Well tonight in the Bojarinov household, my dad and I held our own fantasy draft.

My dad being a true to his Toronto heart wanted to choose the team of Zdeno Chara (Captain) and Joffrey Lupul (Assistant Captain), which left me to choose the team for Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson (Captain) and Henrik Lundqvist (Assistant Captain).

He then allowed me to choose first, instead of the flip of a coin.

So here is our NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft in the exact order of our picks, staying true to the rules:

Team Alfredsson       VS        Team Chara

1. Daniel Sedin – F              1. Pavel Datsyuk – F

2. Henrik Sedin – F              2. Phil Kessel – F

3. Erik Karlsson – D               3. Evgeni Malkin – F

4. Alex Edler – D               4. Jarome Iginla – F

5. Steven Stamkos – F       5. Tim Thomas – G

6. Claude Giroux – F              6. Kimmo Timonen - D

7. Shea Weber – D              7. Brian Campbell – D

8. Jason Spezza – F              8. John Tavares – F

9. Jimmy Howard – G       9. Brian Elliott – G

10. Jonathan Quick – G       10. Carey Price – G

11. Ryan Suter – D              11. Tyler Seguin – F

12. Patrick Kane – F              12. Jordan Eberle – F

13. Marian Hossa – F              13. Dan Girardi – D

14. Dion Phaneuf – D       14. Kris Letang – D

15. Keith Yandle – D              15. Dennis Wideman – D

16. Scott Hartnell – F              16. James Neal – F

17. Corey Perry – F              17. Jason Pominville – F

18. Marian Gaborik – F       18. Logan Couture – F

19. Milan Michalek – F       19. Jamie Benn – F

I love my team, and my father loves his, but I guess that’s possible with all-star teams. I really tried to bring players together, that are teammates (Go Ottawa), as well obviously you can tell I made my own Team Sweden. My father actually never noticed till mid-way through.

It’s also funny that he loves his Maple Leafs Kessel-Lupul combo, but I found out that he isn’t that much of a Dion fan (like most NHL players, ha)

Well thanks for taking the time to reading our picks, what do you think of them? Who was shockingly high or low and which of the two teams do think has the best chance to win?

 This afternoon the general manager of the Toronto MapleLeafs's Brian Burke  locked up veteran puck moving defenseman John-Michael Liles to a four year, 15.5 million dollar contract. 

In my mind a great move, strong puck moving defensemen are rare in the NHL, and Liles’s himself has been a nice surprise.

John-Michael coming in was a replacement for Tomas Kaberle who was actually a fan favourite in Toronto. The silent puck carrying defenseman was smooth at bringing up the puck and setting up the powerplay.

Since leaving Toronto, Tomas has declined and John-Michael has filled in his role quite well. Liles has been able to do the same as Tomas or even better since arriving in the Big Smoke. He’s been able to pinch in the offensive zone usually at the right time, shoot more often (which was rare from Kaberle), and at times Liles looks like the 4^th forward on the ice.

Now with Liles being locked in for the next 4 years, a log jam on the blue-line, as well as putting the Leafs right up against the cap with all players in, it seems like there would be a move coming soon from Brian Burke.

Leafs have been known to be looking for that top 6 player, possibly a big forward who could give the Leafs some muscle up front that they are lacking.

Here are the top defensemen who could be shipped out to make some room both in the cap and on the backend: 

1. Michael Komisarek – Komisarek has actually been quite steady most of this current season when not injured, but for a defensive defenseman his cap hit is just too high.

2. Luke Schenn – Locked in for 5 years, Luke had a strong rookie campaign but has never really taken that next step into being that strong shutdown defenseman, though still leading the team in hits.

3. Carl Gunnersson – The very underrated steady two-way defenseman, has a strong hockey IQ. Teaming up with Dion Phaneuf has shown that he can back up a pinching line-mate as well as set him up.

4. Keith Aulie/Cody Franson – Both young and in an RFA years, looking at least for a slight raise, both have their pros and cons. Aulie, a hulking stay at home defenseman, and Franson a powerplay specialist, who has shown he can be fairly steady when given the chance. 

