71 Comments

1. 4th Hanson brother on March 12, 2015 at 12:22 pm

   It would be nice to know exactly what Kadri did to deserve a multi game suspension. Looks more like management is trying to deflect attention away from their own shortcomings. First it was coach Randy that took the fall, now a young player who was supposed to be part of the Leafs’ core moving forward.

   I like Kadri as a player and admit that he has fallen short of expectations so far. But this public thrashing will do nothing to bring him back into the fold – if anything, it will probably reduce his trade value if the Leafs decide to cut ties.

   “He has some growing up to do”. Maybe Leaf management has similar issues.

   • Gordon on March 12, 2015 at 12:50 pm

     Let’s be real. The NHL parties hard. A lot of players like the night life.

     first time i can recall a three game benching to a core player for such an infraction. Maybe it’s a good thing, maybe not. It is just odd.

     Cam Ward in edmonton couldbe a disaster and if he has a no trade, not going to happen.

     Vancouver should go get Tootoo if NJ does not resign him. Would be an instant fan favourite and it has been a long time since Vancouver has had a guy like him to put in the line up.

     • Deeeeeee on March 14, 2015 at 3:51 am

       Edmonton is not looking to Carolina for goaltending. If they win the draft lottery or have the worst record they would be looking great with eichel or mcdavid centering hall and Eberle. Their best bet is what their rumoured plan is which is sending one of their young, inexpensive forwards to the Kings for martin Jones. By the time mceichel is a consistent contributer Jones will be ready for a starters job and with nurse, klefboom and marincin leading the oilers defense they will be much improved across the board and still very young. The penguins have 2 blue chip goaltending prospects, I wonder if we would relinquish one for the right return?

   • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 1:22 pm

     There is obviously issues with the entire Culture of the Maple Leafs. They stated they are in a rebuild where many players will likely be moved out, fired their coach, have behaviour issues with their players, and many pundents and fans are wondering if there GM is even save. Basically everything from A-Z is wrong with this club. They continue to use the media to berate their players, media issues I believed needed to be handled along time ago. First Phaneuf, then Kessel, Yesterday Kadri and today the coach is moaning over poor turnovers and named Joffrey directly. This group is falling apart not coming together.

     This is one heck of a mess to fix.

     • Ron Moore on March 12, 2015 at 3:59 pm

       This is one heck of a mess to fix is quite an understatement when you consider how this team was originally envisioned. Both Burke and Wilson wanted a fast skating skilled team that can trade chances but still come out on top with Burke having a preference to size. Once Randy came aboard, the team continued on with it’s style but added that toughness Burke liked. Now that the team has a new leader or visionary, Shannahan with his team viewed the team and declared it a lost cause midway though the season.

       I think what we are witnessing here with the Leafs is a team were players will have to readjust everything they were taught into a style of play Shannahan and his team believe will be a better sustainable style of play that will carry them deep into the playoffs. It’s the coach’s job to prepare the players for this and the ones that fail to conform will not look good and eventually discarded. This is gonna look bad and take a while and dumb distractions off ice and about players are probably welcome during this time.

     • john on March 12, 2015 at 9:48 pm

       mr noel you think you know it all you should be gm and coach you want to bring up dirt lets talk about some of the sens

     • George on March 12, 2015 at 9:59 pm

       And in chirps one of the frustrated and frazzled denizens of LeafsNation who, when cornered, always seem to want to drag in the Sens. Where are the Senators mentioned in today’s rumors? When they are there’s plenty discussed in here about their short-comings. But they have NEVER been in the social/performance/management mess currently faced by the Leafs and the subject was broached here by comments made by Stephen Burtch of SportsNet

     • john on March 12, 2015 at 11:58 pm

       yeah the records in the past and also the little bit of cocaine check it out

     • john on March 13, 2015 at 12:24 am

       yeah emery never did what kadri right

     • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 10:22 pm

       We can talk dirt on my Sens if you like, despite their problems I will still cheer for them. They do have some problems..,,,umm I can’t think of them..,.you start I need a bit of help.

