He should stay. Period.
Mikhail Grabovski is a pending Restricted Free Agent this summer. Brian Burke will have exclusive rights to discuss an extension with the Belorussian, but it remains to be seen if he wants to retain him. Decisions, decisions…
Many have tagged Grabovski as a head-case whose attitude is a detriment inside the locker room (well, that’s what Montreal Canadiens fans say anyway). To prove this, one may point to the two altercations that transpired between Grabovski and teammate Jason Blake this season. The most recent incident took place after Grabovski hit Blake from behind during a scrimmage. But hold on, Grabovski’s hair is not flaming red, and he’s not trying to send his teammates to eternal damnation (again, as Montreal Canadiens fans would say).
”I played just a little bit hard,” Grabovski said.”(Blake) is the best player on the team. The next time I will go a little bit slower. It’s OK. I’m young.” – Toronto Sun
After he said this, Grabovski was involved in a touching Hallmark Moment when he came up behind his teammate, gave him a hug and said, “See. Everything’s fine.”
So there you have it, Grabovski is not Sean Avery’s inbred son (hey, you never know what the media will cook up these days), and he does have a beating heart.
Pertaining to the blog, Grabovski should stay with the Leafs for one simple reason: Potential. Simply put, Grabovski’s got moves. His dangles have often made defenders look silly, and his speed through the neutral zone often helps him generate odd-man rushes. His 16 goals and 35 points is also encouraging, as he should finish somewhere between 40-45 points. Let’s be real, how much points were we actually expecting from Grabovski? Ron Wilson said it himself when the season debuted in October that Grabovski should score somewhere between 40-50 points.
In terms of the negatives, Grabovski lacks in the physical department. While he’s decent in his own end, you’ll rarely see him initiate an effective body check (ranked 13th on the team with 44 hits). He also tends to hold on to the puck too long at times, but that’ll come with experience. Let’s not forget that, while he’s 25, this is his first full season in the NHL. He needs time to adjust to the speed of the NHL, and learn how to make split-second decisions at both ends of the rink.
What made Grabovski such an offensive weapon in the RSL and the AHL was his ability to dangle his way through the opposition, using his vision and lightning-quick speed to set-up and finish plays. In the NHL, he’s not experienced enough (yet) to be hanging the opposition’s jock straps from the rafters, as defenders often shut him down.
Grabovski may be frustrating to watch now, but wait until he starts to truly adapt to the NHL game. His vision, speed, creativity, dangling and playmaking abilities will make him a solid second-liner for years to come.
Grabovski is a project that requires patience.
Potential to be: 20 goal, 60 point player (or more)
ronguillet@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Grabovski - Should He Stay or Should He Go?
Matt Gilroy Update
An update on Matt Gilroy, the Leafs’ next savior!
Joking of course, but the 24 year-old offensive defenseman, who is undrafted by the NHL, is lighting up the NCAA with 8 goals and 29 points in 36 games played.
Brian Burke has expressed interest the North Bellmore native before.
“The way we’ve drafted, we’ve got to try and sign as many college free agents as we can,” Burke said. “The idea is, sign five and hope two make it.” – The Toronto Star
Gilroy, who stands at 6’2 and weighs in at 202 pounds, is said to be a great skater who can play both ends of the rink. Considering his production in the NCAA thus far, I don’t see the harm in making him a primary target once July 1st comes swinging. While there will probably be a bidding war for his services, Burke shouldn’t be criticized if he does decide to overpay - like Fabian Brunnstrom, incentives could be offered to sweeten the pot. Not only do the Leafs have over 8 million in cap space, but young, mobile defensemen don’t exactly grow on trees, so if Burke has to fork over a little more cash, so friggin’ be it!
And let’s assume Burke does trade Tomas Kaberle and/or Pavel Kubina this summer. The Leafs will have a vacant position on the back-end, one that will allow Gilroy to flourish at the NHL level with plenty of ice-time and powerplay minutes – if he indeed has what it takes.
What does concern me, however, is that Gilroy is a 24 year-old playing with younger players. Most NCAA players are not fully developed, both physically and mentally. Gilroy, at 24, is fully grown, so it can be argued that he has the upper hand, atleast physically, over most of his opposition. It remains to be seen, though, as Gilroy could be successful at the NHL level if he continues to hone his abilities as a two-way defenseman.
Burke is going to be one of the busiest GM’s this summer as he attempts to import an influx of young talent to the Leafs. While NHL FA’s will be hot commodities, Burke may strike gold if he decides to sign some college players in addition to signing Mike Cammarelli (Yes people, it happened…my imagination told me so, because in imagination land, anything is real!)
ronguillet@gmail.com
CuJo Should See More Action
Curtis Joseph gets the nod against the Ottawa Senators tonight. And his two wins have got me confident!
