Channel Button

There are 5 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #1 by Helium's members.

Sports & Recreation   >

Hockey

NHL team profile: 2007-2008 Toronto Maple Leafs

Founded in 1917, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in hockey history. They have won over 10 Stanley Cups and have 5 Division Championships to their name. Their roster has seen players like Jack Adams, Bernie Parent and Terry Sawchuck, all members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. However, the past few seasons have made it tough to recall those glory days of Maple Leafs and 2007-2008 was no exception.

The Leafs finished the season with a record of 36-35-11 for 83 points. What sunk the Leafs this season and for perhaps next season as well, was what didn't happen. They missed the playoffs for the 3rd straight season after finishing 5th in their division. Adding insult to injury, when it became time for the Leafs to be sellers at the trade deadline, they failed to move Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle, Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe. These players represent the aging contingent of the Leafs that is not only past its prime, but eating up valuable salary and keeping the franchise from moving forward. Let's take a look at how the Leafs performed in a few categories and what they need to do to improve.

GOALTENDING
This was the year the Vesa Toskala arrived in Toronto. After splitting time with the declining Andrew Raycroft, Toskala was named Goaltender of the Month in December and went on to retain the starting job until the end of the season. He finished the season with 33 wins, a 2.75 GAA and a .904 save percentage. The Leafs would like to see his GAA and Save % improve, but his wins placed him in 9th among NHL goalies, which has to bode well for the future. Currently under contract for at least one more season, the Leafs should ride Toskala as much as possible, get him some defensive help, and try and ship Raycroft off in a draft-day deal. The Leafs could use some picks and there are plenty of teams that could use a goaltender so the Kings and Oilers would be possible destinations for Raycroft. While I don't see any Vezina Trophies for Toskala, he should provide solid goaltending for the Leafs to build around.

DEFENSE
The Leafs gave up 260 goals this season, that's 29 more than they scored. Their defense has an up and coming rookie in Ian White, but aging Tomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe are holding this team back. One of them should have been traded in the off-season. The Leafs were smart to part with Hal Gill but they still need to offload one of their older defensemen in a trade. While it's true that McCabe and Kaberle


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

NHL team profile: 2007-2008 Toronto Maple Leafs

  • 1 of 5

    by Christopher Dum

    Founded in 1917, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in hockey history. They have won ove... read more

  • 2 of 5

    by Shane Christensen

    The Toronto Maple Leafs are to hockey what the New York Yankees are to baseball, but unfortunately for Leafs fans, th... read more

  • 3 of 5

    by Bobby Coles

    Another season mired in futility befell the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2007-2008 year. What at times showed hope tur... read more

  • 4 of 5

    by Aj Brady

    When such an ultra-successful National Hockey League (NHL) franchise as the Toronto Maple Leafs misses the playoffs a... read more

  • 5 of 5

    by Dennis Lindsay

    It must be hard to be a Leafs fan. The Chicago Cubs may set the gold standard when it comes to futility in profession... read more

Add your voice

Know something about NHL team profile: 2007-2008 Toronto Maple Leafs?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Will the Beckhams be able to give their children a normal life in America despite media attention?

Click for your side. Must be logged in.

87020

Featured Partner

The Overbrook Foundation

The Overbrook Foundation has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Overbrook...more

What is Helium? | User Guide | Community | Link to Helium | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA