In the second part of what I can only assume is my much-anticipated plan for the Leafs I will examine what the Leafs need to do moving forward. Now hold on, I know what you’re thinking “But Ryan, you’re insight is so coveted, why give it away for free?!”. Well, I’m just that nice of a guy.

The Goalie Situation
We stopped playing Russian Roulette in net when we dumped Raycroft. Toskala is a solid starter who can play many games. To fill the back-up position I think its time we give Justin Pogge a few games with the big boys. Bring him up and have him back-up Toskala this season.

Defence
Not a whole lot needs to be done defensively, aside from remaining healthy. We still have a solid core of defence in Kaberle, McCabe (I predict a rebound from last season), Coliacavo (protect that glass jaw!), Kubina, White, and Krohnwall. I think we have a solid up-and-coming defense core with some proven older guys to lead the way. I can’t express how happy I am to be without Hal Gill. He looked just as useless with Pittsburgh who somehow managed to make the finals despite being held down by this enormous bag of useless.

Offence
This is where we need the help. Although it would be nice if Sundin came back (he’s definitely worth the $7 million price tag) it doesn’t appear as if that is likely at the moment. So that leaves us with two players who I believe can be consistent offensive threats: Antropov and Blake. Antropov had a stellar year while Blake slumped. I’m expecting good things from them this year.

After those two we’re left with a roster that is begging for help. Mostly consisting of younger players that have shown promise at times but have yet to prove that they are people you can count on. So, who do we get to boost the roster?

Corey Perry is a RFA with Anaheim this year. He may not be available at all depending on whether Selanne and Niedermayer decide to resign. If they don’t resign you better believe that Anaheim will be keeping him around. Last season Brian Burke lost his lid when Edmonton stole on of his players in hockey’s equivalent to a hostile takeover. He’d probably be pissed again, but he can get over it fast enough when he’s GM of the Leafs next year

Craig Conroy is an UFA this year and would be a solid second line forward.

Sticking with Calgary, Kristian Huselius is also an UFA come July 1. With 25 goals and 41 helpers in 81 games last season it is clear he has the ability to score.

Jason Williams from the Blackhawks scored 13 goals with 23 assists in 43 games last season. Without putting that big of a dent on the salary cap, this would be a good acquisition. In fact, none of the players I have mentioned so far took in more then $2 million last season.

Andrew Brunette from Colorado put in 19 goals with 40 assists last season. Also under $2 million last season.

Pavol Demitra has been a proven 20-30 goal scorer. He’s coming off a bad season, netting only 15. He might be someone we can pick up at a discount. He’s an UFA out of Minnesota this season.

Also out of Minnesota is Brian Rolston. He’s coming off 3 consecutive 30 goal seasons and is expecting a bump in pay from his previous 2.5 million. I think he’s worth the investment as a bonafide scoring threat.

The most controversial player in the NHL… hated by most, but I love him. Sean Avery is on the market this season and I would LOVE to see him in Toronto. He may be a dick, but he helps his team win. Him and Blake would need to kiss and make up before playing together. Avery would not only help the team win, but he is as entertaining as they come.

Again out of New York is Martin Straka who is coming off disappointing season. Along with Demitra he could be a player we could pick up on the cheap and still expect a lot out of him.

We should get Jim Dowd. He’s no big deal, but his name is fun to say. Try it, in a deep voice: Jim Dowd

Out of Phoenix Radim Vrbata had a career season. We may have to pony up to get him, but he can put the puck in the net and is a one-person highlight reel.

Finally, Brendan Morrison could be a big name the Leaf’s can bring in if Sundin doesn’t come back. A proven winner and yet another person who can put the puck away, he would certainly be welcome by all.

Alright Fletcher, now you have the Cliff notes (good lord I am hilarious). Go to work.