Welcome to Team Truculence: A Look at the Maple Leafs and the Rest of the NHL

Welcome to Team Truculence.

Mike Zeisburger hit the nail on the head with this one, because after July 1st, that may as well be the modus operandi of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As always, with the season within itself, the NHL’s Free Agency period has produced some winner, and some losers.  Luckily enough for Toronto fans, the Leafs are near the top of the Winners list.

Now, any good “truculent” team needs a pure fighter, someone who can instill the fear of pain in opposing teams.  Someone who will give your smallish skill players that extra second to make a decision, extra few inches to make the play.  At 6’3”, 222 lbs, Colton Orr does all of these things, and he does so with a smile on his face. 

Playing in all 82 games last season, Orr had all of 1 goal & 5 points.  He did however have a career high 192 PIM, which placed him 3rd in the NHL last season. 

Unlike those above him in the PIM category, Daniel Carcillo & Shane O’Brien, Orr won’t play a lot of minutes per game.  He averaged 6:29 per game last year, and I wouldn’t expect that to trend upward with the Leafs.

The next player we will look at is Garnet Exelby.  Exelby, a 6’1”, 215 lbs defensive defensemen, is a 3rd pairing defensemen who will provide plenty of toughness when he is on the ice. 

A regular member of Atlanta’s PK unit for several years, Exelby had 7 assists and was only a -2 while averaging 16:43 per game over 59 games last season. For anyone who notices that he got more ice time in the past and is wondering if maybe he is a top-4 D, note that in the two years he averaged more than 18 minutes per game, he was a double-digit minus player both times. 

Finally, and very, very thankfully, we come to the Leafs’ big acquisition on Canada Day.  Mike Komisarek, the top defensive defensemen available (and after Scott Neidermayer, who I’ll talk more about later, the top D-man available altogether).

The 27 year old Komisarek signed a 5 year, $22.5 million contract, which will see him make $4.5 million per year. 

The talk earlier in the season was that he would be looking for upwards of $6 million (hence my 5 year, $27.5 million suggestion on Monday), so it’s great to see that such talk was obviously non-existent on Wednesday. 

Okay, let’s get this out of the way right now. Komisarek played like crap after coming back from the Lucic-inflicted shoulder injury last season. You know what that & a buck-fifty will get you? A cup of coffee. Whatever. 

He played on the most dysfunctional team in the NHL last year. Go down the roster of big players (Kovalev, Price, Plekanec, Koivu, Tanguay) and you’ll only find one, Andrei Markov, who played anywhere near his potential. If the shoulder is healthy (and it must be for Leafs’ GM Brian Burke to commit to the money and term that he did), Komisarek will be fine.

I remember coming back from the lockout, Komisarek was a little-known defensemen in Montreal, who just happened to always be matched up against Mats Sundin’s line when Toronto and Montreal met. It took about 2 seconds of watching them fight for the puck down low to realize how good Komisarek was. 

Sundin would try to use his 6’4”, 230 lbs frame to shield the puck, but Komisarek used his own 6’4”, 240 lbs frame to punish Sundin physically, and not allow him to create any scoring chances from Gretzky’s Office. 

This play happened countless times in the ensuing battles over the years, and is why Komisarek is regarded as one of the top handful of defensive defensemen in the NHL today.

One of the questions I’ve been asked in the last couple of days is “Didn’t Toronto overpay for Komisarek, considering the fact that he doesn’t score?”  I find it a shame that people only see a defensemen’s worth in the obvious (easily the single-greatest reason why Scott Stevens never won a Norris Trophy—what, you didn’t realize?). 

A defensemen’s primary objective is to stop the other team from scoring goals (and that’s coming from a guy who loved to play up ice from the point in his playing days).  This is what Komisarek does, and he does it at a very high level.  A level that is certainly worth $4.5 million per year on a contract that only takes him to his age 32 year. 

Quite frankly, this is the best contract handed out to a defensemen this year, and one of the top-4 handed out to any UFA this season.

Speaking of the other UFA contracts, lets look at some of the other signings that have taken place.

