Toronto Maple Leafs: Should Joe Colborne Stay or Go?

With Mikhail Grabovski returning from injury, the decision of what to do with Joe Colborne will have to be made soon.

The Leafs are currently loaded at centre with Tyler Bozak, Tim Connolly, Mikhail Grabovski, David Steckel and Philippe Dupuis all healthy.

Will the Maple Leafs send Colborne down to the Toronto Marlies, or could Grabovski be suited as a winger on the third line, bumping Joey Crabb to fourth line duties?

I think it is likely that Colborne will be sent down, but I would not be surprised to see him play one more game with the Maple Leafs—just to make sure Grabovski can get through a full few games.

Colborne should not be discouraged if sent down. He has played fantastic hockey, and with the injury bug still plaguing the Maple Leafs roster, there is always a chance that he could be brought up anytime. 

In five games with the Maple Leafs, Colborne has recorded one goal and three assists for four points. Often criticized for his slow skating in college and lack of physical contact, both areas have been improved since his arrival to Toronto.

Although Colborne is in no way a speed burner, he isn't as slow as scouts have said.

Dallas Eakins has raved about Colborne and his dedication to the game—he also noted that Colborne has worked on his skating significantly throughout the offseason. That is one major reason he has elevated his game over the past year and a half.

If sent down to the Marlies, expect him to be put on a line with Nazem Kadri and Marcel Mueller, who are both averaging over a point per game. That line could be considered one of the best in the AHL.