Current Avatar:
No Avatar image uploaded
No Avatar image uploaded
Leafs Rumours Member Posts
Rsears's Profile
No Profile Picture uploaded
Rsears's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Rsears's Posts
To Rsears's last 5 rumours posts
To Rsears's last 5 banter posts
To Rsears's last 5 rumour replies
To Rsears's last 5 banter replies
Rsears's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Rsears's rumours posts
15 Jan 2023 22:19:11
Simple deal that perhaps helps both teams.
I generally wouldn’t put forth a deal with Habs but here goes.
We get a power forward who can score some and absolutely hammer the opposing Dmen.
Can fight too.
Brodie for Anderson.
1.) 15 Jan 2023 23:39:37
I think it was CJ (might be wrong) that said the Habs have had many calls about Anderson for over a year and have said no. Probably not what they're looking for.
I think most of us on here wanted Anderson before the Domi trade though.
2.) 16 Jan 2023 00:49:16
Anderson is so inconsistent
No thanks.
3.) 16 Jan 2023 13:24:17
I was for adding Anderson when he was in CLB. But with the contract that he got and his inconsistent play (like MPH noted), he is not the guy I think the Leafs should be after.
4.) 16 Jan 2023 13:37:04
@Mph
I do see the inconsistency as well but in the playoffs I think he would be different and would give the Leafs a skill that’s very much needed.
Canadiens do need help on D.
So we need to look elsewhere for a power forward?
5.) 16 Jan 2023 16:44:28
I have always liked Anderson as a player he’s big physical and has speed his point production has been up and down but on a high power offensive team like Toronto could work just don’t know if many teams touch that contract.
6.) 17 Jan 2023 03:30:09
Habs are looking at trading Edmundson so why would they be interested in Brodie?
I like Josh Anderson but he is another one of those chronically injured players who spends as much time in the infirmary as he does on the ice being a productive member of the team.
Anderson also has four more years after this season at $5.5 million per year, and will be 29 this spring (May 7th) which runs his contract through to age 33.
I feel Leafs should shy away from players like that.
13 Jan 2023 13:52:37
Taking the approach of targeting potential trades with teams out of playoff contention probably makes the most sense.
Targeting players with a cap no more than $3-4m depending on who goes the other way also makes sense.
The Leafs biggest need is a forward not a Dman in my opinion.
That F must be an above average skater with above average size and physicality and more than capable of playing L2 minutes.
Its choice for me is one who I think meets all criteria and could be available. Max Comtois is 24yo 6.2” 210 and makes $2.038m. Send Dryden Hunt packing along with Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese.
Or send same package to the Blues for Ivan Barbashev, my 2nd choice.
3rd choice is Nico Sturm, a 27yo 6.3” 209 LW/ C making $2 x 3. Has 10 goals this year in 35 games, a very good skater with a 2-way skill set.
There are others but I don’t think they are available like Dominik Kubalik, Boone Jenner, Klim Kostin, K Karako or too expensive like Sam Bennett.
I might also look at Andrea’s Athanasiou or even try our untested Bobby McMann with Tavares and Marner.
Who would you pick that fits these criteria?
1.) 13 Jan 2023 14:32:50
I like the Comtois package, and I think you can get him for only a 2nd round pick. I think the leafs should use that as a way to package simonds aswell. I like hunt for what ive seen so far and dubas wonht trade him out after trading for him.
barbashev is another solid option, aswell as neidereider is my top 3. honorable mention to sam bennet, the situation with him is florida might need to clear out some cap space.
as for defense, the target would be a nasty checking defense oriented Right shot. Shenn is my top choice. hamonic could use a look aswell as shattenkirk or mike stone if calgary falls out of the playoffs.
2.) 13 Jan 2023 15:03:37
Trenin and McBain are mine as everyone already knows. Comtois I like as well. I would rather they get a cost controlled player that we can keep if he works out over a rental for once.
I wanted them to try McMann as that top 6 LW in pre-season, but he didn't have a strong camp, so he wasn't given a try.
I do wonder if Jeannot may be available as last year was probably a career year if he is a permanent 3rd liner in Nashville.
