Potential defensive call-ups

As we are all well aware, the Maple Leafs aren't exactly defensive juggernauts. Defensively the Leafs are 17th in GA at 5 v. 5, this is probably where most expected this team to be, in the middle of the pack. However, as we start looking at the Maple Leafs defense while shorthanded, the sad joy we have, at being in the middle of the pack, crumbles away. The Leafs are ranked 20th in times shorthanded, this wouldn't be the end of the world (read: playoffs) if they weren't ranked 30th in power-play goals allowed. So as you may be able to tell, the Leafs are in desperate need of a hockey player that can kill a penalty, or just play defense. Let`s take a look at what Marlies players could help out the roster.

Who is the Leafs top centre this season?

Now, as we all know the search for that all elusive top line centre has been a pretty big thorn in the side of Leafs management, and fans a-like. I was wondering the other day who is our top centre, not that i`m saying we have a number one centre, but who is the best that the Toronto Maple Leafs have.

Advanced Statistics: for dummies! Corsi

This is the second installment in a series of posts, designed to introduce advanced statistics in hockey to people who don't know about them, or don't understand. You can find the first post 'Advanced Statistics: for dummies! PDO' here. 

Corsi is the next statistic i would like to touch on. This is a puck possession statistic, meaning, if you have a positive Corsi then your team theoretically has control of the puck more then the other team, while you are on the ice.

Cody Franson: To play or not to play, that is the question

One thing I think all Leafs fans have suppressed from their memories already is that Brett Lebda played "defense" for the blue and white last year, that is because, somehow Brian Burke hoodwinked Nashville's GM David Poile to take him off our hands. In return we received Matt Lombardi, who's brain wasn't fully functional yet after a hit that sidelined him for 80 games last year, and Cody Franson the "soft" offensive defenseman, who actually was a pretty damn good hockey player for the Preds in 10-11.

Advanced Statistics: for dummies! PDO

Advanced stats in hockey are not to be taken as law or gospel, but they can help confirm or deny what you're eyes see while you watch. Advanced stats are very helpful because they help us see things that our brain might not be recognising, for instance, many Leafs fans thought that Keith Aulie was Jesus on skates last year, meanwhile advanced stats tell us he was more like the water that Moses easily parted. This is not a post about Keith Aulie, but a series of posts explaining in layman's terms what advanced stats are, and why they are helpful.

Why Bobby Ryan shouldn't be a Maple Leaf

Amid the Maple Leafs fan base collective drooling over the prospect of Bobby Ryan becoming a Leaf in the next few days, I'm going to throw caution into the wind and say, I don't want him.

Why is Matt Frattin a Maple Leaf and Nazim Kadri not?

*Editors note: I am now pretending I know everything about advanced stats in hockey

Now, I don't pretend to know everything about advanced stats in hockey*. But what i do know is that it is time for Matt Frattin to become a member of the Toronto Marlies for a good chunk of time.