     • john on March 12, 2015 at 11:44 pm

       how about w redden and emery, karlsson shall i go on how about havelat kicking recchi in the groin how about alfie taking a slapshot at neidemeyer want more alfie elbowing tucker

     • Jeff Noel on March 13, 2015 at 2:04 am

       Yeah that all counts. For some reason it doesnt bother me. Unlike a leaf fan I know my team has had bad aspects in its history. I am also willing to discuss them. We even had character issues. Remember Emery and Yashin.

       None of that changes what is going on in Leaf land. I am not a leaf hater. Despite being a Sens fan I will cheer the leafs on, however , they are the Sens chief historic rival defeating them in three straight playoffs and being thhe other Intario team. I do smile a bit inside when they struggle. But that is just friendly rivalry.

       I actually thought highly of the leafs when the season starter. Thought they were going to push hard for a playoff spot. It has all fallen apart and I am sure you see what I am seeing. My team is gelling and playing for each other as they push for a chance at the playoffs. Your team is finding new things to squabble over each and every day.

       It is what it is. I am not trying to pick on them but you must admit it is unusual and they are the hot topic on this sight,

       I wish the leafs a quick turn around to go along with hopefully a huge improvement of my Sens so we can start arguing over who is better and not what is wrong with our teams.

     • George on March 13, 2015 at 12:57 pm

       Holy crap. Come into the 21st century John. The weather’s fine here. And don’t forget to bring your meds

   • DaVE on March 13, 2015 at 8:32 am

     Right to discipline him. Wrong to add two games after the fact. I suspect that Kadri must have reacted poorly to the benching or made it sound like he was taking no responsibility for the events that made him miss the meeting.

     Shanahan himself had Uncle Lou read him the riot act in the early days. and with a number of “leaders” on the Leafs certain that they’ll be gone this Summer, I bet management is determined to send a message right now to Kadri that the team needs him to grow up fast and be a new role model for the younger players and fans. It worked for Shanny, and no doubt they want to get Kadri back on the right path before he becomes a first line player and team leader every night. They don’t want to trade him, but in the next few weeks, if Kadri can show the potential to someday wear a letter on his chest, then I think they throw him a long term contract. Otherwise, they’ll fear the gamble and trade him or do a short-term deal in case they need to send him away later.

2. Shticky on March 12, 2015 at 12:53 pm

   I think that things like the chaos of the end of this season, Kadri, the way the team has played firing the coach and the rest is the scoarched earth approach that has been refered to. Things are changing in Toronto, the style of play the players how management is going to handle the players, everything. Shanny and the gang let it ride for the first few months of the season to get a first hand look at how things were working since then things have been changing at a rather rapid rate. Cant make an omelet with out cracking a few eggs. So far the result is a sloppy mess of yoke. Gotta give it sometime.

   • 4th Hanson brother on March 12, 2015 at 1:04 pm

     Agreed guys – I just think tossing this kid under the wheels should not be the starting point of fixing things. The Leafs’ biggest problerm is lack of leadership, lack of a real captain that can pull guys aside and have leadship discussions. The NHL has become alot younger, the older more experienced players are not as common as they used to be. That’s why having a leader/captain is so important to teams that win.

     I am not convinced Shanny is the right guy for the job either. I find his public actions yesterday in poor judgement. Shanny was on the wrong side of coaches during his career too, but I don’t ever remember a coach or GM going public with their issues with him as a player. I may be wrong, I just don’t have a good feeling about this situation.

