Updates on the Senators and Stars, plus the latest on Alexander Semin.
Senators still seeking a top-six winger.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports at some point Senators GM Bryan Murray would like to add the top-six forward he’s sought for some time. He wasn’t able to find one via trade or free agency. Garrioch speculates this is something that will have to wait until after training camp.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The acquisition of Bobby Ryan two years ago was supposed to have addressed that issue. Given the Senators depth in rising young forwards (Mika Zibanejad, Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, Curtis Lazar), Murray might find what he needs from within his own ranks.
Should the Stars shake up their defense?
Could Cody Franson improve the Dallas Stars’ blueline?
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Mike Heika wonders if the time is right for the Stars to shake up their defense. He notes the Stars are hoping to improve blueliner Trevor Daley’s game, but they could also shop him. Heika wonders if it’s worthwhile for them to pursue a UFA like Johnny Oduya or Cody Franson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill has been preaching patience with his young blueliners. However, it’s not lost on anyone who follows this team that, while they were second overall in goals-per-game last season, they were 19th in shots-against per game.
One reason for that disparity is their young defense corps. There isn’t an established top-two defenseman in the bunch. Nill is obviously aware of this, but he’s got limited cap space and doesn’t seem keen to invest in what little talent is available via the UFA market, while there doesn’t appear to be any decent trade targets. They could end up heading into 2015-16 with their current defense corps intact.
Latest on Semin.
NBC SPORTS: Dhiren Mahiban cites a report from Russia claiming former Carolina Hurricanes winger Alexander Semin isn’t interested in joining the KHL and hopes to land a one-year contract with an NHL team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Semin could prove attractive for clubs seeking affordable short-term scoring depth. Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, Montreal and Toronto might kick the tires.
Toronto take Semin? Hell no! We just got rid of Kessel for a weak return because of his attitude, among other things. Ditto for Kadri who gets a $4×1 deal, instead of the Saad $6×6 deal for the same production, because of his attitude issues. Signing Semin would fly in the face of that effort.
I hope he goes to Montreal.
I think semin would be a low risk high reward guy for the habs
I agree bigbear, if they could get him for a low cost one year…its the low cost that semin would have to come down on, but im not sure what he’s asking.
Wonder if they are kicking tires on Sharp at all with the FA and big name wingers already traded.
The risk isn’t the dollars it’s the roster spot and the cap if he puts up another 8 goal season or whatever it was. If the Habs want to go for that, good for them – hope it blows up in their faces.
lol “habhater”
I’m thinking with Chicago so upside down on the cap you could probably get him in a trade for almost nothing
I never thought of Toronto as a possible destination for Alex Semin, but it does make sense. He’d be the next ‘reclamation project’ a la Raymond, Santorelli, Winnik, and the less successful Booth. Semin would be a cheap signing on a one year contract and Toronto can try to flip him out towards the end of the season. If he bottoms out, then at the end of the season he’ll be gone and Toronto can walk away.
What about a team like Vancouver for Semin?
Solid veteran presence, needs some scoring, needs some players to bridge the transition years . Close to the cap.
One would think that ottawa would be in on stewart.
Why would Ottawa be interested now in Stewart? They were sniffing around early last season when his name kept popping up as a trade option, but since then they’ve seen the rise of Stone and Hoffman, the quick development shown by Lazar and the emergence (at last) of Zibanejad. I don’t know what Stewart and his agent are expecting in terms of money and term but if the money is anywhere near what he got from St. Louis … well, good luck to him.
George the last I heard Stewart wants $4m per year. With Belesky signing for $3.8 there is no way Stewart is getting that kind of money. Hence that’s why he’s still sitting. He’s is better off taking one year at $2m and proving himself like he didn’t last season.
Stewart at 2 mill for a year or to I am ok with. He can slide in on the 3rd line.
Vancouver’s roster is set for next season except for who the 13th forward will be baring trades.
D. Sedin, H. Sedin, Vrbata.
Baertschi; RFA, Bonino, Burrows.
Higgins, Horvat, Hansen.
Prust, Vey, Dorsett.
Spare, To be determined.
Edler, Tanev.
Hamhuis, Sbisa.
Weber, Bartowski.
Clendening; RFA, Corrado; RFA.
Miller, Markstrom.
67.444 committed to 19 players with the 3 young RFA’s all looking at nominal raises, Baertschi, Clendening, & Corrado. Combined they should come in at or near 3 million for all 3 contracts & a depth forward at or near the league minimum. With only 3.956 in cap space now to address those 4 issues, no $ for Semin nor a roster spot.
Everyone forgets about Kenins (12pts in 30 games)- I think they still may add a forward and would not be surprised if another trade is in the offing.
I like Kenin’s but the acquisition of Prust took his line spot. He won’t stay up to be the 13th forward he needs to play but will be the 1st call up if Baertschi falters. Higgins would move up Baertschi would move to healthy scratch & Kenins would slide in as the #3 LW. The issue currently waivers. Baertschi, Clendening, Corrado all have to clear wavers now.
Agreed. A trade could potentially be possible.
Exactly. After the first line, who is going to score in Vancouver?