Let’s lay it on the table right away, the Leafs owe Martin Gerber nothing, and judging from his play this season (and the fact that he was acquired through re-entry waivers), he has done nothing to earn the role as a starting goaltender. Under the circumstances, Gerber should be content with playing half of the remaining games.
While many have pointed out the Gerber would perform well in Toronto due to having no pressure, the Leafs shouldn’t feel any need to appoint him as Toskala’s replacement. Instead, it would be more logical for the Leafs, considering their current position in the standings, to split the rest of the games with Joseph and Gerber 50/50. After all, Gerber definitely won’t be a Leaf next season, so the only thing he’s playing for is himself. The Leafs, who sit 11 points from 8th place, will not make the playoffs. Period. Their season is officially over, so what’s the harm in playing Joseph in more games? The Leafs have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Gerber may have the edge over Joseph in terms of value to the team (well, depending which way you look at it), but as I said, the Leafs have nothing to play for… except a top 5 pick. While it is still crucial for the Leafs to play their best goaltender, in respect to the team (telling them “Hey team! We’re tanking because you’re all incompetent! And Joseph, you can’t stop a beach ball, so get out there and start playing,” might not sit well with the team, or Free Agents who may be interested in coming here this summer), the Leafs have to start playing Joseph more compared to when he was backing-up Vesa Toskala.
The Leafs currently sit five points from a top 5 pick, and if they lose against the Senators tonight you can make that three points.
The Leafs can try winning the rest of their games, but I think I speak for the majority of Leafs/Tank Nation when I say, we’re NOT behind you every step of the way!
ronguillet@gmail.com
Question Period - Leafs Edition
Ten questions as you ponder the Leafs’ future with Martin Gerber between the pipes.
1. Are you content with Brian Burke’s decisions at the Trade Deadline?
2. Do you think Gerber will aid Tank Nation, or further the Leafs from a top 5 pick?
3. Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore are no longer Maple Leafs, do you see either of them re-signing with the Leafs during the off-season?
4. Pavel Kubina (4 G, 8 PTS in his last 6 GP) and Tomas Kaberle will have their no-trade clauses lifted between the NHL Entry Draft and August 15th, do you see Burke unloading any of them? Both of them? One of them?
5. Vesa Toskala is out for the season. Will he be the Leafs’ starting goaltender next season, or will he be traded during the summer?
6. If the Leafs continue to separate themselves from a top 5 pick, should Burke trade down?
7. Burke will have plenty of options to start the rebuilding in Toronto this summer – free agency, draft day, trading, and college signings. If you were Burke, what transactions would you do to turn this team around?
8. Anton Stralman and Jiri Tlusty have been lighting up the AHL (Tlusty named AHL player of the month in February). Do you see either of them playing an important role in the Leafs’ future?
9. Justin Pogge has struggled in the NHL thus far. Do you still see him as the goaltender of the future?
10. Is it possible Mats Sundin returns to the Leafs next season?
Super Duper Bonus Question!
1. If you were a chick, who’s the one guy you would sleep with?
ronguillet@gmail.com
Nothing Flashy, but Off-Season is Where It's At
Sorry Leafs Nation, Brian Burke didn’t splurge on a deal to give Leafs Nation the false hope of a playoff spot. What a shame…
Instead, Burke traded Nik Antropov, Dominic Moore and the Toronto Marlies’ Richard Petiot for two 2nd-round picks (BUF and NYR), a 4th-round pick (TBL), a conditional pick (NYR), Olaf Kolzig (our next savior), Jamie Heward and Andy Rogers. Also, he picked up Martin Gerber (who was sensational tonight in Washington) and Erik Reitz from waivers.
Nothing flashy, but Burke kept to his word, and the Leafs are now in a stronger position going into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal on June 26-27. For those who hoped for better returns and/or more players moved from the Leafs, don’t fret, the off-season will mark the official turnaround of a franchise in dire need of one.
The fact the Trade Deadline is so pumped up by the media is the main contributor to the madness that unfolds each season (although General Manager’s were considerably more conservative this time around). GM’s feel the added pressure to fix the woes of their respective clubs, which leads to the trading of prospects, roster players and draft picks – and not surprisingly, the sellers usually come out on top.
