Pogge Starting Again

On Wednesday morning, the Maple Leafs called up Justin Pogge from the Marlies of the AHL and it is understood that he will be starting for the Leafs against the Sabres in Buffalo. This will be Pogge's third start for the Maple Leafs this season and he carries a record of 1-1-0 already this year.

Pogge, 22, is quickly endearing himself to the Toronto-faithful as the future of Toronto netminding. He should be on every poolie's list, if he isn't on keeper lists already, as he is tabbed as the next best Toronto goalie. His resume is already becoming quite impressive, with a World Junior Championship gold medal and 45 wins in the AHL, so he is well on his way to becoming a full-time NHL goalie.

For right now, this could have a negative effect on the current Toronto goalies, especially if Pogge is to do well in this start. The new management team probably have an eye on getting as many starts as possible in this rebuilding year, as Vesa Toskala doesn't seem to have a firm grasp on the number one job or Toskala could be a part of a big deal to help rebuild the Leafs. If Pogge can succeed in providing good minutes in the crease, the Leafs could be confident enough in dealing Toskala and giving the reins to Pogge. Toskala's $4 million cap hit certainly isn't terrible, but it could be a good chunk of change off the books for the building process to accelerate.

Also, look for Curtis Joseph to be scratched tonight.