Over at The Leafs Nation, both Cam Charron and Ryan Fancey have a few thoughts on Mike Komisarek's play for your consideration. Normally, I try to think as little as possible about Komisarek, even to the point of completely forgetting he exists on the Leafs' depth chart, but our beloved team has yet to improve either its defence or goaltending via trades this offseason, so at this point, we have to hope for improvement from within.
Charron takes a look at Shots Against per 60 minutes, and doesn't find Komisarek anywhere near useful, and so wonders who the Leafs will trot out as their fourth defenceman:
I think the Leafs will have to bank on Komisarek not just playing the PK this season, but being much, much better, unless they pick somebody up. Their options, especially since dealing Schenn, are slim, and I'm not sure I'm too enamoured with the idea of giving Gardiner more time at the PK than he can handle. His offensive talents are more valuable at even strength and on the powerplay.
Fancey, on the other hand, takes a more conciliatory view, and wonders if working with Barb Underhill could help Komisarek's mobility enough to make him useful again.
One thing I've noticed about Komisarek since joining the Leafs is an improvement in his skating already. He hasn't been able to round out his game enough to earn his contract (few do), or most recently even stay in the lineup consistently. I do think his mobility has been improving. In comparison to Luke Schenn, he's Denis Savard.
Well let's hope.
Here are a bunch of other links I think you'll find interesting:
The addition of Jay McClement and the penalty kill
It can't get any worse. From Cam Charron.
Maple Leaf artifacts auction could be fun
Shyeah, it could. From Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories.
Leafs' Burke Impressed By Rielly
Glove tap to Cam Charron at The Leafs Nation for finding this article at Discover Moose Jaw. Seriously.
How Toronto Maple Leafs Ownership Could Benefit From the Lockout
Basically, it means they'll save on player salaries over the course of the next few years. From Tony Notarianni.
How the NHL Lockout Affects Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Prospects
From Karl Faber at Maple Leafs Central.
Terrible timing for Leo Komarov " KyleTheReporter
"For now I’m going to play here," said Komarov. "It’s nice to be here. Canada is good people everywhere. Over here everybody speaks to you, and you have fun, I like it." From Kyle Cicerella.
Toronto Marlies ready for their close-up thanks to NHL lockout - The Globe and Mail
“I love that,” Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins said. “I love telling people you can’t just walk up to our building like two or three years ago, and grab a ticket on game night. That’s not happening. You might want to call in for the end of October. Because we’re starting to sell out.” From James Mirtle.
Canadian TV will take big hit with long lockout
That sucks. From the AP at the Globe.
Systems Analyst: Nik Zherdev’s one-man show
Justin Bourne has an awesome clip for you.
A Canadian girl's hockey blog: Not if I lock you out first
From Stephanie Taylor-Baptiste at A Canadian girl's hockey blog.
