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16 Mar 2023 10:34:04
Tor: nylander
Nyr: lafrenier Schneider
Nylander just seems like a good fit for the rangers who are a heavily built around European players tarasanko and Kane come off their books so lots of cap space to
Make it work as for the players coming back lafrenier hasn't lived up his hype coming out of junior which is fine he has all the tools to be a good player put him with Matthews marner and watch him work as for Schneider I thought at the time the leafs should have drafted him he's big and physical and is a right shot it's a good futures pickup
1.) 16 Mar 2023 10:47:58
I would rather Schneider and Cuylle. Not sure Schneider would even be available though.
2.) 16 Mar 2023 10:48:21
Good prop though.
3.) 16 Mar 2023 13:33:21
I still have nightmares of that draft where we did not get Schneider. so i am on board with any trade that corrects that mistake.
4.) 16 Mar 2023 15:30:20
@Loxley passing on Schneider is only an issue because of Amirov's health (who could of predicted Cancer? )
If Amirov was healthy, he may have solved one of our LW problems. I have no bad feelings about the draft choice.
5.) 16 Mar 2023 19:42:20
I have to agree with Tags here. Amirov could have been the next Ovie or a career AHL player and anything in between. I can't judge that pick at all, because it was so unpredictable for him to be diagnosed with cancer.
6.) 16 Mar 2023 20:49:18
Schneider was higher ranked than Amirov. Dubas went off the board when picking Amirov because he preferred skill and speed at the time. Dubas has since admitted that he didn't put as much value as he should have on things like depth, experience and physicality. I remember being shocked and ticked when Dubas passed on Schneider as the Leafs had nothing like him in the system.
Ironically, as much as Babcock could be a jerk, this is all the things he complained about that the teams built for him didn't have. So Babcock can't get a job and Dubas still has one while basically admitting Babcock was right. lol.
7.) 16 Mar 2023 21:13:29
@RLF I have been thinking that recently as well lol.
Babs did some things he probably shouldn't have, but he was right about everything. Needing to play a 200ft game, not giving up on plays, playing a more physical style, having better depth, etc.
8.) 16 Mar 2023 21:43:52
@RLF yes, agreed Dubas just drafted for skill and speed not worrying about size. He definitely was wrong and is trying to correct and learn from his mistakes by drafting Knies and Minten (a little late, definitely agreed) .
I never was high on Schneider (and still am not) and I don't believe he was ranked higher than 18th/ 19th so I didn't mind Dubas going off the board a little. My friend was really pushing for Dawson Mercer who in hind sight would have been the best pick.
As per Babcock, yes he may have been right about getting different type players but as you said, he's a big jerk to put it mildly.
9.) 16 Mar 2023 23:15:43
When did being a jerk as a coach become such an issue? Obviously the Keenan type racism and physical abuse isn't ok, but coaches haven't been nice guy's forever. Bill Belichick could be the greatest coach, of all sports, ever. He's not a nice guy at all.
Even in hockey terms, Scottie Bowman was hated by a lot of his guys.
10.) 17 Mar 2023 00:35:48
I had Dawson Mercer, Braden Schneider and Kaiden Guhle all rated ahead of Amirov in the 2020 draft.
Amirov was another 165lbs skilled winger which Leafs had a surplus of.
Didn’t like Dubas’ selection at all.
That said, trading Nylander would leave a huge hole on Right Wing with no one in Leafs prospect pool to fill it.
An interesting but risky move as Leafs become a one line team with Tavares centering Lafreniere and Jarnkrok for a 2nd line!
11.) 17 Mar 2023 01:54:21
Tagz. At the time, Schneider was ranked as high as 12. When 15 came up and he hadn't been taken, it was thought a given Dubas would take him, especially because he was exactly what the team lacked. But instead, he went small and skilled again. Unfortunately as much as Dubas has learned, he was also very stubborn to insist he knew a better way to win. He was wrong and wasted years of Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Tavares.
12.) 17 Mar 2023 13:41:54
RLF still don't thinking passing on Schneider was a big deal. Defense hasn't been our problem over the years, it's been lack of scoring.
Leafs have gone 0,1,1&1 goals for over the last 4 playoff series: game 5 & game 7's. That's really our issue and not defense.
Yes, getting some more physical players will help. But not just physicality, we need hard to play against (forechecking hard, finishing plays, energy type players) . players like Acciari and hopefully Lafferty (I'm still on the fence on him) bring those elements.
We need players with winning pedigree and attitude which is what ROR brings to the table.
Hopefully these acquisitions are what brings us over the top. I just would have liked another scoring bottom 6 player to round out everything.
Dubas has finally shown some gumption this time around. Hopefully its enough and not too late.
13.) 17 Mar 2023 14:40:15
Tagz. Although I agree on the last half of this and let's say Amirov never got sick. Would he have really helped the Leafs bottom 6 with the attributes you described? I honestly don't see it. The debate is Schneider or Amirov and not really what Dubas needed to add to the bottom 6 that he seems to have finally figured out.
Even if Amirov stayed healthy and I don't mind the player, I didn't see top 6 potential and I see top 4 potential in Schneider. Just my opinion of course.
14.) 17 Mar 2023 15:47:01
RLF Amirov probably doesn't bring the physicality agreed. I would like to think he'd bring the energy and forechecking attributes, plus some goal scoring. Other bottom 6ers could bring the physicality.
Schneider may potentially morph into a top 4, who knows, but still wouldn't have happened during the run.
15.) 20 Mar 2023 22:00:56
@Tagz and LL. My having nightmares over that draft has nothing to do with Amirov getting sick. was big on Schenider before and at the time all the talk was how the Leafs needed and couldn't find a right shooting RD. he was big and felt we lacked the depth on the blue line with the Marlies. as RLF has pointed out he was ranked higher and many were surprised Dubas did not pick him. He chose as usual a smaller skilled player which i felt we did not need at the time as much as we needed a high end defenseman.
16.) 20 Mar 2023 22:45:00
@Loxley although I probably would have taken Schneider as well, most D do not develop for 4-5 years anyway.
I don't think you draft beaded on needs, you draft the best player available.
I'm not a scout so I don't know what upside the scouting staff saw in Amirov, I just have a hard time saying he made a poor choice because we'll never actually know.
17.) 21 Mar 2023 03:23:12
@LL that's fine. i agree D can take a little longer, just wanted to clarify that my opinion of Schneider is not because we now know about Amirov's health issues. I wanted him long before Amirov was diagnosed with the brain tumor. and that this is not a case of hindsight is 20/ 20.I feel for the kid but my wanting Schneider over him has nothing to do with his health. just my opinion based on what alot of the media experts were saying about Schneider and not knowing anything about Amirov.
18.) 21 Mar 2023 10:25:21
That's the thing, Schneider was the best player available and fit the Leafs needs. In most scouting agencies, Amirov was a late 1st projection. Schneider was in a group that any 4 of these players could go 12-15. He was the last of the 4 when 15 came to the Leafs. Dubas went quite a bit off the board with Amirov who projected as a 3rd line, defensively responsible energy type with some offensive ability. Schneider was a top 4 projected RD with size, physicality and can skate.
Yes, we will never know now because of Amirov's health, which is so sad for the kid. We all wish him the best, I am sure. That said, if Dubas had taken the BPA, this discussion wouldn't be happening.
19.) 21 Mar 2023 18:20:52
@RLF. well said. my point exactly. he was drafted in 2020 draft and in the 21-22 season played 43 games and so far this year has played 69 games. Leafs had a bad D a few years back so hard to argue this guy could not have been useful to us.
06 Mar 2023 20:26:23
Honestly I think the leafs need to try and rest Tavares and Matthews especially Matthews who is clearly playing hurt but my question is for the playoffs should the leafs try and build a heavy energy line. And basically make a line that is gonna out skate tampas fourth line
I like accari zar lafferty for that role with maybe kerfoot sliding in there
Tavares O'reilly Marner
Bunting Matthews nylander
Zar accari lafferty
Kerfoot kampf jarncrok
1.) 06 Mar 2023 21:07:07
I would like to see.
JT Matthews Marner
Bunting O'Reilly Nylander
Jarnkrok Acciari Lafferty
ZAR Kampf Kerfoot
Rielly Liljegren
McCabe Brodie
Gio Holl/ Schenn.
2.) 07 Mar 2023 01:14:17
I'm not at all with you guys.
I'd like to see JT as 3C. You now have the best centre depth in the NHL use it.
Bunts Mathews Marner
Jarnkrok O'Rielly Nylander
Lafferty JT Acciari
Zar Kampf Holberg
I've had enough of watching Kerfoot to last me a life time. I'd throw out Joe Woll at RW before him at this point.