While the Leafs were obviously sellers going into March 4th, Burke had some delicate situations with blueliners Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina, who each have a no-trade clause in their contracts. Because of John Ferguson Jr.’s spectacular business decisions, Burke had to be wary of the value of his defensemen. The scrutiny of the Deadline (cap restrictions + attempting to bolster line-up during the season) minimizes the amount of potential suitors, so Burke’s options were limited. While he may not be in a position to demand a 1st round pick, a prospect and roster player, he will have a larger amount of teams interested in his blueliners, so that means a wider array of prospects and draft picks to consider.
It would have been nice if the Leafs were free from the oppression of the NTC, especially considering the asking price for Kaberle, but there’s no rush to unload the Leafs’ core just yet. After all, Burke joined the Leafs just recently, so analyzing his club for the rest of the season may be a crucial step in deciding who is worthy of being apart of the rebuilding plan in Toronto.
The Leafs’ youth can’t do it on their own, so is keeping atleast one blueliner in Kaberle and Kubina important? And which one? Kubina is on a tear of late, and would be an excellent mentor for the Leafs’ blueline. Kaberle is an important factor the Leafs’ PP, and although he lacks the defensive game to be a two-way contributor, he’d serve as a mentor for up-and-comer Anton Stralman – who has been progressing nicely.
Kaberle and Kubina aside, the Leafs are free of NTC’s this off-season. Not only that, but their core players, who are all signed on for the 2009-10 season, all have movable contracts. So if Burke wants to give this team a make-over, he’ll be more than capable of doing it – and the fact that Antropov and Moore are subtracted from the line-up is already a shake-up.
For once, the Leafs will have the luxury of cap space with 8.75M at their disposal going into the off-season. While the Leafs’ pivotal moment will be the Entry Draft this summer, July 1st can play a big role to the Leafs’ rebuilding plan.
Take a look at some of the UFA’s available this year:
D Francois Beauchemin (29)
RW Maxim Afinogenov (29)
C Mike Cammaleri (27)
D Jordan Leopold (28)
LW David Moss (27)
LW Martin Havlat (28)
G Andrew Raycroft (29)– I kid, I kid.
C Johan Franzen (29)
D Jay Bouwmeester (25)
D Kurtis Foster (27)
LW Marian Gaborik (27)
D Mike Komisarek (27) — long shot, will likely re-sign with Habs.
LW Alex Tanguay (29)
D Ville Koistinen (27)
LW Taylor Pyatt (27)
If the Leafs can collect more draft picks and/or prospects this off-season, coupled with some key UFA signings (with fair contracts, mind you) the Leafs can finally take the first step in finding the remedy to this 41-year Cup drought.
In Burke we trust.
ronguillet@gmail.com
Kovalev's Fate
It’s time for a new era in Montreal.
The notion of unloading Alexei Kovalev from the Habs’ line-up may seem absurd to some fans of the team, but I believe this is a crucial step towards their path to the Stanley Cup.
Whether you’re a fan of Kovalev or not, it’s undeniable that he’s a tremendous talent. The problem with him is that he only plays when he wants to, and this is a huge problem. To put it simply, his inconsistency affects the immediate, and future success of the Habs. He neglects his role as a veteran, and doesn’t insert any sort of leadership to the Canadiens’ young roster. And forget about leading by example, Kovalev drifts in and out of consistency, and his production is largely determined by his occasional hot streaks.
With recent news of Bob Gainey deciding to leave Kovalev at home because of “lack of emotion and production,” I would say his time as Canadien is all but done. While he may come back to the Canadiens line-up with a spark in his engine, how long will it be before it runs dry?
The Canadiens are a young team whose core compromises of Carey Price, Sergei Kostitsyn (assigned to AHL, it’ll do him so good to get his game back in order), Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Andrei Markov, and Mike Komisarek (among others). Kovalev’s inconsistency and unwillingness to commit to the Canadiens has a much larger affect compared to the goals and points he contributes to the team.
If Kovalev is traded from the Habs, not only would they acquire a decent return for the 35 year old (Gainey would be wiser to unload him at the Trade Deadline; GM’s are more desperate for rentals), but it would leave a top 6 roster spot available. Stop dreaming about Vincent Lecavalier for a second, and consider not only the talent that resides within the Habs’ young players (Pacioretty, Maxwell, etc.), but the variety of UFA’s that can benefit the Habs Stanley Cup aspirations.
UFA’s (Forwards) that I think could benefit the Habs:
Todd Bertuzzi: Enjoying a nice comeback season with the Flames. He’s not the offensive force he once was, but his grit and ability to crash the net would benefit the Habs, especially a young player like Pacioretty, who plays a similar game.
