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Toronto Maple Leafs: Monday Morning Leaf Points

By Robb Ellis

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Leafs Nation are a passionate bunch! We wear our hearts on our sleeves and aren’t afraid to fight to make a point so it’s always an exciting time when a new trade rumor, free agent signing, or other Toronto Maple Leafs news hits the web. It’s Monday, so you know what that means! It’s time for me to break down what’s “in the news” and give you my perspective. You know what they say about opinions. Not a whole lot going on this week but, as always, I’ll give you all I have. This is…

MONDAY MORNING LEAF POINTS…

On Bernier’s Arbitration Hearing…

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The Leafs elected to file for arbitration on the 26-year old netminder back on June 18. After months of negotiations, the Leafs and Bernier failed to come to an agreement on a contract before Friday’s arbitration date.

Leaf fans waited with bated breath as Bernier and his agent Pat Brisson met with the Leafs’ Lou Lamoriello and Kyle Dubas on Friday. What most didn’t know is that it takes an additional 48 hours for the arbitrator to come to a final decision.

Late Sunday morning, just hours before that decision was supposed to come, the two sides beat the arbitrator to the punch by agreeing to a 2-year contract worth an average 0f $4.15 million per season. The Leafs had been offering $2.9 while Bernier was asking for $5.1.

It’s pretty easy to see what the Leafs are doing. They’ve locked Bernier up for the next two seasons while they wait for young Antoine Bibeau to develop in the minors. If all goes well, by the time the 2017-18 training camp starts, I wouldn’t expect to see Bernier or Reimer in the organization anymore.

On James Van Riemsdyk…

Apr 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) is watched closely by Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry (26) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Six weeks ago, the writers here at Editor In Leaf asked the question: “Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade James Van Riemsdyk?” At the time, we were clearly speculating at the possibility of the club moving its top goal scorer last season. Hockey sometimes works in mysterious ways though because a month and a half later, the rumors have begun. The Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals, Calgary Flames, and New Jersey Devils are among the teams that are supposedly interested in the 26-year old forward. If I’m Lou Lamoriello, I’m listening to any and all of the offers especially if prospects and picks are involved.

On Jeremy Bracco…

There were some eyebrows raised recently when a rumor found its way online regarding Leaf prospect Jeremy Bracco breaking his commitment to play at Boston College next season.

Those rumors were put to rest a few days later when Jeremy himself left this message on his personal twitter account.

Bracco attended the U.S.A World Junior Summer Camp this past weekend and showed very well.

Bracco was taken by the Leafs in the 2nd-round (61st overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Though I have to admire the kid for honouring his commitment, I also wouldn’t have blamed him if he decided to play in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers instead. With his skill set, he could dominate the OHL and be with the Leafs within the next couple of seasons.

On the Marlies…

Lost in all the Lou Lamoriello hype last week was that the Leafs continued to stock up the pantry with talent in order to keep the minor-league teams deep and competitive. They signed 5 depth players who will more than likely spend most of their time with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears while seeing spot duty with the Marlies.

Then, after over a week of speculation, the club inked 34-year old tough guy Justin Johnson to a minor-league deal. Johnson has played a grand total of only 2 NHL games but managed to do this in one of them:

Johnson isn’t expected to see much ice time with the Marlies but the AHL has been put on notice. Anyone taking liberties with the team’s young stars will expect a knock at their door. This should make it easier for talented young players like William Nylander, Kasperi Kapanen, and Connor Brown to do what they do best without the fear of being taken advantage of by a larger opponent.

Tweet of the Week…

I’ll give Dangle a little extra publicity because we all know he needs it! (sarcasm doesn’t translate well in writing) Nevertheless, this one gave me quite the chuckle.

Reader Reactions…

Last week, I reached out to readers asking them:

With Jonathan Bernier’s arbitration case just days away, how comfortable… or uncomfortable would you feel with a Leafs goaltending tandem of James Reimer and Christopher Gibson in year one of the rebuild leaving Antoine Bibeau and Garret Sparks to share the Marlies job?

Antoine Bibeau getting some pre-season action

Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to all who sent in your responses on twitter and by email. Here’s a few of my favourites…

Jack Kirchhoff- I’d hate to give up on Bernier when he’s so young, but if the return were good enough – I’m thinking a trade for a first-rounder and a good prospect, at least – I could live with Reimer and Gibson backstopping the Leafs. Why not? If we’re rebuilding anyway, I guess we might as well go whole hog.

Rob Kisler- I would be thrilled to have Reimer as the starting goaltender in Toronto, for a few reasons: 1) Up until his concussion issue, he was poised to be a legitimate #1 for the Leafs. 2) He was never given a legitimate fair chance with the club, where he was supported in a #1 role. 3) He is a product of the Leaf organization, drafted and groomed. 4) He plays with heart. He wants to be a Leaf. 5) He has a positive attitude and that is infectious. 6) Bernier is unproven, and statistically, isn’t that much better but could bring a better return if traded. 7) I would rather lose with Reimer than lose with Bernier. 8) He’s a fan favourite, and it isn’t because of his nickname.

Walt Penney- Another example (Bernier) of the Leafs going out and getting a back up from another team to be their starting goalie, think Vesa Toskala. Trade him and get him out of down while you still can.

Brent Alton- Absolutely! This is a rebuild- The goal is to be as bad as possible in order to get more draft picks. The only way to get better is to be bad. Reimer will accomplish that!

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Question of the Week…

Let’s get a little nostalgic this week!

Who is your favourite Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender of all time? And please share a moment or memory about that particular goalie!

Send your responses to me at: retoronto71@gmail.com and I’ll post some of them in next week’s Monday Morning Leaf Points column. I also accept and appreciate comments, opinions, and hate mail or hit me up on Twitter @robb_ellis 

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Until next Monday… KEEP IT BLUE!

Next: Leafs Sign Bernier

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