     • Shticky on March 12, 2015 at 2:57 pm

       Ya Shanny admitted to as much tho and said he too as a player went through it…I assume that was refering to, he also matured and won some cups with his third team and was a noted leader for the Rangers, as of yet I am not really too worried about how he is handling things. I think its too early have to see how things shake out over the next year or 2.
       Funny for years people complained about the Leafs entitlement and country club atmosphere, and the minute someone gets called out on it, people are all s reaming about public shaming…not so sure this is all about Kadri. He is the one who was the unfortunate one to have it happen to him, but I think there is a much bigger message here.

     • 4th Hanson brother on March 12, 2015 at 4:40 pm

       I just hope shanny is the right man for the job. Shaking it up is OK if erverything falls back into place.

       Think Babcock is pumped to join this parade?

     • Shticky on March 12, 2015 at 6:51 pm

       It aint going to be Babcock…Julien maybe.
       Pretty sure whoever it is, its not going to be the inmates running the asylum anymore. Thats I think the big message here, cant really do much about Phil Bozak Lupul Phaneuf and some others they are guys I think that are likely moved dont want to knock their value down they are not necessarily part of the “core” how Kadri responds will be interesting but, I think this signals he stays more than anything else. This is the future of the team and this is how we are going to do things…kind of idea.

     • Marco on March 12, 2015 at 3:34 pm

       I said it before and will say it again

       Kessel + to Car for Staal Bros + …..those are Shanny’s type of players…..

     • MURPH on March 12, 2015 at 3:52 pm

       The Staal brothers as good as they are, are a bit on the older side to be joining another team for a rebuild, and more importantly are they going to leave their warm comfy life in Carolina to join the circus? I do not think so. As for Kessel, he “loves it here” but you are suggesting he leaves here to play for the contending Carolina Hurricanes? And with the Staals gone, he plays with……….? Sorry, I cannot see this happening.

     • Marco on March 12, 2015 at 3:54 pm

       And who would have thought someone would take Clarksons contract??

       anything is possible….

     • MURPH on March 12, 2015 at 4:07 pm

       Yes, but I do not think the contracts are the issue.

     • George on March 12, 2015 at 10:30 pm

       And many have said it before, Kessel is NOT a Ron Francis type of player. No way Carolina makes that deal.

   • assbackwards on March 13, 2015 at 12:38 am

     lol
     problem is that when the toronto makes an omelet, it turn’s out as scrambled eggs instead

   • tugboat1955 on March 13, 2015 at 12:46 am

     Who cares about the dirt of either team. If Kadri needs to grow up then the team has to provide some tough love. He is a good player but maybe he could be great if he focused on positive off ice activities. He is arguably as talented as Traveres but not as focused. If he dedicates himself maybe he takes the next step and at least becomes a boni fide #1 center? I like his “dirty edge” and talent but it is obvious from some of his selfish playS that he is still immature but he is also young. Don’t trade him work with him except if he wants out.

3. justchris on March 12, 2015 at 1:04 pm

   Obviously, there’s more to it with Kadri then meets the eye as suggested by shanny. It’s about time they stopped pampering these prima donas. This club house atmosphere needs to be toned down and what they did with Kadri imo was appropriate. Too bad they didn’t have the balls to do the same with Phaneuf and Kessel.

   • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 1:26 pm

     I am just not sure if publicly shamming a prima dona is the best coarse of action. However the move has been made and we can sit back and watch the out come. Will he remain a leaf, will he go on to excel else where like Seguin?

     • john on March 12, 2015 at 9:50 pm

       grow up

     • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 10:28 pm

       Don’t understand that comment John, are you saying Kadri needs to grow up? im sure he will most do.

   • 4th Hanson brother on March 12, 2015 at 2:20 pm

     The difference between Kadri and Segiun – Segiun existed in a winning atmosphere in Boston and the B’s could not change his ways. The recent situation in Toronto is anything but winning, not the conditions to change any player’s habits. That’s why I have an issue singling out one player vs dealing with the team as a team.

