It's been a long season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who entered the season with realistic playoff hopes looming for the first time in years. After a 4-0-0 start, it looked like the Leafs actually did have a chance to make the playoffs after all.
However, everything has gone completely wrong.
The Maple Leafs have gone 8-15-4 since their undefeated start, including a streak of eight straight losses. Their first-half struggles have driven them out of the playoff picture and even put head coach Ron Wilson's job into question by many.
Although firing Wilson might not seem like the right thing to do, a potential replacement always has to be looked for. In the Maple Leafs' case, that potential replacement could come from inside the organization.
Toronto Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins is a former assistant coach with the Maple Leafs and might be their best option when it comes to a new head coach. Eakins' previous NHL experience means he knows not only what it's like to coach in the world's best league, but one of the league's most passionate, impatient markets.
If you're looking for previous success of an AHL coach being hired by their NHL clubs, look no further than Pittsburgh's Dan Bylsma.
Bylsma was coaching the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before the Penguins hired him. Just four months after he was hired, he led the Penguins to game seven of the Stanley Cup finals. A year after that, Bylsma coached the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup championship in 15 years.
It just so happened that Bylsma was an assistant coach with the New York Islanders during the 2005-2006 season.
Of course, a change still has yet to be made, but if one is, Eakins could be Toronto's best option.
Now, for the rumors...
Atlanta's Bergfors on the trade block?
ESPN's Peirre LeBrun went on Hockey Night In Canada's second intermission show and said that Atlanta Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley could be looking to make a move involving Niclas Bergfors.
Bergfors, 23, has been having a mediocre season. In 27 games, the Sodertalje, Sweden native has seven goals and 11 assists to go along with a plus-1 rating. In 117-career NHL regular season games, Bergfors has 29 goals and 34 assists.
He was acquired from New Jersey in the same trade that saw long-time Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk head to the Devils.
Ducks still looking to trade?
According to TheFourthPeriod.com (via the Orange County Register), the Anaheim Ducks are still looking to trade a defenceman.
The report suggests Luca Sbisa, Lubomir Visnovsky, Cam Fowler and Toni Lydman are all safe, but general manager Bob Murray may be willing to trade away veterans Andy Sutton, Paul Mara, Andreas Lilja and Sheldon Brookbank.
Murray wants to have a surplus of defenceman on the Ducks' roster but with eight of them, a move appears to be on the horizon. However, any trade that they do make will have to be made after December 27th, as the NHL's trade freeze is now in effect.
According to multiple reports, Murray has been looking to move a defenceman or two all season. The team currently has just under $4 million in cap space to work with, allowing Murray flexability on the trade market.
Teams calling about Nabokov
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Saturday that former San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov is drawing interest from more than one NHL team.
LeBrun says he's told that "several NHL teams have called about him," but that he could only confirm the Tampa Bay Lightning. He doubts that the Lightning will end up signing him, however, as they don't have very much money to spend and Nabokov would have to clear waivers once signed.
Senators interested in Bieksa
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported on Saturday that the Ottawa Senators are interested in Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa, although, despite recent reports, Garrioch says Bieksa isn't on the trade block quite yet.
The Senators currently have about $1.5 million in cap space, but Bieksa comes with a cap hit of just over $3.5 million, meaning the Senators would likely have to move someone with a rather expensive contract.
Bieksa has two goals, five assists and a plus-3 rating in 29 games this season.
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Showing posts with label toronto maple leafs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toronto maple leafs. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday NHL Rumors: Emery Looking to Return, Trio on The Hot Seat, Beauchemin on The Trading Block
Ottawa Sun:
Ray Emery eyeing a return, Sutters and MacLean on hot seat, Blues interested in Senators' Lee
Emery
Bruce Garrioch reported on Sunday that former Ottawa Senators goalie Ray Emery is attempting a return to the National Hockey League. The 28-year-old is reportedly in Toronto and working with former Toronto Maple Leafs trainer Matt Nichol.
Emery was the Senators' goalie when the team went all the way to the Stanley Cup final in 2007, only to fall short to the Anaheim Ducks.
He last played in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2009-2010 season before suffering a hip injury that forced him to undergo career-threatening surgery. He went 16-11-0 in 2009-2010 and had a goals against average of 2.64 to go along with a .905 save percentage.
While Emery is going through intense workouts every day, Nichol has yet to set a timetable for his return. Garrioch says the first step is to get him skating again, meaning he will likely begin to work out with an OHL team in the coming weeks. After that, Emery will have to go through a 25-game professional tryout in the AHL before being signed to a contract.
Sutters
Garrioch also said that Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter and head coach Brent Sutter are on the "hot seat." The two are brothers and have been in Calgary together since June of 2009 and have had very little success since.
