#PhilKesselMyths

Jonathan Willis
September 26 2011 11:13PM

Two seasons into his Maple Leafs’ career, there continue to be plenty of misconceptions about the club’s top goal-scorer, Phil Kessel. It’s not always easy to find a succinct summary of these fallacies, but Mike Brophy, who will cover the Leafs for Sportsnet this season, does a great job of hitting all of the high points in a single paragraph.

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Can Gardiner follow in Kaberle's Foot-Steps?

Danny Gray
September 26 2011 01:49PM

                                            

 

The biggest story in this year’s training camp has been the performance of Jake Gardiner. Per Dave Shoalts, Gardiner’s play has given the Leafs brass a problem they haven’t encountered in recent pre-seasons, a prospect forcing his way onto the team. “As the days go by, Gardiner is taking the accompli out of fait accompli. The 21-year-old native of Deephaven, Minn., is the best defenceman at camp. This may require some more deliberation by the Leafs’ brain trust before the start of the regular season, but no one is complaining.” His performance mirrors that of Tomas Kaberle playing his way into the Leafs' starting line-up in the fall of 1998.

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What Should the Leafs Do With Jake Gardiner?

Jonathan Willis
September 26 2011 12:04PM

Regardless of team, regardless of year, there always seems to be one player that comes from well back of the pack and makes a serious charge at an NHL roster spot. For the 2011-12 Toronto Maple Leafs, that player appears to be highly-touted defenseman Jake Gardiner.

With Gardiner charging hard for a roster spot, what should the Maple Leafs do with him?

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MORE IMPORTANT THAN STANLEY: PARENTHOOD

Jason Gregor
September 26 2011 09:51AM

 

 
Most Canadians at some point in their lives have dreamt about being in the NHL. Whether it was through your own eyes, the eyes of a parent as you took your child to a 6 a.m. practice, or even as your infant sits on your lap while you watch Hockey Night in Canada, most of us have fantasized about being directly involved in the NHL.

Often we watch those who have accomplished the near-impossible dream and wish we had their life - millions of dollars, millions of fans and seemingly no real-life issues.
 
However, no amount of money and fame can protect you from the harsh realities of life.

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Leafs Make More Cuts, Komisarek Survives

Chemmy
September 25 2011 11:24AM

The Leafs have trimmed their preseason roster again, sending Luca Caputi, Joe Colborne, Ryan Hamilton, Marcel Mueller, Kenny Ryan, Greg Scott, Mike Zigomanis, Jesse Blacker, Jeff Finger, Simon Gysbers, Korbinian Holzer, Juraj Mikus and Mark Owuya to the Marlies per James Mirtle.

Most of those guys barely played, but aside from just spreading the news far and wide there's some interesting thoughts here. Caputi has to clear waivers and I wonder if he's a young enough recognizable name to get snagged.

Joe Colborne had a decent training camp but sending him down is likely the right move. Hopefully he can have a big season in the AHL as he continues to make his case for a spot with the Leafs. Given that Tim Connolly is the Leafs first line center there's a good chance Colborne will see duty between Lupul and Kessel when Connolly is hurt.

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