     • assbackwards on March 13, 2015 at 12:45 am

       i agree.
       in fact, I work in Toronto and the typical Toronto businesses operate the same way as the leafs, which has in turn led me and Kadri to drink because of their ridiculeness…so it’s their fault and they should stop bitching. 🙂
       Was he drinking at work? No! STFU!
       and don’t try to say it’s not Ok to be late cuz your hungover when 100% of you are late cuz you stop for tim hortons in the morning.

   • MURPH on March 12, 2015 at 4:05 pm

     I think the reason they did it with Kadri is that they want him to stay. He can become the face of the franchise, if he wants it, and his personality and ego seem to suggest that he does, but there will be rules and conditions attached.

     I think the reason why they have not done it to Phaneuf is they have a better chance of moving him if he is perceived in the best way possible by his organization. They want a no fuss trade.

     As for Kessel, I think they are weighing their options. Depending on where they get their pick in the lottery, they move him or not. If they get a pick high enough that will get them a top centre like McDavid or Eichel, they keep Kessel to play with him. Otherwise the jettison him for picks at the draft. Or they keep him regardless and have KAdri centre him, if they feel he can still become better.

     Just MO.

     • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 10:31 pm

       I hink Kessel is staying unless he demands a trade. Phaneuf is going and Kadri is likely staying, the rest constantly I. The rumours will likely move on.

     • john on March 13, 2015 at 12:40 am

       yeah jeffnoitall

     • Jeff noel on March 13, 2015 at 2:07 am

       Lol are you offended by me expressing what I think.

       I am not sure how to post on this, if I try and stay humble I get drilled by some about being conflicted,

       You a member of a small group of trolls on this sight my friend.

     • Daniel on March 13, 2015 at 5:32 am

       Dude. What’s wrong with you? Back off.

     • George on March 13, 2015 at 7:40 pm

       He’s a frustrated LeafsNation member who’s reached the end of badly damaged rope now that he’s seen there is no light at the end of a long tunnel for at least 5 years.

     • john on March 13, 2015 at 9:16 pm

       still hurts that tor beat u 4 times in the playoffs well as someone just wrote get over it

     • George on March 15, 2015 at 6:26 pm

       Good God. Are things that bad in LeafsLand that you still cling to playoff results that happened over a decade ago?? At least the Sens made the Cup finals in that span. The Leafs – except for a lock-out shortened season – have been trying to find their way back INTO the play offs, never mind reaching the finals (which they haven’t done for a lot longer than a decade). See? Anyone can drag up ancient history to get in a dig. But what good does that do and how does it apply today? You told someone in another thread to “grow up.” How about practicing what you preach.

4. Durtmchurtt on March 12, 2015 at 1:36 pm

   I wonder how available Crawford really is. It’s a big contract but a team like Edmonton would have to overpay to get a free agent goalie anyway. I doubt Chicago gives him away but they need to clear cap, plus he’s more accomplished than Cam Ward. Idk, just spit balling here. Either way I’m not a fan of either team but I’m sick of the Oilers being bottom dwellers, here’s hoping they finally get a proven goaltender.

   • Dino Rondelly on March 12, 2015 at 5:33 pm

     I dont know I would say Crawford is more accomplished then Ward that might be a stretch.

     Edmonton needs to worry about defense first, a good defense will make an average goalie better.

     • Paddy on March 12, 2015 at 8:19 pm

       Yes. See: Dubnyk, Devan.

     • Durtmchurtt on March 12, 2015 at 10:13 pm

       Dino I wouldn’t say it’s a stretch, it’s a fact. Crawford has played on a much better team and has had more success than Ward. I didn’t say he was better, but in twice the amount of regular season games Ward still had less playoff wins. I’m not faulting Cam Ward, just that Edmonton needs experience and a winning attitude and I think Crawford might bring that. Cam Ward is a good goalie but he hasn’t exactly made Carolina a perennial playoff team, I’m not convinced he could do it in Edmonton. The jury is still out for me on Crawford, that’s the difference in my mind. Either way both would be an upgrade.

     • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 10:32 pm

       I’m still on the Eddie Lack or Martin Jones bandwagon to Edmonton. Not that either are available,

5. Leafsfan on March 12, 2015 at 1:55 pm

   I for one think it is high time for leafs players to be called out. I like what shanny is doing. He is putting the players on notice, if you want to play here you will act a certain way.

   • 4th Hanson brother on March 12, 2015 at 4:42 pm

     Call all the players out, not just one. Especially for a guy you supposedly want to keep long term.

6. Fergy22 on March 12, 2015 at 2:09 pm

   It is tough playing in your home town if you are young and prone to distractions. Has happened to a few Habs players over the years, Mike RIberio and Jose Thoedore to name but two.

   OReilly has not played up to potential this year, he may get 7 mil but I don’t think he is worth that. Mind you several Avs players have underperformed this year. I am also leery that he has a prima Donna attitude which wears thin on teammates and management.

   I have always liked Tootoo, he is fierce and gives it his all. Limited talent yes but he has the heart of a lion and for under a million is a good signing. I would rather play with him than against him.

7. Caper on March 12, 2015 at 2:21 pm

   If there is anything to learn from Boston situation with Seguin is you don’t trash your player in public, The bruins made Tyler night life and their disapproval of it very public, in the process they diminished his trade value so much. They tried to trade Seguin to Calgary for their 1st round pick straight up (9th) and was turned down. I don’t see any benefit in public embarrassment of your player, if you trade him you won’t get full value and if you keep him, he might sour because of the public embarrassment.

   • Dino Rondelly on March 12, 2015 at 4:48 pm

     Where did you hear Calgary turned down trading the 9th overall pick for Seguin? Seguin was traded in 2013 which the Flames drafted 6th overall taking Sean Monahan.

     I have a hard time believing they balked at trading that pick for a guy 3 years further ahead in his development with a cup and a 29 goal season under his belt.

     You have any articles or anything that backs up this clam?

     • Caper on March 13, 2015 at 3:16 pm

       your correct it was the 6th pick and the bruins wanted Monahan. Sorry don’t have the news clipping read it that year in one of the boston outlets. Got to remember, bruins but security at his hotel room during playoffs to keep him in the room. They made all this very public, where no one would give them proper value. Most team viewed Tyler as a distrubtion.

8. Marco on March 12, 2015 at 3:52 pm

   My take:

   Tyler Seguin – 23 great talent but already kicked out of one organization and obviously has not learned anything with actions this yr AND got Jamie Benn in trouble too. Unless he grows up he will bring this org down. I see him as a Stamkos in stats but he is not even close to him in maturity

   Steven Stamkos – 25 this shows how to groom young guys. has he ever had any off ice issues?

   Mike Richards – 30 I think he was the leader of him and Carter, he calmed down some in LA but he still was a heavy partier. where is he now? the hard life caught up to him.

   Jeff Carter – 30 he settled down in Columbus and LA, still a top player…

   Patrick Kane – 26 he settled down after that summer and is still a top player

   I am a Canucks fan but still like the Maple Loafs. They need to get some leaders in there. Kessel and Phaneuf would be great there if they had some stronger leaders, those guys arent, and have proven they shouldnt be the leaders. They have strong personalities but not the right type of ‘strong’.
   They would be a great compliment to a couple of strong leaders though.

   That being said, who are some strong leaders in the NHL today???

   Growing up, Messier, Shanny, Scott Stevens….guys that would kick ur arse if you didnt buck up….. who are some other great leaders from the past?

   • Paddy on March 12, 2015 at 8:22 pm

     Iginla & Sakic spring to mind for me!

9. 4th Hanson brother on March 12, 2015 at 6:11 pm

   We need to bring back Eddie Shack

   • Shticky on March 12, 2015 at 6:43 pm

     Clear the track… lol

10. Shticky on March 12, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    Sorry Oiler fans Boychuk 7 years an Islander 42 mill.