Brent led the team to a 40-32-10 record in 2009-2010, failing to miss the playoffs. This season the Flames are just 11-32-2 and sit last in the Western Conference.
“The moves made in the summer bringing back Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay were mystifying,” a league executive told Garrioch.
MacLean
The New Jersey Devils have been nothing short of a disappointment this season and, with a record of 8-16-2, are in serious trouble.
The team's stuggles have put rookie head coach John MacLean under the radar for some time now and his time in New Jersey seems to be very close to an end.
Garrioch says the Devils might be interested in bringing back former Atlanta Thrashers head coach Bob Hartely, but rumors of Jacques Lemaire coming out of retirement to coach his former team were going around on Saturday.
Hartley coached struggling Devils star Ilya Kovalchuk during his time in Atlanta. Garrioch says he turned down an offer to coach Lugano of the Swiss league recently.
Lee
Ottawa Senators general manager Brian Murray has been shopping defenceman Brian Lee for some time now. After clearing waivers last week, multiple teams have reportedly been knocking on Murray's door to talk about Lee's availability. Garrioch said the St. Louis Blues, who are currently looking for a defeceman, could be one of those teams.
The Blues are rumored to have been combing the league for a trading partner, as they could also be willing to work out a package deal that would also include a veteran forward going to the Blues.
One more...
Beauchemin
With the Toronto Maple Leafs coming off of a four game losing streak, including losses to fellow Canadian teams Ottawa and Edmonton, reports of Francois Beauchemin being shopped are swirling all around the media.
Even with all the reports of Maple Leafs management looking to make a change, general manager Brian Burke still claims that a trade is not imminent and a coaching change will not happen anytime soon.
A trade is not likely until the New Year, as Burke's holiday trade freeze always kicks in earlier than the NHL's, which goes from December 19th to the 27th.
Beauchemin came extremely close to scoring his second goal of the season on Saturday night before Tim Thomas made a save-of-the-year candidate stop. He has one goal and four assists to go along with a minus-3 rating in 25 games this season.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Toronto Maple Leafs Still Searching For Consistency
Through their first 23 games, the Maple Leafs have had three major stretches: a four-game winning streak that came in the first four games, an eight-game losing streak and a stretch in which they won three out of four games. As you can see, the Maple Leafs haven't exactly been the most consistent team in the National Hockey League this season.
A lot of that blame can be placed on Phil Kessel. Kessel, a potential 30-40 goal scorer, has just ten goals and four assists in 24 games this season. Kessel started the season with seven goals in his first eight games, but has since tailed off.
The 23-year-old's poor play certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, as his lack of effort has forced him into head coach Ron Wilson's "dog house" multiple times this season.
Kris Versteeg meanwhile, also has 14 points, but in one less game. Those statistics put him on pace for 58 points, which would be the second most total in his NHL career.
Although 48 points seems like a good season, it would be deemed a poor one for Versteeg, who is being expected to thrive off of top-six minutes, something he didn't get in Chicago. He started slowly, but with eight points in his last 11 games, Versteeg has been playing extremely well. He too will need to become consistently good for the Maple Leafs to make any charge at the post-season.
Many would be quick to point out that the acquisition of a top-line centre to play with Kessel and Versteeg would help the two, but that cannot be used as an excuse.
But of course, not all the blame can be placed on just two players.
Dion Phaneuf, although currently injured, is off to a very slow start this season. The 6'3", 214 pound defenseman has played in 11 games this season and has a minus-6 rating. This lack of effort and what looks like a lack of passion has been put into question by almost everyone this season.
Phaneuf, the team captain, is expected to lead the team. If he isn't able to lead the team on the ice, he certainly can't having an easy time leading them in the dressing room.
Despite his poor play, Phaneuf's return to the lineup definitely won't hurt, as he is still a very useful asset.
The 25-year-old has scored 77 goals in his NHL career, 48 of which were scored on the power play. His big shot and offensive ability should help the Maple Leafs.
Other Maple Leafs defencemen still looking to find their way this season include Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek, both of whom have felt the pressure from the Toronto fans and media to do better.
Someone who has not struggled all that much, however, is Luke Schenn. The third-year defenceman is plus-1 in 24 games this season and has been one of the most stellar and consistent Maple Leafs all season long. With six points so far, Schenn is on pace to score a career-high 20 points this season.
Despite the importance of offence and defence, goaltending is one of the most important aspects of hockey, and the Maple Leafs have it. With Jonas Gustavsson and Jean-Sebastien Giguere splitting time in net, the Leafs always have an above-average goalie as their last line of defence.
In 13 appearances this season, Giguere, who just returned from a groin injury, has a goals against average of 2.90 and a save percentage of .890.
