Kris Versteeg and Nazem Kadri both went into training camp this year with high expectations being placed on their shoulders by fans and members of the media surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For Versteeg, those expectations were a bit too much for him to handle at first. After scoring his first goal as a Maple Leaf in the second game of the season, Versteeg went on an eight-game goal-less streak and a seven-game point-less streak. Since he snapped that goal-less streak, the former Chicago Blackhawk has scored eight goals and assisted on another six in 18 games.
The 24-year-old's recent success has put him on pace for 26 goals and 49 points, which would stand as the second most goals and second most points he has scored in his career.
Nazem Kadri, meanwhile, started off much better in Toronto. Although he didn't make the team out of camp, Kadri's impressive play with the AHL's Toronto Marlies earned him a call-up to the big club.
Kadri has played in just 12 games this season. In those 14 games, the 20-year-old rookie has yet to score a goal, but has recorded six assists and a minus-3 rating. In 15-career NHL regular season games, Kadri is a minus-4.
Versteeg and Kadri are an integral part to any future success the struggling Maple Leafs might have, meaning they are very unlikely to be moved on the February 28th NHL trade deadline.
Sunday rumours
Ottawa Sun - Bruce Garrioch
Isles concerend about Tavares, looking for forward
Garrioch reports that the New York Islanders are in search of a top-six forward, preferably a winger. He claims that sources are telling him the Islanders are concerned about the development of star centre John Tavares, who has just 14 points and is a minus-17 in 23 games.
"(Snow) has to be careful they don’t ruin Tavares with this kind of atmosphere," an NHL executive told Garrioch. "They are teaching him how to fail and he’s been put in a bad atmosphere. They’ve got to get some veteran help to take some of the heat off him."
The Isles are just above the salary cap floor with about $17 million to spend. Garrioch says there aren't many veteran forwards on the market, but Tampa Bay's Simon Gange could be available.
Bieksa on the market
Garrioch says no matter what Vancouver Canucks general manager tells the media and fans, defenseman Kevin Bieksa is available to trade.
He says that the San Jose Sharks are one of many teams interested in Bieksa's services.
Garrioch also says that Gillis would be looking for an above-average return as Bieksa still holds a lot of value. Bieksa has played in 26 games this season, scoring two goals and assisting on another three.
McGuire a GM candidate
Garrioch also reported this interesting little note on Sunday. He says that if a general manager position opens up in the NHL, one of TSN's lead hockey analysts, Pierre McGuire, will be a candidate.
McGuire is a former NHL head coach and assistant GM with the Hartford Whalers.
Garrioch says Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson and Tampa Bay assistant GM Julien Brisebois are also being "mentioned."
Rangers looking to move Frolov
Garrioch says the New York Rangers are looking to trade first-year Ranger Alex Frolov to "just about anybody." He says that, despite not wanting much in return, general manager Glen Sather is having a hard time trying to find a team willing to take on his $3 million salary.
The Rangers signed Frolov to a one-year, $3 million contract during the off-season. In 31 games this season, Frolov has five goals, six assists and a plus-1 rating.
Habs, Leafs interested in Langenbrunner
The New Jersey Devils are rumored to be shopping their captain, Jamie Langenbrunner. Garrioch says both the Maple Leafs and Canadiens are interested in the 35-year-old.
The Habs may have the upper hand on Langenbrunner, however, as Leafs GM Brian Burke's self-imposed holiday trade freeze kicked in on Thursday, ten days before the NHL's.
Langenbrunner has three goals and eight assists in 21 games this season. He has scored 20 or more goals four times in his 16-season NHL career.
ESPN.com - Pierre LeBrun
Kaberle likey to stay in Toronto
With rumors about Tomas Kaberle leaving Toronto swirling once again, Pierre LeBrun reported on Saturday that he is not likely to waive his no-trade clause anytime between now and the trade deadline.
LeBrun says Kaberle has no interest in leaving Toronto, meaning if the Leafs don't trade or re-sign him by July 1 of next year he could easily walk, in which case the Maple Leafs would get nothing in return.
The same thing happened with former captain Mats Sundin, who chose not to waive his no-trade clause. If he had of, the Maple Leafs would have acquired former 46-goal scorer Jeff Carter.
Richards highly unlikely to land in Toronto
LeBrun says he was told last week that the Maple Leafs are no longer one of the top teams on Brad Richards' "wish list" come July 1. He says Richards' most likely destinations are Los Angeles, New York (Rangers), Dallas and Tampa Bay.
One more...
Sabres still shopping Rivet
Buffalo Sabres captain Craig Rivet has been a healthy scratch for six straight games. Many published reports suggest the third-year Sabre is on the trade block and could be moved by the February 28th trade deadline.
The 36-year-old has one assist and a minus-6 rating in 14 games this season.
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