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.
Komarov has played for the Dynamo Moscow for five
of the last six years, during that time he has bounced between the Maple Leafs
and Marlies. He left the KHL to join the Maple Leafs in 2012-2013 looking to
make a splash in the big show. He played well with the Marlies with six goals
and nine points in only 14 games, before rejoining Dynamo Moscow during the
lockout. With the new CBA in place Komarov rejoined the Maple Leafs playing in
42 games scoring four goals and nine points. He rejoined Dynamo Moscow the
following season looking to earn a spot on Finnish Olympic team. Komarov made
the Finnish roster serving as an assistant captain and helping the team to the
Bronze medal in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Despite signing a deal in the KHL, Komarov resigned
with the Maple Leafs for four years worth 2.9 million every season. Komarov
came back to the Maple Leafs looking to make an immediate impact, but was
relegated to the third line. In 62 games with the Leafs he had eight goals and
26 points during the 2014-2015 capping. Despite the Leafs missing the playoffs,
Komarov returned looking more determined than ever. Under Babcock Komarov has
broken free of his physical preference on the lower lines and has taken the
place of Phil Kessel. While he is no Kessel, Komarov has become a valuable
asset for the Leafs trying help them get back into the playoff picture.
He has already shattered his previous career highs and could be on pace
for more than 60 points this season. Komarov's time in Russia likely has
attributed to his success in the league so far this season helping him mature
as a player. While there is no telling if he can remain the top tool for the
Maple Leafs in years to come one thing is for certain right now he one of a few
players who are thriving under Babcock. Only time will tell for Komarov, but
for now he remains one of a few bright spots for the Leafs his season.
No comments:
Post a Comment