Maple Leafs Notes: GM Search, Sundin's Domino Effect, Injury Update

Leafs Still Filtering Candidates For GM Job

The Maple Leafs are continuing to construct a short list of potential candidates who could become the next Maple Leafs GM (hmm, with the writers strike and all, this could be a good reality show, Apprentice style). 

While a GM won't be named until shortly after the postseason, one thing we do know for sure is that the new general manager will have full autonomy over the hockey club. 

This is news that Leafs fans have been waiting years to hear.  It seems that the powers that be on the board of governors have finally realized they simply don't know enough to run a hockey club.

It is similar to what Ken Campbell from the Hockey News said in an edition of the Hockey News from earlier this month. He said something along the lines of; "The fact that this board hasn't found a way to win yet speaks volumes about their competence, not their character." Ken couldn't have been more right. 

Now it appears that the new Maple Leafs general manager will have full reign over the hockey club, or as many fans and media people are calling it, a "Colangelo" type deal.  

Sundin Is the X Factor

With less than three weeks remaining until the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs have many questions and X-factors to consider. However, it may all hinge on the actions of the Leafs captain. 

Many people believe, if Mats Sundin does come off his stance, and decides to waive his no trade clause, then other Maple Leafs who have the no trade clauses (Tucker, Kubina, possibly Kaberle) will be more likely to waive them.  However, if Mats stands firm that he won't be moving on deadline day, expect most others to dig in their heels as well.

Kaberle on the Off Wing

So, something has been bothering me since watching Tomas Kaberle dominate the Accuracy Shooting event. And no, it's not the fact that he doesn't shoot, I've long gotten used to that. 

After all, the only thing he can do better than shoot, is pass. The thing that bothers me is where Kaberle took the shots from. Kabby was shooting from the off wing, something he never does when he plays in Toronto, he is always on the other side.  

I know that it is harder to take passes on the off wing sometimes, and plays off the board can be tricky too, but why wouldn't the Maple Leafs try Kaberle on the off wing at the point, especially on a powerplay that has sagged since game one.  Putting him there, would then shift Kubina to his off wing as well, giving the Leafs two pretty good shots from the point, one with accuracy and finesse, the other with more power.  

Maybe this has come up before in practice, I can't say for sure.  Just a thought though.

 
Injury Update

The Leafs will have some reinforcements coming in the next few days. It's not a matter of if, but when.  It seems that Bryan McCabe and Alex Steen will be questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Montreal Canadiens. However if they don't play in that game, expect both of them to likely return to the line up for the Saturday afternoon match with Detroit.  Steen has been out nursing a shoulder injury, while McCabe has been out since December 15th with a broken hand.

Also look for Nik Antropov to return to the lineup for the game against Detroit.  Antropov will be eligible to return from suspension at the conclusion of Thursday night's game. He will have missed three games serving a suspension for abuse of an official, which occurred at the conclusion of  last week's game against Carolina.

Wozniewski on Waivers

The Toronto Maple Leafs put Defenseman Andy Wozniewski on waivers earlier today.  Teams have until tomorrow at 12 noon to claim him.  If he goes unclaimed (and lets face it, he likely will) he will be assigned to the AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies.  

This likely means that logjam I talked about in an earlier edition of Leafs Notes has been somewhat taken care of.  With Woz being sent down, a little cap space is cleared, and it prepares the team for the return of Bryan McCabe. 

A few other quick notes...

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One last quick reminder, as the trade deadline approaches: Remember to check Bleacher Report all day long as I will be here providing live coverage of the day. Five hours plus, from 10 AM to the 3 PM deadline and beyond. 

Look for some cool features leading up to deadline day, such as a piece on deadline deal history, as well as a Trade Deadline day primer, getting you geared up and in the know.  More information about the deadline day coverage will be available as the day draws closer, so stay tuned to this spot for more information.             

So that is it for Leafs Notes for today, Wednesday February 6th.  Be sure to check back here tomorrow night at the conclusion of the Maple Leafs-Canadiens game for a full recap and analysis of the contest.