The normal end-of-the-season report card clearly would not provide anything revelatory about the Toronto Maple Leafs, as most of the players would barely pass or earn failing grades for a club’s dismal performance. The year saw the Leafs go 30-44-8, finish 27th overall and dismiss General Manager Dave Nonis, head coaches Randy Carlyle and Peter Horachek, the entire coaching staff and most of the scouts.
What is to be determined in the next few months is whether those who comprise Toronto’s 2014-15 roster will survive the coming teardown and be a part of the rebuild or will be moving on to other NHL clubs. Over the next few days, we’ll take a look at the Leafs position-by-position and gauge the likelihood of each player’s future.
Defense – Part I
Dion Phaneuf – 2014-15 Stats : GP-70, G-3, A-26, PTS-29 +/- -11, PIM-108
Salary - $7 Million
Contract Status – Signed through 2020-21
Phaneuf endured a season chock full of criticism and controversy and interrupted by injury. As usual, the Leafs team captain led the club in TOI(23:43) playing on the top pairing and both special teams units, but his status as leader of the club’s core group is where the 30-year-old’s shortcomings have become apparent.
The extent of the roster’s dysfunction was revealed during “Salute-gate… in November, when it was decided that it was a good idea not to raise their sticks in acknowledgement of the home fans after a win over Tampa Bay. Phaneuf either was party to the idea or did not show the good sense to recognize that it was ill-timed and ill-advised.
After missing a dozen games with a hand injury, Phaneuf was nearly traded at the deadline to Detroit but the return was deemed not sufficient by Leafs management. With six years left on the seven-year, $49 Million contract extension, it will be a challenge to get the expected return for a defenseman of Phaneuf’s quality unless Toronto takes back a bad contract or retains some of his $7 Million salary, but what did not happen in March is almost definitely going to happen this summer.
Remains with the Leafs – 5%, Trade – 95%
Morgan Rielly - 2014-15 Stats : GP-81, G-8, A-21, PTS-29 +/- -16, PIM-14
Salary - $925,000
Contract Status – Signed to Entry-Level Deal through 2015-16
One of the lone bright spots of Toronto’s season, the 20-year-old Rielly did not appear overwhelmed when given 20+ minutes per night on a regular basis after the February trade of Cody Franson and Phaneuf’s injury. Rielly led the Leafs in goals by a defenseman and showed good playmaking skills, superior speed and the ability to jump into the offensive attack, but still has some things to learn about playing in his own zone.
Improving defensively and being stronger along the wall are things that will come as Rielly matures, but the 2012 fifth overall is one of the few players in the Leafs organization that their management would not be willing or anxious to deal. If they did, it would likely involve a certain 18-year-old who wears #97.
Remains with the Leafs – 99%, Trade – 1%
Stephane Robidas – 2014-15 Stats : GP-52, G-1, A-6, PTS-7, +/- +8, PIM-34
Salary - $3 Million
Contract Status – Signed through 2016-17
The signing of the 15-year NHL veteran Robidas last July was intended to help stabilize the Toronto defense and provide a coach on the ice to youngsters Rielly and Jake Gardiner. In both instances, Robidas was a good addition, as he finished the season with the best plus/minus on the roster and was acknowledged by both blueliners as having a positive influence on their game.
After suffering two broken legs in 2013-14, the 38-year-old played only 52 games this season due to lingering shoulder issues that required surgery to repair. With the likely trade of Phaneuf and an influx of more young defensemen next season, Robidas’ role as a leader (and possibly as a transitional team captain) could be even more important.
Remains with the Leafs – 85%, Trade/Buyout/Retirement – 15%
Stuart Percy - 2014-15 Stats : GP-9, G-0, A-3, PTS-3, +/- -4, PIM-2
Salary - $863,333
Contract Status – Signed through 2015-16
The Leafs 2011 first rounder made his NHL debut last October and impressed in a nine-game stint, but struggled mightily with confidence and injuries after being sent down to the Toronto Marlies. It took Percy until the second half of the season to recover and play up to expectations.
The Oakville, ON native will be one of a number of young blueliners who will be battling for open spots with the Leafs at training camp next season and will likely be given a significant opportunity to establish himself at the NHL level.
Remains with the Leafs – 95%, Trade – 5%
Tim Erixon – 2014-15 Stats : GP-15, G-1, A-0, PTS-1, +/- -5, PIM-6
Salary - $600,000
Contract Status – Restricted Free Agent
Not too many 24-year-old former first round picks can say they’ve been the property of five NHL teams and played for three teams in one season, but Erixon was traded by Columbus to Chicago in December and claimed off of waivers by the Leafs in March, playing 15 games in the final month.
The claim may have been just to fill a roster spot instead of depriving the Marlies of one of their defensemen during their quest for an AHL playoff spot, but Erixon could be an inexpensive depth option for the club if they chose to extend him a qualifying offer and a one-way contract.
Re-signs and remains with the Leafs – 50%, Does not receive qualifying offer – 50%
Tomorrow – The Defense : Part II
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Watch the final regular season edition of Leaf Buzz with myself and Rotowire’s senior hockey writer Paul Bruno.
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