Make, Break or Meet your Maker

Hey Team, I want to start a new comments rating system. So after every one of my post leave a number from 1-10, 10 being highest, and why you chose that number so I can improve. Anyways…



The leafs roster this year has quite a few question marks attached to it. Players who have a “make or break season” that are on their last straw ether with the team or the whole league to prove they belong. Here they are…



Ian White hasn’t been much more than a 7th d-man his whole career. With the current logjam on the blueline, somebody’s going to be the odd man out. But, let’s get to know him a bit first. He was drafted 191st overall in 2002, but it wasn’t until the 06-07 season white got ice time with the club. Fairing quite well in his rookie campaign white produced three goals and 23 assists for 26 points. His second season was at best a disappointment, toppled with his DUI, White somewhat fell out of favor in Leafland. Add that to Ian’s small stature and playing style that seems to be the exact opposite of what RW is looking for. Also, the leafs already have 9 NHL defensemen signed at this time and one could be dealt any day so, some could say this is a make or break preseason for Mr. Ian White with his career as a leaf in the balance.



Mikhail Grabovsky, the speedy center acquired from the habs for a second rounder and prospect this offseason, has a lot of offensive upside. Drafted 150th overall, Mikhail soon got frustrated with lack of playing time in Montreal and therefore was dealt. I don’t see this as a make or break skill wise because he is still only 24 and has basically no experience to speak of, and still has to become responsible in his own end. I call him a make or break because, I think if things don’t work out for him with the Blue & White he will defect to the KHL like so many players have done recently. Stories out of Montreal have Grabovsky purposely missing his flight to miss a game, so we know he has a short fuse, and in a place like Toronto things can turn sour real fast. But, I hope I’m wrong.


Justin Pogge of WJC gold fame was taken 90th overall in 2004. A lot of promise, Pogge is rated as a 8B on HockeysFuture. His first year as the unquestioned starter for the Marlies, Justin has a lot to prove. I don’t think this is a make or break for his career. No, the question here is, is Justin Pogge the next great Maple Leafs goaltender? Yes, this year will probably determine that. And even if it doesn’t work out I still see a promising career as a goalie journeyman. But, if he does work out he could become the starter as soon as this season. If he plays absolutely solid maybe we could see fletch deal Vesa and start Pog’s the rest of the season.


Another one is Carlo and if he is truly “The Man of Glass”.


Side note: Has anyone seen the new Beverly Hills 90210?