2009-2010 Viktor Stalberg
by PPP on Jun 24, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
in Reading the Tea Leafs
Email
PrintFrom Beauchemin to Stalberg, we're taking a look at and grading (please read the criteria below) the 2009-10 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Maple Leafs for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2010-11. That means only guys that are still property of the Maple Leafs. We're doing this in concert with Maple Leafs Hot Stove. Next up, Viktor Stalberg.
Viktor Stalberg
#45 / Left Wing / Toronto Maple Leafs
6-3
210
Jan 17, 1986
Years in the NHL: 1
Became a Leaf: Drafted in 2006 in 6th round, 161st overall
Contract Status: In year 2 of 2 year Entry Level Contract; $850K cap hit
The Summary:
Viktor Stalberg made a big splash in the pre-season as he led the NHL with 6 goals in 8 games. Then came game number three of the season and the player known as the A-Train. After Anton Volchenkov's hit Stalberg began a steep decline that led him to the AHL for 39 games. He returned in December but his impact was minimal until he found a bit of chemistry with his fellow Frat Packers Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson. It was enough to make some wonder if there was any hope to marry his exceptional speed with a more physical game.
As with many of the young players, he was unable to match his potential with results. This coming season will obviously be important as he tries to show that his problems with consistency lay with the transition to a more rigorous schedule and a tougher league rather than being found out as mediocre. Whether he sticks or not we can at least look forward to a year's worth of special messages.
The Good:
The good news is that Stalberg was playing some tough minutes. He racked up the third highest QUALCOMP among forwards that remain with the team while playing with the fourth worst teammates and I guess that mitigates the results somewhat. In terms of results, he drew 10 penalties in 40 games which would have put him close to the top performers Kulemin and Grabovski over an entire year.
The Bad:
Well, Stalberg was basically a replacement level forward according to Tom Awad's GVT. He was middle of the pack CORSI-wise which when you look at the good seems decent enough. However, he wasn't getting started in the defensive zone with much frequency. In fact, he had the highest percentage of offensive zone starts among the forwards which makes his team worst +/-ON/60 worrying.
The Ugly:
The hit by Volchenkov was not necessarily ugly, it happens, but the reaction after he returned from his concussion was plenty ugly. He was timid, tentative, and hundreds of other synonyms that mean that he played scared.
The Eye Candy:
The Discussion:
Where does Viktor Stalberg's future lie? Has he shown you enough to think that he is a possible fit in the Leafs' top six or will his speed be the skill that keeps him in the NHL as a checking forward?
Audience Participation:
Rate Stalberg below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him an 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him an 1.
77 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
3.
Pre-season ruined his regular season for me. I didn’t see a whole lot from Stalberg besides “skates really fast down the left wing and shoots a low, inaccurate snap shot into pads.”
4
“Except against the Sabres”
Not even the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill my optimism
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!
Viktor “Miller Killer” Stalberg!
Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 24, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Colt 45 in the hizzy!
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
seriously, stop that.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Same
Which is why I voted 5. He showed potential for the future, some hints of ability, and that’s all I wanted to see from him. Of course, after the pre-season it feels like nothing.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
4
after preseason I was expecting him to be a lot more of a factor and solidify himself as a top 6 winger
after he got drilled he took a huge step back and seemed far too tentative on the ice.
That said, he showed flashes of brilliance and world class speed, I think all his problems are mental as he showed what he could do with some confidence near the end of the season
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 11:09 AM EDT reply actions
4
This. Colt 45 just needs some confidence, and for all of our games to be pre-season ones.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jun 24, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
i’m going to lose it on the next person who writes Colt 45.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
and two zig zags, baby thats all we need
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I gave him a 3
Before the season, and especially after the pre-season, he looked to be a look for a super fact top 6 forward. However he never delivered. Maybe he can regain the touch he had, but realistically I think he’s going to spend his time in the NHL as a fast winger on the third/checking line. Pretty much like the players that Chicago had on their 3rd line this year: Versteeg, Ladd, or Brouwer.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
3
This is an indictment of my unreasonable expectations based on the preseason and associated hype (thank you Bob McKenzie), more than it’s a criticism of Stalberg.
