Maple Leafs: Williams And Blake Find Chemistry In Leafs Win

Last night, the Maple Leafs got a look last night at the Jason Blake that they thought they were signing two years ago as Blake scored a goal and added two assists in a 4-2 win over his former team, the New York Islanders.

Blake appeared to find immediate chemistry with Toronto Marlies call up Jeremy Williams, who scored a goal last night.  It was the fourth time he has been called up and scored in his first game.  Scoring is his thing, which makes you wonder: why isn't this kid on the roster?

The reason he may not be on the roster is because of Jason Blake, his new linemate. 

Williams plays a similar hard-nosed type game, similar to that of Blake's.  He is also a fast skater who never gives up on the play.  The only difference is Williams appears to have the consistent scoring touch Blake is lacking.

Well, there is one other difference.

The near four million dollars in salary differences between the two which, with all due respect to Jason Blake, is probably the only thing keeping Williams from taking his spot on a permanent basis.

We know Blake isn't going anywhere.  He makes too much money, and his term is simply too long for him to be moved.

What the Maple Leafs can do, however, is finally find a permanent spot on the Maple Leafs roster for Williams.

A young forward with jam, all he has done is score at every level. 

With the Swift Current of the WHL, he scored back-to-back seasons of 41 and 52 goals respectively.

He has never had more than 23 in the AHL with the Marlies, but there is still every reason to believe Williams can be a consistent contributor at the NHL level with this young Maple Leafs squad.

And maybe most important of all, he may be the key to Jason Blake's performance taking a turn for the better, which would certainly help the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Leafs Talk Today Set To Return

As you may know by now, Leafs Talk Today, the ultimate radio show for everything Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL, is returning on Wednesday December 17th, at 1:30 PM Eastern time.

While the schedule isn't concrete yet, we are on the verge of announcing our very special guests for the premiere of season two of the show!

We also have launched an all new website for the show, where you can listen live as well as get the latest updates on who will be appearing on the show.

You can find the site by clicking HERE