A Chance, But Not the Only Chance

Presumably, the Maple Leafs have recalled Justin Pogge to have a look at him this time, not just jerk the kid around.

That's what they did last year when, with the team on a west coast swing, Pogge was hurriedly recalled from the Marlies and told to meet the team in San Jose. He caught a flight, rushed into town, took the morning skate and then didn't even dress for the game.

Right after, he was sent back.

Boy, that must have been a satisfying experience.

But at least the Leafs learned whether he could catch a flight, right?

Idiotic, is what is was, and so was making him watch for almost the entire AHL post-season while Scott Clemmensen played, which became even more idiotic when Clemmensen was unceremoniously dumped after the season so Curtis Joseph could become the latest in a long string of Leafs to have a second tour of duty in Toronto.

Well, now Pogge's back. Nobody knows if he's ready, but you can't say the Leafs haven't been patient with the young netminder.

In fact, after a tradition built on rushing kids to the NHL, it remains rather remarkable (peculiar?) that Pogge stands out as a prospect given time to develop in the minors.

One wonders if, for example, a young player like Alex Steen might have benefitted from a similar apprenticeship.

But back to Pogge.

Hopefully they'll actually let him play this time. Forget Joseph. Pogge should be in the net tonight against Atlanta and tomorrow against Dallas.

So what if he bombs? It's the start of getting an idea whether he can play in the NHL, and that's what this season should be about for any number of players.

If you're going to take a hard look at Jaime Sifers and Jeremy Williams, might as well take a hard look at Pogge, too.

We're past the point, folks, where you should worry about wrecking the kid by rushing him to the big league's too fast, right? After all, he's 22, not 19. The AHL is very different from the NHL, more scrambly to be sure, and it might be that Pogge will find the style of play more helpful to his game.

But who knows?

If he doesn't play well in this stint and has to go to the minors, well, hopefully the Leafs will give him another shot somewhere down the road.

See, this doesn't have to be a make-or-break opportunity for Pogge. It's just a chance.

Comments

[krableggs]

It was not a mistake to play Clemmenson in last year's AHL playoffs. Pogge played in 4 of the Marlies 19 playoff games with 1W and 1L. If Pogge was the better goalie he would have played. His "development" was not more important than letting Williams, Tlusty, Sifers etc. play in some meaningful games under pressure and actually experience some playoff success. Putting Pogge in to have the team lose in the first round would not have benefitted the other prospects on the team that appeared in 19 games. To use Damien's phrase; it would be IDIOTIC to play one guy, for the sake of his development, without concern for the development of the rest of the team.

[Moe Green]

Good points Damien,

I was just wondering where Pogge got his "top prospect" reputation? He isn't exactly tearing it up in the AHL. Did he shine somewhere? Wasn't he drafted somewhere in the 90s? Anyway, I agree with your assessment.

[KuleminKingston]

I should also add that I believe that Toronto is not going to play Joseph again until it is a home game...And they are going to win that game, as it will be his 450th win, making him one of four NHL goalies to achieve this.

[Brian]

It is obvious that Curtis Joseph best years are behind him, it would best to release him. I would keep Curtis in the Leaf organization in some capacity. It is time to give Vessa some rest and let Pogge carry the ball for a few games.
It is Pogge's time now and if he shines maybe a trade deadline see what offers for Vessa that the Leafs can get.

[KuleminKingston]

Entertaining article! Mind you, I am biased. I have always had a soft spot for Pogge, and when he dressed in #29 for Leafs training camp, I could not help but draw comparisons to my favourite Leaf of all time, Felix Potvin. Young guy, athletic, drafted in the first 3 rounds...Never expected to become a Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur...But the type of goalie who could definitely hold his own in a playoff series against the best in the league. Potvin was given a few games in 1991-92 to show what hes got, and responded with a 2.29GAA and a save percentage of .933% - This was enough for the team to grant him the opportuntity the next season to take over the position from veteran Grant Fuhr. And he did. And from 1992-93 to 1995-96, he proved that he could compete in a game or in a playoff series against any goaltender in the NHL. I am starting to see the similarties about Pogge...as well as the Leafs situation comparing back to when Potvin entered...All that is missing now is for the Leafs to swing a blockbuster deal to bring in Mike Richards, who in my opinion is a modern day Doug Gilmour...and this team is headed somewhere.

My prediction, as it has been from the beginning of the season:
By the trade deadline, Toskala is gone...Kaberle is gone...Antropov may or may not stay...Pogge is the starter, regardless of his results good or bad. If its good, then the Leafs will trade their assets for guys that can help them make the playoffs this year. If the results are not there, they will trade for prospects and picks.

[mark]

KuleminKingston.....are you out of your mind? If Pogge plays well, they should trade Toskala for guys that can help them in the playoffs this year? You are the type of simple-minded fan that MLSE loves. Give your head a shake and think about winning a Stanley Cup in 5 or 6 years as opposed to 'making the playoffs' this year.

[Dr.Z]

They never get it right. Either they rush a young defenseman in to the NHL too early, or they leave a young goalie too long in the minors.
They trade Rask away...and get nothing for him.

You are right on....give Pogge a shot...a legitimate shot. Let's find out if he is NHL material.

I wonder if the reason they keep him on the Marlies is that they already know the answer to that question.

[LeafsFan]

I would play Pogge until Toskala's groin is 100%. Waive Joseph and if he clears, then send him to the Marlies. Chances are. Joseph will refuse, in which case, call him back on recall waivers and if no team wants him at 1/2 price, buy him out...

[Mark]

Always a great read from you, Damien.

Pogge's time should be now. Toskala's not having a great season, and Joseph is just awful, so why not let Pogge start? Expectations are self-admittedly low from the fans and organization, so if Pogge tanks, no harm done. The worst that can happen is that he does well.

Joseph needs to retire.

[Kevin Fauth]

Without a doubt Pogge has the pedigree to be a stand-out in the NHL. Up until the AHL has been regarded as every bit as good or perhaps better than Carey Price in Montreal. How can you argue 6-0, with 3 shutouts at the World Jr.'s?? The fact is they will never know if he is really good enough and strong [mentally] until they let him play for a while with the big team. What better time to do this when the expectations for the Leafs are at an all-time low. I would consider trading Toskala of the return was worther of it [like last year's potential Kaberle for Jeff Carter trade].

[Jason Sinnarajah]

I couldn't agree with you more Damien. The Leafs should be giving this guy 60% of all starts for the rest of the season. Keep Toskala and staple Cujo to the press box. We need to see what we have here, otherwise we are going to have to trade for a goalie or go after a free agent like that Minnesota goalie.

In addition, trade Kaberle, Kubina and Antropv and allow the younger guys to play 15 to 20 mins a game. Let's make sure that we really make an effort to "tank" the season and get John Tavares or Victor Hedman.

[Maurice]

Hey Mark,

Trading for a playoff run isn't gonna happen under Burke, but that's not to say they won't get there in spite of him. Tanking is not gonna work. Six years of tanking might produce a contender - might! The Leafs aren't in this mess because they haven't tanked. They are here because of poor trades, poor contracts - poor managment in general. Burke will rebuild slowly while giving us entertaining playoff contenders along the way. Make my words, the Leafs will not miss the playoffs five years in a row. I'm not sure it'll go four.

[Steve]

The Leafs cannot lose by letting Pogge play in all the remaining games. If Pogge plays well, the Leafs have found their goalie of the future. If Pogge plays poorly, they end up at the bottom of the league standings or near the bottom, with the privilege of having a high draft selection.

Goodbye Cujo.