I like the idea of running that third line with guys that don't outspeed JT. They all play well positionally and grind out opponents.
McCabe Brodie
Gio Holl
Rielly Lilly
I've had enough of Mo as well. He's been my favourite player for a decade, but he's a bum out there right now. If I was Keefe, I'd press box him.
3.) 07 Mar 2023 02:27:30
I don't believe O'Reilly can drive a line, so the 3rd line will become a checking line that won't produce much. To me, load up the top 6 and be physical and defend with the bottom 6. The only way this team wins is Leafs stars need to outperform the other teams stars. So the Leafs should make a bottom 6 that is really tough to play against and a top 6 that can go up against anyone.
4.) 07 Mar 2023 09:38:58
I agree with RFL O’reilly can’t drive a line and I don’t think limiting Tavares 5on5 ice time makes much sense either to me the only problem I see if yes Toronto got harder to play against but they still lack scoring depth. leafslife the one thing I despise of keefe is that he has guys that he loves and kerfoot and holl are two of them engvall was one as well. Do you guys think that it’s possible that knies can play in the lineup over zar?
5.) 07 Mar 2023 11:05:44
I agree with @LL in splitting up the 3 centers. It will make us harder to defend and make our lines more balanced IMO. Plus we can move players around when we need a goal or two.
@RLF & @Goat O'Reilly is playing with Nylander who can drive that line.
I would just switch the lines slightly
Bunting Matthews Marner
Jarnkrok O'Reilly Nylander
Kerfoot Tavares Lafferty
ZAR Kampf Acciari
Knies
Keefe is going to play Kerfoot no matter how many better options he has.
McCabe Brodie
Rielly Schenn/ Lily
Gio Lily/ Schenn/ Holl
@Goat I think Leafs are going to start Knies in the playoffs or else Dubas would have traded for a top 9 forward before the deadline.
6.) 07 Mar 2023 11:42:39
See, I wouldn't put JT as 3C and O'Reilly as 2C. It would be the other way around if I was to have 3 down the middle. JT is the better offensive threat and O'Reilly better to defend other teams top lines.
If "balancing" the lines to spread out scoring, then I wouldn't leave the top line intact.
Jarnkrok Matthews Marner
Acciari JT Nylander
Bunting O'Reilly Lafferty
Kerfoot Kampf ZAR
The thing I don't like about the 3 centre idea is that it puts even more pressure on the top 4 to produce as their wingers are mostly fillers on the line that you hope chip in. Loading up the top two lines means all 3 spots on the line are a threat and harder to defend.
7.) 07 Mar 2023 13:58:43
@RLF it's great to have so many options. Just hope Keefe doesn't galaxy brain it.
I could see having 2 strong forward lines and 2 solid bottom six lines who are hard to play against and score against.
This option relies more on the top 6 to outscore their opponents and for the bottom six to stay even with their's. Definitely possible with the newer acquisitions we've picked up.
Things can be switched around game to game or even within the game itself.
Anyways, whatever the direction
GO LEAFS GO!
8.) 07 Mar 2023 15:44:11
True Tagz, They have options. I just don't think it would be wise to still be experimenting come playoff time. Guys need time to gel and know their role. Toying with things just so Keefe can so who may be able to play with who and in what role means no one gets comfortable in a certain role.
I think they should figure out what they want and run with it. As you said, in game changes are necessary if one guy or line just isn't going that night. But guys constantly moving guys around game to game from line to line, I don't like.
9.) 07 Mar 2023 18:16:48
100% agreed.
I just hope he doesn't galaxy brain. Just set the lines up and stick with it for a while so chemistry is developed.
I really hate how Keefe singles out Liljegren after that Edmonton game. He been one of the best Dmen all season and IMO deserves to start the playoffs. Hope Keefe smartens up because some of his decisions are real head scratchers.
10.) 08 Mar 2023 03:01:10
@RLF that's going to be impossible now. ROR won't be back until playoffs, but I completely agree on the point.
11.) 08 Mar 2023 11:28:57
@LL. True, but they could still establish as many combos/ lines as possible and let's start seeing some D pairs set. This musical chairs thing is kind of ridiculous to me. They must have had an idea when acquiring these guys where they thought they would fit in.
Also, can't Lafferty do pretty much what Kerfoot does at 1/ 3rd the price?
12.) 08 Mar 2023 21:51:01
@RLF A scarecrow could do what Kerfoot does. I'm so done watching him. I'd ice Holmberg over Kerfoot.
13.) 09 Mar 2023 00:09:45
@LL. I know you aren't a Kerfoot fan either. Remember how I always said Kerfoot looks off slot shots and even when he had his 50 point season I would talk about his goals are mostly open nets created by his lineages and his assists are mostly secondary where he didn't do much to create the goal and people argued with me how good he was. 50 points is still 50 points I would be told. Where is all that talk now? lol.
02 Mar 2023 16:53:50
Tor: kerfoot 1st 2023
Det: Perron
Leafs need another winger who can score Detroit seems to be selling maybe it opens up a better chance for O'reilly as a 3c Perron has been good depth scoring this year and scored 9 goals last year in the playoffs
1.) 02 Mar 2023 19:00:41
See, I'm for loading up the top 6 and finding another bottom 6 guy with some ability that is hard to play against.
What I am wondering, is why they haven't tried JT on LW with Matthews and Marner and put Bunting on 2LW with O'Rielly and Nylander. This gives the first line a more talented grinder than Bunting and evens out the speed between lines better as JT and O'Rielly are the two slowest of the 6. Bunting plays a very complimentary style to O'Rielly and gives Willy two guys that dig pucks and play fairly physical taking that attention off of him.
2.) 02 Mar 2023 19:06:57
Like it.
3.) 02 Mar 2023 19:16:50
Leafs lost their chance when they missed out on Bertuzzi. Need grinding forward not scorer.
4.) 02 mar 2023 20:23:31
leafs need to go all in on anderson .
mtl trades leafs anderson 25% retain
toronto trades knies 2024 1st 2024 5th 2025 5th for the salary retention.
5.) 02 Mar 2023 21:02:40
The leafs don’t need another grinder they got those already they need a guy who can play in the top 9 and grind Perron seem like a good fit.
Rfl I agree jt would be interesting up there but also why not Willy he doesn’t mind playing his off wing.
6.) 02 Mar 2023 21:19:49
you have a glut on d put rielly up to left wing and bunting to 3rd line.
7.) 03 Mar 2023 01:07:41
Only if Detroit retains 50% otherwise Leafs do not want his $4 million cap hit messing up their salary cap next year.
28 Feb 2023 22:24:27
A couples things I could see happening now
Tor: 1st 23 (bos) 1st 24 Gustafson Robertson
Arz: chychrun
That would be wild lol but more realistic trade
Tor: 3rd kallgren
Dal: khudohbin
28 Feb 2023 20:41:34
Dubas has ZERO chill right now what do guys think of the sandin trade
1.) 28 Feb 2023 21:20:59
Don’t get me wrong I like sandin however the way he was holding out on a contract in the offseason I didn’t like and made me think he might have an attitude issue. At the end of the day I don’t hate this trade.
2.) 28 Feb 2023 21:47:34
I think this was a move to get back assets to make a bigger move.
3.) 28 Feb 2023 21:52:00
I'm a Sandin fan and when Leafs got McCabe, I said he is likely gone as there is no room for him. I am curious to see what Dubas may do with the 1st he acquired. Does he keep it or use it for another piece?
4.) 28 Feb 2023 23:36:53
I’d like to package that first with Kerfoot maybe more for bertuzzi.
5.) 01 Mar 2023 02:12:41
Oh no!
Not Bertuzzi!
The always injured Red Wing.
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14 Mar 2023 10:29:55
Idk about you guys but I'm over the 11-7 lineup seemed like the top guys were gassed I understood it at first to get a look at all the d but it's time to make a decision
1.) 14 Mar 2023 11:39:35
I have been over it for games now. I know O'Reilly getting hurt put a kink in getting lines together etc. But it is past the time to tinker with combos etc and figuring out who you want in the lineup. Go back to 12 and 6 and let your pairs get comfortable. Same with the lineup up front. Plug a guy into a spot for O'Rielly (I would choose Lafferty) . This is what I would do.
