Leaf of the Day: Volume 11 - Leo Komarov

By Alex Hobson

The Leafs have lacked a true fan favourite since Tie Domi in the early 2000's, but they have somebody who's on the road to being the next. That man's name is Leo Komarov. What's not to love about Uncle Leo? He plays with tons of heart and gives 110% each and every game, he'll always be throwing around the body, and he can even pitch in points at a steady pace. Last year, he had put up 16 points in 22 games on the third line before taking a hit to the head from Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin. Komarov is the type of player you want on a cup winning team. Sadly, the Leafs won't be a contending team until Komarov's contract expires, but hopefully Leafs management will re-sign him to stick around and provide grit and a scoring touch to the lineup in three years.

Komarov was drafted by the Leafs in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in the 6th round, but he didn't make his debut in the blue and white until the shortened 2012-13 season. However, as soon as he did, he was loved instantly by Leafs fans due to his hearty style of play and his willingness to throw the body. He left to play in the KHL for the 2013-14 season, but returned the following year and stated that if he was going to the NHL, he would want to play for the Leafs and the Leafs only. The Estonian born, Russian raised, Finland native can speak four languages and is also a treat to watch on the piano, as shown below.

In general, everyone loves Leo. Some say that his contract is a little too much, but $2.95 million for the next three years for a player who cares more about the team than anyone else and gives his all every game, I think it's a bargain for him. He can play every position on any line, and you can rely on him in pressure situations.

STATUS: SAFE

Komarov is not neccesarily untouchable, but there's really no reason for Leafs management to feel the need to deal him to another team. He has a relatively cheap contract and you can rely on him to give his all and produce a decent amount of points when he's on the ice. Komarov should stay in a Leafs uniform for the next few years.

2015-16 ROLE: 3RD LINE FORWARD/UTILITY FORWARD

As stated earlier, Komarov can fit anywhere in the lineup. He can play centre as well as both wings, and while he might not produce like a first liner when on the first line, he could still slot in and look alright doing it. That being said, the most likely situation for Uncle Leo is the third line. A safe, checking line likely to be featured with players along the lines of Shawn Matthias, Taylor Beck, Nick Spaling, etc. with scoring touch to it as well.

What do you think of Komarov, Leafs fans? Should he stick around during the rebuild or should we deal him? Leave your opinion below.