Toronto Maple Leafs: Questions Left to Be Answered in 2016

With many changes made in 2015 the Toronto Maple Leafs need to build off their new-found success in building a strong front office and hopefully translate that into a strong team on the ice.

There was no telling what Brendan Shanahan had in store when he took over as president at the end of the 2013-14 season. Then after seeing his team go through a disastrous second half of the 2014-15 season he knew big changes would be needed to turn this franchise around.

Enter Mike Babcock, one of the top coaches in the NHL, and Lou Lamoriello the GM who drafted him and built a strong team in New Jersey. The team has finally made more of a commitment to drafting and developing players thanks to the hard work of Mark Hunter. Kyle Dubas has built a strong developmental system with the Toronto Marlies, bringing in Sheldon Keefe in order to maximize the number of prospects that will be NHL ready.

Then there is the optimism with young players like William Nylander, Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly who the organization believe can lead them in their plan to make the Leafs a powerhouse team. There are still many question left to be answered in 2016, however, which could help move the rebuild forward if things go their way.

Here’s a look at a few questions the Toronto Maple Leafs will have to answer in 2016.

Will They Trade Leo Komarov?

On a recent segment on TSN radio, Darren Dreger argued that the Leafs should look at moving Komarov because his value skyrocketed this season and the organization should try to get as much out of him now. Dreger also said that if the Leafs did not move Komarov then they would not be sticking to their plan to rebuild.

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Now, there are good reasons to trade Komarov and reasons why they should not. As Dreger pointed out the value for Komarov is at an all-time high and many teams could use a player like Komarov. He has shown that he can produce on offensive, play responsible defence, is not afraid to lay a hit, and is a versatile player.

For years under Randy Carlyle Komarov was used in a third line checking role and played a key role on the penalty kill. But Babcock saw more potential in Komarov and put him on the top line. While many people did not expect Komarov to produce as a top line player, people should not forget that Komarov played on the top line in the KHL and was a top-six forward on the Finland National team. There is no guarantee that Komarov can sustain the success that he has had this season but teams will look at all the different things that Komarov offers and may be willing to pay a good price to acquire him.

The advantage that the Leafs have is the fact that they can take their time in deciding whether to move Komarov. They have him signed at a bargain contract that pays him another two seasons at $2.95 million which is why I do not agree with the idea that the Leafs need to move Komarov at the deadline.

Usually teams do not pay top dollar at the trade deadline for a player like Komarov because he would not be a rental player. If Komarov was a rental player than numerous teams would be calling the Leafs with offers, there are probably some calling now but probably not with anything substantial. The other case to keep Komarov around is to have someone be a role model for the young players because his work ethic is something that Babcock praises constantly. While a trade for Komarov may be possible, it seems unlikely because of the intangibles that he brings to the club, which would be tough to replace.

Next: Will the Leafs Pursue Steven Stamkos in Free Agency?