Lineup Talk I – Who Should Centre Phil Kessel?

Posted by Jeff Veillette on 06 Nov 2009 / 0 Comment

Lineup Talk is a daily series run by Jeff to figure out, in his opinion, the ideal lines of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

So what we saw in the last game against Tampa Bay was obvious – Phil Kessel is the star sniper we’ve been waiting for for a very long time, and have been rewarded with nearly 20 years of career left instead of the usual MLSE plan of 3. With that said, the Leafs have an issue with Mr. Supershots. Not exactly with him himself, but with who he’s going to play with. Specificially in the centre position. You see, the Leafs don’t have a definitive first line centre right now. And its not in the Sakic vs. Forsberg, Malkin vs. Crosby sense where we have a few studs going against each other. No, we have a bunch of second and third liners who are fighting for the honor of playing with arguably the best shooter in the entire division. So here are the options, and their respective strengths and weaknesses, ordered by their current position in the depth chart according to Ron Wilson.

1. John Mitchell

Strengths: Mitchell is very good at playing two way hockey, and is also quite quick. He displays total effort during all times of the game, and knows what it means to earn their spot, rising from the Marlies checking line to as of two days ago the Leafs first line in less than 36 months.

Weaknesses: While quite good both ways, being a two way player does NOT correllate into being a top line player if he doesn’t have at least second line abilities on average. This defintely is Mitchell’s issue. His production comes from grit, not talent, which gives it a high tenancy to fail often when the defenceman facing you becomes Zdeno Chara instead of Andrew Ference, so to say. Mitchell has a very high tendency to try and go for the big deke instead of making the simple play for some reason this year, which isn’t good when #81 is right beside you, waiting for the puck, much more able to do what you’re trying to do. Quite simply, he’s a 3rd liner offensively and he’s quite good defensively. Suited to the 3rd line role rather than where he is now. And to top it all off, he’s an RFA next year and seeing a Dominic Moore situation again would be outrageous.

2. Matt Stajan

Strengths: Very good defensively. Can show flashes of being a top six forward, with occasional top line play. Stands up for his teammates. Pending UFA so a stat boost would be money come the trade deadline. Apparently quite good in the dressing room, and with off ice issues (he’s the players rep for the Leafs at NHLPA meetings). Occasionally shows some vision. Fairly solid in the faceoff circle.

Weaknesses: Actually is a third liner with inflated stats due to a Poni – Stajan – Blake hot streak early in the year, plays a game better suited to the wing. Very average speed, which is an issue when Kessel is one of the fastest skaters in the entire league. Usually either gets the extra penalty or the crap beat of of him when he attempts to stand up for his teammates. Has played a game with Kessel already and looks absolutely atrocious with him. UFA next year, so if the team wants to keep him, we’re paying out the ass for a low second, early third line talent. Hands of absolute stone, can’t make the play to pass to Kessel.

3. Mikhail Grabovski

Strengths: He’s fast, he’s creative, and he actually has raw talent. He’s signed to a 3 year contract at a reasonable 2.95M cap hit. He’s shown massive signs of improvement this year, and is known to be very cooperative with coaches. Will do practically anything to earn his minutes.

Weaknesses: Still needs to work on his defensive game, and though he’s been the second coming of Yanic Perreault the last few weeks, was horrid at faceoffs in the first 80 games he played as a Leaf. Known for being puck possessive.

4. Wayne Primeau

Strengths: Very good defensively, brings veteran prescence to roster. Quite good at faceoffs. Was part of the odd series of events that got us Kessel, so its sort of fitting.

Weaknesses: Very weak offensively, will not be with the team for long (even if re-upped, he’s getting there age wise). Too slow to keep up with Phil.

5. Rickard Wallin

Strengths: Leader, penalty killing specialist. Pretty fast, can pitch in in all aspects of the game.

Weaknesses: Not close to top liner offensively, more of a good third liner. Aging and on the last year of his contract. Plays better on LW than he does at centre.

6. Tyler Bozak

Strengths: Very fast. Good at both ends of the ice. Has 2 year contract. Close to Phil’s age. Great vision and solid playmaker.

Weaknesses: Has a severe lack of experience (1GP in his career), and has a cap hit of 3.8M, meaning Finger or Blake would have to be sent down to make space for him. Wait, if its Blake, is that a weakness?

centre

So, who is it going to be? Some people have distinct advantages over others, while some have crippling disadvantages. Here is my ranking.

6. Wayne Primeau

The speed thing is just way too crippling to get over, and he’ll never again be more than a 4th line centre.

5. John Mitchell

He plays as if he’s better than he is, which can lead to a lot of issues in the long run. Also good to keep him at a play level to keep his salary reasonable for now.

4. Rickard Wallin

Would be better if he could step up his offensive game. I could see Wilson putting Kessel on the PK if he can improve his defensive play, and thats where Wallin will get his minutes with him.

3. Matt Stajan

Really, the chemistry just doesn’t work here. The only reason to keep them together would be to boost his trade value.

2. Tyler Bozak

Suits the role almost perfectly, but salary is a definite issue. The team would have to put someone on waivers, which may be a good thing, depending on who it is. I’m all for it if it gets Jason Blake onto the Marlies, but at the same time, other options should be looked at before waivers in case of a need to recall and having to eat half the salary.

1. Mikhail Grabovski

By far the best option without salary and roster complications. He suits all the roles that are needed, and is willing to adapt his play to keep his ice time. Don’t believe he could do the job? Just watch him with the much lesser but still awesome Niklas Hagman.