Leafs talk 2

15 Sep 2021 21:12:40
I find it funny that nylander Mikhayev rielly and Hyman before are all starting to rethink staying in Toronto due to the lack of success the team has had in the playoffs

Funny, that lack of success has been there because of their lack of play as well as others on the team?

So let's find greener pastures so we don't have to try yet still get the success. That's what I'm getting out of this little rumor I heard

To succeed you need with others to all be at your near100%. Once a few don't achieve this the team success goes by year after year as failure.

So as we will all see with Hyman
Hitching a ride with others won't work
Unless you yourself get to near 100% when it's go time,Hyman didn't rielly hasn't Mikhayev hasn't and nylander to a small degree has but not consistent. So look at yourselves in the mirror before judging your own team

I say trade all 3 bring in guys who wanna win as leafs not just hitch rides to superstars

16 Sep 2021 02:02:41
Hyman left for money and I presume Mikheyev wants out because of Jumbo and the Wayne Train. But I may be wrong there.

I would 💯 trade Mikheyev and Rielly though. I just don't see how you keep them or afford them.

16 Sep 2021 17:03:16
Hyman cashed in, but also went o play with the best player in the world. Hard to blame him. He was also good 3 out of 5 playoffs in T. O.
I think Mikheyev felt he got screwed losing his top 6 role due to an injury. As LL says, Jumbo and Simmonds get top 6 looks while he gets relegated to a bottom 6 role. He probably feels he is more than a bottom 6 guy and wants to play somewhere that he will be at least given an opportunity. Maybe he was told he would have top 6 opportunity when he signed his 2 year deal. Mikheyev's biggest issue, 0 points in 12 playoff games. He wants ice in the top 6, he has to produce in the playoffs as well.
Rielly is likely to chase the cash as well. Personally, I thought he has been really good most playoffs (not all) . He should have been moved when the market was there, but Dubas is still trying to prove he was right in the players that construct his team.

12 Sep 2021 22:48:37
What does opening night look like for the leafs.?

Ritchie Matthews Marner
Nylander Tavares Kase
Bunting kampf kerfoot
Mikhyev Spezza simmonds

Reilly Brodie
Muzzin holl
Sandin dermott

Looking at this line up it's hard to say what the leafs will be this year I honestly think divas brought in too many bodies and will have to move atleast two guys I wouldn't rule out Robertson if he has a good camp but if he makes the team I'd like to see him in a top 6 role trade options for me are engvall mikhyev and kerfoot

13 Sep 2021 02:50:54
Tough call. Kase is made of glass, Bunting had one half decent season, Kampfe is a black hole offensively but should make the team as at least a PK guy.

I'm really not sure what to expect or even if the team improves or not.

13 Sep 2021 20:58:10
Ritchie Matthews marner
Kerfoot tavares nylander
Kase kampf Mikhayev
Bunting spezza simmonds
Engvall Brooks Gabriel (loser gets waived)

Rielly Brodie
Muzzin Holl
Sandin dermott
Liljegren

Semynov Seney Anderson
Robertson Amadio hoSang
Gogolov Steeves abramov
SDA

Dalstrom biega
Rubins Menell
Kral Duzsak
Kivilhalme Hollowell.

15 Sep 2021 10:45:37
That line up is not very good compared to blues

Perron ror buchnevich
Tarasenko schenn kyrou
Saad Thomas kostin
Barbashev bozak sunquist

Krugg parayko
Scandwlla Faulk
Mikola borts

Good luck against us.

15 Sep 2021 12:58:30
My guess is Keefe builds a checking line and tries to have a 4th line that can take advantage of other teams 4th lines.

My guess is

Bunting matthews marner
Ritchie Jt Nylander
Kampfe kerfoot kase
Robertson/ mikey spezza simmonds

Top 4 remains the same as last year for the D.

15 Sep 2021 14:06:13
I know what I would do, but I think you may see them try

Mikheyev Matthews Marner
Ritchie Tavares Nylander
The bottom 6 will be tryouts basically. Kampf or Kerfoot as 3C. Spezza and Simmonds should be on the 4th line. Then you have Kase in the mix for 3rd line if healthy. Engvall, Brooks, Bunting, Gabriel, Robertson etc all fighting for a spot.

The reason I think we might see Mikheyev top 6 is because if the reports are true and Leafs turned down his trade request, they see him as more than a 3rd liner.
With Hyman gone, to "replace" him they need a speedy winger to forecheck, got to the net, dig for pucks and bang in some rebounds and that can also penalty kill. I know Mikheyev had trouble finishing last season, but in all honesty, do we have anyone that would be a better replacement?
Mikheyev has the size and speed, he is not afraid to drive the net, he will go into the corners. He is not as tough as Hyman, but that is what Ritchie brings to the top 6. You don't have to be super skilled to play with Matthews and Marner, you just have to be a good skater, retrieve pucks and provide space for them. If Mikheyev can learn to box out defenders and give the other two space, he could be a good fit.