    • Dino Rondelly on March 12, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Thats actually pretty fair deal to keep him away from free agency.

      Maybe the term is a little long,

      • Shticky on March 12, 2015 at 7:21 pm

        Ya not bad…not great either. Pretty physical guy to be getting paid that much till he is 39 but, first few years will be worth it…Cody Franson is going to cost someone a butt load of money. I am really happy the Leafs traded him now.

      • George on March 12, 2015 at 10:35 pm

        They pretty much HAD to sign him after giving up a 1st this year and a 2nd next (they also traded their 2nd this year in another deal and so won’t pick in rounds 1 and 2 in a deep draft). Wouldn’t have looked good on Snow had Boychuk walked this summer, leaving them with one-year rental for two good picks.

    • scott on March 12, 2015 at 7:17 pm

      Isles are in great shape. They were so far under the CAP that they can retain all their core and still take on salary.

    • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Most of us knew he’d sign with the Isle. Who wouldn’t stick with a stanley cup contender. Looks like the Isle will have a window up for some time now.

      • Dino Rondelly on March 12, 2015 at 9:21 pm

        Well we all knew you knew we just weren’t sure about everyone else,

        I just got my Jeff Noel Sens jersey … I will be posting pictures soon enough :-p

      • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 10:39 pm

        Lol I can’t win here Dino. If I don’t state things with certainty or find out later I am wro and change my opinion I have NYR4life on here saying I am conflicted and flip flopping causing others him not to be able to take me seriously.

        If I come on here confident in an opinion shared by the majority and state the fact when the outcome arrives I have you come on with this comment.

        Hmmm.,,,,not sure where to go from here, interesting social media interaction it is,

11. Fred65 on March 12, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Assuming TO is in a total rebuild it’s going to take a long time to draft youth and bring them to the NHL level, not many kids go from Junior to the NHL and do well. The worse thing for TO is to rush and spoil youngsters. So I’m thinking a minimum of 3-4 years of what you see is what you get

    • Jeff Noe on March 12, 2015 at 10:41 pm

      I was watching that hockey and they put wxamples of rebuilds and time frames up.

      It appears 8 years is the most probable time frame.

      They used teams like Pittsburgh and Chicago as examples,

    • George on March 12, 2015 at 10:41 pm

      Judging by the dwindling pool of UFAs every year, the reluctance of some who are UFAs to go to TO, and the albatross long-term deals handed to Phaneuf, Kessel, Lupul and Gardiner and now faced with cap uncertainty on two fronts (the Canadian $ and players voting against escrow – maybe) most of the pundits I’ve heard are talking more along the lines of 5 to 6 years.

12. Paddy on March 12, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    I think it’s good that Kadri got disciplined (whether it should have been publicly or not is a good debate).

    But boy, I’d say sitting your best puck-possession player “coincidentally” helps any potential tanking plans the Leafs management might have…

13. Cityboy on March 12, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    Shticky. The Oilers are a sorry bunch, no matter how you cut it. i am beginning tio believe that their rebuild has gone very sour and the management does not have a clue how to right the ship.
    They have to trade one or two of their children for real hockey players.

    • George on March 12, 2015 at 10:38 pm

      First they have to get rid of their petrified management – Lowe and MacTavish. As long as those two are making the decisions the Oilers will continue to spin their weels.

    • Jeff Noel on March 12, 2015 at 10:45 pm

      The oilers were a sorry bunch but he new coach seems to be turning them around, Yakupov is playing quite better since th coaching change along with other young players, it seems the players confidences were shattered by Eakins who refused to give I e time to the youngest of players and alo with their confidence being shattered their development was retarded, the oilers still suck as a team, need holes in the roster filled but they do seem a better team since the change I coach,

      • Shticky on March 13, 2015 at 12:41 am

        Last week you said they were tanking Jeff…