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Toronto Maple Leafs: 7 Players to Watch as Season Comes to an End

By David Morassutti

Mar 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to an official during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to an official during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Sep 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Joffrey Lupul (19) collides with Ottawa Senators right wing Tobias Lindberg (23) in the second period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Tobias Lindberg

Lindberg was a prospect the Leafs pushed hard to get in the Dion Phaneuf trade with the Ottawa Senators, and he hopes to show they were right to go after him. In 18 games with the Marlies, he has 11 points. Before that he had 22 points in 34 games with the Binghamton Senators.

What separates Lindberg from the other prospects the Leafs have is his combination of size and skill, which the Leafs do not have a lot of, particularly upfront. If there is a player on the roster Lindberg would compare to, it has to be James van Riemsdyk. The two are roughly the same size and have similar potential.

Like van Riemsdyk, Lindberg has been criticized for not using his size more to dominate the play. In an article with Sportsnet, Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe said Lindberg has the potential to be good, but it is up to him to show it.

"“The challenge for him here has been to consistently do it all the time and to trust himself, and trust his body, that he can be a dominant player all the time. “We think he’s capable of doing it a whole lot more than he’s done it. If he’s going to take the next step as a a player that’s what he’s going to have to do.”"

What Keefe believe will help Lindberg, is showing him video of his play so he can see where he can improve his play.

Next: Is Nazem Kadri A Prime Example of What's Wrong With Plus/Minus?

The AHL playoffs will be an important time for Lindberg to take a step forward in his development, but do not expect him to get a call up next season, as he is only 20 years old. If he wants to be a big part of the Leafs top six forwards group, then he has to take the necessary steps. Luckily for him, the Leafs’ rebuild affords him time to get that done.

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