I think you’re bang on we should mentally slot him into a 3rd line role, that’s what I did a while ago. Nothing wrong with that for a 6th rounder.
by The '67 Sound on Jun 24, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
3
He looked like a bona fide steal in the pre-season. then he took a knock to his noggin and never really took off…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jun 24, 2010 11:16 AM EDT reply actions
being said, as a 6th rounder, If all he ever turns out to be is a speedy 3rd line checker who can pop in 15 goals in his prime, then I think we should all be very happy with his development
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 11:18 AM EDT reply actions
he is also ever so pretty
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah I rounded up on my score because of prettiness.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jun 24, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
These are my new expectations for him.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jun 24, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
this is why I gave a 7. I had no expectations he’d even play for the big club this year. Combine that with his amazing speed and prettiness, plus being a cheap homegrown talent, and i give a 7. Higher than most, but my expectations before training camp of him were Marlies at best.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Jun 24, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
5
because even with his preseason I don’t think I expected much from him, so I dunno.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jun 24, 2010 11:21 AM EDT reply actions
5 as well
I got a little too excited by the preseason totals, but realistically, an 18-goal pace from a guy who wasn’t really on the radar two years ago isn’t bad. Am still hopeful of better things to come.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Pre-Season: 10
Regular Season: 2
Avg score=4
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Shouldn’t that be 6? What factor did you use to weigh the two periods?
by Leaf in Habland on Jun 24, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
He looks baked in his profile picture.
by CanadianMaple09 on Jun 24, 2010 11:33 AM EDT reply actions
5
He could be a special player or disappear into the ether.
Hard to say at this point.
Speed is amazing. Size is fantastic. He has some hands.
Needs to put it together and put it together fast. We could use a guy like him.
Plus you can tell he belongs on the Leafs because he has a K in his name.
Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 24, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
4
Like others mentioned, his preseason – between his speed and his determination – had me salivating. The big hit took him down a notch, but I think he really got going towards the end of the year, and his speed still blows me away. Agreed on the comments about 3rd line being a good return and probably, but I still hold out hope that he’ll get some consistency to his shot and cause fits for more than just Buffalo
Finally on the Twitter train, @j6events. Follow me, I swear I'll have interesting thoughts soon!
by BetterThanBester on Jun 24, 2010 12:30 PM EDT reply actions
yeah, his speed never stopped being impressive to me, at least once a game he would just put on the jets and pull away fro, everyone like they were standing still, Bure like speed…..
too bad he is missing that whole elite finishing ability thing
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
too bad he is missing that whole elite finishing ability thing
Ya and unfortunately that’s not an easy thing to teach. Still time and room for improvement though.
Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 24, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
We always need a ham-hands on this team.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jun 24, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s Bizarro Jason Allison.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
by SkinnyFish on Jun 24, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha ha, that he is.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jun 24, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
5 for his play, 0 for his jersey number.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
You know what? I think we should keep calling him Colt 45 after he changes numbers. Don’t you, Sergei?
he really looks like a Colt 45
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jun 24, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Billy dee approves
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jun 24, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Lando would never pimp a bad nickname
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
i thought that was Sex Panther?
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
nah, that only works every time 60% of the time
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
everytime
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Jun 24, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
And of course
some guy has now licensed Sex Panther, made an advert, and you can buy it on the web.
Strange but true.
who ever did that is my hero forever
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/click boom.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I bet he shot himself with a Colt 45
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
this just keeps getting better
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate you mutherfuckers.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
It was promised to be a meme yesterday. This shouldn’t surprise you.
Not even the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill my optimism
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!