If you moved Burrows up to the 1st line, Vrbata down to the 2nd line and moved Vey to the AHL and inserted Gaunce in his spot I would like this line-up. No place for Jake?
I’m with George on this one. Stewart last season would make sense. Even last summer, but this year, the kids are showing how well they are developing. Frankly, Murray, given the salary constrains that are forced on him, should generally stand pat and give the time to those kids who are earning it. Only sign someone if they bring depth and/or are well priced.
Frankly, I would kick tires on someone like Havlat on a 1 year – $1m deal to stack on the 3rd line both as a depth player who could jump up if needed and as a veteran returning to where he started out (great story for the fans/org).
Havlat could be a “story” coming “home” – but I’d have a battery of doctors putting him through his paces before he even got a nickel.
You and me both – guy can’t seem to stay healthy! He had a rough year last season but I haven’t heard of any serious issues which would spoil a deal. If he’d do the $1 million or million and a half deal, I think it could be great for everyone, especially if he ends up generally healthy and puts up a respectable year.
If Dallas is in need of a shake up on D, I know a GREAT player for them!:)
Would Dion to Dallas work in exchange for say Nichushkin. Maybe Toronto has to take Hemsky and his $4m for the next 2 years as well in order for the cap hit to be more “palatable” for Dallas? Maybe a two for two? With Dion and Lupul heading to “Big-D”?
As for a Semin signing… I think Toronto would be a great place for him on a 1 year deal! History speaks volumes, and we all know what Semin is like on a long term deal, so a 1 year is just what the doctor ordered for him, and the Leafs can sign him for nothing but cash and then peddle him if/when he has any success for assets they cannot otherwise buy – AKA draft picks. No matter HOW good a season Semin has this coming year, I do not see a 1st rounder being the price to acquire him during the season/at the trade deadline, but then again, I said the same thing about Perron last year and well…
I like this idea you’ve got. I doubt Dallas would part with Nichushkin but perhaps Brett Ritchie? And yeah, take on Hemsky’s salary for two years. Think the Leafs can do it, I believe they are serious about being willing to lose for a couple years.
Semin is not a personality you want around a re-building team with lots of impressionable youngsters. He reminds me of Nikita Filatov – remember him? (“Niki doesn’t do rebounds …”)
I’m not sure how Dallas expects to improve in the standings next season when all they have done is sign Niemi & that in & of it’s self makes no sense. They have 2 goalies signed, 1 with a cap hit of 5.9 & the other with a cap hit of 4.5.
In the mean time Edm, Cal, Col, LA & SJ have all gotten better & the only team to have gotten worse is Vancouver. Even Arz should be nominally better. More so that I just can’t see them being that bad again. they will still be 1 of the 3 worst teams in the NHL with Car & NJ.
At least based on what we know today. Still 3 months for things to change.
Dion to Dallas? and for one of their top prospects? They still wouldn’t have a top 2 d man but would have significantly increased their payroll. I think Dion is a very solid 3 but is paid like a 1 which makes him hard to move. I don’t think the Leafs can take back salary on Dion either. I believe you’re only allowed to do that twice and with Phil’s salary being on the books for a long time I don’t think they would want to forgo the ability to retain salary until both of those deals are done. They may be able to get a deal done if they included a cheap goalie (Reimer) and took back an expensive underperforming one (Lehtonin) but I suspect that even then the return wouldn’t be great.
Dion would be a #1 or 2 on Dallas. He should net a first round pick or former first round pick and a decent prospect. If Hemsky is part of the package then the price goes up. That is a realistic price for Dion. I think he will be a better player under Babcock because the coach will use him properly and put him in the position to succeed. He showed leadership and heart the last couple months when other guys mailed it in. Maybe he tried to do too much. His salary is only .5 to 1 million to high but that was caused by Sutter not the Leafs.
Dallas won’t deal Nichu, he’s got an incredibly high ceiling. Ritchie maybe if the Leafs took Daley as well. I’m not convinced Phaneuf is the D-man Dallas is looking for. He’s a lefty and Nill wants a right shot to balance the pairings.
I think Franson could be a good fit or more than likely there’s a trade from left field coming. However, Dallas does seem to feel their D will be improved with a full season from Klingberg and Nemeth, a couple young swedes on the rise.
Why would the Leafs want Semin? Well if he has 20 goals at the trade deadline (and he is capable of 20 goals by March) and he is only being paid 1-2 million season with no commitment beyond the end of the season, then someone looking for depth in the playoffs will at least offer up a 2nd rounder for him. If he doesn’t produce any numbers, he’s a gamble that the Leafs walk away from. I’m more interested in the Bozak rumors…he really isn’t going anywhere. There is no reason for the Leafs to dump him. Shanny can’t ice a team of AHL players. Bozak is already under contract, and has averaged over 50 points a season for the past 4 years. I realize he fed Kessel the puck, but JVR is still going to be around, and someone else is going to be playing on the RW with him. Someone that most likely will be capable of putting up at least 20-25 goals. My preference would to see Bozak move to the RW playing on a line with Kadri and JVR. People have long said that Bozak’s point production will dry up and he relies on Kessel, but I’d argue that I think Bozak (with proper coaching and the right attitude) might be a 30 goal guy. His career shooting percentage in 6 seasons is 16.2%. 6 Seasons is a fairly good benchmark. I’m not saying that Bozak would be able to keep this high percentage if he were to triple his shots on net, but I don’t think it would just plummet to single digits either. By comparison, Ovie has a 12.5%, Crosby 14.5%, Stamkos 17.2%, Giroux 11.6%, Perry 13.3%, E. Staal 11% and Kessel 11%. I’m not suggesting that Bozak is in the same class overall as any of these guys. But 6 years at 16.2% is certainly worth a gamble IMO.
