The Maple Leafs could get a large offensive boost on Tuesday night.
Phil Kessel is almost done recovering from shoulder surgery and could make his Leafs debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre.
"(There's) a good chance of it, yeah," Leafs coach Ron Wilson said on Thursday afternoon after the Leafs practised at a suburban Buffalo arena.
Kessel didn't say much as he was hustled to the team bus by a Leafs staff member, but acknowledged he has been cleared for physical play in practice. As for suiting up versus Tampa, the 22-year-old took a wait-and-see approach.
"It's a few days away," Kessel said. "I'll see how it feels. I don't know yet."
The pressure on Kessel to produce will be enormous, and not only because the last-place Leafs are among the lowest-scoring teams in the NHL with 24 goals in 10 games.
Leafs general manager Brian Burke put much of his reputation on the line in September when he traded first-round picks in 2010 and 2011, as well as a second-rounder in 2010, to the Boston Bruins for Kessel.
Kessel scored 36 goals for the Bruins last year, benefitting greatly from playing with centre Marc Savard, and the Leafs simply don't have a player as talented as Savard to get Kessel the puck.
Kessel had surgery in May to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his left shoulder, delaying his Leafs debut.
Meanwhile, the Leafs, who are in Buffalo on Friday night to play the Sabres before finishing a five-game trip in Montreal on Saturday night, have recalled forward Jiri Tlusty from Toronto of the American Hockey League. Sent to the minors were rookie forward Viktor Stalberg, who has one assist in eight games, and goaltender Joey MacDonald. http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/10/29/11570411.html
PLAYER NEWS
Fredrik Sjostrom, LW/RW
2010/09/02: Fredrik Sjostrom might be available at the start of training camp after undergoing a shoulder operation this off-season. He is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery, but Toronto GM Brian Burke said the team would not rush him back before he is ready. We'll keep you posted on his status, but he has no fantasy value. (Source: Ottawa Sun)
Christian Hanson, RW/C
2010/08/31: The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to terms with restricted free agent Christian Hanson. Hanson scored two goals and registered five assists in 31 games last season. He should battle for a spot on Toronto's opening day roster. (Source: Sportsnet.ca)
Clarke MacArthur, LW
2010/08/30: Leafs GM Brian Burke expects Clarke MacArthur to spend a significant amount of time on one of Toronto's top two lines. MacArthur inked a one-year/$1.1 million deal with the Maple Leafs after Atlanta walked away from an arbitrator awarded one-year/$2.4 million deal. He scored 16 goals and 35 points in 81 games last season, but he still has some offensive upside. If he spends the majority of the season serving as a top-six forward, we think he can score 20-25 goals and 40-50 points. (Source: Toronto Star)
Clarke MacArthur, LW
2010/08/28: The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Clarke MacArthur to a one-year deal. The contract is worth $1.1 million. Last season MacArthur scored 16 goals and 19 assists in 81 games (split between Buffalo and Atlanta). He will contend for a top-six forward spot withe Maple Leafs. He will be valuable in fantasy pools if he can secure a spot on the Leafs' power play. (Source: TSN.ca)
Matt Lashoff, D
2010/08/27: Matt Lashoff will join a crowded blueline in Toronto this season after being dealt to the Maple Leafs on Friday for minor-leaguers Alex Berry and Stefano Giliati. He played the majority of last season with the Tampa's AHL affiliate in Norfolk, where he posted eight goals, 24 points and 105 penalty minutes in 68 games. Lashoff will likely begin the 2010-11 campaign in the minors with the Toronto Marlies. (Source: TSN.ca)
Jonas Gustavsson, G
2010/08/21: Goalie Jonas Gustavsson is doing whatever he can to avoid the dreaded "sophomore jinx". "The second season can be dangerous because not everything is new and exciting in the same way it was (when you are a rookie)," Gustavsson said. "You sometimes have to fight a bit more to find that same energy." The Monster should be more relaxed this year, understanding exactly how North American hockey works. He could be a sleeper pick in fantasy if he can re-gain his Pre-NHL, European form. (Source: Toronto Sun)
Tomas Kaberle, D
2010/08/20: The father of Maple Leafs' defenseman Tomas Kaberle believes his son will be traded during the 2010-11 season. "I think that during the course of the year he will be traded to another club," said Frantisek Kaberle Sr. "There is only one chance for Toronto to get something back in return for Tomas now. In my opinion, I can't see Tomas entering a new contract with the Toronto. Not if Ron Wilson continues to be employed there ... I cannot imagine how he will get along with coach Wilson, who relies primarily on aggression and stress. That's not Tomas, he's a technical type of defender." If Kaberle does end up being moved then he will have to go to Toronto GM Brian Burke himself with a list of teams because Burke has been steadfast in his claim that he will not ask the offensive rearguard to waive his no-trade clause. Look for stories like this to arise frequently throughout the year. (Source: Calgary Sun)
Tomas Kaberle, D
2010/08/16: The Toronto Maple Leafs were unable to find a trading partner for Tomas Kaberle prior to his no trade clause taking effect again. "While a number of clubs made offers to trade for Tomas, none of them reflected Tomas's value to our team," said GM Brian Burke in a statement. "I understand a period like this is stressful to the player, and we are pleased that there is a resolution, and we can all continue to prepare for the coming season." If the Leafs want to move Kaberle at some point during the 2010-11 campaign they will need his approval. He has one year left on his current deal with Toronto and could end up walking away as an unrestricted free agent next summer. (Source: TSN.ca)
Tomas Kaberle, D
2010/08/15: Toronto GM Brian Burke believes that New Jersey and Los Angeles could both have been potential landing spots for Tomas Kaberle if not for the Ilya Kovalchuk contract situation. Burke said "I think both teams that were involved - and I'm not going to say that they are interested or were interested or would be - but I suspect that both teams involved in the Kovalchuk situation would have been more involved in this. The window to trade Kaberle is closing so Burke will need some eleventh hour magic if he's going to deal the defender before midnight on Sunday. (Source: The Bergen Record)
