Phil Kessel and 6 Other Untouchable Toronto Maple Leafs
There has been much conjecture regarding who would be involved in possible trade scenarios for the Toronto Maple Leafs. When it comes to the Leafs roster, no name seems to be etched in stone as a permanent fixture or beyond being labeled as trade bait.
It’s no secret that the Leafs are in rebuilding mode, and changes couldn't come soon enough for many in Leafs nation.
However, over the last few seasons there have already been numerous changes, as the Leafs have had a revolving door policy with their former players. Aside from Tomas Kaberle, there is not a single player left on the Leafs’ roster from just three years ago.
If the Leafs ever want to get out of the rebuilding phase and move into the contending phase, that revolving door will have to close. Any rebuilding team must, at some point, develop a core group of players to build around.
Believe it or not, that’s exactly what Brian Burke has been doing. The Leafs now have several players whom I feel are untouchable insofar as a trade is concerned. It’s these seven players, in no particular order, that have become the heart of the new Maple Leafs going forward.
Phil Kessel
1 of 7
Love him or hate him, Phil Kessel is the Maple Leafs' best player. His performances may not be what we all would like to have seen so far, but his skill is unmatched on this team.
Kessel has not been getting the respect that he might otherwise deserve since his trade from Boston. We all know what the Leafs gave up for him, but that is not Kessel’s fault, nor should he be held accountable in any manner for the decisions made by management.
Some may suggest Kessel’s salary is reason enough to criticize him.
My response is that the Leafs have not put him into a position to succeed thus far. His linemates are not top six-caliber, and Kessel’s game has suffered for it.
Don’t forget that Kessel is only 23 years old. Aside from rookie goalkeeper James Reimer and third-year man Luke Schenn, Kessel is the youngest player on the Leafs' current roster. He has unlimited potential as a goal scorer and plenty of time to improve his game.
The fact is, even at his young age and with all the controversy surrounding him, Kessel is the Leafs' best player. There is no way that the Leafs will make any realistic deals that include Kessel for many years to come.
Luke Schenn
2 of 7
At the tender age of 21, and after a tumultuous sophomore year, Luke Schenn has come of age this year.
He is building a solid reputation, not just with Leaf fans, but throughout the entire league as well. His 155 hits lead all NHL defensemen, and his consistent, tough-as-nails style of play has won the hearts of many fans.
Schenn is another player with tremendous upside and plenty of time to hone his skills. In only his third year as a pro, Schenn has already become an integral part of the Leafs blue line and will remain a focal point for years to come. Burke would be a fool to include Schenn in any trade talks short of the “too good to be true” kind.
Nikolai Kulemin
3 of 7
Nikolai Kulemin is having a great year. With 31 games still to be played this year, he has already set a new career high in goals with 17 and has tied his career high in points with 36.
Kulemin has an impressive work ethic. He shows a willingness to play in traffic, tenacity along the boards and an affinity for driving towards the goal.
At 24 years of age, Kulemin still has untapped potential and can only get better. Another player with heart, Kulemin is a long-term keeper and should only be considered in the sweetest of trade deals.
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Clarke MacArthur
4 of 7
Clarke MacArthur has to be the biggest positive surprise for the Leafs this year.
His stellar play and inexpensive contract of $1.1 million per year give MacArthur the distinction of being the best bang per buck the Leafs have.
His team-leading 42 points along with 16 goals literally make him the Leafs' most valuable player.
At only 25 years old, MacArthur is yet another Leafs player on pace to set new career highs in goals and points this year.
MacArthur has tremendous speed and good instincts. His superlative play since joining the Leafs from Buffalo has quickly made him a fan favorite, and he should remain a fixture for the Leafs for many years to come.
Mikhail Grabovski
5 of 7
Arguably the Leafs' best forward, Mikhail Grabovski is having a breakout year.
Forget his team-leading 21 goals and second-best 39 points; Grabovski is a player with heart, lots and lots of heart.
The 27-year-old always skates hard, he’s not afraid to go into the corners and dig out the puck and his work ethic is exemplary. He fore-checks and back-checks and does just about everything else that a second-line centre should do.
The most telling stat of all is that Grabovski is a plus-three on a Leaf team that is a combined minus-132. He is one of only four players with a positive plus-minus on the team.
He is part of the only successful line that the Maple Leafs have and as such should be another player who is off-limits during any trade negotiations.
Dion Phaneuf
6 of 7
Dion Phaneuf has not been the player that Leaf fans had hoped for since joining the team. Many have stated that his drop-off in play is the reason the Leafs were able to pry him from Calgary in the first place. His high-end contract of $7 million per season hasn't helped endear him to fans either.
That said, Phaneuf is armed with one of the best hitting bodies and biggest shots in the game. His ability to lay out an opponent has recently reemerged, and I am a firm believer that his shot is not too far behind.
Phaneuf is only 25 years old and still has many productive years ahead of him. He is the captain and leader of this team and as such will remain a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.
James Reimer
7 of 7
James Reimer was a last-minute addition to this list. While Reimer’s play has been nothing short of fabulous since being called up from the Marlies, the jury has been in deliberation regarding whether he has played enough games to qualify for first team considerations.
After last night’s 3-0 shutout of the Carolina Hurricanes, the first for the Leafs in about a year, I believe the jury has returned with its verdict. Every competitive team needs a quality starting goaltender, and Reimer is quickly establishing himself as just that.
In his short tenure, Reimer has shown that he can steal a game or two—something no other Leafs netminder has displayed for a few seasons.
The Leafs need quality goaltending. Reimer looks to be a quality goaltender. Reimer should be off-limits in any trade negotiations the Leafs participate in.
Case closed.
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