Jason Blake a Valuable Commodity?

Don't look now, but Jason Blake is on pace for 25 goals and 56 points (in 78 games).

And don't give your eyes a rub, that's actually on your computer screen, folks.

While Don Cherry is red in the face over the coaching of Ron Wilson, Blake couldn't be happier. After registering a disappointing 15-goal (although he did have 51 points) campaign in 2007-08, Blake has flourished under Wilson, scoring 14 goals so far this season.

Blake may lack the defensive game to establish himself as an effective two-way forward, but considering his +1 rating, he's obviously doing something right.

Blake is most effective, however, as an energetic forward who uses his speed and tenacity to create scoring chances down low.

All that said, I'm going to come right out and say it: Blake does not belong on this team.

I don't care how much he improves, he just doesn't fit.

Blake is best utilized as a top-six forward. So, what's the problem? The Leafs lack top-six forwards anyway, right?

Wrong.

The Leafs are a rebuilding team. So, how exactly, does Blake fit? He doesn't implement any sort of leadership to the line-up, and at 34, he's not exactly a young stud. Even if he was there for leadership, isn't that why character players like Mayers and May were acquired in the first place?

Wilson may be responsible for the re-emergence of Blake, but the signing was a mistake ever since John Ferguson Jr. signed the dotted line two summers ago.

Blaked is signed on for three more years after this season, possessing a hefty cap-hit at 4 million dollars. It's important to note, however, that he will be making a fair 3 million dollars during the last two years of his contract.

And this, ladies and gentleman, could play a big part in the potential trading of Blake at this year's Trade Deadline.

If Blake can keep producing as an offensive juggernaut (he now has 7PTS in his last 4GP), the Minnesota-native may generate some interest once March 4^th swings around.

It's entirely possible the Leafs continue to be handcuffed with his lucrative contract, but don't be surprised if Burke ends up unloading him, even if it's for a mid-round draft pick (although I would imagine the Leafs would be taking some salary back).

So, what do you think? Is a trade possible? Do you want him off the team? If so, what type of return are you expecting?

ronguillet@gmail.com

Circle Your Calendar, Stralman

March 5th will be a significant date for Anton Stralman.

Why?

He's going to be re-inserted into the Leafs' lineup, and finally serve the role he was intended to grasp as an offensive defenseman in the NHL.

That is, if Burke can manage to wedge Kaberle and/or Kubina from the lineup.

It's currently unclear whether the duo of defensemen have a serviceable future with the Leafs. While Burke claims he won't ask neither of the defensemen to waive their NTC's, I have a feeling this story will pick up some heat as the days inch closer to the Trade Deadline - especially when considering Burke's no-holds-barred attitude.

If either Kubina or Kaberle are subtracted from the lineup, do not expect an AHL defenseman like Jamie Sifers to fill the offensive void and especially if it's Kaberle who's booted out the door. Unless an offensive defenseman is headed to the Leafs on March 4th - which is a possibility considering the Jay-Bo rumours that have been swirling - Stralman will finally get his chance to perform as one of the go-to guys on the PP.

And it's about frigging time!

No disrespect to Kaberle, who has been a force on the PP (fun fact: Kaberle rhymes with powerplay) during his tenure with the Buds, but it's time to pass the torch. Stralman will have big shoes to fill, but it only makes sense to let him adapt with the rest of his teammates, who are each establishing their respective roles on creating a competitive Leafs team for the future.

Taking a glimpse at Stralman's production at the NHL level leaves a little to be desired considering his success in the past and once being compared to Nik Lidstrom.

But let's dwell a little deeper into the subject, shall we?

Here are Stralman's point totals during the 07-08 season:

50 GP, 3 G, 9 PTS, 12:48 TOI

Now, let's take a look at the 08-09 season:

21 GP, 1 G, 7 PTS, 15:51 TOI

An increase of just over three minutes of ice-time allowed Stralman to nearly match his point totals of last season in less than half the games. While his point production is low to begin with, it still serves as an indicator that Stralman is indeed coming along. Slowly, but surely.

