Toronto Maple Leafs still deciding over James Reimer, Ben Scrivens to take opening spot -NHL Update
Probably the most inactive big name clubs of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) offseason was without a doubt the Toronto Maple Leafs. The only blockbuster move they were involved in and attempted to be in was acquiring James van Riemsdyk from Philadelphia
Flyers in trade of Luke Schenn.
What remains now for the Toronto Maple Leafs is deciding on whether James Reimer will be their number one in net during the opening night of the 2012-2013 NHL regular season or if it will be Ben Scrivens to take the top spot.
Changing goalies around during the season just creates a bad impression on the goaltenders, so it will be most likely Toronto’s main objective of securing someone in the starting role beforehand.
Reimer was drafted as the 99th overall during round-four of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by Toronto Maple Leafs. The Morweena, Manitoba, Canada native has proved to be a young goalie with a lot of potential, but unleashing that potential is something
that the world is yet to see.
Last season was especially up and down for the 24-year-old as he maintained a .900 save percentage and 3.10 goals-against average in 34 games he played in.
Ben Scrivens, on the other hand, was not much different in terms of statistics but also played a lot loss than his counterpart. The 25-year-old, undrafted player from Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada, appeared in 12 matchups, had a 3.13 goals-against average
and .903 save percentage.
Setting the opening night goalie is one thing on the things that Toronto has to do this offseason. The next one will be which role James van Riemsdyk fits into as the former Flyers winger is not set to become a centre for Maple Leafs, most likely with Phil
Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.
Their group of young players like Nazem Kadri, Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner are some that Toronto has high hopes for and next season will definitely be one in which they will get to prove their worth and abilities.
Toronto was number-three in terms of being worst in penalty killing with Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks leading the way. Improving in that department is also crucial to their success next season.
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