|
KULEMIN, TLUSTY LOSE THEIR SPOTS, SUNDIN RETIRES |
|
|
|
|
|
Per Sportsnet:
The odd men out at this point are Nikolai Kulemin and Jiri Tlusty. Both came into camp with jobs to lose and, at least for now, have lost them.
"They haven't earned a spot," Wilson said of the pair. "Other people have played ahead of them. We've got plenty of veterans up front. You look at what Stalberg has done is knock Kulemin off one of the top two lines."
Another guy who fell just short of making the team is Tyler Bozak. While he did open a lot of eyes during camp, there's simply not enough room for him to begin the season with the big club, leaving Wilson with few options.
This may be the best thing for the Leafs and Bozak. Wherever he plays, Bozak must get premium icetime to take advantage of his abundant skills. At this point, Ron Wilson does not think that Bozak can top Mikhail Grabovski or Matt Stajan as one of the team's top two centers. When he is sent down, he will assume the duties of the Marlies No. 1 center. If anyone falters or gets injured, Bozak will be up in a flash.
The expectations tied to Tlusty were high, based on his success at the AHL level last season where he scored 20+ goals. That success still has not translated to the NHL game.
Kulemin has proven he has NHL-level talent, but his lack of consistency has been his downfall. If both are sent down, this may just be a wake up call for both of them, but they also could be candidates to be moved for players that fit more in Ron Wilson's plans.
**** According to Fan 590, Mats Sundin is holding a press conference in Sweden this morning announcing his retirement. Congratulations to Mats on a great career, his exodus from Toronto left a bad taste in some people's mouths, but that does not diminish the fact that he was a great Leaf.
Listen to Leaf Buzz tomorrow night at 7:30 on Talkshoe.com id 20944, we will be joined by Eklund and HNIC host Jeff Marek for a preview of the regular season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»