16 Sep 2021 17:13:11
@RLF not necessarily true about Mikheyev's role. If you trade him what is he really worth after last season and playoffs? Maybe a late pick at best. Might as well keep him if that's the offer.

16 Sep 2021 19:59:25
@LL. You lost me. I see him possibly getting top 6 look. I don't mention trading him, so where are you going with this? He can't play in the top 6? There are much better options internally to try to He replace Hyman? He belongs in the ice capades? He needs to eat more soup?

17 Sep 2021 19:58:49
How does the blues lineup make it onto a leaf rumor site

Now back to the leafs everyone.

12 Sep 2021 03:21:44
Mikheyev wants out. He won't be back after asking for a trade I'm sure.
.

No one is talking about this so what does everyone think?

Personally, I think this was handled wrong. He may have stone hands but I can't blame anyone for wondering why Jumbo for a 1PP and 1st line slot above themselves. This seems like poor management to me now and then. I think most of us were confused about it at the time as well.

12 Sep 2021 11:53:51
He hasn’t really earned anything imo but I do think the leafs should look to move him and engvall and bring a guy like gally or someone with higher end skill it’s definitely a chance to send a message to guys even Robertson has looked really good in development camp.

12 Sep 2021 15:37:59
Trade him keep him
Who cares

8 guys fighting for 4 spots on top 3 lines

Ritchie, robertson, kampf, Kase, bunting, ho-sang, Engvall and Mikhayev

Then the 4 losers along with Brooks and Gabriel fighting for 1 4th line spot and 2 press box spots

Even if Robertson and ho sang go back to marlies and Brooks and Gabriel are press boxers that still leaves 2 guys for 1 4th line spot.

Why not trade Mikheyev just for pucks or prospects and gain some breathing cap space room.

My guess is Ritchie kase kampf and Banting win the 1st 4 spots. Mikhayev now becomes an expensive 4th liner.

If Robertson pushes one of the 4 out then Mikhayev becomes with Engvall very expensive press boxers.

Just deal me both already let others grab bottom line spots for cheaper.

09 Sep 2021 17:59:46
Is this finally the year we don't see hundreds of parayko trade posts. nice.

10 Sep 2021 00:13:16
I don't remember ever seeing hundreds of Parayko trade posts Hotwing.

10 Sep 2021 12:48:28
@LL. Maybe he meant on the Blues forum and is just looking for some sympathy. lol.

11 Sep 2021 14:54:30
Is this finally the year we don’t see hotwing trolling this site as Leaf fans have nothing more to ask from st. louis as now they have signed players I like but not at new price or they’ve simply let the other guys we line leav

Bye bye hotwing nice knowin you.

12 Sep 2021 17:46:55
I font troll trades I give you guys sheet for your hugely 1 sided trades. Please let's keep the basis of our current relationship honest and not lie about why I come here. Also don't sit here and act like the player you all have tried to court for the last 4 years (parayko) is a stranger to this site. You all have been trying to get him since he became a blue.

13 Sep 2021 02:54:01
@Hotwing I believe your speaking about Petro. Very rarely were Parayko trades put up.

13 Sep 2021 17:43:34
Lol bull crap and you know it. It was generally parayko. You would offer nylander ect mostly bull.

14 Sep 2021 08:05:32
There were 2 trades out there
Nylander for parayko
Kapanen with a pick and or prospect for parayko

2 trades over the course of 3 years

Well whoopie doo Basil what does it all mean.

14 Sep 2021 19:47:50
No one in their right mind would trade Nylander for Parayko lol.

Most of what I saw was Rielly for Parayko straight up.

02 Sep 2021 01:14:57
Parayko signing for 6.5 aav puts to rest all these concerns about Rielly coming in at 8 million a year correct?

02 Sep 2021 02:51:50
Big difference. Parayko didn't go to market, I don't think Dubas wants Rielly so he will low ball him, Rielly is the same age as JT when Tavares was signed and got 11 million. You can't possibly ask him to take 6.5 when JT was given 11/ 7.

Players feel slighted by some teams because they offer one person more than another, same as we all would feel at our workplaces.

02 Sep 2021 12:34:09
Totally possible LL.

It’s also possible that Dubas won’t be here to negotiate that next Rielly contract too.

02 Sep 2021 16:05:03
I don't think this changes anything in regards to Rielly's ask. I think it is at absolute minimum $7M per but likely closer to $8M and long term. Parayako is pretty steady at about 30-35pt d-man and Rielly is 35+ with a 72 pt season his last full one. Point production isn't even close and Parayko is a year older. Morgan deserves and will get more, imo.

02 Sep 2021 22:15:51
You certainly could be right RLF about his ask not changing. And the price for d men seem to be all over the place.

Rielly has played 8 nhl seasons and 6 out of the 8 he’s been at 35 points or less. With two seasons he blew the doors off offensively.

So to me his normal production is closer to that Parakyo level of production and rielly has much less defensive ability.

