Toronto Maple Leafs: Who Will Emerge as 10 Most Beloved of 2010-11?
Like every sports fan, Toronto Maple Leafs fans have their favorite players. The 2010-11 edition of the Maple Leafs will boast some new faces, aging veterans and emerging stars. The question is, which player will emerge as Toronto’s favorite?
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top ten Maple Leafs that Toronto fans will put on the pedestal this season.
Carl “Uzi” Gunnarsson:
1 of 10
Originally drafted in the seventh round (194th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Carl “Uzi” Gunnarsson
has quietly established himself as one of the Maple Leafs most promising young defensemen.
Gunnarsson lit the lamp a total of three times and added 12 assists for a total of 15 points as a rookie in 2009-10 and demonstrated the ability to challenge the opposition’s best players.
While Gunnarsson has a long way to go before he will be considered a top-flight defenseman, his size (6’2”, 196 pounds) and tenacity has earned him a measure of respect and love from the Leafs Nation.
If and when veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle departs from the Blue and White Gunnarsson is expected to take on a much larger role with the Leafs, which, in turn, should give him plenty of opportunities to endear himself to Leafs fans everywhere.
Colby Armstrong:
2 of 10
Known for his tenacity and ability to get under the skin of opposing players, Colby Armstrong will quickly establish himself as a fan favorite in 2010-11.
Armstrong’s leadership abilities and strong presence along the boards should help him see plenty of minutes for the Leafs this season, either as a contributor on the second line or as a checker on the third line.
At 6’2”, 195 pounds, Armstrong has the ability to impose his will on opposing forwards, a skill Leaf fans have long admired.
Throw in Armstrong’s penchant for sticking up for his teammates and you have yourself a fan favorite in the making.
Colton Orr:
3 of 10
When Colton Orr is on the ice the opposition does everything they can to keep their heads up.
Known for his fighting skills and ability to agitate opposing players, Orr fits in nicely with Leafs general manger Brian Burke’s plan to make the Leafs tougher to play against and adds the “Truculence” that Burke so desires.
Besides, how can you not root for a hockey player with the last name “Orr”???
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Kris Versteeg:
4 of 10
Fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kris Versteeg will bring credibility and a compete level that many NHL players admire.
While small in stature (5’10, 182 pounds) Versteeg will bring an element of speed to a Leafs roster that could use a boost.
Versteeg has registered back-to-back 20-goal seasons, something few Leafs have accomplished in recent memory. Look for Versteeg to continue that trend in 2010-11, with an outside chance at hitting the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.
Everyone loves a goal-scorer, right?
Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson:
5 of 10
With a nickname like “The Monster”, Jonas Gustavsson is a shoe-in to be popular in Toronto.
At 6’3”, 192 pounds, The Monster is an opposing figure between the pipes, while his edgy style and even-keel attitude on the ice make him a bit of a mystery.
Slated to be the Maple Leafs goaltender of the future, Gustavsson will likely see an increased role with the Leafs this season, which, if he performs up to his potential, should see Leafs fans embrace the talented Swede.
Goaltenders are often amongst the most loved players on every NHL team. Like every super hero, how can you not love a masked man?
Mike Komisarek:
6 of 10
At 6’4, 243 pounds, Mike Komisarek is a beast to play against.
Leaf fans have longed for a defenseman that can knock opposing forwards into next Tuesday; Komisarek will do that all season long.
Competitive, punishing and passionate about playing for the Leafs, Komisarek could easily become one of Maple Leafs fans favorite players, especially if he can avoid injury and play with the vigor and tenacity that we all know he is capable of.
Oh yeah, Komisarek also hates the Montreal Canadiens, what’s not to like about that?
Tomas Kaberle:
7 of 10
With 11 years of service as a Toronto Maple Leaf under his belt, Tomas Kaberle is the Leafs most senior member.
While many believe the talented veteran will be traded before the start of the 2010-11 season, Kaberle still has a chance of being remembered fondly by Leafs fans, especially if he brings the Blue and White a huge return.
If Kaberle is not traded he will still get plenty of admiration from Leaf fans for his easy demeanor, ability to make the first pass and his ability to play in all situations.
The only qualm Leaf fans have ever had with Kaberle is his penchant for passing too often on the power play. That said; Kaberle’s loyalty to the organization and exemplary performance earns him a pass.
Hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
Nazem “The Dream” Kadri:
8 of 10
Originally drafted in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Leaf fans are hoping that the young/talented forward can elevate his play enough to make a major offensive contribution in 2010-11.
Kadri has the ability to score 20 goals as a rookie and the ability to play some serious minutes on the power play where his willingness to crash the net would be a welcomed addition.
No question, every Leaf fan will be routing for Kadri to make the Leafs opening day roster. All it’s going to take for Kadri to be an immediate fan favorite is a few early goals and an inspired effort, night-in, night-out.
Kadri has spent most of the off-season working out and adding some much needed bulk to his tiny 6’0”, 167 pound frame. Rumor has it that Kadri is approaching the 180-185 pound range, which should serve him well going forward.
Are expectations too high for Kadri? Perhaps. But this kid has already created a huge buzz in Leafland and, from my view; the sky is the limit for this kid.
Phil “The Thrill” Kessel:
9 of 10
There are few players that bring the offensive flare that Phil Kessel is capable of. Coming off back-to-back 30 goal seasons, Kessel has demonstrated the ability to be the Leafs offensive leader and there is nothing to suggest that he won’t hit the 40 goal mark for the first time in his career in 2010-11.
Known for his skating ability and quick release, Kessel also brings a measure of venom to his game.
Criticized for the price he paid for Kessel, Brian Burke is betting on Kessel becoming the Leafs franchise player...Leaf fans hope he's right!
There is little question that Kessel will be relied upon to be the Leafs leading scorer this season. If he continues to succeed he will get nothing but love from the fans of the Blue and White.
Dion “The Franchise” Phaneuf:
10 of 10
When Dion Phaneuf joined the Leafs after being traded from the Calgary Flames it is said that he immediately re-shaped the attitude/vibe in the locker room.
Very few players have the ability to lead an NHL team; with Phaneuf’s selection as team captain, Brian Burke is betting Phaneuf is one of those players.
Known for his punishing hits and fearless attitude, Leaf fans have not seen a player like Phaneuf (who combines toughness, leadership and skill) since the legendary Wendel Clark (and no, Phaneuf is NOT Wendel Clark...yet!!!).
If Phaneuf continues to punish opposing forwards and shows the heart and desire that he is capable of he will easily be the most popular Leaf in 2010-11.
What say you? Who is your favorite Toronto Maple Leaf? Please place your vote!!!!
Until next time,
Peace!
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