Marian Hossa: He may re-sign with the Red Wings, but if not, Gainey should be willing to dish out some cash for a player of his caliber. His two-way play would fit in well with Carbonneau’s system, and he’d stand as the Habs’ top offensive weapon.
Brendan Shannahan: It’s likely Shannahan may opt to retire after this season, but if he doesn’t, I wouldn’t completely rule out the possibility of Shanny in a Habs uniform. His leadership would go a long way for the Habs’ young core. It’s possible, if Gainey wants him.
There are a few others on the list, but I believe these players would be the most effective for the Habs. And while there are UFA’s such as Mike Comrie, Mike Cammarelli, and Brian Gionta available, the Habs are better off targeting sizable forwards who can play an effective two-way game, rather than small players who are limited in the physical department.
It all starts with Kovalev. His departure will allow the Habs to take an important next step towards the Stanley Cup, rather than float in inconsistency and false hope - sounds alot like Kovalev’s game, doesn’t it?
The Canadiens have the tools to win a 25th Stanley Cup, but there is still work to be done, even if it is the centennial year. Despite what the Canadiens’ current slump may suggest, they only require more experience from their young players, and a few minor moves before they’re worthy of grasping the Silver Mug once more.
ronguillet@gmail.com
The List
The following is an opinion piece regarding the players who, I think, are on their way out of Toronto by March 4th (not the off-season)*
The Leafs are in the midst of, yet again, a mediocre season. Unlike previous years, however, the Leafs have refrained from the up-and-down, “I BeLeaf in 8th place” facade that was commonly grouped with the Leafs during the past few years. Rather, the Leafs have been posting L’s on the calendar regularly this season, “rewarding” their fans with disappointing efforts.
On the flip side, the Leafs now have possesion of a much younger team compared to years past, containing a variety of young talent in Luke Schenn, Nikolai Kulemin, Mikhail Grabovski, Jiri Tlusty, Anton Stralman, and Justin Pogge (among others…I think). While the aforementioned, besides Luke Schenn, don’t have superstar potential, they are the beginnings of a new era in Toronto, one that hopefully brings a Stanley Cup to a franchise in dire need of one.
Pertaining to the point of this blog, here’s a list of the players that I think will be moved. Hopefully the Burke-era is kicked off by an influx of youth and potential to be imported to the Leafs’ roster.
Jason Blake (51 GP, 21 G, 44 PTS)
Many think Blake will not be traded due to his lucrative contract, but Blake’s emergence as the Leafs’ top player is beyond impressive, and he’s making a serious case for comeback player of the year. While Blake’s cap hit is at $4M, he’s performing at a level which makes his contract terms somewhat of an afterthought. While it may be a little difficult to find a suitor that has the required cap space, it shouldn’t be to much of a problem if Blake keeps up his current play. Also, consider Mathieu Schneider, who was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens, makes a whopping $5.75M this season, and at 39, he’s not exactly the offensive force he once was.
Potential return: Roster player (salary return) and a mid-level draft pick/prospect
Tomas Kaberle (49GP, 4 G, 30 PTS)
Kaberle’s been a loyal member of the Maple Leafs for a decade now, and he will be remembered fondly, but his tenure is coming to an end with the Buds. While Kaberle’s defensive game leaves much to be desired, his offensive game is his bread and butter. A premier puck moving defenseman in the NHL, Kaberle will fetch the Leafs their most valuable return at the Deadline. While he won’t get the Leafs Jeff Carter and 1st round pick this time around, his value should ensure the Leafs a quality return in the form of draft picks and prospects. And considering his $4.25M cap-hit, Kaberle will be generating a lot of interest around the league, the only problem is whether he decides to waive his NTC or not.
Potential return: 1st round pick and a decent prospect
Nikolai Antropov (52GP, 18 G, 42 PTS)
I wouldn’t be afraid to guarantee this one. Brian Burke publicly stated that he wouldn’t hesitate to trade Antropov if interest was expressed for the 28 year old. While Antropov went through a grueling slump (0 goals in 18 games), Antropov is on pace for another 50-point campaign. His cap-hit is also movable at $2.05M.
Potential return: 2nd round pick
And that’s it, folks. Not half the team, just three core players. While many think players such as Vesa Toskala, Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Pavel Kubina will be traded, Burke can’t turn this team around in one swift motion. It will take time, and chipping away at the core of the Leafs is a start. The remainder of the players who Burke doesn’t want will be dealt with during the off-season, when he can assess the team more clearly and determine who the Leafs may acquire through free agency to fill the void left by the departed players.
