Thoughts on the Toronto Maple Leafs in Pre-Season

The blog has been down for a bit, in fact long enough for someone to nick my URL, so we are tblacblog.ca instead of .com now.  
In the spirit of keeping topics open to whatever catches my fancy, I'll make some comments of the Leafs, and who I think might/should make the roster etc.  It is sadly, inevitable that I will pass over some familiar ground, but can at least give my take.  Let's go. 

The Goalies

Ilya Samsonov, who was sharp in his pre-season debut stopping 16 of 16 shots, is simply a decent one year gamble.  From clips I've seen he is good with the pads. Beyond that, is a wait and see, but with some optimism.
Now as far as Matt Murray goes, there seems to be a lot of trepidation regarding Murray because of his time in Ottawa, (the defensive stalwarts that they are), and while his numbers last year are concerning, I will point out three things that make me think we will see great things from Murray.
1. Curtis Sanford became Leaf goalie coach, and then Murray was acquired.  Not saying there might not have been other goalies on Sanford's wish list, but I think there is a strong vibe that Sanford wanted Murray.
2. As has been often mentioned, Murray has two cups to his name.  Sure he had a team with some fantastic players, but I'm sure Roberto Luongo, Henrik Lunqvist, or heck even Jack Campbell have had some great players playing in front of them and have all hoisted the cup as often as Jumbo Joe Thornton.
​3. He is from Thunder Bay. You just can't buy that of awesome.

Nick Robertson

Maybe getting into unpopular opinion territory on this one, but I think the Leafs should trade him, possibly as part of a package.  It isn't that he isn't talented, but in the words of the legendary musician Warren Zevon

​ " Some have the speed, and the right combinations, but if you can't take the punches, it don't mean a thing"
(-Boom Boom Mancini).
Obviously I am not saying Robertson should be dropping the gloves. I'm just saying that if  he did, he'd be out 4-6 weeks with a hand injury.
Seems the kind of player the Senators would grab.  Maybe even the Coyotes?  

Players I Am Most (right now at least) Excited About.

Maybe my memory is a bit off, but I seem to recall Kyle Dubas pursuing Calle Jarnkrok in the past. This fact, plus his reputation as a good, responsible two way forward, who can move the play forward makes me excited to see how he meshes.  I think that the Leafs will have a lot of options as to where to play him, which brings us to Zach Aston Reese.  
In my mind ZAR+Kampf= Stanley Cup.*  In fact I think a Jarnkrok might look great on that line. 
*With the offensive players obviously holding up their end of the bargain*

Do the Leafs Need To trade Keyser Soze -AKA Holl and the Other Usual Suspects?

While I personally think Justin Holl and Alex Kerfoot provide value for money, it all depends on what the Leafs get in return.  This is true of any and all players. Both are on the last year of their contracts (modified no trade) so a lot may depend on what sort of numbers they might be looking for on their next contract.
In theory the Leafs do need to shed some salary, so that might come via trade.
A Jake Muzzin trade gets the $5 and change, but only if Jake agrees to it.  Not to mention Muzzin is incredibly effective  when healthy.  Who knows, maybe the Leafs will parlay Muzzin's current 'back discomfort' into a stint on the LTIR? 
It's been a while since the angry mob has been after Pierre Engvall, but he too is a player who provides reasonable value, but the same time could create some sort of trade interest.  Just not sure what the Leafs could get/want in return that would be fair value other than unexciting picks and a possible cash dump.

Now of course, if you have read enough blogs about the Leafs if we package Holl, Kerfoot, Muzzin ad Engvall we get McDavid  and Draisaitl in return with the Oilers retaining 100% of their salaries. 
​I suppose the Oilers would have to throw in a couple of first rounders, right?

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Sandin?

I don't care.  I really don't. I do think that he is maybe correct in being a bit of a misfit child on the Leafs defense, in which case a trade or otherwise moving on might be the best idea.  
It's just the lack of leverage he has in gaining a contract is pretty similar to what the Leafs would have in trying to trade the right to sign him.
Is his potential worth this Nylander sized hold out headache?  

Will the Leafs win a Playoff Round (or Even the Stanley Cup)?

That is a hard no.  Not unless Sheldon Keefe reads this blog and uses the line combinations I suggest throughout the year.  
Other than that it is not a useful question.  Can't know until the season is over.  
Now if you wanted to increase the Leaf's chances, as well as do me a solid, my sister's dog writes a blog.
It's pretty darn good (smart dog!) and I think you might enjoy it.  I'd appreciate if you gave it a read and maybe gave it a share or two.  (it's  on 1.1k shares right now. Let's see if we can move the needle!!! 1.2k? 1.5k?)
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Callum Border Collie and His Autistic Human
The blog was started after losing our mom, and my sister's lifetime caregiver to cancer two years ago today.
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