Continuing the evaluation of the Maple Leafs, moving from the goalies and defense to Toronto’s forwards, who for most of the season were able to score with regularity, but after the Olympic break the offensive struggles went hand-in-hand with their defensive breakdowns and subpar goaltending to create the perfect storm that was the March collapse.
Center
Tyler Bozak : At the heart of criticism last summer was the decision by the Leafs to use a compliance buyout on Mikhail Grabovski and to re-sign Bozak to a five-year, $21 Million contract extension, but that proved to be the right choice for the Leafs, as Bozak put up career-best offensive numbers(49 points in just 58 games).
The 28-year-old missed nearly two months with two separate injuries, but was an offensive catalyst for the Leafs after the Winter Classic, centering the top line between James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel.
Bozak led the club with a 21.11% shooting percentage, scoring 19 goals on just 90 shots and was the Leafs go-to guy in shootouts, but his primary responsibility was as a puck distributor to Kessel and van Riemsdyk, who both scored over 30 goals.
While Bozak put up great offensive numbers, he was relied upon too heavily by Leafs coach Randy Carlyle, playing close to 21 minutes per game on average on the top line and both special teams units.
If management were able to address the club’s long crying need for a dominant presence up the middle, Bozak could be one of the league’s best and most effective second line centers, but he did an admirable job in a role he is not perfectly suited for.
Grade : A-
Outlook for 2014-15 - Leafs top line center
Dave Bolland : Acquired in a draft day deal from Chicago last June, the 27-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winner was brought in to be a steadying veteran influence up the middle. The Leafs appeared to get what they were looking for in the Mimico, ON native, going 10-4 in October with Bolland scoring six goals and four assists and getting plenty of ice time due to Carlyle’s trust and confidence in his defensive and checking abilities.
No one knows for sure whether the Leafs would have made the playoffs had Vancouver’s Zack Kassian not lacerated Bolland’s ankle tendon in November, but his absence was felt for long stretches. Bolland missed 56 games because of the injury and came back in March at less than 100% in hopes of helping to stop the bleeding of the Leafs, but he was a shadow of his former self.
Grade : B-
Outlook for 2014-15 – If the talk of wanting a seven years and $5 Million+ on a new deal with the Leafs is true, then Bolland will be playing elsewhere. A more reasonable deal will keep the feisty center in Toronto.
Nazem Kadri : The 23-year-old Kadri posted solid offensive numbers in 2013-14(20 goals and 30 assists in 78 games), but that was perceived by many as a step backwards after scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace during the lockout shortened season.
What is concerning about the Leafs 2009 first rounder is that there continue to be rather large holes in his game after four years as a pro. There has been no appreciable improvement in his abilities at winning faceoffs and playing most of the year on the Leafs second line exposed Kadri defensively against bigger and more experienced centers.
Kadri played with multiple linemates and was shifted mostly between the second and third lines
and second power play duty, which may have hindered his production, but when injuries to Bozak and Bolland gave him a chance at playing on the top line with van Riemsdyk and Kessel, the result was a three-game pointless streak and a suspension for running into Minnesota goalie Nicklas Backstrom.
Grade : C
Outlook for 2014-15 – Kadri’s fate is inextricably linked to the decision of whether to sign or let Bolland walk in free agency. If Bolland stays, Kadri could be packaged to bring an impact center or defenseman.
Jay McClement : Primarily a defensive forward, McClement was overworked out of necessity early in the season when Bozak and Bolland were injured, which made the other parts of his game suffer, especially his role as a penalty killer.
The 31-year-old Kingston, ON native led the Leafs with a face-off winning percentage of 53%, but had only 10 points in 81 games.
Grade : C-
Outlook for 2014-15 - The Leafs are short on dependable depth defensive forwards and McClement will not be pricey. Re-signed for two years.
Peter Holland The 23-year-old former Ducks first rounder was obtained in mid-November and when given ice time, showed some offensive flair and glimpses of being an effective NHL center. Holland played his best with skilled wingers Joffrey Lupul and Mason Raymond, but did not seem well suited to playing a fourth line energy role with the likes of Frazer McLaren and Colton Orr.
Grade : C
Outlook for 2014-15 - Holland may get a legitimate chance at being a third line center for the Leafs but that will depend on the trickle down effect of Bolland re-signing/leaving and Kadri staying or being moved.
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