If Stralman were to be appointed on the 1st PP unit, his development in the NHL would take a significant step forward. Since his arrival with the Buds, the Swedish-born defenseman has not been used effectively. I understand he has to earn his ice-time, but let's keep in mind players like Matt Stajan, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Mikhail Grabovski, and others, were only given top-six ice-time because there was no other skilled players to fill in the positions. To quote Cliff Fletcher, "Antropov is our only true top-six player." Similar to his teammates, Stralman first needs the opportunity to strut his stuff in order to realize his untapped potential. Until then, he'll be used as a fringe NHL defenseman.

In terms of his defensive game; well, there is none. Stralman is unreliable in his own end, and lacks any sort of physical game. But never say never. Stralman stands at 6 foot 1, 180 pounds. He's not exactly menacing, but if he were to implement an aggressive edge to his game, he could serve as an effective two-way defenseman. That said, Stralman's future with the Leafs is based largely from his offensive potential.

Until either Kaberle or Kubina are traded, however, Stralman's contributions will be limited - don't expect him to do much by replacing Sifers on the Leafs' defense.

If Brian Burke can work his magic wand, March 4th should be highlighted by the additions of prospects and draft picks.

It's important for the Leafs to realize, though, that they have a gem of a prospect who's ready to contribute.

They just have to provide him the necessary tools.

***

On a side note: Does anyone else get the feeling that Stralman may be packaged to acquire a defenseman at Deadline? I base this off absolutely nothing, but I can just see Burke sacrificing Stralman to sweeten the pot on potential trades. Perhaps for Jay Bouwmeester?

ronguillet@gmail.com

No Untouchables + Kaberle and his NTC

Brian Burke made his first two moves as Leafs GM – acquiring Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional 6^th round pick in 2010, and assigning Nikolai Kulemin to the Toronto Marlies.

Minor moves, but perhaps Burke has finished analyzing his team and is ready to reshape the roster to his liking.

With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, just under two months now, determining the players’ market value is the first step in order to reshape this club effectively – let’s be honest, trades haven’t been one the Leafs’ strongest suits these past few years… don’t worry, I’ll spare you the list.

Looking at the Leafs roster, it’s fairly evident there are no untouchables. However, Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Alexei Ponikarovsky – who is on pace for 26 goals and 59 points – and Nikolai Antropov could all bring in some quality assets, hopefully in the form of prospects and draft picks. And if goaltender Vesa Toskala could find the game that made him critically acclaimed in 07-08, then the Leafs will possess an important bargaining chip.

Aside from Kaberle, who, for it’s worth, will make his fourth all-star game appearance, the Leafs are short of players who are capable of garnering high-quality assets via the trade route. That said, it’s important for Burke to handle the Kaberle situation carefully. Stating publicly that he’s not wanted, ala Cliff’s approach on McCabe, will not ensure proper value for the services of #15.

When asked if he would consider waiving his NTC this season, Kaberle replied with an interesting comment:

”It’s pretty much with Brian if he’s going to talk to me or not,” Kaberle told the Sun. “I haven’t talked to the GM and my agent didn’t talk to him. Let’s leave it at that for now.” (Toronto Sun)

My, how things have changed.

It hasn’t even been a year since Kaberle exercised his NTC, rejecting a trade that would have brought Jeff Carter and a 1^st round pick to the Leafs.

Depressing, I know. But fear not, my fellow Leafs companions.

Kaberle’s offensive awareness, and PP-saaviness has him on pace for a second straight 50-point season (6 G, 52 PTS compared to his 8 G and 53 PTS last season). While his defensive game is suspect, it’s no secret that he’s most effective in the oppositions zone. Those who express interest in his services will be in need of a boost on the PP, so the lack of a consistent two-way game will not affect his value. While a similar package to the Carter+1st round may be unlikely, it’s not totally out of the ball park. If Kaberle manages to up his game with even more offensive prowess, I get the feeling we’ll be licking our lips at the rumours come March 4. Excuse my Sudbury Wolves bias, but if we happen to acquire another 1st round pick, I would jump at the chance of drafting Marcus Foligno - it would have to be late round, but I’m telling you, this kid has the ability to spark plug an arena in seconds, whether it’s from monster hits, adrenaline pumping fights or rattling the opposition, and he also knows his way in the offensive end.

If Burke plays his cards right, and manages to trade with a future-first attitude, the available players at his disposal can generate a wealthy return of prospects and draft picks - and god knows we need the latter.

March 4th. The day I avoid all interactions with the outside world.

ronguillet@gmail.com