Toronto Maple Leafs: Thoughts on the Roster Shuffle
The Toronto Maple Leafs have already shuffled their 23 man roster.
Everyone already knows that the Toronto Maple Leafs sent Martin Marincin to the Toronto Marlies through waivers and recalled Calle Rosen.
What we don’t know is if Rosen’s going to be getting some ice time with the Leafs anytime soon.
I’m of the opinion that Mike Babcock will play the matchup game and when he needs the big hitter in Andreas Borgman, he’ll ice him, but when he needs a little more finesse, Rosen’s the man for the job.
We’re going to talk more about Rosen and expectations for him briefly, but I want to touch on the Marincin thing first.
I understand the enhanced statistics argument for him, fewer shots against when he’s on the ice, more for and apparently, more chances in general.
I’d just like to say that it’s complete garbage to use just that analysis because it doesn’t look at anybody else on the ice, just Marincin.
I’m talking about both teams here because if the opposing team is icing their worst line against Marincin, then there probably will be fewer chances for them.
On the other side of the coin, if Marincin is being iced with better Leafs players, there’s going to be more chances for them.
It’s useless just using shot suppression and the like to say he’s a good defender, yes, statistically speaking, he seems alright, but it also doesn’t take into account which situations he’s on the ice for and how long he’s there.
It’s garbage, he’s a defensive liability, but that doesn’t mean he always will be as I’m sure he’ll improve over time.
Alright, enough about him, let’s get to Rosen.
Calle Rosen
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Leading up to the final roster decisions, many – including myself – believed that Rosen had the inside track on both Borgman and Rosen, but was instead cut and sent to the Marlies.
I can’t say I was disappointed, I mean, look at Borgman’s debut regular season game.
He played well, to say the least.
My argument was that having two guys on rotation, between Borgman and Rosen, that can make a difference in an NHL game was worth it, even though one would be sitting in the press box quite often.
They both showed great potential during camp and the preseason, which obviously made an impression on Babcock and company.
Now, he has two assets to use depending on match play any given night.
As for Marincin, who didn’t get claimed on waivers, he will have the opportunity to get ice time with the Marlies and work on his game.
Not all is lost with him, maybe his career can be turned around with this motivational boost that will hopefully be constructive in the end.
I’m not a broken record, I promise, but Marincin’s not Leafs caliber whereas Rosen appears to be so.
Let’s see what happens with the pairings tomorrow night.