Leo Komarov: the leafs diamond in the rough

It's been a tough couple of years for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, they have been rebuilding for what feels like forever. The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2011 when they fell apart in game seven against the Boston Bruins. But they have finally found a decent foundation for them to build on, and his name is Leo Komarov.  Komarov has found a home on the Leafs first line under new head coach Mike Babcock. Komarov a veteran of international play has brought new life to a young Leafs team looking for some offense.  Under the new coaching staff Komarov has become an all-star, the 29 year-old has bounced around the past few years. He has played in the KHL, AHL, and the NHL before finding his place on the Leafs top line. So far this season he has 16 goals and 31 points to lead the Leafs in scoring. 

Jaromir Jagr: the ageless wonder

One of the biggest stories of the season has been 43-year-old Jaromir Jagr who has found new life with the young Florida Panthers. Since entering the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins Jagr has more than lived up to his first round pick status. Jagr is a two time Stanley Cup champion playing on the great Penguins teams of the 90's along side Mario Lemieux. He is a 13-time all-star with the latest selection coming this year, with him captaining the Atlantic Division all-star team in the 3-on-3. He has done absolutely everything there is to do in professional hockey also winning five Art Ross trophies, the 1999 Hart memorial trophy, and three Lester B. Pearson Awards. He is also one of only 26 players to ever win a Stanley Cup, a World Championship, and Olympic Gold in Men’s Ice Hockey over his career. 

Can the Toronto Maple Leafs deal Jonathan Bernier

Earlier today, it came out that the Toronto Maple Leafs have started to shop goaltender Jonathan Bernier. While this should come as a surprise to no one, it still raises the question can they really trade him? Bernier has posted a 6-12-3 record in 21 games for the Leafs, along with a .899 save percentage and 3.13 goals against average. After struggling right out of the gate, Bernier lost his starting role to James Reimer who has stepped up his game since last season. When Reimer was out injured, coach Mike Babcock decided that Bernier shouldn't be trusted to take over the starting role in net. Instead, The Leaf's rookie Garret Sparks was called up and made an instant impact going 3-1-1 in 5 games with a .915 save percentage. During this time Bernier was sent down to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL for a conditioning stint. Bernier was 0-8-1 at the time he was sent down and was looking to get back on track.

John Scott the NHL's unlikely all-star

John Scott's run in the NHL has been mediocre at best, he is giant enforcer who can barley keep up with the slowest NHL players. Scott's style of play is quickly being eradicated from the NHL and the hockey world for good. Fighting is dying and players like Scott are quickly realizing that they have been thrown into the wrong era of professional hockey. Scott has made a career off of being the scary enforcer who is never afraid to fight. In his nine year NHL career he has five goals and 11 points in 285 career games. He also has 542 career penalty minutes in the regular season, and 22 in the playoffs with the Blackhawks. Scott has also been suspended by the NHL two separate times by the NHL for a total of 11 games. Most causal fans know Scott as the goon who threatened to "jump" Phil Kessel causing a huge line brawl in the Leafs and Sabers preseason game a few years ago. 

How two goalies this season have redefined the way we look at the ECHL

For years the ECHL was a league of goons and the last resort for older players slowing down just looking for a few more years in the game. But as the ECHL has grown and teams have started aligning with NHL and AHL teams the league has grown. 528 players have made the NHL from the ECHL in their history. There have ben many players that cycle in and out, but two goalies this season have help redefine the way team should look at their ECHL affiliates. Garret Sparks and Mike Condon are just latest two former ECHLers to come up and make an impact for their NHL team. 

Why the Predators shouldn't have traded Seth Jones

On Wednesday the Columbus Blue Jackets traded superstar Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for former 4th overall pick Seth Jones. Johansen has been on newly hired head coach John Tortorella's chopping block since he was hired in late October. Torts has battled with with the young star since coming to the Blue Jackets. His early comments about the center included that he was "out of shape". Torts also scratched Johansen in early December to "reset the superstar".