JT Matthews Marner
Bunting Lafferty Nylander
Jarnkrok Kampf Acciari
Kerfoot (Holmberg/ Steeves) ZAR
McCabe Brodie
Rielly Liljegren
Gio Holl/ Schenn
When O'Reilly comes back, Lafferty moves down to 3C and Kampf to 4C. At least the wingers from lines 2 to 4 get their time together. Eventually they would have Bunting/ OReilly/ Nylander, Jarnkrok/ Lafferty/ Acciari, Kerfoot/ Kampf/ ZAR. Rielly isn't having a good year, reduce his minutes and responsibility some. Maybe he gets going and top 2 pairs would play most of the minutes anyway. I don't see anything in Gustafsson that says he should be in there and Timmins just doesn't have the experience. imo Timmins will get his chance next year to earn a fulltime spot.
2.) 14 Mar 2023 19:41:18
Linebup looks good. Can't wait till O'Reilly is back.
Not sure if anyone really remembers this:
Game 1 line up against Tampa last year:
Kerfoot-Matthews-Marner
Mikheyev-Tavares-Kase
Nylander-Kampf-Engvall
Clifford-Blackwell-Simmonds
Rielly-Lyubushkin
Muzzin-Brodie
Giordano-Liljegren
Extras: Spezza, Holl, Bunting, Sandin
I'd say we're in a bit better shape than last year, other than Muzzin of course.
3.) 15 Mar 2023 05:49:07
@Tagz that 4th especially is a face palm lol.
4.) 15 Mar 2023 12:46:49
@LL agreed lol. And we took Tampa to 7 games with that line up.
I feel much better about our chances this time around.
5.) 16 Mar 2023 00:49:48
Right now, both Gustavsson and Liljegren should sit. imo. no, not because of Liljegren bobble in OT, he just hasn't been very good for a while. Gustavsson hasn't impressed me at all. Will you please end this ridiculous 11-7 mismash Keefe.
6.) 16 Mar 2023 01:45:19
@RLF Gustafson is just a European Tyson Barrie. I am perplexed by the acquisition.
7.) 16 Mar 2023 11:40:17
Right at the trade I said I wish they just told Washington to keep him. The guy is a career 6/ 7 D. He only got his big mins in Washington due to injuries. Dubas wanted him because his stats were pretty decent.
Sandin has looked pretty good in Washington playing over 25 mins a night and QBing the PP. lol.
8.) 16 Mar 2023 19:44:37
@RLF I know everyone will say Sandin shouldn't have been traded, but I don't think he ever looks this good in Toronto. Keefe and Dubas seemed to dislike him and he's always going to be behind Rielly.
That could be a trade that haunts this team for a decade though.
9.) 17 Mar 2023 01:49:52
@LL. I have said all along that Sandin is top 4 potential even when I was being told otherwise on here. Now, I am not saying Sandin should be playing 25 mins a night and will keep up this pace, but I won't be shocked if he ends up being a top 4 for many years. He is too smart a player. I still don't mind the trade at all and I was one of Sandin's few supporters.
10.) 17 Mar 2023 23:43:51
@RLF I can't betray my former self and say I liked Sandin. I never have. I always thought his skating was too poor and his IQ was suspect.
I watched a couple Caps games since he started playing there though and he looks like a different player. He's not making those brutal decisions he was famous for, he isn't getting caught out of position (as much) and he looks confident with the pick on his stick.
I wouldn't take the trade back unless Rielly was being shipped out all the same.
11.) 18 Mar 2023 14:51:37
@LL. Honestly, I felt the IQ was there. Some guys need to play a decent amount of minutes to be "in the game". When they sit too much, they try and do too much with the limited minutes they get in order to show they deserve more and then make more mistakes.
That is Sandin to me. Give him 19+ mins a night and I think he will actually play better than a 3rd pair getting 14-16 mins a night. That's how I see him anyway.
In general, the Leafs rarely put young guys in a position to succeed in a way they did in the A. They give them limited minutes and expect them to make a big impression. We may have never seen what Sandin could be. But I remember when there were lots of injuries and Sandin's time got elevated. He always played his best when that happened.
I am worried they will bring McMann up (this year or next), play him limited 4th line minutes and if he doesn't produce, we may have another Mason Marchment situation. Not that I am saying McMann will be another Marchment, but he may get traded for peanuts and he will go on to be a solid top 9 NHLer.
12.) 19 Mar 2023 05:07:41
@RLF I remember Sandin being given minutes as well. I remember him playing like poo at those times as well.
Development has an issue or its Dubas/ Keefe.
I won't say I thought Sandin was a top 4, because I didn't think he was, but I do think this system doesn't work with younger players.