Gustavsson, meanwhile, was more than impressive during Giguere's time away. The sophomore goalie has a record of just 3-7-2, but has a goals against average of 2.66 and a save percentage of .910. Unfortunately for Gustavsson, the Leafs haven't been giving him very much offensive support, something that he and Giguere need in order to win games.
If the Maple Leafs can get going offensively, they should be able to find some consistency and possibly even climb into the playoff picture. However, that is easier said than done. The Leafs sit in the bottom five in the entire league when it comes to finding the back of the net and there are no signs of that changing any time soon.
**Follow Lukas on Twitter @SportsHazeLukas for breaking hockey news and rumors, as well as Toronto Maple Leafs game updates.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Game Day- Tampa Bay Visit Toronto
The Lightning take their talent to Toronto to pay a visit to the struggling Leafs. Toronto's record this year is 8-11-3, and losers of two straight. The Lightning on the other hand are 13-8-3 after losing in a shootout to Atlanta on Saturday. In the only previous meeting of the season Tampa blanked the Leafs 4-0 at the St. Pete Times Forum.
The Leafs are coming off a shutout to the Senators and have only scored one goal in their last two games. They have however won three straight at home and have scored twelve goals in those games. The Lightning have lost two straight on the road with a combined total of eight goals allowed in those games.
Starting Goalies (Expected): GP W L OTL SO GAA SV%
Jonas Gustavsson 11 3 6 1 0 2.45 .917
Dan Ellis 14 5 4 3 2 2.85 .895
I expect a very fast paced game as both teams are known for their quickness. Steven Stamkos hasn't scored in two games, but expect him to pick up a goal or two in Toronto. The Lightning's main concern has to be Mikhael Grabvoski who always has a knack to pick up points against the Bolts.
Predictions:5-3 Lightning
Three Stars:
1. Steven Stamkos- 2 goals 1 assist
2. Nikolai Kulemin- 1 goal 1 assist
3. Martin St. Louis- 2 assists
& be sure to follow Braden @OTCBraden to stay up to date with everything Bolts related.
Jonas Gustavsson 11 3 6 1 0 2.45 .917
Dan Ellis 14 5 4 3 2 2.85 .895
I expect a very fast paced game as both teams are known for their quickness. Steven Stamkos hasn't scored in two games, but expect him to pick up a goal or two in Toronto. The Lightning's main concern has to be Mikhael Grabvoski who always has a knack to pick up points against the Bolts.
Predictions:5-3 Lightning
Three Stars:
1. Steven Stamkos- 2 goals 1 assist
2. Nikolai Kulemin- 1 goal 1 assist
3. Martin St. Louis- 2 assists
& be sure to follow Braden @OTCBraden to stay up to date with everything Bolts related.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Maple Leafs and Senators to Battle on HNIC
Just hours from now, the Ottawa Senators will play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs in what will be the Leafs' 22 game of the season, and the Senators' 24th.
Tonight's game will be the third meeting between the two teams this season. The Maple Leafs won the first meeting 5-1 on October 9th in Toronto before falling 3-2 at home on November 2nd.
The Maple Leafs have won three of their last five games, including three straight at home. Unfortunately for the Buds, they have also dropped six consecutive games on the road. With a Maple Leafs win, a Senators loss and a Sabres loss tonight, the three teams will be tied for third in the Northeast Division.
Jonas Gustavsson, who will start tonight, has been nothing but impressive during Jean-Sebastien Giguere's time out. The 26-year-old is 3-5-1 this season and has a goals against average of 2.39 to go along with a .919 save percentage. Gustavsson's recent success has earned him another start, as he will get the nod tonight against the Senators.
Phil Kessel, who was benched for most of the second period of Tuesday's victory over the Dallas Stars, had an assists in last night's 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He leads the team with 10 goals and will be expected to help lead the Maple Leafs to victory tonight. Nikolai Kulemin, meanwhile has four points in his last five games, but has just one goal during that same span. He has 13 points in 21 games this season.
For the Senators, goalie Pascal LeClaire has played extremely well since returning to the lineup, allowing just two goals in his last three games. He has a save percentage of .938 in those three games.
Mike Brown will be a game-time decision for the Maple Leafs, while Ron Wilson would not confirm that Brett Lebda, who has been a healthy scratch for the last four games, will draw back into the lineup. Colby Armstrong and Dion Phaneuf are still on the injured reserve and will not play.
**Follow Lukas on Twitter @SportsHazeLukas for breaking hockey news and rumors.
lukas.hardonk@gmail.com
Tonight's game will be the third meeting between the two teams this season. The Maple Leafs won the first meeting 5-1 on October 9th in Toronto before falling 3-2 at home on November 2nd.