While this season will once again be proclaimed as a disappointment, let’s think more positively, and determine the 2008-09 season as the year of change.
The Leafs will once again raise Lord Stanley, and it all starts on March 4th.
ronguillet@gmail.com
Step Away from the Police Cruisers
Yes, the Montreal Canadiens are playing their worst hockey of the season. Yes, Carey Price couldn’t stop a beach ball if Wade Belak was shooting at him (assuming he hits the net). Yes, Kovalev has once again disappeared. Yes, yes, yes.
Are the Habs doomed? No. Atleast not in the long-term.
I won’t sugarcoat it, the Habs are playing abysmal hockey. The penalty kill is ineffective, and the lack of a quality offensive defenseman on the powerplay, besides Andrei Markov, is staggering production. While Gainey may opt to acquire a PP specialist via trade on March 4th, let’s step away from this whole 100th anniversary façade and analyze this situation objectively. If Gainey pursues a top4 defenseman at the Deadline, you can bet it’ll involve some quality young prospects from the Habs. And while the Canadiens have a wealth of prospects to dish out for current “obligations”, is it really necessary?
After all, it’s not set in stone that Jay Bouwmeester will be traded at the Deadline, as the Panthers are ranked 7th overall in the Eastern Conference, so trading him would hold them back considerably from their post-season goal. That said, Bouwmeester is a UFA at season’s end, and you can bet there will be a ton of teams lining up for him. The Habs, containing a young team, have the advantage of having a lot cap space.
Now, if the Canadiens were to acquire Bouwmeester by trade, they would lose a considerable amount of prospects/picks and players, and then, if they’d wish to resign him, would have to pay nearly the same as he’d get in the free agent market.
So nevermind about this whole 100th anniversary “we’re going for it all” crap. Enjoy the honour for what it is: lasting 100 years in the NHL. It doesn’t mean you have to win THIS year, and expectations shouldn’t be blown to unrealistic expectations because of it.
The Habs have an abundance of young prospects that have the potential to be NHL stars. That’s a fact. Simply put, Habs fans jumped the gun this season, and expected far too much from their players. After all, their core consists of Carey Price, Sergei Kostitsyn, Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Mike Komisarek, Andrei Markov, Alexei Kovalev, and Saku Koivu (among others). Then you have promising prospects in P.K. Subban, Ryan McDonagh, Ben Maxwell, David Fischer, and a variety of others. Basically, three quarters of the Habs lineup are young players who are still establishing their role in the NHL. Once the experience mounts, so will the wins, and then eventually, you will be rewarded with the almighty Silver Mug.
While the Habs have their issues (top4 d-man, a big centerman upfront) it’s all a part of the process of building a winning team. They have the tools, it’s up to them to build themselves up for a brighter future.
ronguillet@gmail.com
Question Period - Leafs Edition
Top of the evening, folks. Here’s some questions for you to ponder while you wonder how many three-goal leads the Leafs have squandered this season.
1) Grabovski is now on pace for 20 goals and 40 points - a significant drop-off compared to his contributions at the start of the season. Do you still see Grabovski as our #2 center for the future, or do his recent struggles warrant him a ticket out of Toronto (his contract is up this season)?
2) Tomas Kaberle appears to be slated for an early return to the line-up. Will March 4th be his last day as Maple Leaf?
3) Pavel Kubina continues to be on the rumour mill. Do you think it would be in the Leafs best interest to trade both veteran blueliners (Kubina and Kaberle), keep one, or keep both?
4) Jason Blake continues to be a regular on the score sheet. Will Burke opt to trade the 36 year old - assuming he generates interest - or will he keep him for another season?
5) Vesa Toskala, despite letting in 5 goals against the Panthers last night, has played two solid games after being called out by his GM and head coach. Will his play continue, thus raising his trade value considerably, or will Toskala fall back into mediocrity?
6) Similar to Toskala, Antropov has responded positively to the criticism laid out by management. According to Darren Dreger, Antropov was worth a late 1st round pick, or an early second for his play during the first half of the season. Do you think he can still garner a similar type of return, or would the Leafs be better off re-signing him?
7) The Leafs are currently in possession of a top5 pick. Do you think they will finish higher or lower than their current draft position?
8 ) We’ve seen Pogge in action for three games now. Do you think he should be inserted to the lineup as a backup (or starting) goaltender after the NHL Trade Deadline, or should the Leafs wait another season?
9) If you were Burke, who would you unload at the Trade Deadline? And what type of players would you try to acquire?
10) Considering the Leafs current state, how long before the Leafs become a Cup contending team?
ronguillet@gmail.com
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