Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The New Kids in Town



Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner. Two names not many expected to be in the lineup opening night against Montreal. Two players coming straight out of their respective schools to make the big team. Although Frattin was a possibility from the start to make the 23 man roster, the way he played throughout the preseason is a testament to his character. He took every opportunity given to him from coach Ron Wilson, and made the most of it.
















Frattin will be expected to play with Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, as Clarke MacArthur will serve his two game suspension to start the year. After those two games, he is expected to be slotted down to line three, with Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong. If he can produce consistently throughout the first month of the season, he should be safe. If not, currently injured LWer, Nazem Kadri, could return and take Frattins spot in the lineup.

Now for the real surprise. Puck moving defenceman, Jake Gardiner. He was acquired last year along with Joffrey Lupul for Francois Beauchemin. Gardiner entered camp poised to be with the Marlies of the AHL, but after stellar game after stellar game, Gardiner found himself on the brink of a roster spot; and after todays cuts, he is officially a Toronto Maple Leaf.





















I expect Gardiner to be paired with either Mike Komisarek or Cody Franson, depending on which defenceman is give the final spot on the blue line. Although he has made the team, if Gardiner struggles early, it is likely that he will be sent down to the AHL to round out his game. That is not a bad scenario at all. If he continues to shine, the Leafs have struck gold on another young player.

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