So I’m interested to see how this one works out.

It’s a good exchange of thoughts here boys, this is what makes this site fun, hearing your gentleman’s thoughts.

03 Sep 2021 02:43:36
@RLF that's true but I see it coming down to what he does this year in a major way.

I don't think Rielly re-signs so if he puts up another 70+ he probably does get 9+.

03 Sep 2021 02:47:51
HFC. Rielly has had 35 or more pts in 4 of his 8 seasons. The last two were shortened seasons where he had 27 and 35. Both projected to be 40+ pt seasons on a regular 82 game schedule. That would give him 4 40+ pt seasons out of 8 + one at 36. Parayko projects as a 30-35 pt guy even though he has barely been there at all. Projected or actual, Rielly is much more productive. If Rielly comes in under $7M I will be seriously shocked.

03 Sep 2021 04:16:11
@RLF those are also Jake Gardiner numbers minus the injury history and he wasn't even close to that.

03 Sep 2021 11:40:32
@LL. We're not really going to compare Rielly with Gardiner are we? lol
Let's remember Jake had a horrible last season with back problems before UFA. It's not just the pts that makes Rielly what Rielly is and better than Jake ever was. Unless he has a poor season all around, he is going to get paid. Imo.

05 Sep 2021 18:59:14
@RLF point taken lol.

It's more just my way of comparing point totals. They don't always mean everything.

31 Aug 2021 18:50:48
I keep looking at who the Leafs have signed and trying to figure who plays where, what they felt they needed after the playoffs etc and I keep coming back to them possibly going with a Bruins model up front. They even signed two ex-Bruins forwards. Are we going to see a super-line?

Line 1
L-Tavares C-Matthews R-Marner

The most expensive line in Hockey. This would be a line that you wouldn't be afraid to match up against another teams best or too worried if they are up against another teams best checkers. On most nights, this line should dominate.

Line 2
L-Ritchie C-Kerfoot R-Nylander

Kerfoot and Nylander looked quite good together in the playoffs and Kerfoot adds more speed down the middle with Nylander than Tavares does. Ritchie would add some size and grit to the line that they didn't have last playoffs.

Line 3 (now becomes some guess work)

L-Mikheyev C-Kampf R-Kase(if healthy)

This line could be a solid checking line with speed and a little offensive upside with Kase. If Kase is not healthy enough, they could slot a guy like Brooks in there who is very responsible on both sides of the puck. Or maybe Bunting gets a shot or even Anderson.

Line 4

L-Engvall C-Spezza R-Simmonds

Some youthful speed and size with Engvall, veteran savvy and can still provide some offence in Spezza and the toughness and net front of Simmonds.

Also fighting for spots would be Bunting, Brooks, Anderson, Gabriel, Amadio and Seney along with Robertson and possibly even Semyonov and Ho Sang.

Personally, I like the idea and have proposed putting Tavares on the left side of Matthews and Marner a few times.

01 Sep 2021 01:15:24
I love the idea of letting Nylander drive his line. I have always wanted this.

Everyone says how good he was in the playoffs I think the biggest reason was no JT.

01 Sep 2021 13:08:54
@LL. The big focus would be on stopping the big line for sure. Nylander likes to carry it and Kerfoot has the speed to keep up. Ritchie just needs to play a bit of a Hyman type of game. I think Nylander would feel a little safer with him on the ice with him as well. It may work.

29 Aug 2021 11:59:59
Can we just take a minute and all acknowledge how fantastic that Carolina offersheet to KK is.

Bless you Carolina.

29 Aug 2021 16:47:02
I imagine Montreal is going to take the compensation, I hope they offer sheet suZuki next year and caufield after that lol.

29 Aug 2021 20:15:57
Lol Randy that would “make my dreams come true”, pun intended.

The $20 signing bonus that Carolina put in that contract was a masterclass of trolling.

29 Aug 2021 23:29:12
It was one of the best trolls I have ever seen in professional sport lol.

26 Aug 2021 00:45:24
So here's my idea of a leafs lineup to start the year.

Matthews Marner
Tavares Nylander
Mikheyev Kampf
Spezza Simmonds

These are players I feel are guaranteed to make the team. Now I mean these players will fill these roles obviously Kerfoot and others will be on the team it's just where to put them.

So we have 4 spots to fill with these guys fighting for them
Ritchie, Kerfoot, Kase, Bunting, Engvall, Ho sang, Robertson

I could see the first four being the ones who make it now where to put them. I think bunting goes with Matthews and Marner to start so now we need a player for the second line third line and fourth. I could very easily see Ritchie starting with Tavares much like foligno and I could see it being a success. I could see Kerfoot on the third line with Kase on the fourth.

28 Aug 2021 01:25:35
Ritchie, Kerfoot, Kase and Bunting will be the starters I'm sure. Kase is talented but made of glass so I would expect Engvall to fit in somewhere eventually as well. Maybe Robertson too but I don't see how.