The Leaf Blog: Olympic Hopefuls Aplenty In Leaf Land

There were three Maple Leafs at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Tomas Kaberle for the Czechs, Bryan McCabe for the Canadians, and Mats Sundin for the Swedes. Kaberle was his smooth self, McCabe was embarrassingly out of place, and Captain Mats captured Gold.

Four years later, ten Leafs can realistically appear in the Olympic hockey tournament. That list of ten doesn’t include Vesa Toskala, Jonas Frogren and Carl Gunnarsson — three players with no realistic shot to play for their respective countries while technically being considered for the tournament.

Here’s a summary of the Leafs to look for in Vancouver:

NIKOLAI KULEMIN – Russia
Russian forwards are known more for their flash and puck skills than for defensive prowess. Kulemin is a tireless worker and aggressive defensive player who would fit nicely on a fourth line with Evgeni Artyukhin and perhaps Sergei Fedorov. The Russians could ice four scoring lines but they need some jam that Kulemin will provide.
Likelihood of making team: 40%

FRANCOIS BEAUCHEMIN – Canada
Based on his overall play this year, Beauchemin is a real long shot to make the stud Canadian squad. Steve Yzerman has the luxury of hand-picking his defensemen from an incredibly deep talent pool, meaning only the best of the best will suit up for Canada. However, Francois has played much better hockey of late, and he always asks Ron Wilson for the toughest defensive assignments. Considering Beauchemin’s vast playoff experience with Anaheim, he’ll be considered for the final spot on defense.
Likelihood of making team: 5%

TOMAS KABERLE – Czech Republic
The shifty defender will again team up with Pavel Kubina as the top pairing for the Czechs. The Czechs are another squad who should quietly contend for a medal. Their roster should include Hejduk, Elias, Jagr, Havlat, Krejci, Erat, Plekanec, Michalek, Hudler — plenty of skilled candidates to accept Kabby’s outlet passes.
Likelihood of making team: 100%

PHIL KESSEL – United States
Talk about a shoe-in, Kessel is guaranteed a spot in the top-6, competing with Patrick “double-dime” Kane for top line right-wing duties alongside Stastny and Parise. Watching what he’s been able to do with an average supporting cast in Toronto, he could be a nightmare for the Canadians in Group A.
Likelihood of making team: 100%

MIKE KOMISAREK – United States
In keeping with the top-4/bottom-2 defense principle of Brian Burke, his team will require a couple of sturdy defensive-defensemen to round out his back end. While Brooks Orpik might be a better pure shutdown defenseman, there’s a reason Brian Burke threw so much money at the Blonde Bomber on July 1st. Expect Komisarek to make the American squad.
Likelihood of making team: 70%

JASON BLAKE – United States
Blake wasn’t invited to camp, but his game perfectly fits the mold of an Olympic bottom-6 forward. He leads the Leafs in takeaways and can chip in on the scoresheet. Blake also wore an ‘A’ for team USA at the most recent World Hockey Championships. Burke and Wilson know him well enough, but they might take a pass on Blake in favour of a younger talent.
Likelihood of making team: 20%

JONAS GUSTAVSSON – Sweden
Okay, the Monster has a real distant chance of making the Swedish team, but stranger things have happened. Both Johan Holmqvist and Mikael Tellqvist have far more NHL experience than Gustavsson, giving them the edge to be chosen for third string duties. Gustavsson does have a decided edge in that he currently plays on North American ice versus NHL talent. Tellqvist and Holmqvist are playing overseas this year, so they will require an adjustment period to sharpen up for Vancouver.
Likelihood of making team: 20%

NIKLAS HAGMAN – Finland
Hagman has elevated his status as an offensive producer, scoring at a 35 goal pace, while attracting some interest around the league as a trade target. Hagman could potentially play on the first line with Mikko Koivu and Teemu Selanne. He will be a key component of the Finnish attack.
Likelihood of making team: 100%

MIKHAIL GRABOVSKI – Belarus
Grabovski is one of two bonafide National Hockey League talents who will play for his country, Andrei Kostitsyn being the other. As seen at the World Championships this past spring, Grabovski will see as much ice time as he can physically handle in hopes of keeping up with the other skilled nations.
Likelihood of making team: 200%

MIKHAIL STEFANOVICH – Belarus
A member of the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL, Stefanovich is one of only a few Belarussians playing in North America. His 6′2” frame is a great asset, and his 49 goals in 56 games last year give you an indication of his offensive ability. He likely won’t receive prime ice time during the Olympics, but his chance for inclusion on the Belarussian squad is a development opportunity that he and Leaf management should be excited for.
Likelihood of making team: 15%

This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.