Good morning Leafs fans, another week is upon us and it sees the Blue & White heading west to take on Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Bozak has been placed on the Injured Reserve, which – regardless of what you think about the de-facto first line centre – is a blow to this Leafs team. I would expect Kadri to continue to fill in at his position for the time being, but I’m also hoping that a little more ice time combined with a higher quality set of linemates leads Kadri to get in a bit of a groove. Kadri is the team’s most-skilled centerman, and he needs to produce if this banged-up team is to continue to build on their strong start.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic division, the Buffalo Sabres traded Tomas Vanek to the Islanders in what is likely the first of many trades as the Sabres dismantle their team and aim low for a good draft pick this season.
Breaking News: The Leafs have just recalled John-Michael Liles from the Marlies – an extra defenseman for the Western road trip and a nice opportunity to get back among the team for Liles, who took the whole demotion thing pretty well. Likely means Kulemin will remain on LTIR for the time being.
Some links on this sunny Monday morning:
Mirtle’s piece on the opportunity Kadri has with Bozak out of the lineup
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/leafs-injuries-open-hole-for-kadri-to-shine/article15113075/
Shoalts’ post-game article on Saturday’s win over the Penguins
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/shoalts-leafs-get-shutdown-effort-from-bolland-and-phaneuf/article15103105/
TSN with a quick injury update on the Leafs
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=435154
Ulmer’s blog on MapleLeafs.com about often under-appreciated Carl Gunnarsson
http://blog.mapleleafs.com/the-invisible-man-the-carl-gunnarsson-story/
TSN’s story on the Vanek trade
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=435220