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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Glencross Gives Maple Leafs Options at Forward

By Alex Hobson

Earlier today, the Leafs brought in veteran winger Curtis Glencross on a professional tryout contract. It was just earlier this summer, on July 1st, when the Leafs dealt the most valuable part to their offense in Phil Kessel, that they needed tons of holes to fill on the team. Now, it's the exact opposite.

Let's get something straight. Glencross is a good player. He's not somebody like Devin Setoguchi who if he performs well and they sign him, they don't need to have him on the team. No, Glencross was a solid second and third liner on the Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames during his career. Assuming he has a good training camp and the Leafs sign him to a contract, they'll have tons of options for their forwards. They now have 14 players who are good enough to crack the roster. Here is their depth chart for the upcoming season (assuming Glencross is signed)

JVR - Kadri - Lupul
Glencross - Bozak - Parenteau
Holland - Matthias - Panik
Komarov - Spaling - Winnik
Arcobello
Beck


As you can see, the Leafs have two extra forwards. Let it be known that while they may have a few too many, they aren't contending, so having the same lineup during the year won't be a neccessity. They will most likely shift their players around and stick with whoever works. Glencross, if he performs well, could also be a trading chip at the deadline to a contending team. He generated a second round pick and a third round pick from the Washington Capitals last year, so he could easily generate that again.

The Kindersley, Saskatchewan native has shown in the past that he can score 40 points, so this will be a big move if he can make a name for himself at training camp and get himself a deal.

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