13.) 19 Mar 2023 12:44:21
@LL. I guess we see his game differently. When Rielly and Brodie were out and Sandin and Liljegren were put together as the 2nd pair, I thought for the most part, Sandin played well. Last season before his injury, he had worked himself into the top 4. That injury really set his development back and he didn't look good at the start of this season. Of course, he was getting limited minutes and missed part of camp while holding out (which I didn't like) . Anyway, we see him differently. All good.
14.) 24 Mar 2023 01:04:22
Sandin may well be another Mason Marchment moment.
That said though Sandin has 12 points in 9 games played with the Capitals he is a - 5 so his warts are still visible.
15.) 24 Mar 2023 12:45:54
Yea, he has warts. He just turned 23 so he is still learning. He had a 3 game poor stretch where he went -9 over 3 games while only picking up 2 pts. He played the other 6 games as a +4 with 10 points playing 25 mins a night. Like I said, he isn't a 25 min a night, top pair D. I do believe he will be a sloid 20 min a night 2nd pair guy. Something I have said all along. Of course, his development will be based on if the Caps show trust in him and play him even if he makes a mistake.
10 Mar 2023 13:14:22
I've seen a lot on Matthews and if he's signing with Toronto but the real question is what is nylander doing he's having a career year and in the second half has really played well at both ends of the ice wouldn't be surprised if he ask minimum 10 mil aav. I've always thought they way the contracts of the big 4 set up nylander would be moved Matthews stays jt will be a cheap deal to retire a leaf and marner gets paid. so that being said what would nylander fetch in the trade market would love to see the leafs sell high and get a good package for him now.
1.) 10 Mar 2023 13:58:27
He could easily ask for around $10M. We also know he is not against holding out etc to get what he wants.
The smart thing to do is move Willy at the draft before his partial NTC kicks in. That would be the prudent move for the future of the team if they are building around Matthews and Marner specifically.
2.) 10 Mar 2023 15:00:58
@RLF. what does a Willy trade return look like. who might be interested?
3.) 11 Mar 2023 11:01:29
@RLF I don't think Willy held out to get an astronomical amount. He got a fair market value IMO. His hold out was done pretty quietly through the media. No one heard any threats during his hold out, unlike the Marner camp who really took Dubas to cleaners.
And if Willy asks for $10M, again I think it would be fair market value for the way he's playing. But I have a feeling Willy signs for 9.25M/ 8 years if stays with Leafs. Otherwise he will get more with another team.
I personally am curious to see what Marner's next contract will be. As great as people say he is, he has yet to reach 100 point season and more importantly have a good playoff series. He is overpayed and I really hope he signs his next contract for not more than $10.5M/ 8 years.
I just want to say that Willy is my favoyrite player, but I do acknowledge that Marner is the better all round player and deserves a bigger contract but not $4M difference between the two.
4.) 11 Mar 2023 13:13:01
@loxy I see nylander in two markets the rangers or the kings if I’m the leafs I’m asking for a 1st prospect and an young nhl ready player.
5.) 11 Mar 2023 14:34:38
@Loxley. The two teams that come to mind the most that have the assets and are not in rebuild mode, but re-tool are Nashville and Columbus.
I have said before that Nashville would be a very good fit for Willy. Columbus just spent to get Gaudreau and Gudbranson and re-upped Laine and Merzlikins, so rebuild I don't think is what they are after. Nashville already siad they are not rebuilding. Both sold off pending UFA's for assets and both need scoring.
I think the return will have a lot to do with Nylander's playoff performance this year. Can he be consistent in the playoffs, or is it one good game followed by two where he is unnoticeable?
Assuming Willy has a good playoff, I would think the Leafs would want an NHL ready young forward that is a top 6 projection and probably a 1st or 1st+. I would assume any 1st will be top 10 protected. OR a 18/ 19 year old top 6 projected prospect forward, a 1st and an NHL player on a reasonable contract for the bottom 6.