3.) 13 Jan 2023 15:51:04
I like the idea of Comtois. but is he a 2ns line player? I've wanted him as a target before but dunno if he would work out at 2LW.
@Rsears i know ya said target between 3-4mil but if RLF is gonna bring up Trenin again i got to go back to Meier. half retained and send Kerfoot back the other way. Leafs would have to talk to him first to see what an 8 year deal might look like, maybe he takes less on cap hit that way than 10mil plus. i'd then look to add Bjugstad and Mcbain from Arizona for bottom of lineup or maybe Trenin just for RLF. lol. I also liked Niederreiter's game from the other night so if not Meier then maybe him on 2lW. also like Jeanot from Preds. never seem to notice Trenin though when i watch Preds play which is not all that often mind you.
4.) 13 Jan 2023 19:41:48
I like the meier trade we haven't been losing because of our d in the playoffs it's lack of scoring. When the top 4 don't score we're done. I'd go get meier and the 2 you mentioned in Arizona. We have to be all in this year or the core 4 will be done and run the risk of losing Matthews with continuous losing in playoffs. I can guarantee Tampa will be making a big move.
5.) 13 Jan 2023 20:01:37
@Loxley. What would it cost for Meier, especially at 50$ retained? For the same price they might be able to get both McBain and Trenin or maybe Jeannot. This is why I am not for the big name. As for top guys, Matthews, Marner, Nylander, JT and Bunting should be enough. After that we need guys that can do what Nick Paul etc have done.
Plus you mentioned Meier earlier which allowed me to mention Trenin. Thanks for that. Lol.
6.) 13 Jan 2023 23:58:38
@RLF. what would it cost to get Meier and half retained? i'd say definately a 1st round pick. Kerfoot to balance difference. i think it would also cost Robertson and Niemela. or they might was Knies as one of the pieces. which i would be fine with to get a guy that has 23 goals so far. as long as we can re-sign him long term and bring down his AVV.8.5 to 9 mil a year. i have been watching the sharks lately and he a Lebanc work wonders together. can only imagine he'd be able to do the same with JT and Marner. then i think we can still try to acquire guys like Jeanot, McBain or Trenin with other prospects or picks. We don't know what Bunting will wanna sign for next year so would i give up our 2024 1st round pick for Tanner Jeanot. hell ya. he has not scored as much this yer but put him on a line with Matthews and Nylander and i bet that changes. same type of player.
again it's kinda like the deal Tampa made for Hagel. yes the cost of 2 1st round picks for him was steep but you know what you are getting and will be on the team for a while. which is why i am not so hyped on Knies. we do not know what he will be. if he we keep him and turns out to be great that is awesome. but for now who knows.
7.) 14 Jan 2023 00:00:41
@RLF. forgot to add. the top guys you mentioned have not gotten it done in the playoffs before and are struggling right now. team looks a lot different without Matthews. so also would definately need another C cause Kerfoot ain't the guy.
8.) 14 Jan 2023 00:27:50
I like the Comtois idea. But the Leafs will be in further cap hell at the end of this year when Bunting is up for contract and Mathews and Nylander can sign extentions. Leafs went something like 14-2-2 when Rielly was hurt. They are 32-16-7 all time since Rielly was drafted when he was out of the lineup. I think he is very over rated and we could use his $7.5 million better spent else where. Trade him for picks or a good forward and then trade for Chychrun!
9.) 14 Jan 2023 00:28:48
While Meier would be nice to have he will want $8m+ on his next contract. This is out of reach for the Leafs so another target is needed I think.
Conversely, while Comtois is in final year, I don’t think it will take much to resign him so I don’t see his situation necessarily as “uncontrolled”. And yes I think he can complement Tavares and Marner quite well, drive the net and find some open ice.
As far as McBain is concerned I don’t think Arizona would give him up. I’d certainly make a play for him but I’m not convinced he could acquired without a sizeable offer. I’d give up SDA and Abruzzese.
The question about Jeannot’s availability is very worthy of a phone call. I liked his physicality, heaviness and PK ability the other night plus I saw some puck handling skills and heavy shot.