Tomas Kaberle, D
2010/08/13: Toronto GM Brian Burke is still waiting for an offer to jump on in the ongoing Tomas Kaberle trade talk. "It's too early to say. I know it sounds crazy because the deadline is midnight on Sunday, but the simple fact is we haven't received an offer yet (worth acting on)," said Burke while on Toronto radio station the FAN 590. "We're not going to see everybody's best cards until the last couple of days anyhow, so I'm not surprised we don't have anything that we would take yet, so we'll see what happens." We'll keep you posted, but expect Burke to pull the trigger close to the deadline when he believes the potential offers will improve. (Source: TSN.ca)
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
No Comments Allowed for Anonymous, please register
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by dumbassdoorman(hahahaha@habssuck.ca) on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
I really hope that, IF, they do play him Tuesday two things have happened. One that first and foremost, he IS ready to play. Though I do see him only playing if they are 100% sure. Burke will not want to look stupid letting him play too early. Two is that hopefully and somehow they manage to win two in a row. This will take pressure off of him to step and score a hat trick in his first game so to speak...lol. They are playing much better, but I feel sorry for anybody, on any team that comes in with the saviour tag on them.
To Boston fans I ask this question. How did you enjoy watching him play on your team? Was he really a floater and selfish player? Or did he actually play hard and care about the game? Cause this will help figure out for myself if my hunch about something that is crossing Burkes mind. thanks
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by jpmac on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
Personally, I believe the pressure will immense on Kessel, he is going to expected to carry this team offensively, which is a huge task for a 21 year old in Toronto, no less. The question I have, is, if he doesnt perform this year, will Burke's job be on the line?
Also, why wouldn't Burke sign him to an offer sheet and keep the picks? He was a RFA, right?
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by the_word on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
There seems to be some confusion about the Kessel deal. Had the Leafs signed him to an offer sheet the compensation would have been two 1st's, one second and one third. That is the compensationf for players signed between 5,231,249$ - $6,539,062. Kessel is signed at 5.4 a year so Burke pretty well paid that price considering we ship an Starlman to Calgary to get our second back.
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by the_word on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
Also from day one I said Burke would work out a trade rather than go the offer sheet route. Burke has issues with offer sheets, he used the situation to leverage a deal. Burke wanted to avoid the retaliation from other clubs in terms of poaching his future RFA talent (i.e. Schenn, Kadri and any breakouts)
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by leafy on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
Because he hasn't played in months, Kessel is going to need some time to warm up.
People realistically shouldn't expect Kessel to skate circles around defenceman right away.
Still, his first game might be pretty good because he'll be playing on adrenaline, just like when Gary Roberts came back from shoulder surgery in 2003.
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by the_word on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
Poni is useless, open cage choke.
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by Magleaf on Friday, October 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
sweeeeet another OT loss
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by HABSSTAR(loserleafs@hotmail.com) on Saturday, October 31 (User Info | Send a Message)
I'm interested in knowing what leafs fans would consider to be a successful year for Kessel in TO, and does the team's standing at the end of the year play in to it?
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by dumbassdoorman(hahahaha@habssuck.ca) on Saturday, October 31 (User Info | Send a Message)
I am wondering if anyone else out there thinks the Leafs should consider aquiring Nylander from the Caps? I mean he could feed Kessel the puck for sure, he just has such a high salary.....lol....just a thought
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by dumbassdoorman(hahahaha@habssuck.ca) on Saturday, October 31 (User Info | Send a Message)
Not that this is in this post, but what would you think a fair price is for giving a team cap relief? What do you think teams like Wash and Chi will have to pay to get rid of contracts to keep the core pieces of their teams intact?
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by assman on Saturday, October 31 (User Info | Send a Message)
kessel scores 60, for sure. this time. a full season, hes not stopped. habs take it thru the rear, they got nobody, no scorers. softies. habs suck. leafs r turned round. points 3 strait all games. all catching up. habs r worse team in east
Re: Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa (Score: 1) by leafy on Saturday, October 31 (User Info | Send a Message)
All right, here's my analysis of October, NOT based on points, but based on play:
3 BEST TEAMS
Chicago - With an elite goalie, they'd go all the way Pittsburgh- champs are rolling Philadelphia - playing really well
3 WORST TEAMS
Colorado - doing well because of Craig Anderson, not good play Edmonton - playing garbage hockey, sorry Oil fans Florida - they're terrible
Note: That's right, the Leafs are NOT among the bottom 3. They're actually not playing too badly; just not finishing combined with terrible goaltending when Gustavsson is hurt.
NOT PLAYING AS GOOD AS PEOPLE THINK
Washington - defensive play is fair Calgary - am I the only one who's noticed? They're playing nowhere near their talent
NOT PLAYING AS BAD AS PEOPLE THINK
Toronto - see note above Detroit - they'll bounce back in spades