6.) 11 Mar 2023 15:02:06
Tagz, I know you like you some Nylander. lol
All I said is that we know he is willing to hold out to get what he wants. Did I say something not true? You're a little sensitive when it comes to Nylander me thinks:)
I agree though, Willy's holdout was fairly quiet. But he was willing to sit all year unless he got what he wanted and he stuck to his guns. Which is obvious by the last minute signing and Dubas did cave. Let's not forget, Willy's comparables were around $5.4-$6.25M (Pasta was not a real comparable) . He got $7.5M and was so badly out of game shape when he came back that he looked like a guy who hadn't skated for months. Yes, he missed camp etc and the first couple months of the season, but he was simply awful his first season of this contract. Others have done the same and weren't as bad as Willy. Leafs are really only getting 5 years from him. Did he take Dubas to the cleaners? Not really. But he sure got a lot more than he should have, especially since Dubas bought only 1 UFA year.
The worst overpay was Marner. No doubt. Marner does not deserve a raise and I think Marner is an extremely gifted player that plays with heart etc, but he is already above his max. At least Dubas got two UFA years out of him instead of one. If he re-signs, hopefully your number is close. Matthews got too much for too short of term. On a 7-8 year deal, I am fine with what he got as an AAV, but Dubas walked him right to free agency buying only 1 UFA year like he did with Willy. Why so many poor contracts by Dubas?
Back to Willy. Let's remember, Willy set the tone by being the guy who held out first. He didn't want a bridge deal and he wanted to be paid well above his comparables and was willing to sit out a year to get it. IIRC, he wanted around $7.5-8M. Dubas screwed himself by caving. If he hadn't, maybe Marner doesn't threaten to sit and Matthews gets less per or gives more term than the Leafs got. It still all comes back to Willy holding out. Sorry, but Willy did start it all.
7.) 11 Mar 2023 18:45:16
@RLF I don't think I get sensitive when it comes to Nylander, i just like to be fair.
I agreed he did look horrible once he came back. And I guess he did start with the hold out, but his negotiations did come up a year earlier than the other 2.
I do believe they got 2 UFA years from Willy as well (not sure though) .
At the end of the day, I don't blame players for trying to get paid, but I do hold them accountable for their actions in the media. What happened with Marner's circus media negotiation really rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyways, unless they make a deep playoff run/ unless the cap is going up $4M for 2024/ 2025 season and Matthews is staying, Nylander will probably be gone. Hope that's not the case though.
8.) 11 Mar 2023 21:14:14
@RLF. i saw your Preds proposal. interesting you mentioned the Jackets. i know you said they'd focus on a young forward/ prospect but what if they looked at a package that included Peeke to help shore up the back end. does Columbus have another young forward they could add?
9.) 11 Mar 2023 22:58:50
Tagz. Maybe sensitive is the wrong word. But when it comes to Nylander I find you do tend to over defend even when not necessary. Nothing wrong with it, he is your favourite player. It just means maybe not completely objective though. All good.
10.) 11 Mar 2023 23:11:59
Loxley. I think Peeke depends on when they think Jiricek can make the jump, although they need LD over RD, so possible. I think they would have had interest in Sandin. I doubt Johnson would be available and the next would be Sillinger imo, and I don't see a strong offensive ceiling in him. He is more of an energy guy that may pot 20 with good players. Peeke, Sillinger +?
11.) 11 Mar 2023 23:14:32
@RLF how about Calgary? They gave some good Dmen (Anderson maybe)
12.) 11 Mar 2023 23:30:30
@RLF no worries buddy, maybe I am a bit sensitive. All good.
13.) 12 Mar 2023 13:39:39
Tagz. All good for sure.
Just because you had brought up Willy having 2 years UFA possibly being bought. I am almost positive Dubas only got 1 UFA year on Nylander. The reason I am pretty sure is not only that is what I thought when he signed, but a quick way to tell is when any trade or move protection kicks in on their contract. Players under team control (RFA years) cannot negotiate any trade or movement clauses to be added for those years. That is why McDavid's didn't kick in until this season and Matthews doesn't have any until next season. Willy's doesn't kick in until next season as well, which is because that would be his first year of UFA eligibility and therefore he can have protection clauses on that year of his contract IIRC.
14.) 12 Mar 2023 16:50:27
Interesting. I didn't know that, but makes sense.
Thanks.
BTW as I asked above, do you think Calgary would be a possible trade destination? They need some scoring wingers to play with Lindholm and/ or Kadri. Not sure how their cap situation plays out though.
15.) 12 Mar 2023 22:04:36
Not sure on Calgary. As you said, cap is probably an issue in their case.
02 Mar 2023 09:17:21
Should dubas do more before the deadline..?
Me personally I would hold into the first and maybe move some guys to maybe get a few late picks back. I think the leafs are on the verge of doing too much.
