Post by habsgm on Sept 9, 2006 8:47:05 GMT -5
The Leafs top four is pretty much cemented in stone barring injury or act of God. However, as many faithful might recall there were waves of dmen coming out of the A to play for Toronto last season. Hence there is a slight glut this season of candidates to fill the 5-6-7 spots.
Here are the odds for each from the Star:
[glow=blue,2,300]Staffan Kronwall (3-1)[/glow]
Looked the best of the group last season in 34 games until he was injured. Best combination of size (6-foot-3) and foot speed in the group, but limited offensively.
[glow=blue,2,300]Carlo Colaiacovo (4-1)[/glow]
The Leafs want the former first rounder to make it. Offensively gifted, he also delivered some big hits last year before knocking himself out. This could be his last shot with the Leafs.
[glow=blue,2,300]Andy Wozniewski (7-1)[/glow]
The oldest (26) and the biggest (6-foot-5), The Woz was a surprise Leaf out of camp last year and played 13 games. Not physical for a big man, but is smart and moves well. Has backers in the organization.
[glow=blue,2,300]Jay Harrison (8-1)[/glow]
Took him a while to get an NHL look, but did well in eight games. Seemed a Maurice favourite with the Marlies. Plays a simple, straightforward and reliable game.
[glow=blue,2,300]Brendan Bell (10-1)[/glow]
Had a strong season last year with the Marlies. Called up for only one game with the Leafs, but played with remarkable confidence. Good puckhandler, good size.
[glow=blue,2,300]Ian White (15-1)[/glow]
If Kaberle, McCabe and Kubina are all healthy, it's going to be tough for the smallish White to earn a spot despite how well he played in 12 games last year. One more year quarterbacking the power play with the Marlies makes the most sense.
I think of all, Coliacovo has the most promise, but that guy is snakebit. He'll probably get the nod at the start of this season in a third pairing, but he will probably get hurt in the first twenty games or so and see very limited action the rest of the season.
I look for Kronwall, Woz and Harrison to be the winners of permanent spots with the big club.
Here are the odds for each from the Star:
[glow=blue,2,300]Staffan Kronwall (3-1)[/glow]
Looked the best of the group last season in 34 games until he was injured. Best combination of size (6-foot-3) and foot speed in the group, but limited offensively.
[glow=blue,2,300]Carlo Colaiacovo (4-1)[/glow]
The Leafs want the former first rounder to make it. Offensively gifted, he also delivered some big hits last year before knocking himself out. This could be his last shot with the Leafs.
[glow=blue,2,300]Andy Wozniewski (7-1)[/glow]
The oldest (26) and the biggest (6-foot-5), The Woz was a surprise Leaf out of camp last year and played 13 games. Not physical for a big man, but is smart and moves well. Has backers in the organization.
[glow=blue,2,300]Jay Harrison (8-1)[/glow]
Took him a while to get an NHL look, but did well in eight games. Seemed a Maurice favourite with the Marlies. Plays a simple, straightforward and reliable game.
[glow=blue,2,300]Brendan Bell (10-1)[/glow]
Had a strong season last year with the Marlies. Called up for only one game with the Leafs, but played with remarkable confidence. Good puckhandler, good size.
[glow=blue,2,300]Ian White (15-1)[/glow]
If Kaberle, McCabe and Kubina are all healthy, it's going to be tough for the smallish White to earn a spot despite how well he played in 12 games last year. One more year quarterbacking the power play with the Marlies makes the most sense.
I think of all, Coliacovo has the most promise, but that guy is snakebit. He'll probably get the nod at the start of this season in a third pairing, but he will probably get hurt in the first twenty games or so and see very limited action the rest of the season.
I look for Kronwall, Woz and Harrison to be the winners of permanent spots with the big club.