According to an article in the Toronto Star, Jeff O'Neill's spot in the Maple Leafs lineup this year is not for certain. Maurice was asked if O'Neill was guaranteed to make the team, he responded "No". His contract is $1.5 million this season and would count against the cap, even if he was demoted. If he isn't going to make the team, they would obviously attempt to trade him, but that would be difficult. Last night, he made his way through the lineup, starting on the first line, and ending up on the second.

Heading into last season, I was excited about the acquisition of O'Neill. He topped out at 41 goals one season, and has scored more that 30 several times. Last year he struggled with death of his brother and a shoulder injury, netting only 19 goals, and probably only throwing 1 or 2 body checks. O'Neill has said his shoulder is fine this season, and he's coping with his brother Danny's passing a lot better. This being said, you'd figure he might be able to regain his scoring touch, but that doesn't appear to be the case. I believe the organization was really counting on him this year to rebound to his old self, with the lack of proven goal scores in the organization. Time is running out for him.