• UFA Scott Neidermayer re-signs with Anaheim, 1 year, $6 million.  It was either Anaheim or Vancouver (which Neidermayer confirmed with his enjoyable hesitation during his interview on TSN2 after the signing).  Anaheim keeps him for less money, and quite frankly, I would expect him to be a little better this year, seeing as he’s fully committed from the summer on to the mental and physical preparation necessary to play at the level at which he plays.  59 points last year, and 3rd in ATOI with over 26 minutes per, Norris nominations or not, he’s still a top-5 defensemen in the NHL.
• UFA’s the Sedin Twins re-sign with Vancouver, 5 years, $30.5 M.  Again, a deal that makes complete sense in every way. Vancouver got great value and term for the Twins, who are PPG players who dominate on the cycle and are improving their playoff play and output every year.  And really, can you imagine them playing anywhere else? If you’re a team trying to dethrone the Pittsburghs & Detroits of the NHL, signing the Sedins to be your counter to those team’s elites simply wouldn’t do. Vancouver can take a run at those times simply because they have Roberto Luongo in net, he of the still yet untapped potential to carry a team to the Stanley Cup.  What pressure that concept must put on a guy.
• RFA David Booth re-signs with Florida, 6 years, $25.5 M. $4.25 million per year is exactly why I said this was a guy who a) opposing teams couldn’t offer an offer sheet to, and 2) why Florida would have the money to re-sign him. Just because he’s in Florida doesn’t mean he’s not a gamer. Keep your eye on this kid folks, he’s a sleeper.
• UFA Craig Anderson, Colorado, 2 years, $3.6 M. Avs, you dysfunctional, unprofessional bunch of goofs…you got lucky. Now ride the kid like a stallion and just get the hell out of the way, he may just be your saving grace.  (For reference, read Monday’s article.)
• UFA Marian Hossa, Chicago, 74 years, $2390239242398423 M, or something like that. My, within the span of 14 minutes, we go from arguably the single-best signing of Canada Day, to arguably the worst. The only way this signing pans out is if Chicago wins the Stanley Cup.  Period. Otherwise, on the eve of the Declining Cap Era, Chicago has locked themselves into a contract that regardless of Hossa’s superlative two-way talent, will greatly hinder their ability to keep Patty Kane, Johnny Towes, and Dunccy Keith (hey, I had to try) beyond the contracts they sign next year. But hey, I’d rather have a guy who has proven that he can only produce when he’s the 3rd option in the Stanley Cup Finals but not when he’s the 2nd option, rather than homegrown top draft picks who are the on-ice reason my team is “this close” to making it.  Yup, that’s it.  I hope for Chicago's sake they win this year, because every year that they don't, the Hossa Curse will strangle the life out of this team.
  
• UFA Dwayne Roloson, NYI, 2 years, $5 M. It’s called DiPietro Insurance, although quite honestly, I like the chocolate & caramel Rolo Bar more than DiPietro right now.  Hey Rick, Paul DiPietro called.  He says stop making your last name look like crap.
• UFA Mike Knuble, Washington, 2 years, $5.8 M. Great signing.  Hopefully his body holds up long enough to provide Washington with the physical presence they’ll looking for. James, from the Live Draft Blog, said that he’ll make a great winger for Ovechkin. Quite honestly though, I think he’ll make a far better winger for Semen.  Ovie doesn’t need anyone to create space for him. But Semin, aka The Tin Man, needs someone who can teach him what playing with heart is all about.  If Knuble can do that, no amount of money will be worth the value of that.
• UFA Donald Brashear, NYR, 2 years, $2.8 M. Rangers’ GM Glen Sather has always been hit-or-miss with his UFA signings over the years.  Signing an aging fighter to a contract that is a reflection of what he used to bring to the ice as opposed to what he brings now? Miss.
• UFA Yogi Spacek, Montreal, 3 years, $11.5 M. Hey, nothing wrong with this signing. Yes he’s 35, but he also had 45 points in 80 games with Buffalo last year. The issue will be with team chemistry, which I’ll touch on later (don’t you love the teasers?).
• KHABIBULIN.  Edmonton. 4 years, $15 M. He’s durable, he’s a gamer moreso than people want to give him credit for. He’s played in cold-weather Canada before. KHABIBULIN will be fine making it to 40…or at least 39.
• UFA Erik Cole, still Carolina, 2 years, $5.8 M. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s $2.5 per year for his production, and an extra $800,000 over the course of the contract for what he allows Eric Staal to do, which involves general awesomeness.
• UFA Scott Clemmensen, Florida, 3 years, $3.6 M. The rumours have always been there. Watch for Florida to try to get Tomas Vokoun to waive his no-trade early next season (LA perhaps?), so that the Panthers can utilize Clemmensen’s tremendous abilities at the cost of a backup goalie.  It’s just good Cap utilization.  A great signing.
• UFA Ian Laperriere, Phili, 3 years, $3.5 M.  This would be a great signing if Laperriere, a perfect stereotypical Phili player, was going to be healthy for even 164/246 regular season games on this contract, let alone the playoff games.
• UFA Hal Gill, Montreal, 2 years, $4.5 M. Nothing wrong with the contract, and Gill played a little better than I thought he would in the Finals. He’s a 4-5 D (still). Solid pickup.
• UFA Mike Cammalleri, Montreal, 5 years, $30 M.  Blurg,  The typical overpaying of a 1st line player who isn’t a “$6 million a year” player.  Hey Montreal, remember when you used to have Cap space? Oh, those were the days.  Funny thing is, this wasn’t even their worst signing of the day.
• UFA Mike Komisarek, Toronto, 5 years, $22.5 M. Two more things.  First, for $1.5 million/year for the next 5 years less, Komisarek is going to mangle Cammalleri every chance he gets. Second, Komisarek has a partial no-trade clause in his contract, which will see him provide Brian Burke a list of 12 teams he would be willing to be traded to that season. And we haven’t even gotten into the whole shutdown pairing with Luke Schenn/Mentoring Schenn storylines.
• UFA Steve Sullivan, Nashville, 2 years, $7.5 M.  Sullivan’s tale is completely heartwarming, and it’s great to see him get a nice contract. It’s also great to see Nashville keep a productive scoring winger. It’s pretty rare.
• UFA Sammy Pahlsson, Columbus, 3 years, $7.95 M. Michael Peca is officially in play!  What’s that, he’s past his prime? Shame. Anyway, very nice signing for Columbus. Watch out, they’re putting the pieces in place…
• UFA Marian Gaborik, NYR, 5 years, $37.5 M. Did you hear that crushing sound off in the distance around 8:15 PM EST? That was my heart breaking. This is a perfect fit though. For Gaborik, he still gets a huge contract with term, and for Sather, he gets to make a signing that people will pan him for. Thing is, he shouldn’t be panned for it.  Damnit.  (Again for a reference point, Monday’s article.)
• UFA Brian Gionta, Montreal, 5 years, $25 M. Hey Bob Gainey, 2006 called.  They said they’ll release the version of Gionta that you signed for an extra $5 million. *Bob Gainey looks around confused.* “Well which Brian Gionta did I sign?” The one who scored 20 goals & 60 points in 81 games on an offensive juggernaut last season.  “Oh @#$%.” 
• UFA John Madden, Chicago, 1 year, $2.75 M.  (Back to the stars) *Lou Lamoriello is rolling around on the floor, laughing uncontrollably.* Apparently Chicago doesn’t send their pro scouts to Devils’ games. There’s a reason New Jersey let him walk…
• RFA Mikhail Grabovski, Toronto, 3 years, $8.7 M.  Another good signing.  Jeez, maybe this Burke guy knows what he’s doing?  Who’d have ever thought that?  Madness.
• And finally, UFA Mikael Samuelsson, Vancouver, 3 years, $7.5 M.  Every playoffs, Samuelsson is good for two rushes starting from center ice and ending with him putting the puck in the net. It’s a part of life, like the air we breathe & the cake we eat. Yes he’ll see some time with the Sedins. However, seeing as Alex Burrows has been the best fit of anyone with the Twins since they’ve been in Vancouver, expect Samuelsson to find a home on either a hybrid scoring/checking line with Ryan Kesler, or on a straight checking line.

