Leaf Predictions

Yes another rabid leafs fan makes predictions for 2013-2014 season.rnrn Morgan Reilly:rnrn We all want to see him in the blue and white, and we will for the rookie tourney in London, and most likely for 9 games on the big team. Unless Morgan topples over all the other defensemen in training camp he will be returned to junior.rnrn Nazem Kadri:rnrn Expect a bridge contract to be made here, a long term contract unless its at 3.5 per for 6 years makes no sense for a guy who did very well in a shortened season, and disappeared for a stretch near the end. I expect 2 years at around 2.5-3 mill per.rnrnCody Franson:rnrn I suspect his blue and white days are behind him, his salary expectations are a bit high from what i understand and he is only worth at most 3.5 per on a 4 year deal. This does not jive with the leafs cap hit. Look for him to be moved west, with Anaheim , Colorado, or Calgary being the best fir for him. Probably a mid level prospect and a third in return. Leaf fans put a big value on their players that is too much for a team to reach. If we were shopping Bernier he would be worth 3 firsts in the fans eyes.rnrn Goalie Controversy:rnrn Not really a controversy here, its pretty simple, the guy who fares best in training camp will be starting and the other waiting for them to fail. By the end of the season look for Bernier to be the reg starter and Reimer shipped out for draft picks. Kind of sad to me as I think Reimer earned a little more for his GAA last year, but Nonis is putting his stamp on the team and unless Bernier fails this is inevitable.rnrn David Clarkson:rnrn Fans will never get what they want from Clarkson, as they will expect too much, he is a quality player with a decent not great contract, and his skating is sub par. Most likely there to create room for Kadri. I expect 25 goals and some highlight reel hits and fights. He will not be the saviour ala Wendel that we all wish him to be.rnrn Kessel and Phaneuf Contracts:rnrn Kessel will be locked up prooir to the Christams break and Phaneuf most likely after the season, he doesnt want to go to free agency and wishes to remain a leaf. Kessel look for the 8 mill range and 8 years which is fair value. The leafs will want Dion to take a hit too stay and he most likely will, but it will still be in the 6-7 mill range 4-6 years.rnrn Jake Gardiner:rnrn I expect a slow start again, but the kid has game and Randy will bring it out in him or he sits and becomes trade bait.rnrn Lupul:rnrn 55 Games, He just wants it allso bad and gives it every night.rnrn JVR:rnrn 25 Goals and will keep everyone wanting more.rnrnRookies:rn rnGranberg will make it full time by Feb 1 if not right away, he will be the first call up until he is fulltime, when that happens expect Blacker to get a shake and be the first call up.rnAshton will be the first call up from the Marlies on Forward.rnrnTrades:rnrn If we are looking as if we go deep in the playoffs I expect only Kulemin to move. If we are squeeking in I expect Kulemin to stay. They will want him for a deep run on a weaker squad. McClement may be the odd man out with Bolland here, its sad to say but Bolland play will dictate Jays next contract and visa versa. If both are reasonable and play well then they both stay. I expect come Dec and Mid Feb that Nonis will want to add some depth on the D. Names to look at here are Zidlicky, N Shultz, Hjarlmarrson, Robidas, Sarich, Butler, Hunwick, Russell, Grebeshkov, Fayne , Weaver,Benoit, Smith.rnrn Thanks for reading look forward to your polite comments.rnrnMrnrnrnrn