Toronto Maple Leafs: Santa Claus’s Gift for Every NHL Team
By Jeff Borsuk
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks
Pat Verbeek took control of the Anaheim Ducks as their new general manager on Nov. 10 as a result of Bob Murray’s resignation as Executive Vice President and GM. Mired in controversy over his professional conduct, Murray had to go. What the Ducks need and will be gifted is advisors who can help Verbeek steer his ship out of the NHL cellar. It will not be an easy task, especially for a first-time GM.
Calgary Flames
The last captain of the Calgary Flames is currently patrolling the blue line for the Maple Leafs. No one has worn the C since Mark Giordano’s departure. Calgary’s gift is for a leader to stand out amongst their squad worthy of the captaincy.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have arguably the best offensive duo in the NHL. Unfortunately, they aren’t winning as many games as they should even when the team manages to fill their opponents net with a high number of goals. That’s because the Oilers cannot find a reliable goaltender. Santa will help by giving Edmonton some stability between the pipes. He will return Jack Campbell’s ability to stop pucks. No one knows what happened to it but thankfully, he’s getting it back.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings present is a contract extension for Gabriel Vilardi. The 23-year-old forward has been a nice surprise for the Kings. After playing primarily for the Ontario Reign in the AHL last season, he’s proven himself to be a true NHLer.
Through Vilardi’s first 35 games, he recorded 22 points on 14 goals and 8 assists. Best yet for LA, he’s been helping the club on an $825,000 salary. That deal expires at season end making Vilardi a restricted free agent (RFA). Though he’ll be due a big raise, the Kings will be happy with their gift of extending Vilardi.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks present is for their standout defenseman to receive the accolades he deserves. Specifically, it means Erik Karlsson will win the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. Karlsson has been on an impressive tear racking up points in nearly every contest. Winning the prestigious award means beating out an impressive field that includes Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Pietrangelo, Adam Fox, and Josh Morrissey; all of whom have a legitimate chance to win the Norris.
Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken’s present is for their pick in the 2022 draft, Shane Wright, to come into his own and begin to meet his potential. Wright was the expected first-overall pick before that spot was taken by Juraj Slafkovsky. Wright surprisingly slid to fourth, where the Kraken took him off the board.
Wright entered the OHL receiving exceptional rookie status, allowing him to begin there a year early. Last season, while playing for the Kingston Frontenacs, the 18-year-old center registered 94 points in 63 games. That came on 32 goals and 62 assists.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights will be receiving a trophy, just not the big one. They’re getting the Calder Trophy. It will be presented to Logan Thompson who was just named the rookie of the month in November. The undrafted goaltender has been standing on his head this year after working extremely hard just to be a professional hockey player. Thompson has come a very long way from playing for the Brock University Badgers.
Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators looks like he will be Thompson’s main competition for the Calder. Matty Beniers, Cole Perfetti, and Mason McTavish are all also making their push to be the league’s top rookie, not knowing that Kris Kringle is already looking after the Golden Knights.