I think it is simply fashionable in the media to bash the Leafs because of past performance. The question is what team is going to show up, the one that opened the season last year or the one that closed it?
Upfront, I think we have a general idea of what we are going to get with, the first two lines. Kessel and Lupul might find it tough to duplicate last year's start, but may finish about the same, if both stay healthy. I think Bozak still has some more upside. I think the second line will be better than last year, especially Kulemin, but maybe not as good the year prior to that, somewhere in between. I would like to see Carlyle push Kulemin to be more physical. I remember his big hit on Kaleta last year. He's a strong body that could do more of that. The forward line that intrigues me most is what appears to be a third line of JVR, Kadri and either Komo or Frattin. I think that is the most "potential" I've seen in a third line Leaf unit in a long time. Two high first round picks, which if they both pan out, could make a huge difference. Komo also could be the first real agitator since Darcy Tucker, and I think Frattin just needs to find some consistency. It will be interesting to see how this line plays out. If Komo could have the opposing team focused on him, as has been mentioned, that might create some space the other two. On the other hand, Frattin would create 3 real scoring threats on that line. That's not to say Komo can't score some, but maybe he plays on a fourth line with McClement and Brown, which I don't think would be too shabby.
On the D, I think Rielly gets an audition only for up to 5 games until Gardiner is back in. With Gardiner, Gunner and Liles on the left side defence, Rielly goes back to continue his development. But this way they can make sure on Gardiner while giving Rielly a look at the top level. Phanuef gets paired with Gunner, Gardiner and Liles get paired with Kosta and Komisarek, with Fraser or Holtzer as the spare (or maybe Komi as spare). I am okay with defence, if Carlyle gets a solid system in place, and Gardiner continues to progress, no injury or sophomore slump (I really don't see the latter happening with him).
In goal, I think we audition Reimer and Scrivens to see where they are at and how the Luongo situation plays out. Nonis is smart to sit on this. We really don't know what we have yet in Reimer and Scrivens in my mind. Can Reimer be the goalie he was two years ago? Can Scrivens AHL success translate up to the bigs? Is Luongo maybe on a downward slide? He certainly hasn't looked that great in camp, but maybe he's already moved on in his mind.
Also, the Leafs have to consider the Canucks need help down the middle, and if the Leafs trade Bozak or Kadri in a deal for him, they are going to be even more thin at centre than they already are. Moving Connolly and Lombardi out so quickly may mean a Luongo deal isn't so close. If Connolly clears, and a deal is swung, he could be recalled, but I think they'd rather be rid of him period.
Best case scenario for this Leafs this year is 1) One of the young goalies really emerges and proves worthy as number one tender. 2) JVR, Kadri and Frattin/Komo blossom into something special, they surprise sort of the way the second line did two years ago.
Of course, we need Carlyle system to take hold and be relatively injury free. A lot of ifs, but you never know. It should be interesting and answer a number of questions. I am glad to see, though, the new Nonis-Carlyle tandem is being decisive and going with the youth. Playoffs this year would be great, but big picture is more important.
