|
Leafs, Andersen shut down Panthers, Babcock cryptic about JVR’s future |
|
|
|
|
|
For the latest Leafs updates or on Twitter
The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their hot hand at home, winning their seventh straight contest at Air Canada Centre 1-0 over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
James van Riemsdyk’s 25th goal late in the first period was the only offense that Toronto could muster against Panthers veteran netminder Roberto Luongo, but one goal was all that Frederik Andersen needed.
The Leafs goalie leads the NHL with 51 game starts and made 40 saves for his 30th win and fifth shutout of the season.
“I think a huge part of (Andersen’s success) is fitness. He did a real nice job this summer and so he's just building off of (that) confidence.” Head coach Mike Babcock said after the game. “I think last year, if I'm not mistaken, was the first time he's ever really been the starter. So, you go through that and you get comfortable and you get comfortable with your teammates and it just goes from there.”
While the Leafs did not turn over the puck against Florida with the frequency they did in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Toronto continues to surrender a large amount of shots (57 vs. Columbus, 39 vs. Pittsburgh, 40 vs. Florida), which has to be a growing concern.
Auston Matthews blocked a shot late in regulation with Florida pressing for the tying goal and was temporarily hobbled, but the Leafs leading scorer was not limping as he walked to the dressing room after the game.
*******
Earlier in the day, the Leafs made a minor deal to clear a contract for roster space and cap room, trading veteran center Eric Fehr to the San Jose Sharks for a seventh round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
The 32-year-old had 28 points (17 goals and 11 assists) in 34 games with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL this season and was not in the Leafs plans after losing out to Dominic Moore for the fourth line center position and being waived in early November.
In dealing Fehr and last week’s trade of Nikita Soshnikov to St. Louis, the Leafs cleared just over $1.7 Million in pro-rated salary, but more importantly are down to 48 professional contracts, which gives GM Lou Lamoriello some room to maneuver before Monday at 3pm.
The Leafs are expected to be limited buyers, depending on the cost of adding a top four defenseman or a depth center, but there is also a chance that they move pending free agents van Riemsdyk and/or Tyler Bozak based on what they are offered in the next five days.
Babcock did not exactly slam the door on a potential deal of van Riemsdyk after the game when asked if it was an easy decision to keep him past the deadline by the Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan.
“I don't think anything is an easy decision. We've talked about this a bunch. You always have this plan, but your plan can always change. It depends on what people want. There's lots of times you're going through and not planning on doing anything and you end up doing something.” Babcock said.
We don't really know, in the end, what's available and what we could pursue either. The way I look at it is, instead of worrying about that stuff, you just keep playing good and give ourselves the best opportunity. Then, whatever is best for our team, Lou (Lamoriello) will do.”
With Evander Kane and Rick Nash the only viable top six rentals on the market and the chances of Max Pacioretty and Mike Hoffman being dealt reportedly decreasing, teams are scrambling for other scoring options like Detroit’s Tomas Tatar, who is under contract for three more seasons.
Based on the comments of the Leafs head coach, if a team stepped up and made an offer for van Riemsdyk or Bozak that provided real tangible assets, Lamoriello could very well pull the trigger.
Toronto could still win a series against Boston or Tampa based on their goaltending and offense without one or both veteran forwards and if not, the Leafs will use have assets other than vacated cap space to upgrade their blueline and make additions in the summer.
*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.*******
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»