Dryden Hunt has energy and does play the body but his effectiveness in my view is limited to just that. I see little to zero offence.
I’m still interested in making a play for Bjugstad who is likely available at minimal cost. Id also try to resign him for $1.5m x 2.
10.) 14 Jan 2023 01:26:57
Loxley. Well thought out. If the top guys can't get it done, then isn't it better to change the top guys instead of selling every asset to get them "help"?
The top guys shouldn't need top tier help. If they do, then it is the top guys we should be trading. imo.
11.) 14 Jan 2023 02:38:42
I'd take a bag of pucks for kerfoot, I'm not eager to trade knies I've watched a lot of his college games and I think he's the real deal.
12.) 14 Jan 2023 04:07:40
Comtois, Barbashev, Sturm: all affordable.
Neiderrieter: more expensive
ROR, Meier: perfect but tough to resign.
Another that I would add is Kuzmenko (along with Schenn) from Vancouver
McBain and Jeannot I don’t know a lot about but like their physicality.
Good proposals!
13.) 14 Jan 2023 12:36:44
Looks like we have a SC worthy team to me! LOL.
14.) 14 Jan 2023 18:44:11
@RLF I agree if top guys can't get it done they need to switch which is why I say add a bonafide top guy in Meier. if they still fail then maybe trading a top guy like Nylander next year is the way to go. can't trade JT and not getting rid of Matthews or Marner. Meier when I compare Meier to Willy they are both good players but styles are different. Meier will go to the net more than Willy. as for Bunting I am a fan but wish he was bigger . don't wanna pay him 4-5 mil which is why in the past I have targeted Crouse. or now Jeanott who would cost less to resign.
15.) 14 Jan 2023 18:53:45
@Rsears I did a cap friendly where I was able to build a team with Meier on the team. mind you Bunting was not signed but we gets replaced by Jeanott and I still had Knies on lw. bottom Also had McBain on it.
I also agree with you on Bjudstad that he would be fairly cheap to acquire and would sign for same money and term. good replacement for Kampft.
16.) 14 Jan 2023 19:30:25
@Loxley. Your idea has value imo. It's just my opinion that we should add complimentary pieces with size that can play and not too expensive to acquire. Then if the top guys can't get it done again, we move one/ some in the off-season for a different piece or pieces. This way the Leafs don't empty the asset bank, but add different pieces in a return. Keeping Knies is a big for me.
17.) 15 Jan 2023 03:48:45
@RLF. I personally don't like the team too heavy in scoring and big contracts. would rather have a more balanced out roster. but until Dubas is gone this is the type of team we have and he won't give up on his boys. loyal to a fault. Rielly is the one I'd like to see go. team played better D when he was out.
If it would work I'd send Rielly to nucks who could send horvat to sharks who would then send Meier to leafs . then sharks can sell horvat to get picks or prospects.
18.) 15 Jan 2023 03:51:16
@RLF. forgot to add I have also suggested other. Complimentary pieces to add to bottom 6 and they have size guys. unfortunately who knows if guys like McBain or Jeanott or Crouse are even available.
08 Jan 2023 01:11:45
There are a few of us who believe that only minor tactical are needed, not those that empty the cupboards.
I reall want Bjugstad, a big big body who can skate and battle for the puck. He’d be a very solid complement to Tavares and Marner. Ty Voit and Filip Kral should do it.
Then let’s get Gavrikov, a big solid 2-way Dman that adds physicality.
Need to offer Niemela, Abruzzese and a 3rd. There’s no guaranty that he can be resigned so I’m hesitant to give more.
1.) 08 Jan 2023 02:04:47
I like your targets don't know if those offers will do it.
2.) 08 Jan 2023 06:31:53
I like both your targets. If your deals don’t sit well with readers how’s this
Columbus gm might ask for both niemela and hirvonen and maybe ottawas 2023 3rd. Thst might be the going rate for Gavrikov
The bjugstad trade shouldn’t take much. Just give Arizona the 2023 3rd rd pick so leafs don’t have to wait for Arizona to chose between 2025 2nd and this pick. Instead they just get both.
