Toronto Maple Leafs #1 overall in NHL

Deep Leafs squad, sharp Scrivens debut too much for Columbus

While Jonas Gustavsson was not able to ignite a goaltending controversy while filling in for James Reimer, there may soon be a battle brewing for the backup position. With Ben Scrivens throwing down a stellar debut in a 4-1 win over Columbus Blue Jackets, it seems to be getting clearer by the day that the best pair of goalies the Leafs have right now includes a guy with the first name Ben. It's not to say that Scrivens won't go back to the Marlies and continue his winning ways there, however when one looks to Spring and the NHL playoffs, you want to begin with two guys that are each a number one. The Monster has shown flashes of brilliance, and at age 27 may be just finding his stride, but with Reimer at 23 and Scrivens now 25, either Gustavsson or Rynas will likely be gone by the trade deadline.

There's also no rush to trade Cody Franson, as we don't really know yet what we need back. If a crazy offer came in Burke would likely take it, but another month of wear and tear will give us a better idea of what's required to go beyond my pre-season expectation of making it into the 2nd round of the playoffs. The penalty kill is the most glaring deficiency, yet there are still options within the team that may figure it out, together with the new assistant coaches. A fair bit of the recent troubles were due to a feeble box out that didn't pressure the puck, misreading the positions of opposition forwards and, hate to say it, erratic netminding by the Monster.

Biggest pleasant surprises of the year so far for Leafs:

Jake Gardiner - I wanted him to challenge for quarterback of the power play at camp, as I felt he could be as good as Liles and would be too skilled for the AHL. In fact, he has exceeded my expectations, so let me ask: Would you trade him for PK Subhan? You have to think about it now, whereas a few months ago you wouldn't even ask the question. He'll be playing for Burke and Team USA at the 2014 Olympics.

Joffrey Lupul - Kessel is an amazing passer, but Lupul has also scored a lot of goals through hustle and sharp play.

Kessel - I wanted him to watch Mike Bossy vids during the Summer; looks like whatever he did, his progress as top level NHL sniper continues, and he's been outscoring Ovechkin for over half a year now.

Phaneuf - From the first game after the Kaberle trade, the defence and the team belong to Dion, and he leads by example. Say no more.

With MacArthur, Crabb, Connolly and Grabovski all contributing offensively, and players such as Colbourne, Kadri, Frattin and Boyce on the Marlies, the Maple Leafs are stocked from the nets out. If Colbourne is going to come up to the Leafs this year, then a package of players could be moved for a strong college player, a top AHL prospect that can finish the year with the Marlies, and possibly a draft pick.

The ShanahaNHL is a fast-paced league with little room for cheap shots, and young teams such as Toronto, Edmonton and Ottawa are striving ahead of the pack. We need to stay youthful and fast, rolling four lines over the boards with speed and passion.

Here is the list of Toronto Maple Leafs that I believe may be traded in coming months (first posted last week):

Darryl Boyce
Jussi Rynnas
Nazem Kadri
Cody Franson
Rosehill or Orr, not both
Korbinian Holzer
Mike Zigomanis
Marcel Mueller
Brayden Irwin
Simon Gysbers
Juraj Mikus


Here is my updated and expanded list as of tonight, with the Leafs in first place overall in the National Hockey League:

Darryl Boyce
Cody Franson
Korbinian Holzer
Jonas Gustavsson or Jussi Rynnas, not both
Nazem Kadri
Rosehill or Orr, not both
Josh Engel
Mike Zigomanis
Marcel Mueller
Brayden Irwin
Simon Gysbers
Juraj Mikus
Will Acton


What's your offer?