The 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs season came to a disappointing end last night. A 4-1 loss, even in a game with nothing on the line, is not the best way to end the year. But for a team that worked and fought so hard to climb back into the playoff race in the second half, I don't think we should be too bummed. There's a lot to like about Toronto's performance over the past three months.
At the same time, there are also a lot of questions moving forward, especially in terms of personnel. The Leafs currently have more than the 50 SPCs allowed under the CBA, which means some expiring contracts simply won't be back in September. Players such as Mike Zigomanis, Aaron Voros, Joey Crabb, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will likely be looking for new employment on July 1st. The Leafs continue to make the organization younger, and there simply aren't enough roster spots between the Leafs and Marlies for everyone. In addition to the players already added over the past week, others like Jesse Blacker and Jamie Devane will make the jump to the AHL next year as well. It's going to be a very interesting summer in Toronto.
Sunday's links after the jump...
Habs dump Leafs in season finale
The Globe & Mail recaps last night's game
MLHS has the bullet-point version
Leafs and Bozak making room for Colborne
James Mirtle discusses the Leafs blueprint for Joe Colborne
Colborne and Frattin make promising debuts
The Hockey News focuses on the performance of the rookies
Frattin, Colborne should not have been able to jump to the head of the line
Vintage Leaf Memories takes issue with the lack of love for Ryan Hamilton
Five for Fighting with some good stuff this morning
