LeafsParadise.com

With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking as if they will once again fail to address their biggest need this off-season, a first line centre, Maple Leafs general manager looks set to turn to James van Riemsdyk to solve their problems down the middle. With van Riemsdyk set to give centre “a try” at training camp, head coach Randy Carlyle will have to start from square one with an inexperienced 23-year old that is more adept to playing left wing than the highly demanding centre position. While JVR has played some centre at the College level, he has little experience at the NHL level. While any forward position is demanding, centre requires excellent skating, a keen ability to find players, a slew of defensive responsibilities and the added pressure of having to win important faceoffs. As it stands,Toronto has six natural centres on their roster, including Mikhail Grabovski, Tim Connolly, Matthew Lombardi, Tyler Bozak, Jay McClement and David Steckel. Bozak, last season’s de facto number on...