Out of the options, I actually wouldn’t mind Burke shipping out Luke Schenn, who I believe has good value on the open market, and packaged with someone like Nazem Kadri could really bring in a strong top 6 forward. 

I just don’t see Luke or even Nazem being that top player who could be a game-changer, while they could be used to bring that type of player back.

Komisarek on the other hand wouldn’t have much value, but would still be useful on some teams and would help to open up room for the next few years. 

Either of these two are viable options to improve the team, while helping make room both for the cap and blue-line.

This in my opinion was the turning point in the World Juniors, Canada/Russia semi-final game.

In a game full of momentum changes, this was easily the biggest and most significant reason why the young Canadians lost the match.

Near 4 minute mark of the 2^nd period, Canada already down 3 to 1. The amazing Yevgeni Kuznetsov, scores to pull Russia ahead by 3. On the beautiful breakaway chance, Yevgeni makes the Canadian goaltender Scott Wedgewood to stretch wide from his right to left on a nice late deke. Wedgewood low unable to move faster then the shifty Kuznetsov, puts it by him. Then two seconds later, Alexander Khokhlachev crashes the net, diving head first even with the puck already in the net, hits Scott hard in the head knocking him fully out.

I really don’t understand how a player could do such a thing, without a penalty being called on the play, after the goal.

A less stunned Canadian team would have ran Khokhlachev, and get there business done with him, and moved on.

Instead Canada completely in shock just stands there and then completely collapses. Over the next 22 minutes, 2^nd half of the second period, and beginning of the 3^rd. The red and white start to make foolish penalties and lets Russia pull away with 2 more goals, to lead 6 to 1.

Then with a bit of luck and pressure Canada’s Dougie Hamilton scores, and that goes straight to their legs and heads. Playing real Canadian hockey, they score 4 straight, and just miss tying the game.

Not only were the kids foolish in losing control of the game, they could have changed momentum with both a penalty on Khohlachev during a power-play and as well a quick retaliation on him and then just move on with the game.

This isn’t just in international hockey; it’s as well in NHL hockey. Remember when the Buffalo Sabres played against the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. Both the Sabres’s goaltender Ryan Miller and Bruin’s Milan Lucic chased down a puck near the top of the circle in the Buffalo zone. Miller there first, shoots the puck away, and Lucic pretty much finishes his check as if Miller were a regular player. No penalty was assessed and Miller actually ended up with a concussion.

This needs to change, I know the NHL and other hockey leagues and associations want more offense, but what we really need is protection for its players.

At least if you cannot bump a goaltender in his own crease, making it more black and white, it would be easier for the referees to call. If it’s more then just a bump, a hard hit or the goaltender gets injured, it should be even more then just a minor penalty (a double minor or more at the discretion of the man in stripes)

If not, I feel there will be more injuries to goaltenders, who are vital to ice hockey, as well players taking more aggressive approaches to the man between the pipes.

Since the Miller hit, the Sabres have been more protective of their goaltender and attacked right away anyone touched Ryan. As well the NHL has since suspended Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators for hitting Miller in his crease, which by the way looked much less worse then what Khokhlachev did to Wedgewood.

First off, let’s look at the Toronto Maple Leafs, before he got there.

The Leafs had already missed the playoffs the previous 3 seasons, all since the NHL lockout. Right after the lockout, the Leafs had an aging core, led by Mats Sundin, and Eddie Belfour. The now Hall of Famer goaltender, The Eagle looked liked he had aged more than 5 years during the one year lockout. As well the new generation, which was not drafted well, was not ready to take over for the team in Steen, Stajan and Colaiacovo.

Management’s John Ferguson Jr, and coach Paul Maurice hadn’t had much to work with, nor were able to take the team even a step back it seemed like to playoff contention, by filling in gaps.

During those three years, they tried filling in the big whole in net, after Belfour were both Raycroft and Toskala, which was not the answer.

The Leafs had just missed the playoffs by one position and one and two points respectively, during the 06-07 and 07-08 seasons. Then dropped considerably the third season in 08-09 finishing in 12^th and being 11 points out of post-season action.

The team was at the bottom in penalty killing, and which gradually got worse with decent power play and when leading after 2 periods.

