In last night’s matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, the Toronto Maple Leafs made an interesting move. They tried defenceman Ian White at the position of forward. While this move was surprising, it is one that makes perfect sense if you think about it. Though the Maple Leafs dropped a close decision (final score 5-3), this move certainly made the game interesting, and gave the Maple Leafs a better idea of what Ian White can do for them offensively.
After the game, Ron Wilson was quoted as saying this could be a way for Ian White to keep his job and remain a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs. White has struggled this preseason in the defensive zone, and while he has shown some ability to create plays offensively, his poor performance in his own end has resulted in more than one goal being scored against the Maple Leafs. That is hard to overlook when you play defence, and your primary job is to keep the puck out of the net. However, as a forward, it is less of a concern, so when the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to try him out at this position, it was a logical move. In my opinion, Ian White looked much more comfortable last night up front than he does on the blue line. Granted, this was only one game, but the position of forward just seems a better fit for Ian White. He was involved in a number of scoring chances last night for the Maple Leafs, and I was surprised he didn’t come away from the game with a goal or two. He did manage to tally an assist though, and the Leafs were able to get a much better look at his puck moving ability, rather than the often blown coverage he has become known for in the defensive zone. Overall, his forechecking was good, his stickhandling was smooth, and he clearly showed his ability to create plays. I am hoping the Toronto Maple Leafs will play him again as a forward in tonight’s rematch against the Wings, so we can get another look at this interesting move.
I’m betting that if Ian White can impress again up front, he will remain a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a defenceman, he just doesn’t play well enough in his own end to make this year’s lineup. The Maple Leafs are crowded this year on the blue line, and many of those players are known for playing sound defensive games. Guys like Jonas Frogren, Luke Schenn, Carlo Colaiacovo, and Jeff Finger have all been way ahead of Ian White in terms of defensive performance. If White hopes to make the Maple Leafs lineup this year, he might have the edge he needs if he can keep playing well up front. The Leafs forward lineup is far from decided at this point, so there may be room for him there. I will be watching tonight’s game with added interest to see what he can do for the Maple Leafs. For the remainder of the preseason, he will be fighting for his career, so I am hoping that determination will result in him creating some scoring chances, and possibly a couple of goals for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
