Audition Time

You wanted it, you got it.

Those Maple Leaf fans who have been clamouring for callups from the Marlies to come and rescue the four-win parent club got their wish today when forward Christian Hanson was recalled.

That said, the nature of the callup isn't exactly what many wanted. Their fervent wish was that some big money player (Jason Blake) or underachiever (take your pick) would be punished with a demotion, and one of Hanson, Tyler Bozak or Viktor Stalberg would get the call.

The 23-year-old Hanson, however, is being recalled because of a knee injury suffered by centre John Mitchell in Monday's loss to the Islanders, an injury that will put Mitchell on the shelf for six weeks.

Lousy break there. Mitchell, 24, is in a contract year and wasn't exactly burning up the league with two goals in 22 games. He's a confounding youngster, a kid who shows impressive flashes from time to time but is maddeningly inconsistent and doesn't seem to react favourably when given a chance in a prime time role.

The Leafs went into the season a little worried that a breakout year from Mitchell might make him a target of an offer sheet next summer.

That's not likely now.

Hanson, meanwhile, has been impressive in the AHL, with 18 points in 18 games. However, as seen with Jiri (Yo-Yo) Tlustly, success in that league doesn't necessarily translate to the bigs.

Hanson, a centre with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last year, has been playing mostly right wing for Dallas Eakins at the Ricoh Centre except for taking some draws on the penalty killing unit. That he was recalled instead of pivot Tyler Bozak is either evidence that the Leafs may want to try him in the middle or that there's a determination to promote based on quality of play, regardless of position.

Hanson has outplayed Bozak, who has missed time recently with the flu.

Mitchell's loss leaves the Leafs with Matt Stajan, Mikhail Grabovski, Wayne Primeau and Rickard Wallin up the middle. GM Brian Burke has also suggested he'd like to see Phil Kessel play a little centre, as well.

The danger for the Leafs, meanwhile, is that after a very healthy opening 15 games, injuries are starting to mount. Mike Van Ryn is gone for the season, Mike Komisarek hasn't returned yet, Vesa Toskala's groin is acting up again - enough to force the recall of Joey MacDonald today - and now Mitchell is out.

The last thing these Leafs can afford is a big bite into their depth chart.

Comments

[ostrichlover]

William Burrel: thanks for actually watching the games. You should be hired to write for this paper.

Also, Tlusty is 23 why do people want to slag him so much? This guy has the highest potential of any of our prospects.(except maybe kadri) Just saying.

[Chris]

Some common themes emerging here. 1) Why does everybody knock Blake? Because Blake makes 4 million dollars against the Cap to get as many points as defenseman Ian White. If you are getting paid 4 million dollars as a top six forward your job is to score. To give you an idea of what 4 million dollars should get you in a top six forward look no further than Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks. 21 pts in 23 games, 28 years old, 3.9 mil cap hit compared to Jason Blake who has 14 points in 23 games , is 36 years old and is a 4.0 mil cap hit. Theme #2 - The Leafs have no depth/why don't they call up Bozak, Stalberg etc? Same answer to both questions. Bozak, Tlusty, Stalberg etc are all promising but require further development. Contrary to popular belief, players need a few seasons of development before they can be consistenly good NHLers. Very rarely does a player come straight out of the NCAA or OHL and dominate the NHL. How many chances does Tlusty need? The answer is "As many as it takes". He's 21 years old. He's proven he CAN score at the NHL level (10 goals as an 18 year old) but needs to round out his game and gain some confidence at the pro level. Some guys get it at 21 some get it at 25 (like Patrick Sharp). How long will it take for Bozak/Stalberg/Hanson to make an impact? Same answer "As long as it takes". I'll guarantee you this though: it won't happen in the first 9 weeks of a season. Maybe after Christmas. Maybe after the Olympics. Maybe they need a full year or two in the AHL. Who knows? What I do know is that you don't give up on a prospect after 9 weeks.