I’m on board with SOCKS, but I went off on Jared about Colt 45 weeks ago.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously, Colt 45 makes me want to smash my webcam, Sens_suck style.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
You have an amazing avatar.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
Refresh the page for a special gift.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Skinny. It took me all of about 8 or 9 seconds in powerpoint to make. Does it show?
Are you on the anti-C45 bandwagon as well, or pro?
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
see, you arn’t giving me any reason to NOT go on with colt 45
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Pfft. Way to talk me back from the ledge.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 24, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahahaha that is hilarious.
Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 24, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
6
Because he exceeded my low expectations that he would be an AHL player. Speed to burn, but sadly, not much in the way of hands, it seems.
Still, if all our sixth round picks turn out like this, organizationally, we’ll be laughing.
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
Yeah, those manos de piedra hurt him bad. 5 all the way for all the chances he missed. Gotta be better this year.
by Pyramid Power on Jun 26, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Viktor Stalberg skates like the mothereffin wind, which means that he should always be capable of keeping a job in the NHL. Where he plays really depends on how his offensive/defensive skills are nurtured.
I could see him as a #2 winger or a #3 winger on a deep team, maxing out at 20 goals and/or 50 points.
I could also see him as a grinder and PK specialist. His speed would create several matchup problems on the 3rd or 4th lines, and would be a key asset on the forecheck.
Resident Capologist
7
I’d never heard of him one year ago to the day, so I feel like penalizing him for having a good pre-season is unfair.
To go from never being heard of to making the team out of camp to actually scoring in the NHL is a decided improvement over not existing at all in my world.
Always follow the Crown Trools
I scored him with a 7 too because I thought he was a pleasant surprise. Viktor seems to have an excellent work ethic and put in effort. I can’t knock him for that.
As per new community rules; all signature tags on PPP must contain the word "truculent".
(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score
by Wrap Around Curl on Jun 24, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
7 as well
He skates fast and his inspirational messages kept me going through the dark times.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 24, 2010 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
He gets a 10 for being damn sharply dressed.
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jun 24, 2010 5:19 PM EDT reply actions
I've missed something somewhere.
Why do we want to call Stalberg “Colt 45”?
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
because his number is 45 and he is fast like a colt!
also it drives sergi nutso
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
the last reason is the best – I wasn’t on board with this meme until Sergei started hating on it…
not that I have anything against the guy, but it is fun to upset people over trivial shit.
Yes, I am an asshole.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 24, 2010 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
/high five
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 24, 2010 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The deal is that it doesn’t really make me mad, it just gives me that shudder of disgust when I hear/read it. Like when people refer to Alfredsson as a good captain.
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 25, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
WE DON'T
Did you see the pool? They flipped the bitch!!
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 25, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
5. Has to produce a lot more this year. Flashes of brilliance shown, gotta love his wheels. Gotta get tough and improve in the corners and almost everywhere. I hoped for much more from him.
Kabby almost ruined and has played like a scared rabbit since the Janssens hit. Hope this is not the case with Stalberg.
We need 212Stitch Salming over here to inject a little jam and toughness into our Swedes. Well, Mats would do fine too.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- It’s over: Montreal’s Scott Gomez finally ends goalless streak (Video)
- Scott Hartnell’s goal celebration now includes fighting Dion Phaneuf (Video)
- Puck Previews: Leafs meet Flyers; Steve Yzerman not playing in Winter Classic Alumni Game?
- Three theories on why Hurricanes might pull Tuomo Ruutu off trading block
- Mike Babcock wary of Red Wings on HBO’s ’24/7,’ earning YouTube infamy
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Bergenheim, Santorelli, Bradley score goals to lead Panthers past Kings 3-1
- Gavrus scores twice, Binnington stops 45 shots as Attack beat Battalion
- Friesen has five points, Visentin makes 18 saves as IceDogs hammer Majors 11-0
- Chris Phillips scores twice in 1,000th game as Senators beat Predators 4-3
- Reid Boucher is shootout hero as Sarnia Sting edge Barrie Colts 3-2
SBNation.com Recent Stories
StatCounter
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