The Maple Leafs have won three of their last five games, including three straight at home. Unfortunately for the Buds, they have also dropped six consecutive games on the road. With a Maple Leafs win, a Senators loss and a Sabres loss tonight, the three teams will be tied for third in the Northeast Division.
Jonas Gustavsson, who will start tonight, has been nothing but impressive during Jean-Sebastien Giguere's time out. The 26-year-old is 3-5-1 this season and has a goals against average of 2.39 to go along with a .919 save percentage. Gustavsson's recent success has earned him another start, as he will get the nod tonight against the Senators.
Phil Kessel, who was benched for most of the second period of Tuesday's victory over the Dallas Stars, had an assists in last night's 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He leads the team with 10 goals and will be expected to help lead the Maple Leafs to victory tonight. Nikolai Kulemin, meanwhile has four points in his last five games, but has just one goal during that same span. He has 13 points in 21 games this season.
For the Senators, goalie Pascal LeClaire has played extremely well since returning to the lineup, allowing just two goals in his last three games. He has a save percentage of .938 in those three games.
Mike Brown will be a game-time decision for the Maple Leafs, while Ron Wilson would not confirm that Brett Lebda, who has been a healthy scratch for the last four games, will draw back into the lineup. Colby Armstrong and Dion Phaneuf are still on the injured reserve and will not play.
**Follow Lukas on Twitter @SportsHazeLukas for breaking hockey news and rumors.
lukas.hardonk@gmail.com
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Burke Still Looking to Trade, Could Use Goalies as Bait
Despite the recent success the Toronto Maple Leafs have been experiencing (winning three of their last four and three straight at home), general manager Brian Burke is still looking to make a trade, according to TheFourthPeriod.com (via the Toronto Sun).
The report suggests Burke still wants to add an "offensive-minded" forward, be it a centre or a winger.
The speculation has led many to wonder what Burke might use as potential trade bait, naming Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin and, of course, Tomas Kaberle as options. However, with sophomore Jonas Gustavsson, the injured Jean-Sebastien Giguere and surprisingly impressive minor leaguer Jussi Rynnas all under contract, the goaltending position could be a focal point.
Gustavsson has been getting plenty of playing time during Giguere's absence. In nine games this season, Gustavsson is 3-4-1 and has a save percentage of .922 to go along with a goals against average of 2.30. With a career record of 19-19-10, save percentage of .906 and goals against average of 2.77, Gustavsson could be in line for a much bigger role with the Maple Leafs.
Giguere, meanwhile, has also been impressive. The 35-year-old is 5-5-2, has a save percentage of .895 and has a goals against average of 2.78 in 12 games this season. Unfortunately, however, he earns $6 million this season and could be feeling the pressure from Rynnas, who has a GAA of 1.79 and a save percentage of .941 in 12 games with the Toronto Marlies this season.
The problem with trading Giguere is that he has a no-trade clause, meaning he gets to block any trade he is involved in. Any deal would be hard for the Maple Leafs to complete before Christmas, however, as Burke's self-imposed holiday trade freeze goes into effect on December 9th.
**Follow Lukas on Twitter @SportsHazeLukas for breaking hockey news and rumors, as well as Toronto Maple Leafs game updates.
lukas.hardonk@gmail.com
The report suggests Burke still wants to add an "offensive-minded" forward, be it a centre or a winger.
The speculation has led many to wonder what Burke might use as potential trade bait, naming Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin and, of course, Tomas Kaberle as options. However, with sophomore Jonas Gustavsson, the injured Jean-Sebastien Giguere and surprisingly impressive minor leaguer Jussi Rynnas all under contract, the goaltending position could be a focal point.
Gustavsson has been getting plenty of playing time during Giguere's absence. In nine games this season, Gustavsson is 3-4-1 and has a save percentage of .922 to go along with a goals against average of 2.30. With a career record of 19-19-10, save percentage of .906 and goals against average of 2.77, Gustavsson could be in line for a much bigger role with the Maple Leafs.
Giguere, meanwhile, has also been impressive. The 35-year-old is 5-5-2, has a save percentage of .895 and has a goals against average of 2.78 in 12 games this season. Unfortunately, however, he earns $6 million this season and could be feeling the pressure from Rynnas, who has a GAA of 1.79 and a save percentage of .941 in 12 games with the Toronto Marlies this season.
The problem with trading Giguere is that he has a no-trade clause, meaning he gets to block any trade he is involved in. Any deal would be hard for the Maple Leafs to complete before Christmas, however, as Burke's self-imposed holiday trade freeze goes into effect on December 9th.
**Follow Lukas on Twitter @SportsHazeLukas for breaking hockey news and rumors, as well as Toronto Maple Leafs game updates.
lukas.hardonk@gmail.com
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