02 Mar 2023 01:55:45
This game against Edmonton is the only thing that scares me about the leafs I know the games doesn't mean much but you'd think going up against mcdavid the top guys would show up. from top to bottom the team has been brutal the Matthews line was shockingly bad idk what to think about 34 but something just isn't the same this year as for the d pairing McCabe like Ike's ok everyone else should of stayed in the dressing room hopefully it's just a one off but not the way to show your gm appreciation for all his hard work
1.) 02 Mar 2023 03:08:00
The culture surrounding this team is something to behold. Once hardworking players show up and start taking entire weeks off.
2.) 02 Mar 2023 11:46:25
Samsonov was brutal as well. His positioning on that first goal was horrendous. He was almost beside the net on the first shot by Draisaitl and had to kick his pad out to get a piece of it. Had he been up against the post, McDavid has nothing to shoot at on the rebound. The Hyman goal looked bad as well.
They played with no speed or passion. Are they that upset that Sandin and Engvall are gone? Grow up boys, it's part of the profession. Of course, I probably shouldn't say that because it may hurt their feelings and that is not acceptable.
3.) 02 Mar 2023 14:30:40
I don’t think that it was they were upset I think the d pairing were crap and they played with little pace and the big thing was the face off dot for a team with all the depth now they struggled but the have 20 games or so to figure it out.
4.) 02 Mar 2023 16:22:33
Goat. I should have worded it "If that is the case, grow up boys". I doubt that is the actually the reason.
28 Feb 2023 14:26:27
For me this is what the lineup looks like against Tampa
Bunting Matthews Marner
Tavares O'reilly Nylander
Zar Accari Lafferty
Kerfoot kampf jarncrok
McCabe Brodie
Reilly liljgren
Gio holl
Sammy
Murray
That 3rd line head to head will be fun to watch and I think the leafs try and use there speed with kerfoot and jarncrok to match up against the vet line on Tampa
1.) 28 Feb 2023 17:37:07
Where's Engvall? Did he make us all happy and trade himself?
2.) 28 Feb 2023 20:41:00
He would either be traded or the extra or waived.
3.) 28 Feb 2023 22:12:53
As he just was haha.
16 Mar 2023 10:27:35
I don’t think Murray is bought out I think he’s traded there will be teams that are willing to take on that contract for 1 year.
14 Mar 2023 10:26:51
How about we just keep Matthews and resign him….
10 Mar 2023 13:09:48
The whole Arizona thing is so over blown will Matthews play there yes but I think unles they get a lot better and into a new arena a lot sooner I don’t see the draw for Matthews that being said I can see him do a end of his career move home and retire their but he’s not playing in his prime for a basement team that is a poverty organization in the nhl playing infront of 5 thousand people.
10 Mar 2023 13:06:28
I don’t think he’s leaving but let say for whatever reason he does I think you’re looking at a package most likely involving a 1st round pick a top prospect and probably a top 6 forward as the main pieces it would be hard to get much more than that just simply cause he could end up just being a rental for an acquiring team.
07 Mar 2023 09:38:58
I agree with RFL O’reilly can’t drive a line and I don’t think limiting Tavares 5on5 ice time makes much sense either to me the only problem I see if yes Toronto got harder to play against but they still lack scoring depth. leafslife the one thing I despise of keefe is that he has guys that he loves and kerfoot and holl are two of them engvall was one as well. Do you guys think that it’s possible that knies can play in the lineup over zar?
26 Mar 2023 17:51:17
I honestly think keefe moving guys around so much is a big factor in the leafs play which I mean they have had some stinkers but they are in most games murray.
11 Mar 2023 13:13:01
@loxy I see nylander in two markets the rangers or the kings if I’m the leafs I’m asking for a 1st prospect and an young nhl ready player.
10 Mar 2023 13:22:14
Man Hyman on this team would be wild but in the end who knows what will happen with Hyman I wish the leafs kept him but at the time the money and term didn’t make sense I mean we could be saying the same thing about bunting this offseason fact is some decisions go your way and some don’t that’s part of the game we love.
10 Mar 2023 13:18:47
I sure hope you’re right in this one because if he dominates in the playoffs like he did for most of last year I don’t think there’s many limitations on how far the leafs could go this year.
06 Mar 2023 18:16:40
On ltir expected back before playoffs but still stinks just gonna put more pressure on Matthews to preform.