Gallery: Top 7 Leafs who should be traded

 

Leaf nation deserves more than just making the playoff this year. Since 1967, diehard fans have been paying a pretty penny to watch their team suck. In order to make a run at Lord Stanley's cup this year, the following Leaf players should be dealt before the deadline.

 
January 12, 2012
 
 
 
Jeff Finger: Paying $3.5 million a year for a player who lacks the skill or talent to play in the NHL is simply untenable. Arguably one of the Leafs’ worst signings ever, if any offer should come along at the trade deadline, such as a seventh-round draft pick, a bag of pucks, or a free lunch at The Hilton, the Leafs would do well to send him packing. We’d say that he was a bust, but really, he never showed promise in the first place.
 

Jeff Finger: Paying $3.5 million a year for a player who lacks the skill or talent to play in the NHL is simply untenable. Arguably one of the Leafs’ worst signings ever, if any offer should come along at the trade deadline, such as a seventh-round draft pick, a bag of pucks, or a free lunch at The Hilton, the Leafs would do well to send him packing. We’d say that he was a bust, but really, he never showed promise in the first place.

Photograph by: Richard Wolowicz, Getty Images

 
Jeff Finger: Paying $3.5 million a year for a player who lacks the skill or talent to play in the NHL is simply untenable. Arguably one of the Leafs’ worst signings ever, if any offer should come along at the trade deadline, such as a seventh-round draft pick, a bag of pucks, or a free lunch at The Hilton, the Leafs would do well to send him packing. We’d say that he was a bust, but really, he never showed promise in the first place.
Mikhail Grabovski: At his best, Grabovski is a treat to watch, but it’s rare that he brings his A game each night. A player this streaky has to be dealt when he hits a high. Given that he’s on a decent roll now, Burke would do well to offload him for somebody who shows a little more heart and consistency.
Jonas Gustavsson: With his contract coming to an end and an impressive, younger James Reimer doing well between the pipes, The Monster should really be shipped out of town. Unfortunately, the Swede never really lived up to the lofty expectations and immense pressure placed on his shoulders as the Leafs’ top tender. If Burke is able to deal him now, Gustavsson may be able to provide a bit of return in the way of a solid and much need third line centre.
Nazem Kadri: Either you can play in the league or you can’t. And according to senior brass at MLSE, Kadri can’t. Therefore, you either trade him or make him a “lifer” in the farm system. Although the young London, Ontario native has a stupid amount of skill, he tends to be too cute with the puck, resulting in foolish giveaways. Given that Kadri is still young and has a ton of upside, the Leafs may be able to get a decent return.
Mike Komisarek: People pay good money to be entertained by hockey players. By using that logic, Komisarek should be dealt. He has this boring, almost insipid presence on the ice as he casually skates around in circles before heading back to the bench. The Leafs need impact players at the back, such as Dion Phaneuf, if they are going to have any chance of going through teams like Boston this year.
Cody Franson: Hit someone, Franson! For the love of Don Cherry, just hit someone, once! For such a physically intimidating guy, Franson skates around the ice as if he’s got eggs is his padding. Given that Burke loves players who show truculence, Franson should be dealt.
Luke Schenn: This guy is the classic example of what happens when you rush a kid into the league. After an impressive first year, Schenn has been unable to regain his form. He's turned into a HUGE defensive liability. The high draft pick seems to have a knack of lying down on the ice or being caught out of position every time the buds get score on. Given that he’s still young, the Leafs may be able to still get something of value in return for the Saskatoon native.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Scoreboard

5/24/2012 1:49:59 PM
 
Final123otscore
 
New Jersey
302-5
NY Rangers
111-3
 
     
     

     
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