Stralman Takes A Step Forward
May 17th, 2008 by SteveIn what was easily Canada’s biggest test thus far at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Sweden may have found another young star.
In a tightly fought contest, between the world’s top ranked team and the host nation (yes that’s right Sweden is the top ranked hockey nation in the World by the IIHF), Anton Stralman stepped forward as one of the most important contributors for the team in blue, in a losing cause. Considering the fact that the only star power Sweden could rightfully claim, came in the form of Henrik Lundqvist, and Nicklas Backstrom, and neither of those players dominated… it was nice to see a Leaf prospect step up and grab the ring.
Lundqvist was pulled after 2 periods for allowing 5 goals on 27 shots, giving way to another former Leaf in backup net minder Mikael Tellqvist. Backstrom had 0 points and didn’t register a shot until the 3rd period. Anton Stralman on the other hand, contributed 2 goals. The first was scored with less than a minute left in the 1st period, to tie the score at 1-1. His second goal was equally important, knotting the score at 2-2 halfway through the 2nd period.
Though the Swedes lost, Stralman and the Leafs should consider this game a large step in the right direction. He led the team with 2 goals, a +2 rating, and was second on the team in overall ice-time, playing 21:41 against a very strong Canadian line-up. Unfortunately he took 2 minor penalties, which contributed to the 1st and 2nd Canadian markers respectively, but considering the players he was defending against, he frankly fared relatively well.
Between Stralman, Kaberle, Colaiacovo, White, Kubina, and McCabe, the Leafs now have what could easily be termed a plethora of offensive defense men. Kaberle and Stralman are leading their respective defensive units in scoring at the WHC with 9 and 7 points respectively. Colaiacovo, White, Kubina, and McCabe are also all capable of scoring at a high rate. The real problem the Leafs face in the future is DEFENSIVE ability and positional play. They lack a “shut down” defensive pairing in the mold of Phillips and Volchenkov. Not to say that’s entirely necessary. Personally I think if the right coach is brought in and puts a solid defensive system in place, and gets the forwards to buy into it, the D on the Leafs will improve drastically. If their PK can step up, and they collapse in front of the net more, their goals against should drop. But that’s just me looking in my crystal ball.
Another idea would be for the Leafs to consider trading one of their younger offensive D men (i.e. White or Colaiacovo) and see what they could get in exchange on the front end. Considering the way Jay Harrison is playing for the Marlies, he should certainly get a look next season. Perhaps the Leafs cupboard isn’t as bare as the mass media would have us think?
Posted in Prospects
6 Responses to “Stralman Takes A Step Forward”
By Marco on May 17, 2008
Kubina is likely going to be traded, White could go too, keep Cola as you won’t get anything for him, but pencil him in as the 7th guy because frankly its nuts to expect a full season.
McCabe’s the wild card because he could be traded out if they bug him enough, he totally looks disinterested in Toronto
I like the idea of Harrison getting another chance, not to mention they are grooming Oresekovic (tough SOB) and then if Sundin goes, John Mitchell deserves a chance on this team in my opinion.
By dan on May 17, 2008
I agree. If they can move McCabe, they’ll have enough cap room to make some moves. The team has to remember that not all moves have to be made during the off season, sometime mid season trades or deadline trades are worth while as well. And it gives you a crack at signing a good free agent for the following year. But McCabe is truely the wild card, get rid of his salary and your still fine on the back end, if he stay’s, then limit his mins. and make him earn more ice time. It made a diffence down the stretch and Kabina was a lot better for the additional mins. I’d think anyone would keep Kabina over McCabe any day of the week - less money, more talent, and less years on the deal.
By Marco on May 18, 2008
All of those things are true, its just that Kubina CAN be traded.
By Steve on May 18, 2008
Unfortunately Dan, those are the exact reasons why Kubina is a marketable asset, and McCabe is not. Not to mention the fact that he has a No Movement Clause. We’re pretty much stuck with him for another few years. I think the best bet to get rid of him next year is for the fans to give him the Larry Murphy treatment until he demands they send him ANYWHERE but Toronto. If we Keep Kubina he can fill the role he should be in, and rip McCabe every chance you get Leafs fans.
What irks me is, back when they signed Kubina, I can remember telling my buddies over and over again that we needed to let McCabe walk and sign Kubina so he could play with his Czech D partner Kaberle. I still feel vindicated by how things have panned out, it just galls me to watch the team implode with that salary being sucked up by McCabe.
By dan on May 19, 2008
All this could be for not. There isn’t much of a market for him. I mean McCabe, as brutal as he has been, can still play in this league. He’s just over paid and should be more like a 3rd or 4th D for the team. Now, depending on who the new coach is, they may be able to get more out of Brian than Paul was able to. It is easier to teach defence than offence. So school him. Dangle a carrot in front of him.
Best case would be to trade him for nothing.
Come on off season. This soap opera is slowly being played out - suspense….
Steve, thanks for all the great info, I really enjoy your blog.