Your deals were just fine as well.
3.) 08 Jan 2023 16:09:10
I’m okay on the Bjugstad add.
I’ll do the Gavrikov trade if I can sign for $3.8m x 2. Top salary is $4m x 3.
4.) 09 Jan 2023 00:37:12
No add on bjugstad just the 3rd.
5.) 09 Jan 2023 01:56:10
Gavrikov is big but NOT a physical player.
Only 32 hits through half the season this year.
His defensive numbers are also poor.
Bjugstad would be of interest if it only cost Voit & Kral.
The problem here is that Bjugstad is right handed not the left winger that Tavares and Marner need.
06 Jan 2023 20:14:30
Okay let’s look at trying to appease the Rielly nay-sayers.
Leafs were 12-2-1 when he was on LTIR. The team learned how to play together as a team during his recovery.
Have they now forgotten?
He is a good offensive talent but lacks solid defending skills. This is what we all see.
Simple trade, one to get Tavares another winger. for Anthony Mantha straight up.
While he is a left shot he plays RW, an easy fix for Toronto.
We save $1.8m, let the Capitals figure out how to make cap work.
I think I’d do it!
1.) 06 Jan 2023 23:24:37
Do I read this right?
Morgan Reilly for Anthony Mantha?
I can think of a dozen better trade targets than the chronically injured Mantha who spends more time in the infirmary than on the ice!
2.) 07 Jan 2023 00:15:46
You’re right he has an injury history.
I can think of a dozen as well but in this cap world money in money out needs to be close, right?
Vancouver can’t take on $7.5m for Rielly by trading out Bo Horvat’s $5.5 and they are not adding to make it work.
And even if they add the Leafs can only fit one more player into their 50 contracts.
Would you prefer Timo Meier? He will want more than Mantha’s $5.7m.
So you lose Rielly for 1/ 2 year?
So please tell me who your 12 better trades are! I’m listening!
3.) 07 Jan 2023 01:03:37
Rsears. Can't agree on this one. I would rather have Rielly. Martha is about as hot and cold as it gets on top of the multiple injuries. I can see why the Caps would have interest in Rielly since they only have Carlson signed for next season on D.
4.) 07 Jan 2023 01:54:23
I like the target of Mantha, I don't like his contract or what you're giving up.
If this was with retention (probably not possible) then I'd be a lot happier with it.
5.) 07 Jan 2023 11:44:08
Rielly's NTC axes any potential deal.
6.) 07 Jan 2023 13:20:17
I’m just tossing out a Rielly trade for the nay-sayers, not a recommendation, to see what might come back!
WB49 apparently has 12 better ideas for Rielly and I’m anxious to hear what they are.
Who knows what ideas he might have, and they could cause us reason to consider.
18 Dec 2022 22:38:57
Oilers need defenders.
Leafs need size and physicality in someone who can contribute as a secondary scorer.
Kerfoot and Brodie for Puljujarvi and Foegele.
Yeah, yeah I know everyone likes Brodie and I’ve said I like him too but we get two big forwards with speed and physicality.
Foegele is not being used properly and Puljujarvi would complement Engval, and Kampf.
1.) 19 Dec 2022 00:33:33
Kerfoot ($3.5) + Brodie ($5) = $8.5
Puljajarvi ($3) + Foegele ($2.75) = $5.75
Firstly, I can’t see the Leafs trading defense for forwards.
Secondly, Edmonton does not have $2.75 in extra cap space to work with.
Rsears's banter posts with other poster's replies to Rsears's banter posts
22 Jan 2023 15:50:29
rubbish!
I can’t steam games in France or Spain.
I’ll be missing hockey until return on Mar27.
I don’t know what to do!
1.) 22 Jan 2023 21:33:34
You can't? I managed to stream a couple in England. Which app you using?
2.) 23 Jan 2023 13:57:26
Sportsnet Now.
3.) 23 Jan 2023 15:00:42
Use a VPN and simulate being in canada. Problem solved.
4.) 23 Jan 2023 16:21:11
@Randy. Nice solve! That should do it.
