Toronto Maple Leafs Mid-Season Awards

The Steve Thomas Award

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

To be given to the most pleasant surprise player on the Maple Leafs.

Winner: Mason Raymond

Runner-up: Trevor Smith

When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Raymond to training camp tryout, it wasn’t expected that the Leafs would be able to sign him due to salary cap constraints. After Raymond excelled in camp, he gave the Leafs no choice but to sign him. Now on a bargain basement deal, Raymond has continued to surprise almost on a nightly basis.

As a UFA at season’s end, I sure hope the Leafs can re-sign one of their best players.