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Toronto Maple Leafs: Five Storylines That Aren’t Disappearing

By Tim Chiasson |
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Mar 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) defends the net against Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise (11) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t projected to have a very good season and everyone in Leafs Nation should have already come to terms with that.

There are, however, several Toronto Maple Leafs storylines that are going to linger all season long – or until resolved.

1. Jonathan Bernier

Bernier was given a raise on a two-year deal in the 11th hour. The $4.15M cap hit for the next two seasons is an acceptable dollar amount for both parties based on the body of work that Bernier has had so far in his career.

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The biggest question around Jonathan Bernier is whether or not he is the goalie of Oct ’13 – Dec 14′, or the goalie of Jan ’15 – Apr ’15. That’s something that doesn’t have an answer – at least not right now.

It’s unfair to judge Bernier off of wins and losses – this year or next – because the team in front of him isn’t any good. The focus should be on his save percentage and how that plays out at 5v5. Does he give the Toronto Maple Leafs a chance to win on most nights? That’s where the value in a goaltender lies.

Rarely is a goaltender the sole reason for wins on the majority of nights (like Carey Price); wins are normally a team combination of solid play all around and a goaltender who gives you a chance.

There will be soft goals but there’s no need to focus on them for an entire season, unless they appear too frequently.

There is a very good goaltender underneath that gear. Bernier’s shown that in Toronto already despite the focus being heavily weighted on the last four months of hockey. It’s up to him to prove the naysayers wrong and potentially give Toronto the stability required to continue to build a good product on forward and defense for the next several years.

Next: 2. The Three Rumor Magnets

Tyler Bozak celebrates with teammates Joffery Lupul and Phil Kessel after scoring a goal against the Habs. (image via toronto.ctv.ca)

2. The Three Rumor Magnets

Tyler Bozak, Joffrey Lupul and Dion Phaneuf speculations are going to be a topic that isn’t going to go away. The three players were rumored in trades very heavily, even more so than Phil Kessel for quite some time.

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None of the three will be easy to unload, and all for different reasons.

Bozak is a player that teams are likely hesitant on because of his constant link with Phil Kessel and the (justifiable) argument that he just isn’t legitimately capable of being anything more than a 2nd line center in a pinch.

Lupul has a great amount of talent but he’s also made of glass. It’s hard to convince a team to take him and his salary when there is no guarantee that he’s going to play very long when they get him.

Dion Phaneuf’s salary cap hit is a sight for sore eyes and he’s being paid well above his ideal role – which isn’t a number one defender.

The odds of a trade involving Phaneuf that doesn’t include retaining salary are slim. Joffrey Lupul would likely include an overpaid contract coming back, although not to the extent of Lupul’s number. I think, of the three, Tyler Bozak is the most likely player to be traded without retaining any salary.

What does that all mean? It means that these players could be here for the entire 2015-2016 season – but don’t expect the speculation to disappear.

Next: 3. Steven Stamkos

May 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers in the second period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Steven Stamkos

Until Steven Stamkos actually signs an extension with Tampa Bay he will be linked in speculation to the Toronto Maple Leafs. That’s just how life goes for a talented Ontario boy coming up for UFA.

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The most likely scenario is that Stamkos resigns with Tampa Bay, but that won’t stop the wondering.

The more realistic option for Toronto, and cheaper, is to target other players on the Lightning that they won’t be able to afford in a couple of years. They can’t keep everyone. It just won’t happen. They’ve got too many talented players that are going to need hefty raises.

The only thing that might save Tampa right now is the contract that Calgary just inked Mark Giordano to. If they can get Victor Hedman to take a similar deal then they’ll be much better off salary cap wise – but that’s not likely going to happen given the difference in age between Hedman and Giordano.

The Stamkos to Toronto rumblings aren’t going to cease until the ink is dry on a new contract, which may take longer than people are ready to endure.

Next: 4. Who Ships Out At The Deadline?

May 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) skates in game six of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Montreal Canadiens 4-1 to win the series 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

4. Who Ships Out At The Deadline?

Toronto has several players that are potential rental players for other teams at the trade deadline.

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It’s all performance based, of course, but the Toronto Maple Leafs have had success recently in turning players that don’t fit the future into assets.

P.A. Parenteau, Nick Spaling, Shawn Matthias, Mark Arcobello and Roman Polak are five players that could all potentially have new homes after the deadline.

Of those I’d wager the only guarantee is P.A. Parenteau because he’s the most likely player to get significant ice-time and opportunity to put up points and showcase himself fully.

Toronto has 11 picks for the upcoming NHL draft and they could end up with 15 by the time the trade deadline passes.

The goal for the 2015-2016 season will be to showcase everyone on the team that is in the final year of their contracts. How many of them will they be able to send packing? That’s going to have to wait awhile.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

Apr 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) passes the puck as Ottawa Senators forward Clarke MacArthur (16) defends at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Ottawa 3-2 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Nazem Kadri

By all accounts, this is the best chance Nazem Kadri will have to prove his worth to the Toronto Maple Leafs – and the NHL in general.

He’s already a very good number two center, but this year he may get a chance to prove just how good he is.

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Kadri is the Toronto Maple Leafs best possession player but he’s been forced to suffer through some pretty bad linemates and still be expected to exceed expectations.

With a projected increased role on the team – and the full endorsement of Mike Babcock – it’s Kadri’s time to shine. He’s got a lot riding on this season, too, because he has a chance to railroad the Toronto Maple Leafs front office for a huge payday.

If Kadri finds a way to rack up 60 points he’s going to force the Toronto Maple Leafs brain-trust to either open up the checkbook or find him a new team, depending on where they see Kadri fitting in the future plans.

Kadri is probably the most interesting for me because the talent is there – that’s easy to see – but the results in the individual statistics column haven’t shown up as planned.

Of all the five story-lines there isn’t one that will be wrapped up anytime soon. So hang on, Leafs fans, it’s going to be an interesting season (outside of all the anticipated losing).

Next: Leafs Scoring Chances (Defence)

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