During that last season, the main core nicknamed “the Muskoka five” (having a cottage attitude while the team playing abysmal hockey) did not allowed themselves to be traded, most having a no-movement clause. It did hurt in the transition to rebuild, but captain Sundin and co. thought it was better to go down with the ship in their minds.

Management had to have a different view, so new age thinking coach Ron Wilson was brought in the off-season, and then mid into the 08-09 season Brian Burke was given the helm of the team to manage.

Burke then tried to start by making the team more Truculence and Pugnacity. While working on getting more depth, better youth and proper scouting.

In doing so, Wilson hadn’t had much to work with. The “Muskoka Five” was gone, and he had to pick up the pieces and get this team in the right direction and playing bearable ice hockey.

This was proven very hard, during the last three seasons under Wilson, the Leafs were 12^th, then 15^th (at the bottom) then 10^th last season in the Eastern Conference. Still managing to have one of the worst penalty kills, which they still currently are at the bottom of the basement this season. Though the power play is in the top five, and when leading after two periods, are tied for first with four other teams in the league.

This season looks brighter, currently sitting in 7^th place in the conference, also since mid last season are still a playoff contending team, while showcasing on most days the youngest team in the NHL.

Statistically the Toronto Maple Leafs are moving in the right direction, but there are a few things that need to improve drastically.

Ron’s demeanor might not be appealing in the Toronto media, but what should be talking is how the team is doing. They are on pace for a 7^th place and 93+ points in the conference finish, which they haven’t topped since being a playoff team before the lockout.

Well is Ron Wilson really deserving, from the outside looking in, he’s still a question mark much like between the pipes, but on the inside, only a select few; Brian Burke included, can only tell. If the team doesn’t keep improving then more then just Wilson’s head will roll.

In my opinion, it is still too early to tell.

These are just the top few guys who should/could be out of the line up, in my opinion:

1. Lombardi, He has been pretty invisible actually. Even his two goals were lucky, first one Price was down and out, and two guys skated by the puck sitting in front of an open net even before he got there. The 2nd one, was a bad angle, soft shot on Lundqvist, which I'm still shocked that it had gone in. He hasn't shown any offense, and at least sitting him for a game or two wouldn't hurt, just let him know that he hasn't had much input on a roster that you have to fight to get a spot on now.

I will say he is fast, but that's about it. That soft goal that Gus let in from the point against the Rangers, on that specific play I was shocked how easily Gaborik skated so easily around Matt, he didn't even touch him. Lombo looks like he doesn't even try hard at times. He should be out for at least 1-2 games.

2. Frattin, I've actually found his play to be fine, good hustle, fore-checking and back-checking but for some reason it's not going in for him. As well he's been not so great the last two games. If he can't put up even a few points after 12 games, he needs to go down for awhile. Give him 1-2 more games, if nothing then send him down for awhile.

3. Komisarek, Actually think he's played alright the last 3 games. Not a fan of his, but right now he should be in the line up. With Franson waiting to get in, he should get a chance soon, at least to give him some playing time.

Komi should be the first out from the D, unless someone else starts to play much worse. Steady for now, but if he reverts back to making many errors, he should sit again.

4. Dupuis, I didn't like him too much in the first 5-6 games, but the last few he's done most of the right things. Hard working, doing fairly well on the pk, getting in lanes and blocking shots. Right now he should be in, but could go out, at least here or there.

Others people are talking about:

Schenn, I've actually though he's been decent the last 4 games, yes he missed the guy on the power play last game, but so did Dion. Wasn't too great the first few games, but better the last few.

Shocked Dion played almost 30 minutes last game, while Schenn barely got any. They both missed that guy. I've liked Wilson more this season so far, but this was an odd move.

Kadri, not a fan of his, too many bad passes. He was great in his first game up, but the next 2, he wasn't good at all. I know they make for some great passes, but just holding on to the puck too long, and too many drop/back passes. -- One reason I'm not a fan of Connelly's is he does the same thing, but he's been fairly good the first few games as a Leaf.

Colborne, at the moment I rather have him up then Kadri. He's playing stellar for the Marlies, and both him and Crabb should come up soon if they continue to play they way they have. 

