September 26, 2009.
What will Wilson do?
With the better than expected play from the “Frosh Line”, and Nazem Kadri, what will Wilson do?
My gut tells me that we will see Kadri sent back to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, and the “Frosh Line” split up to start the season with Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson heading down to the Marlies .
Why do you ask? Well, although all four have looked good during the pre-season, they can all use a little more developing. Kadri is still on the light side. Is he ready for the rigorous NHL schedule? I don’t believe he is and can use this season with the Knights to tear up the OHL. He will also gain a lot of experience playing for team Canada at the World Jr’s this year. Hanson has the ability to work the boards and clear room for his line mates, but could still use the extra playing time that he will receive with the Marlies to improve his game, and Bozak has looked sharp, but hasn’t won a starting spot over Grabovski or Stajan, in my opinion.
Another reason why I believe we will see Bozak start the season with the Marlies is because of his contract. With the bonuses that he could receive, which include a “games played bonus”, his cap hit could hit $3,750,000 this season.
The only player of the young bunch that has really earned himself a spot on the Toronto Maple Leafs opening night roster is Viktor Stalberg. He has used his speed, and great hockey instincts to his advantage, and it has shown in his play.
I would personally love to see the “Frosh Line” stick intact with the Maple Leafs to start the season, but I just don’t see it happening.
That being said, I am not Ron Wilson. These young players have definitely made it a hard decision for him.
I believe come opening night we will see the following lines:
Blake-Stajan-Hagman
Stalberg-Grabovski-Stempniak
Ponikarovsky-Mitchell-Kulemin
Wallin-Primeau-Orr
Kaberle-Komisarek
Beauchimen-Schenn
Exelby-White
Toskala
Gustavsson
Once players such as Kessel and Mayers come back from their injuries, we may see players like Kulemin and Tlusty be re-assigned to the Marlies.
Personally, I would like to see Mayers sent to the Marlies, or traded. I'd also like to see Ponikarovsky and Stempniak traded as well.
I can't wait to get the regular season under way. The speed, hustle and tenacity of this young club will be a pleasure to watch, win or lose.
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