One thing to note: teams that undergo tremendous roster upheaval end up with myriad chemistry issues throughout the year. This is why the Montreal Canadians will be lucky to be the 8th seed again this year.  Don’t be surprised if & when they don’t make the playoffs in 2009-10. 

Now, we’re gonna have some fun with lists.

My Top-5 UFA signings thus far

1. Craig Anderson (Again, watch), Colorado
2. Mike Komisarek, Toronto
3. Marian Gaborik, NYR
4. Scott Neidermayer, Anaheim
5. Mike Knuble, Washington

My Bottom-5 UFA signings thus far

1. Marian Hossa, Chicago
2. Brian Gionta, Montreal
3. Mike Komisarek, Montreal
4. Donald Brashear, NYR
5. John Madden, Chicago

My Top-20 Remaining UFA’s (With rumours or straight-up guesses in parentheses)

1. Joe Sakic (Colorado or a Snow Blower Safety Class.)
2. Francois Beauchemin (Burke wants him.)
3. Alexei Kovalev (?)
4. Alex Tanguay (Dallas could use yet another Softy…)
5. Mats Sundin (Will he even be back?)
6. Mathieu Schneider (May as well stay with the Habs.  Oh wait, they probably don’t have the Cap room left.)
7. Saku Koivu (Either Minnesota or Anaheim.)
8. P.J. Axelsson (?)
9. Sergei Zubov (One more shot with Dallas.)
10. Todd Bertuzzi (Would he take a small salary with incentives to return to Calgary?  If not, who else would take him?)
11. Dominic Moore (Toronto or Bust?  Maybe he & his brother, fellow UFA Greg, will sign a package deal somewhere.)
12. Dennis Seidenberg (Carolina again?)
13. Mike Comrie (Ottawa)
14. Martin Skoula (Minne?)
15. Manny Fernandez (Perhaps LA?)
16. Nick Boynton (?)
17. Kyle McLaren (A Cap casualty last year when SJ buried him in the minors.  He can still play.  But for whom?)
18. Manny Malhotra (Current Status: Swimming against the FA current.)
19. Antero Niittymaaki (?)
20. Paul Mara (Remember when everyone thought he was gonna be great?)

So that was a fun 2600+ words, I hope you enjoyed it.  I’ll be back with my 2nd Annual Why Pittsburgh Should Trade Jordan Staal article soon enough.  Until then…well, I hope you’re not a Habs’ fan!