Post by LeafsGM on Oct 18, 2014 17:01:58 GMT -5
The 12th JGHL season has begun and is quickly bringing Toronto fans out of their hibernations. After Saturday's win to give the team a perfect 4-0-0 record, many fans have been calling into radio stations and pleading for another contending year out of the franchise. The deal that sent superstar Alex Ovechkin to the Canucks was initially met with some groans, but it opened up the space to resign Joe Pavelski and Alex Steen, and later bring in established young stars Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny. Seemingly now fans want more, specifically on the blue line where Leafs are in some dire need.
As it looks now the team has one of the better top 9 forward groups in the Eastern conference. Ryan Miller is at the point in his career where every year there is something to prove, and the next 2 years in Toronto should be no different. When asked about the state of the franchise, GM Sorokin commented "It's a lot of fun to watch, tell you that much. These guys are out there flying, scoring 4 a game. We got a good core here with a lot of talent but the fans need to be patient. Guys like Murray, Toffoli, and Money are gonna be great some day but it won't be this year." Even though some fans will question why management doesn't just "go for it", most will agree with keeping the young core together and not sacrificing them for skilled vets.
That said the blue line will definitely need to be improved. Brian Campbell has been called out by the coaching staff for his sub par play, and had this to say after this morning's practice "Maybe they should stop playing me 26 minutes a game, I'm not THAT good dude." Travis Hamonic was seen limping after today's game, but said it was nothing but fatigue. Rookie Ryan Murray is getting the sink or swim treatment and has so far been playing beyond his years. Even with some standout performances, defensive help may need to arrive soon if Leafs are expecting to get through the season injury free, let alone compete.
Reporting live from the ACC, Jay Onrait.
As it looks now the team has one of the better top 9 forward groups in the Eastern conference. Ryan Miller is at the point in his career where every year there is something to prove, and the next 2 years in Toronto should be no different. When asked about the state of the franchise, GM Sorokin commented "It's a lot of fun to watch, tell you that much. These guys are out there flying, scoring 4 a game. We got a good core here with a lot of talent but the fans need to be patient. Guys like Murray, Toffoli, and Money are gonna be great some day but it won't be this year." Even though some fans will question why management doesn't just "go for it", most will agree with keeping the young core together and not sacrificing them for skilled vets.
That said the blue line will definitely need to be improved. Brian Campbell has been called out by the coaching staff for his sub par play, and had this to say after this morning's practice "Maybe they should stop playing me 26 minutes a game, I'm not THAT good dude." Travis Hamonic was seen limping after today's game, but said it was nothing but fatigue. Rookie Ryan Murray is getting the sink or swim treatment and has so far been playing beyond his years. Even with some standout performances, defensive help may need to arrive soon if Leafs are expecting to get through the season injury free, let alone compete.
Reporting live from the ACC, Jay Onrait.