Can The Monster bring early Halloween treats for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Leaf fans have endured years of sub-par goaltending, and in about half an hour we will see the first NHL start of our great mighty hope, the Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. Two weeks shy of his 25th birthday, the NHL rookie faces the rival Ottawa Senators.

This could be a good game for Stalberg to shine...

Are the Toronto Maple Leafs FOR REAL???

Too many autumns of false hope have slithered into pitiful seasons for Leaf Nation to not be somewhat cautious in 2009. Still, here are a few highlights of the 2009-2010 Toronto Maple Leafs exhibition schedule:

- The emergence of Viktor Stalberg as a major league scoring threat

- Strong depth between the posts

- Revamped, deeper tougher defense corps

- Overall team toughness increased

It would seem that Kadri would be best served by a return to London and another stint with the Canadian Junior Hockey team, and if he comes back next year at about 182 pounds (he's 170 now) he should be ready for a long, prosperous career in the bigs. It's possible that he could be kept with the Leafs for up to 9 games as a placeholder until Phil K is ready, but it's more likely Bozak will get that role, considering his proven chemistry with Stalberg.

Carry on lads!!