PEI Power: Leafs should go for Island Trifecta; Richards, Boyce, Phaneuf

Re-signing MacArthur and Boyce is Job One

Regardless of the fact that the Leafs are likely to miss the playoffs, even after tonight's sweet win over the Sabres, the team now has a solid foundation of young players that is competitive with any squad in the NHL. I like our defence as it is, and am confident that Brian Burke will make a bid for a RFA or UFA to bolster the blueliners further.

The goaltending begins with James Reimer however there is way too much uncertainty after him, so it'll probably be best for Gustavsson to get a fresh start again, somewhere else. Let's shoot for the moon and go for Ilya Bryzgalov.


PEI native Richards may want to join Boyce, Phaneuf

Dion Phaneuf's mom and grandparents are from Prince Edward Island and even before Summerside's Darryl Boyce joined the Maple Leafs, the Buds were and have for a long time been big fan favourites on the Island. People remember Rick Vaive, Errol Thompson, the MacMillan brothers Billy and Bobby, Forbes Kennedy and more. I wouldn't be surprised if at least 80% of PEI's hockey fans cheer for the Leafs, so the idea of Brad Richards joing Boyce and Phaneuf for some PEI POWER is certainly feasible.

In addition, Richards will be looking for a young, fast squad that can be competitive now and for years, extending his own career. I also believe he will only be considering teams that can give him the number one center role, and the Toronto Maple Leafs can offer that and more.



Possible 2011-2012 Toronto Maple Leafs lineup

(Players in bold are free agents that need to be signed by Burke)

Goaltending

Bryzgalov, Reimer


Defence

Phaneuf
Schenn
Aulie
Gunnarsson
Komisarek
Lashoff
Gardiner
???


Forwards

Leino Richards Kessel
Kulemin Grabovski MacArthur
Boyce Kadri Armstrong
Lupul Bozak Colborne

13th Forward: Joey Crabb


It's time for BIG NINE up front, BIG SIX on D

This 22 player (23 with the mystery D included, think Phoenix) lineup would require the Leafs GM to land 5 free agents, including 2 of his own. Burke needs to re-sign both MacArthur and Boyce, plus land external free agents Brad Richards, Ilya Bryzgalov and Ville Leino (or perhaps Scottie Upshall). Players such as Mike Brown, Jay Rosehill, and especially Tyler Brenner should be given the opportunity to compete for jobs, however the team needs to get better and think bigger. For example let's start envisioning a BIG NINE of forwards rather than stopping at two lines, as NHL playoff success requires rolling three mega-skilled lines over the boards, with a fourth line of pluggers and role players.

PEI Power may be just the engine to push the Leafs into the playoffs and the fight for Lord Stanley's Cup.