5.) 23 Jan 2023 17:42:56
@Randy good call.
18 Jan 2023 00:29:19
This is REALLY tough to watch!
Pathetic PP and in front of the net no Leaf knows how to curl and drag and goof the puck.
Awful.
1.) 18 Jan 2023 13:33:44
Roof the puck.
2.) 18 Jan 2023 17:18:05
The Leaf mainstays just seem to have a hard time playing the right way continuously. Same with Florida right now. FLA may have got Tkachuk, but they lost Weegar, Marchment and Huberdeau and they are reeling because of it.
It always seems that once the Leafs play the right way for a while that they get bored and slowly slip back into a personal point producing style of game where it is exchange chance after chance and go all in on every rush even if that puts you in a vulnerable position defensively. They need to commit to the right way all season so that it is natural come playoff time and not needing to be turned on all of a sudden.
Of course, Murray just looked awful. He is all crouched down and hunched over instead of using his big frame by keeping his body tall as he goes into the butterfly. Down way too early as well. Hope he can sort it out.
3.) 19 Jan 2023 13:34:59
Yes he was bad covering the top of the net!
Two other points I continually notice are how the Leafs allow the opposing forwards to get a late whack at the puck when covered. Please let the opposing forwards know that is not acceptable by being much tougher without getting a penalty. This drives me crazy!
The second thing is giving the other team time too much time to make a play. One reason the Bruins are so tough is they play smart and are always making the opponents rush a play. The Leafs hang back too often giving the opposition the ability to delay and hold the puck while looking for an opportunity. Gap control is not something they do well.
4.) 19 Jan 2023 15:26:39
First point I agree with and that is on the players. 2nd point is more a system than player thing I think. To me the defensive theme is to keep them to the outside and collapse to the net. Protect the slot box at all costs. I don't disagree with you, I am just saying I think it is coaching in this case.
5.) 20 Jan 2023 00:47:55
Yes it would seem to be a coaching decision when the opposing team is moving the puck between D around the circle hash marks. The Leafs peel off in a 1-2-2 defensive lineup,
It clutters up the neutral system. I’m okay with that most times.
I’m more concerned how they give too much space and time to the Dmen in our zone. They stay back and wait. This gives too much time for the offence to find space and a scoring chance.
This I’m not a big fan of!
6.) 20 Jan 2023 01:35:55
I was referring to their defensive system in their own end.
7.) 20 Jan 2023 12:23:26
Yes this is not a system I’m in favour of.
IMO it gives the offence D more time to make a play. We become spectators which can only lead to trouble.
The strong side winger needs to close the gap on that point man while the weak side winger covers the slot.
This may be “old-time” hockey, I’m not sure!
The Leafs congest the middle and give the perimeter. Yes it is Keefe’s system and I suppose it can work if the players execute it correctly.
Any reasonable system executed well is superior to a better system poorly executed.
It often frustrates me when the opposition flies around creating chance after chance with our players looking dumbfounded and confused!
There, I feel better.
8.) 20 Jan 2023 13:28:36
I am not a fan either. I think the old 4 man box with the centre helping down low and the wingers keeping in their lanes and not crossing over to the other side of the ice would be old time hockey. lol
The other thing it does is create tired defenders with long defensive zone time shifts. And without pressure, the attacking team can make some changes on the fly without losing possession. I also think that with the skill of the players today, give them enough time and space and many can find a whole in your defensive collapse. Kind of like a really good QB against a zone defence. Give a good QB time without alot of pressure and he can pick apart a zone defence.
9.) 22 Jan 2023 19:30:59
Rsears. You do know who the leafs d core is right. Not one of them would do anything to anyone ever. Lets see. Greaseball Pezzetta knocks Samsonov flat on his ass no leaf defender or forward for that matter comes to his aid. Another habs player at the whistle while Samsonov flat on his back without the aid of anyone pretty much flops on his back no leafs player removed him off his back. what a pathetic team of sallies.
More contact in womens hockey and they dont have contact hockey.
14 Jan 2023 13:04:21
Oops sent before ready.
My point is simply the D puck carrier should continue full speed when that drop pass is cut off or taken away.
