It's not the system I prefer either. It's a collapse system like that was employed by Rangers with some success a couple of years ago under JT. The collapse forwards are supposed to clog up the front and block shots, a faster route than getting to the points when they are down low fighting for puck possession. The problem is they aren't doing that and appear to have no intention of doing that. Further, players end up getting injured or beat up, plus if a puck gets through the goalie has little or no chance. If worked for a brief period for the Rangers, but soon JT was run out of town. I'd much prefer the traditional 2-1-2 zone defence like the Blues employ, where the points are covered and there is more man-on-man depending on where the puck is. The only problem here is the Leafs needed some stronger physical players both upfront and on the back-end to be able to compete along the boards, in the corners and in front of the net.
Here is my assessment on what to keep or change going forward.
Goal - Bernier will involve into a top notch number 1 like Rask has in Boston. We need a quality back-up.
Defence - Rielly and Gardiner should be the centerpieces moving forward, with a couple of tough D-men to compliment them. Phaneuf is supposed be be a tough d-men, but I can't get over his dumb mental mistakes for someone with his experience. Second pairing guy at best. We are probably stuck with him, so he go with one of the kids. I would sooner his concentrate on solid, tough defence, with the occassional hard hit like he used to (when it makes sense), then worry about offense from him as much. That will come from the kids. So we need a top stud d-man, not easy to find. 5-6 guys need to be physical as well.
Forwards: I would keep the top line, Lupul and Kadri (at least for a while longer...he needs to up his compete consistently though). Bolland also if healthy (we need some vets). Although some say Raymond is one-dimensional. I think he plays decently for his size, offers speed, is smart with puck and has scored and set up a lot of timely goals. Surrounded by bigger players, I'd keep him if the price is right. Bodie and McClement are find on the fourth line, but need a quality 4th liner with them.
Tradeable or changeable parts.
Gunner, Franson, Gleason, Ranger
Kulimen, Clarkson (unless he improves next year, and if his contract could be moved)
Reimer
That's not a lot of trading power. It's going to trade some luck in the draft or some impactful free agent signings to make a difference, and anything that happens in the draft will take years to bear fruit. I don't see a whole lot on the Marlies that would have any significant impact. The growth really has to come from within from the core (Kessel, JVR and Bozak have all improved...now we need the same from Gardiner, Rielly and Kadri to take the next step...). I think Nonis will rethink the trade deadline next year given how easily some of these piece were picked up. I really thought the Leafs should have gone after a guy like Matt Moulson, a Toronto boy, who probably would have fit in nicely. They have to do something to shake things up soon. I also would not be opposed to calling up a couple of Marlies to light a fire under some players who I think have gotten a little too comfortable.
