The Toronto Maple Leafs are one point out of last place in the NHL standings, a prospect not completely unwelcome to a fan base looking towards the future with prospects William Nylander, Mitch Marner and a top pick in the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo next June, but they have shown some improvements under Mike Babcock’s leadership and are still within range of an Eastern Conference wild card spot.
After the holidays, the countdown will begin towards the February 29th trade deadline and the members of Leaf Nation are curious what their club can get in return for some players on the current roster.
It's time to go to Twitter to answer some of your questions:
@MikeInBuffalo Hi Mike , question I have for you is on number 40 Grabner ?
Why did uncle Lou get this player and give up 5 prospects ?
— Daniel Wybo (@LIII1940) December 9, 2015A – The trade for Michael Grabner in September was more to clear the five pro contracts of Taylor Beck, Matt Finn, Christopher Gibson, Tom Nilsson and Carter Verhaeghe than to obtain the veteran winger. Grabner’s offensive skills have declined since being a Calder Trophy finalist in 2011 and the Islanders were anxious to move him out in the final year of a contract with a $3 Million cap hit, but actual salary of $5 Million.
The Leafs may have been hoping that the 28-year-old would be able to bounce back and perhaps be able to recoup a draft pick at the deadline, but a penalty killer with one goal and two assists in 26 games will not get much in return.
@MikeInBuffalo what are the chances that the leafs trade both Reimer and bernier?
— Drew wyle (@Wyled87) December 9, 2015A – If you are talking about this season, the odds are slim to none. The trade value of Jonathan Bernier is at it’s absolute lowest based on his performance and the fact that he is another year left at over $4 Million. Reimer is an unrestricted free agent and has very good numbers based on his November hot streak.
It is unlikely that Toronto will re-sign Reimer unless they are convinced he can be their starter and Reimer will not stay in Toronto unless he is given the security of a long-term deal.
@MikeInBuffalo when Bernier returns from his conditioning stint, is he assured a spot on the leafs meaning sparks would go down to ahl?
— Scott M Holmes (@scoresscotty) December 9, 2015A – Jonathan Bernier will play one or two more games for the Toronto Marlies before his AHL conditioning stint ends and will return to the Leafs next week. Garret Sparks has impressed many including Leafs coach Mike Babcock with his performance in four games, but that small sample will not be enough for the 22-year-old to supplant Bernier or James Reimer. It may however give the Leafs brass more confidence that Sparks could handle the goaltending duties late in the season if Reimer/Bernier are traded.
As with prospect William Nylander and Connor Brown who might be able to contribute in the NHL now, Toronto wants to make sure that young players get time to develop and there is unlikely be any deviation from that philosophy with Sparks.
@MikeInBuffalo do you believe Marner will be a leaf next year?
— Scott M Holmes (@scoresscotty) December 9, 2015A – There is no doubting that Mitch Marner has played wonderfully with London (currently tied for the OHL scoring lead), but the chances of making the Leafs next season are no better than a 50/50 proposition. The factor that complicates matters is that Marner will be 19 the entire 2016-17 season and that means he is not eligible to play in the American Hockey League and either makes the NHL or returning to London.
After two years of dominating the OHL, it is right to question whether Marner would benefit from another year of junior, but it did not hurt Max Domi to play as a 19-year-old and go to the World Junior Championships.
@MikeInBuffalo what do you think the market value is for Nazem Kadri
— Dino da man (@DaTruefann) December 9, 2015A – There are enough teams in the NHL starving for offense to give Kadri a second chance if the Leafs decide they are ready to move on from the 25-year-old center. The major dilemma with the London, ON native is what his expectations will be for a new contract next summer.
Toronto is not likely going to be anxious to sign Kadri to a multi-year extension for significant money ($5 Million or more per season) if his lackluster offensive numbers (five goals and six assists in 28 games) persist, but with two years to go before he qualifies for free agency, they might be willing to go year-by-year as they did with Cody Franson.
@MikeInBuffalo If things keep going the way they are and some players having good years, who gets dealt at the deadline and for what return?
— Frankie DG (@CoachFrank18) December 9, 2015@MikeInBuffalo With Dupuis retiring and the Penguins hold on a playoff spot tenuous, will the Leafs get their #1 pick (Kessel trade)?
— steve clay (@steveclay) December 10, 2015A – The conditional first rounder from the Phil Kessel deal is dependent on Pittsburgh making the post-season. If the Penguins do not make the playoffs this season, the potential pick automatically shifts to 2017. If they miss the post-season both years, then the Leafs do not get a first rounder.
GM Jim Rutherford has recently been critical of some roster decisions made by head coach Mike Johnston and with the Pens not living up to most expectations, it has prompted speculation that Johnston is running out of time.
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