It's only been six games, and a suspension and injuries have kept David Clarkson, Mark Fraser, and Nik Kulemin from dressing recently, yet the Toronto Maple Leafs keep winning. Here is a subjective ranking of the Top 30 Toronto Maple Leafs so far this season.
Bernier and Phaneuf backstop barrage of goal scorers
1. Johnathan Bernier - Steady to spectacular, he's economical and stingy
2. Dion Phaneuf - Top D-man on a 5-1 team and he's +3
3. Phil Kessel - Unselfish, slick passer leads team in assists yet again.
4. Joffrey Lupul - On fire since last year, clicking with Kadri.
5. James van Riemsdyk - Power forward could score 40 goals.
6. Dave Bolland - Has led with efforts, earned more ice, then delivered
7. David Clarkson - Pushing teammates at practice, chomping at the bit.
8. Mark Fraser - Leafs +/- leader last year sorely missed.
9. Cody Franson - Changing roles as Reilly mentor.
10. Tyler Bozak - Solid 2-way game against league's top players.
11. Nazem Kadri - With Gardiner and Reilly, offers huge upside for Leafs to get even better.
12. James Reimer - Leafs among a select few teams with top young goalie tandem.
13. Mason Raymond - Will likely be offered a 2-year extension by December.
14. Jake Gardiner - Shaky start but now +3 and getting stronger.
15. Carl Gunnarsson - Best when not noticed, needs to stay out of penalty box.
16. Morgan Reilly - Making smarter decisions, may stick with big club.
17. Jay McClement - Defensive whiz has Leafs among top penalty-killing NHL teams.
18. Paul Ranger - Not finishing yet on offence, may end up as Leafs 7th D-man.
19. Carter Ashton - Could be in battle with Broll when Clarkson and Kulemin return.
20. Colton Orr - Steady play, will need to tap out for McLaren soon, to stay fresh.
21. Troy Brodie - Will likely play for Marlies unless or Orr or McLaren is traded or injured.
22. David Broll - Dark horse Brolldozer earning an extended shot in bigs.
23. TJ Brennan - Marlies top D-man will get first callup if needed.
24. Trevor Smith - Marlies captain ready when required.
25. Jamie Devane - Needs AHL seasoning.
26. Josh Leivo - Has been steady in early season callup.
27. John-Michael Liles - May be moved to NHL if Leafs will pay half his salary.
28. Spencer Abbott - Needs to build confidence in AHL.
29. Drew McIntyre - 3-0 start with Marls, 2.30 GAA.
30. Stuart Percy - +3 for Marlies after 3 games.
Other Toronto Marlies to watch:
Jerry D'Amigo, Tyler Biggs, Greg McKegg, Peter Granberg, Andrew MacWilliam
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