confidence seems to be at a career high.

Stock Watch: Staying Steady

Phil Kessel

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Phil Kessel is the unquestioned offensive leader for the Maple Leafs. He leads the team in goals and points.

He has been really consistent this year, and despite being the main target for opposing defensive schemes, he's tallied 13 goals, three of which have been game winners.

Kessel is plus-five so far this season. While he'll never be confused with a Selke Trophy winner, his defensive game has improved as his game has matured.

His Relative Corsi number is -1.9, but based on previous years, that number should improve in the coming months. Kessel is one of the top offensive players in the game, and his talents will be on full display in both Toronto and at the Winter Olympics next February.

Not many players can get a crowd buzzing when they begin to get wound up in the offensive zone on a rush; Kessel is one such player.

Stock Watch: Rising Slightly