The Leafs generally have 2 forwards trailing and the PK team has only one player below the puck carrier so what remains is a mini 3-on-3.
The puck carrier then isolates or attacks one defender to gain O zone entry. This is fine but easy to defend due to restricted space on that side.
This is often the right tactic but when it is done 100% of the time it’s easy to defend.
Why not change it up once in a while with the puck carrier attempting to split the D? At least this opens up some space for the wingers. If no D man moves toward the puck carrier he drives hard to the net.
If a defender moves to intercept the puck carrier the puck is passed to that side vacated and now there is more room to get a clean entry.
When the drop pass is cut off the trailing forwards need to anticipate this and quickly close the gap and catch up to the defender.
I’m not sure I’ve been clear and what I’m suggesting may not have been easy to follow.
I may have to get on the ice with them next practice! I’d call my Dad to let him know but he’s walking the next world.
14 Jan 2023 12:49:04
Our special teams need to get better now and for the playoffs! They are quite often the difference in winning and losing.
One thing drives me crazy about the Leafs PP is when the PK team cuts off the drop pass for the ‘sling-shot’ play (or whatever it’s called) and D puck carrier doesn’t know what to do and slows down making it very easy to.
13 Jan 2023 00:40:38
I do believe McMann has shown a great combination of ability in his 5 periods and I, for one, would continue to give him the opportunity to stick.
He’s shown better than Hunt and, of course, Simmonds.
I think he has a better “nose for the net” than Aston-Reese, Holmberg and maybe Jarnkrok.
So far he has shown me he’s an NHL player and I like that he finishes his checks without chasing them.
09 Feb 2023 16:44:05
How do you know this WB?
No one knows what’s being offered!
25 Jan 2023 18:28:13
Stop already!
25 Jan 2023 18:27:21
Silliness!
19 Jan 2023 23:04:03
I called him an older player but he will only turn 32 on 2/ 7 so he’s not a gray-beard.
His best seasons are behind him for sure!
If the Leafs could extend at a reasonable number I’d feel better but I don’t want to give up a 1st pick.
19 Jan 2023 13:52:07
Is ROR really the guy we should be going after? And at what cost?
The Niemela trade could well do it. I believe I read the Blues wanted at least a 1st and a good prospect so who really knows?
My issue is he’s an older player on the decline (16 points in 37 games and a -24 I think) . He’s no doubt a rental since the Leafs won’t choose to resign him at $6m+.
Yes he has a great resume and I’m torn and not convinced he’s our guy and I hate losing a 1st yet again.
I think I’d feel better with Barbashev for Niemela and Kerfoot.
I do like Foegele and can’t understand why the Oilers don’t use him more. He’s got size, grit and speed.
Send the Oilers Voit and Benn, they need the cap savings and another Dman. We keep Engval.
23 Jan 2023 13:57:26
Sportsnet Now.
20 Jan 2023 12:23:26
Yes this is not a system I’m in favour of.
IMO it gives the offence D more time to make a play. We become spectators which can only lead to trouble.
The strong side winger needs to close the gap on that point man while the weak side winger covers the slot.
This may be “old-time” hockey, I’m not sure!
The Leafs congest the middle and give the perimeter. Yes it is Keefe’s system and I suppose it can work if the players execute it correctly.
Any reasonable system executed well is superior to a better system poorly executed.
It often frustrates me when the opposition flies around creating chance after chance with our players looking dumbfounded and confused!
There, I feel better.
20 Jan 2023 00:47:55
Yes it would seem to be a coaching decision when the opposing team is moving the puck between D around the circle hash marks. The Leafs peel off in a 1-2-2 defensive lineup,
It clutters up the neutral system. I’m okay with that most times.
I’m more concerned how they give too much space and time to the Dmen in our zone. They stay back and wait. This gives too much time for the offence to find space and a scoring chance.
This I’m not a big fan of!
19 Jan 2023 15:10:45
Of course it can only start next year!
19 Jan 2023 15:09:04
Okay suggest this idea for the next GM meeting for some more dialogue.
Get ‘er done!