In today's concussion-laced National Hockey League, I believe it takes 30 NHL-calibre players to advance deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it helps if three of them are goalies. Every week so far I have provided my ranking of the Top 30 Toronto Maple Leafs, however I may soon convert to bi-weekly or even monthly, as that will allow for a bigger game sample between rankings.
28OCT This Week (Last Week)
1. (2.) Dion Phaneuf - Playing a solid game as shutdown D-man.
2. (4.) Phil Kessel - Unselfish, slick passer has now found scoring touch.
3. (3.) Joffrey Lupul - On fire since last year, playing at Team Canada level.
4. (6.) Dave Bolland - Has led with efforts, faceoffs, grinding and key goals
5. (5.) James van Riemsdyk - Power forward could score 40 goals.
6. (1.) Jonathan Bernier - Not superhuman lately, but no letdown either.
7. (7.) David Clarkson - Leafs really really need his passion right now.
8. (8.) Nazem Kadri - With Gardiner and Reilly, offers huge upside for Leafs to get even better.
9. (10.) James Reimer - 3-0 to start season, Leafs have top young goalie tandem.
10. (9.) Cody Franson - Slick passer leading team in assists with 9 in 12 games.
11. (11.) Mark Fraser - Leafs +/- leader last year sorely missed; may be paired with Gardiner upon return.
12. (12.) Tyler Bozak - On Injured Reserve. Solid 2-way game against league's top players.
13. (14.) Jake Gardiner - Finding his stride, sometimes paired with Reilly on PP now.
14. (15.) Carl Gunnarsson - Best when not noticed, steady against top lines.
15. (17.) Jay McClement - Defensive whiz has Leafs among top penalty-killing NHL teams.
16. (16.) Morgan Reilly - Making smarter decisions, has stuck with big club.
17. (13.) Mason Raymond - Will likely be offered a 2-year extension by December.
18. (19.) Carter Ashton - Would be wise to emulate Clarkson.
19. (20.) Colton Orr - Steady play, will need to tap out for McLaren soon, to stay fresh.
20. (18.) Paul Ranger - Not finishing yet on offence, may end up as Leafs 7th D-man.
21. (--) Frazer McLaren - Off the injury list, adds hitting and protection.
22. (22.) Josh Leivo - Has been steady in early season callups.
23. (24.) Trevor Smith - Marlies captain ready when required, up and down.
24. (25.) Troy Brodie - Will likely play for Marlies when injured fowards get back.
25. (21.) David Broll - Dark horse Brolldozer will get shot in bigs.
26. (23). TJ Brennan - Marlies top D-man will get first callup if needed.
27. (27.) John-Michael Liles - With Bozak on IR freeing up cap space, being showcased for Oilers and Flames.
28. (26.) Jamie Devane - Needs AHL seasoning.
29. (28.) Spencer Abbott - Building confidence in AHL, 4 assists in first 3 games.
30. (29.) Drew McIntyre - 3-0 start with Marls, 2.30 GAA.
Other Toronto Marlies to watch:
Stuart Percy, Jerry D'Amigo, Tyler Biggs, Greg McKegg, Peter Granberg, Andrew MacWilliam, Korbinian Holzer, Garrett Sparks
Notable prospects:
Connor Brown of Erie Otters continues to lead all OHL scorers, now with 11 goals and 20 assist for 31 points in 5 games.
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