Toronto Maple Leafs: The Word Is Re-Building

Yes, I know. I am just another Leafs fan that is saying that we are re-building. But I am not a Leafs fan that has been saying that we have been re-building for the last 40 some years (I've pretty much lost count).

This year the Maple Leafs are actually committed to re-building, when before, they were just trying to fix the patches that needed to be fixed. Now, the Maple Leafs are building through the draft, signing good players from Europe, and trading, somewhat well.

Here is how the Maple Leafs break down:

Lows:

Ryan Hollweg: Ryan Hollweg would not be a low on my list if he just learned to stop hitting from behind. If Hollweg could just become like Georges Laraque, than he would be the perfect player. He would be able to score a goal here and there, fight, and hit, while never giving up.

John Mitchell: I knew right away that this guy wasn't a major goal scorer, but so far in 3 games this season, I'm not impressed. He has just one assist and is a -1.

Niklas Hagman: Last season this guy netted the puck 27 times, and he had a great 2008 preseason, but is struggling in just 3 games so far this season. He has just one goal. However, I remain happy that they signed this guy because if he can get going, than he is dangerous.

Highs:

Nik Kulemin: From Kulemin (Kul-e-men) to Kulemin (Kul-eh-min), and back to Kulemin (Kul-e-men), it doesn't matter how you pronounce his name, this kid is good. He has two goals in three career games. Enough said.

Jason Blake: 1 goal and 1 assist this season. Jason Blake is off to a quick start considering the way he played last season. It was only two years ago when he scored 40 goals for the New York Islanders, and just one year ago when he scored 15 for the Maple Leafs.

Domonic Moore: I never even heard of the guy before he was claimed of waivers by the Maple Leafs. He is normally not a goal scorer, or a points producer, but he never gives up. This season he is off to an outstanding start with just one goal, but he is constantly driving the net, and dishing out hits.

Coming to the Maple Leafs they have Dale Mitchell and Justin Pogge, who currently are playing in Toronto (AHL). Justin Pogge has allowed 5 goals on 62 shots in two games this season, and will most likely end up in the NHL next season, backing up Vesa Toskala.

If the Maple Leafs can just continue the way they have since Cliff Fletcher was hired, they should contend for the Stanley Cup within the next 5 season, and they should make the playoffs if not next season, then they will in 2010-2011.