TLN Player Power Rankings: Feb 16, 2015

9 years ago

There’s an old saying, “GMs will make trades as soon as you’ve written your first draft of player power rankings for the week.” That might not be a common saying, but I’m sure it will apply here next week as well. I will forgive the Leafs because it has brought us what we need most, an excuse to post hilarious Jokinen photos until he’s inevitability dealt for a late round pick.

1. MORGAN RIELLY (LAST WEEK: 1)

He will hold the role of “solitary bright spot” on this team until Nylander
plays his first NHL game

2. NASHVILLE’S 1ST ROUND PICK (LAST WEEK: NR)

Oh the things we can do with this pick if the Leafs let Hunter and Dubas call
the shots, the fact that with an early playoff exit this pick could be in
Konency territory is very promising.

3. JONATHAN BERNIER (LAST WEEK: 16)

For a guy who lost both his starts this week he’s looked hella good.

4. DANIEL WINNIK (LAST WEEK: 13)

With Pierre LeBrun saying the asking price on Winnik is a 2nd and 3rd, I am
smitten with Winnik. He also played very well and picked up the sole goal in
Montreal.

Leafs are not close yet on a Winnik trade. Lots of interest but can wait until price is met. Want a 2nd and a 3rd or a 2nd and a prospect

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun)

February 15, 2015

5. RICHARD PANIK (LAST WEEK: 10)

He’s looking like he might be this season’s Boyd Devereaux, which is my only
knock on him.
Trading Richard Panik would be a dick move.

6. NAZEM KADRI (LAST WEEK: 7)

He did an excellent job of showcasing Santorelli and Winnik as top line
forwards.

7. PHIL KESSEL (LAST WEEK: 2)

Kessel was demoted to the fourth line and provided a sound bite about the fact
that he’d accept a trade. All things considered he still is easily one of the
best Leafs even in these situations.

8. JAKE GARDINER (LAST WEEK: 3)

With Franson gone he’ll likely be picking up the workload and taking the grief that goes along with it.

9. OLLI JOKINEN (LAST WEEK: NR)

While we have him we should enjoy the LOLs

10. PETER HOLLAND (LAST WEEK: 9)

Much like Panik, Holland is making his case for ice time next season. Not as big
a week as last week, but still looks like he wants to be here.

11. STEPHANE ROBIDAS (LAST WEEK: NR)

Played in three consecutive hockey games this week, and had a goal.

12. DAVID CLARKSON (LAST WEEK: NR)

Realized he has no business playing professional hockey and removed himself
after playing 2:31 minutes on Saturday night

13. TREVOR SMITH (LAST WEEK: 20)

He got a goal and that seems to warrant him staying in the top 20 this week

14. TYLER BOZAK (LAST WEEK: 12)

Damien Cox is reporting that Bozak could bring in another 1st round pick. This
is proof that GMs do not watch the games or look at stats.

15. JAMES REIMER (LAST WEEK: 5)

Tough outing against the Rangers, but it’s not like the Leafs have any other
kind of outing.

16. ROMAN POLAK (LAST WEEK: 14)

If he stays with the Leafs he’s going to eat a lot of minutes, but with Myers
and Franson moved I wonder if there is a trade market for Polak.

17. LEO KOMAROV (LAST WEEK: 17)

I’m noticing Komarov on the ice again, which is something I missed
saying.

18. JAMES van RIEMSDYK (LAST WEEK: 18)

Still playing awful.

19. KORBINIAN HOLZER (LAST WEEK: NR)

He picked up an assist this week. That will be what I remember most about him when he’s gone.

20. DAVID BOOTH (LAST WEEK: 15)

Still healthy enough to qualify for the list.

DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT

The Leafs have sent down Granberg and Bibeau, Franson and Santorelli have been dealt, Phaneuf remains hurt. Not surprisingly Joffrey Lupul has joined Dion on the IR.