Welcome Back, Toskala + The Future of Justin Pogge

Posted 8:11 PM ET | Comments 4

Vesa Toskala has reclaimed his role as the Leafs' top player.

Similar to last season, Toskala got off to a slow start, struggling to provide his team with solid goaltending. Looking at how the defense has performed this season, consistent goaltending is a necessity.

But have no fear, Toskala is here... finally.

The re-emergence of the Finnish goaltender is not only good news for his teammates, but to Brian Burke and the expanding brass of ''Tank Nation''.

While the goaltending of Toskala will ensure more W's, it will also raise his value. After all, the NHL Trade Deadline is on the horizon, and even without Mats Sundin it's going to be an interesting time for the Buds. Will Burke opt to trade long-time Maple Leaf Tomas Kaberle? How about defenseman Pavel Kubina? Is Nikolai Antropov's time as a Leaf coming to an end? But, pertaining to the context of the blog, the real question is whether or not Toskala will be serving as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs come March 4th.

If Toskala is traded, it would be unwise of the Leafs to appoint Curtis Joseph as the starting goaltender. A much more viable option would be to call-up goaltending prospect Justin Pogge.

While many have argued that such a move could rattle the confidence of the 22-year old, playing for the Leafs for a couple months would be beneficial to his development in contrast to serving on the Toronto Marlies, who are currently ranked 11th place in the AHL's Western Conference.

Playing for the Marlies will progress his development no further. The time is now (well, March 4th) for the Leafs to deploy another one of their top prospects to the big league.

Unlike previous seasons, the Leafs are now in the midst of rebuilding. Inserting Pogge in the later stages of the rebuilding phase seems counter-productive to their future. At the very least, he must be a member of the team by next season. If not, his confidence could be affected, and as proven by Toskala earlier this year, confidence is a crucial aspect between the pipes.

This all hinges on the play of Toskala, however, so I speak for all of Leaf Nation (and Tank Nation) when I say:

Keep it up, Vesa!

Filed Under: Leafs Toskala Pogge Burke hockey

teflonsteve

December 17, 2008 3:31 PM ET | Delete
Pogge needs his confidence rattled. I am sick of this team coddling Pogge. He is have a mediocre year in the AHL this year and many are saying he doesnt look motivated. Lets get him up here and get him in some games.

pecafan

December 18, 2008 1:50 PM ET | Delete
Who says that the Leafs trade anyone away for a rebuild if they are winning do you actually think Burke would trade away the team and rip apart chemistry if there is a chance to make the playoffs or for that matter they are already sitting in a spot comfortably enough to make them anyways?

vernon16

December 18, 2008 2:25 PM ET | Delete
Are you serious Pecafan? The Rebuild era has been declared, and you admitted that, but why would Burke and the Leafs organization push to make playoffs when its obvious they would only make a first round exit. Thats saying they would make the playoffs, which they wont. The past three years they've tried making the playoffs, fell short each time and came out with nothing to show for, with the exception of Schenn. They cannot afford to beat around the bush and pretend theyre a playoff team any longer when its obvious they arent, hence the Rebuilding Era! Toronto's vets like Kaberle, Antropov, Poni and a few others do not fit in with Burkes rebuilding plans so how can you say what you said? Give your head a shake.

Leafer_84