Leaf Camp Questions

What better way to spend the first morning of September then to look forward to the start of the NHL season. The players will soon be arriving at camp and the Leafs have many questions that need to be answered. Let’s have a look at some of the most pressing issues.

Who will be on the third defense pairing? Barring injury Kaberle, Komisarek, Beauchemin and Schenn have the top four defense spots locked up. That leaves the Leafs with five more NHL ready defensemen competing for the final pairing and the reserve spot. Frogren was a starter last year, but he will likely be on the outside looking in. Van Ryn should be on the final pairing and may also be trade bait for Burke. White’s flexibility should land him the spot as the seventh defenseman with his ability to quarterback the second power play unit and help up front if needed. That likely leaves the battle for the final spot between Finger and Exelby. The Leafs love Exelby’s grit, but it will be hard swallow Finger’s $3.5 million salary if he is sent down to the minors. I see Burke trying very hard to move either Van Ryn or Finger prior to the start of the season to ease the log jam, though that Finger contract may well be impossible to move.

Is Gustavsson ready for the NHL? Burke spent lots of time and effort to land Gustavsson this summer with the idea of him starting the season as Toskala’s backup and hopefully being the number one man next year. The exhibition season will show whether he is ready to step right into the NHL, or if some seasoning with the Marlies is necessary. The signing of Joey MacDonald gives the Leafs a proven backup should Gustavsson need a little more time, but my guess is that Gustavsson will start the year as the Leafs number two goalie.

Is Bozak ready? Hanson and Bozak were two big college signings the Leafs made at the end of last year. Hanson played a few games with the Leafs, but Bozak was kept out of action due to an injury. Bozak is likely the one with the biggest chance to jump right into the NHL and will be given a chance by the club to make the team out of camp. I’d rate his chances as high as 50/50, but seeing him crack the lineup would be great news for the future.

Can Tlusty finally claim a top six spot? While a top six spot on the Leafs isn’t exactly the pinnacle of hockey success, the hope is that Tlusty finally discovered something during his last stint with the Marlies. While it seems as if he’s been trying to crack the lineup for years, he is only 21. If he earn a full time spot on one of the top two lines that would be a big step for him and the team.

Will Kulemin build off his rookie year? Kulemin had a strong rookie campaign with 15 goals and will be given a shot to play right wing on the top line. He showed plenty of skill during his first year and a jump to 25 goals would not be out of reason. Can he and Grabovski find chemistry on the top line?

What will Primeau’s role be? Little was made of the pickup of Wayne Primeau, but I think he may have an important role to play for the team this year. He may well center the fourth line, but he may also see time on the top lines when some size is needed. He has a history of playing for Wilson so look for the team to make good use of his 6’4, 225 pound size if he manages to stay away from injuries.

How will the PK develop? Penalty killing was a major weakness of the team last year. With new size on defense the team should do a better job of clearing the front of the net which will help the goalies. Primeau will also help with his size and reach, but improvement here will be a major focus of camp.

Training camp is less then two weeks away and the season starts in just one month. These chilly mornings are helping us get into the mood.