Orr,Rosehill: They should be playing more then they have. For instance, last game when the Leafs weren't skating as hard versus a fast Senator team. There should have been a big hit/fight. Brown can't fight all the time, and that's why they have Colton and Jay. If there had been a fight from one of those two in the lineup in the 2nd period, it would have changed the outcome of the game, that's for sure. People might not like fighting, but it gives momentum to the other team, and getting people skating harder the next few shifts.

I've always liked Gunnersson. 

Since his first game as a Leaf.

He's so steady, and plays the game smart and simple.

I've noticed this year, he's been even more so.

As most offensive defencemen, they gamble.

This is just what they do, some more then others.

Before this season, during his first 2.5 years with the Leafs, he tried to do more, so he could get noticed, and be a major factor in each game, much like all players, specifically younger ones.

Carl has learned through experience, a new contract, and a top pairing defenceman role, that he doesn't have to try to be that major factor no longer. 

He doesn't have to do too much, to gamble the game or the play.

Carl has chosen not to do so though, which is one reason why he hasn't really put up
any big numbers, but at the same time why he's been getting big minutes, and playing with Phaneuf who loves to gamble, with either a big hit or an offensive play.

He's Phaneuf's steady guy, the new backbone of the Leafs defensive core.

Keep it up Carl, I'm lovin it!

Offence: What happened to Ottawa’s offense last year, well I called it would disappear, and it did. Look for Alfredsson to have a comeback season, but it also could be his swan song soon enough. Ottawa has decided to rebuild, and this is a smart idea. There will be plenty of experimenting this coming season. Don’t look for quick change though, scoring will still be sparse. C-

Defence: The Senators have already let Erik Karlsson lead their teams back core, so he’ll be in all situations. Most of their blue line is aging so don’t expect quick puck moving. C-

Goaltending: Can Craig Anderson supply Senator Nation with solid goaltending that they haven’t seen in years? I believe he can, but it won’t be enough for Ottawa. B-

Special Teams: The team’s powerplay should improve this season with a stronger focus from Spezza and the younger talent, included with Gonchar on the point. C+    

Final Ranking: C-

Watch out for: Players like Nikita Filatov and Nick Foligno still haven’t had a breakout season, expect at least one of the Nik F’s to put up much bigger numbers this season.

Offence: A very young team other than the veteran Milan Hejduk, the Avalanche still need more time to develop. The direction of the team is bright, and that begins with Matt Duchene. C+

Defence: In the same boat as the forwards but with less talent, this backend still needs more time to hit its stride. I don’t think even Erik Johnson is ready to be a top 1-2 defenseman let alone teammates. He’s going to need a year or two to be ready. D-

Goaltending: In a year of change, the Avalanche have brought in young talented Semyon Varlamov and veteran J.S. Giguere. Varlamov should be a great goaltender and Giguere will help him mature, but he isn’t a top goaltender yet. C

Special Teams: Previously a strong powerplay team, but that will change with J.M. Liles leaving. Missing your quarterback is a challenging hill to overcome, don’t expect the pk to get any better either. D

Final Ranking: D

Watch out for: T.J. Galiardi, he might not be who everyone is talking about but if healthy he’ll be a standout this year, among others who could also breakout.

Offence: Surprisingly a decent offensive team, but with aging leaders in Doan and Whitney, they are going to need their young guns like Hanzal and Turris to finally show up to the dance. C-

Defence: Led by the amazing Keith Yandle and the addition of Klesla late last season, the loss of Jovanovski won’t hurt much. This is where they are underrated, a group of veterans include Aucoin, Rozsival and Morris solidify the back end. B

Goaltending: The loss of Bryzgalov might not just mean less wins, but also the final hurrah of the Coyotes in Phoenix. Mike Smith and Jason LaBarbara will share the load, but it won’t be enough. D

Special Teams: Another part of where the Coyotes game is lacking; is in both the powerplay and penalty kill. Don’t anticipate anything to change here, only maybe become the league’s worst pk. D-

Final Ranking: D

Watch out for: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, he was one of my favourites to watch in the past few international junior tournaments, it’s safe to assume a strong season from him.