De fence to keep de bad guys out

TOTAL ROSTER ANALYSIS pt. 2

Defense Second. We actually have a solid group here, you could say Burke took advantage of us the way his hands have been all over our D... Just show the nice people where that is on the doll.

From the well stocked defensive section of the hanger, I bring you the Toronto D.

Luke Schenn:

The bluest, chippiest member of team truculence; OLAS Luke Schenn. The kid who reached rock star status the second his name was called on draft day. There isn't much to say about Schenn that hasn't already been said. Playing solid D for twenty minutes a game in his rookie year Schenn earned the praise he's received; the kid is awesome and getting better.

Tomas Kaberle:

The longest serving leaf and our best puck moving defenseman Tomas has been loyal to Leafs Nation with quiet confidence that he almost certainly picked up from #13. Underrated and effective Tomas has really stepped his production up this year with several big games in the early going. While not young Tomas is not yet on the downside of his career and has shown he's got the poise and skill to excel as a distributor. Despite being constantly named in a steady stream of trade rumors and publicly stating that he would be willing to leave if the club did not want him, Tomas has not been moved. Kab's has one year at a relatively low salary left on his current contract and would almost certainly be willing to sign an extension with the club.
 

Francois Beauchemin:

 

Francois was aquired this summer by Brian Burke as a free agent, the two have a relationship that goes back several years in Anaheim. They shared a cup once kinda like this (NSFW), but more like this. Adapting to a new jersey and a new team full of friends is always a process and for Francois it took a few games with his new team to get back to his game. He has found his game now however and has excelled, often looking like the teams top rearguard. A recent aquisition Beauchemin is not going anywhere, hand picked by the puppet master this guy is in it for the long haul; you might as well buy his jersey.

Mike Komisarek:

Another free agent signing made by his Burkeness, Komisarek is known for playing a hard checking brand of hockey. A mountain of a man with good feet, Komi represents the mould we would like to see young #2 emulate (though the prodigy has shown his hands may one day outgrow that mould). Another slow start that can be attributed to a player adjusting to his surroundings has been amplified by an injury, we should start to see the real Komisarek real soon. Count on him for responsibility in his own zone and, at any opportunity, bonecrushing hits. Oh and he left the Habs by choice to come to us, heart warming. This guy is also hand picked and not going anywhere soon.

Ian White:

The working man's hero, Mr. Mustache himself, White represents the work ethic of hard won success and the quiet lunchbox spirit of Bruce Willis' Jon Maclean. White earned his spot on last years club as a fill-in forward and forced the coaching staff to keep him in the lineup. Having returned to the back end White has not rested on his laurels, instead has shown up to play more consistently than any of his teammates. An undersized puck moving defenseman White is dominated in his role by long-time leaf Tomas Kaberle, this unfortunately makes him a fine candidate for trade. A fan favorite in Toronto White will probably not see next year in Blue and White.

Jeff Finger:

A much criticized signing made by the aging Fletcher while in the interim GM position, pre-Burke. Finger has quietly done a fantastic job in his defensive role and chipped in with moderate production. Personnally I didn't like the signing but I really like the player, the term and dollar figure seemed like a big splash for an interim guy but I digress. Finger is a pre-Burke player but as Fletcher has stayed on in an advisory role who knows what part he will play in the plan going forward, I could see him being moved for the right price.

Garnet Exelby:

Acquired this summer in a the salary dump trade that send Kubina to peach country, Exelby has shown exceptional checking ability and an astounding ineptitude for anything puck or stick related. A defensive defensive at the bottom of a long line of defensive defensemen hand picked for their play not their contract, XLB is at a distinct disadvantage in terms of holding onto a roster spot. The reasonable salary he's owed and the fact his contract expires at the end of this year all but ensure's he will be moved before early March's trade deadline (not nearly as catchy as febuary deadline, damn olympics).

Carl Cunnarsson: 

In glimpses of NHL action Gunnarsson has looked like the Leafs best prospect on the back end. Coming out of nowhere to excel in spring training and eventually earning a call up, Gunn's has looked like a confident puck mover and responsible rookie defenseman. The existence of a player like Gunnarsson allows Burke more leeway to deal a puck moving defenseman with a proven track record (Ian White). Gunnarsson has for the time being earned himself a spot on the big club, currently injured with a hyper-extension of the elbow, and will probably not be moved before he has a chance to accrue some more trade value if he gets moved at all. Say hello to Kaberle 2.0, in the best case scenerio Gunnarsson is the future powerplay QB of T.O. 

Mock Depth Chart:

1 - Tomas Kaberle

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2 - Mike Komisarek

3 - Francois Beachemin

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4 - Luke Schenn

5 - Carl Gunnarsson

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6 - Jeff Finger

Trade Bait:

Ian White: Whitey is the most valuable expendable asset this team has, his puck moving skills are above average and his heart is tremendous. He won't fetch the value that can repair the hearts of his fans but he will fetch enough to send him packing. We should be happy with a 2nd or a 3rd and a half decent prospect and the knowledge that we once loved truly and there's always one that gets away.

Garnet Exelby - Frankly he doesn't crack top 6 on the leafs depth chart but will still provide solid depth to a competitive team looking for a cheap fill in on the back end. His contract and depth in our organization also make him a prime candidate for a salary dump as has been talked to death already.