Toronto now has 13 forwards signed to 1 way contracts. Granted 1 of those is Horton but baring a trade the cupboard is close to full.
I think semin would be good for one year a million or mil and half or so you could pick a decent draft pick for him.dion to Dallas would be nice but I am not holding my breath.
Semin would have something to prove on a a one year if he wants another contract.as for bozak at centre he is are best face off man so if he is here I do not think they move him to wing.i just hope he is gone too
What is league minimum this year? I’ll offer Semin that…
In or around 650K
I say if we can get him for a 1 year contract at a decent amount, take a chance on him. It worked for Mason Raymond, Santorelli and Winnik.
I think the difference between those guys and Semin is that those other guys (Santorelli, Raymond and Winnik) all have a pretty decent work ethic, whereas the very first word you hear associated with Semin is LAZY. I have no doubt about Semin’s skill set….they’re elite. But I seriously question his hustle. I’d love to see a player of his talent turn it around and become a superstar, and I’d offer him 1-2 million on a short term contract to do it.
Honestly guys you really think Semin fits the mold of the players toronto is trying to obtain ?
Money aside you think they want his attitude in the room ?
You all just ran Kessel out of town saying he had a bad attitude and now you want a carbon copy but at a cheaper price ?
Must be Monday.
I knew if i kept scrolling down sooner or later
one post would make sense “p
What a joke. This guy is a total Toronto hater. Not even our moron management group would touch Semin with a 10 ft pole. He’s KHL material simple as that. I don’t expect any of you will get to read this though. This will be my last time checking this site if my comment gets the boot
What’s your problem, Joe? Your comments didn’t “get the boot”. Nor am I a “Toronto hater.” Though if all you’re going to do is come to his site simply to be a troll, rest assured your comments will be closely monitored. It’s up to you. Join in the conversation, discuss and debate, or act like a troll and get the boot. Your choice.
If you wish to discuss the site’s layout/design with me, contact me via e-mail.
Semin plays best when motiviated – by a new contract. Get him on a 1 year deal and you have a bargain. Just don’t be Hurricane foolish and sign him to an expensive, long term contract.
If Semin is willing to take a 1 year contract-I say Philly would be a good landing spot. They could use a top 6 forward.
In what way is he a Top 6 F? Hasn’t been for the past 5 years.
I cant see him getting motivated for less then he makes NOT to play.
And any GM who is fooled by his act should be fired.
Semin is low risk and they guy wants to play. You are saying don’t take a chance under any circumstance?
From 2006 to 2010, age 22 to 26, Semin scored 166 goals in 340 games for an average of 0.49 gpg.From 2011 to 2015, ages 27 to 32, he scored 62 goals in 243 games for an average of 0.26 goals per game.
Kind of puts me in mind of Jonathan Cheechoo. From 2002 to 2008, ages 22 to 27, he scored 153 goals in 374 games for an average of 0.41 goals per game. From 2008 to 2010, ages 28 to 30, he scored 17 goals in 127 games for an aver age of 0.13 goals per game.
I just think Semin is finished and anyone hoping he’ll somehow revert to anywhere near his best days are whistling past the graveyard. Putting him on a 23-man roster at any price is a waste and takes time away from a young prospect .
Nice work George.
I agree but someone will sign him eventually for in or around a mil to a mil 5.
Hmm Leafs just signed Matthais to a 1 year deal 🙂
One of the best UFA signings for the money so far. He either proves he’s worth a longer term deal or he’s available to trade at the deadline.
Smart signing
Very good signing for the Leafs. I liked Mathias with the Canucks, he’s a big body and actually seems to be an honest hard working player. Not the greatest hands but a solid player.
Could be their best UFA pick-up so far. Always liked his game.
Maybe the Rangers should take a shot at him? Replace MSL?
NYR is in cap hell. 64.05 committed to 18 players. Stepan, Miller, Fast & Etem are all RFA’s & NYR still needs to add a #8 Damn.
Stepan gets at least 6 mil at arbitration if not more. Gorton must hate Buffalo for signing O’Reilly to a 7.5 million deal. He just set the market for Stepan.
NYR is going to have to move out about 4 mil in salary, after Stepan’s contract or arbitration settlement. If at least 1 of their RFA’s is settled in arbitration; assuming NYR files against Fast, Miller or Etem today, they will get another buy out window & if they can’t move Boyle in trade, they may have to buy him out to create cap space or look at moving 1 of the other high paid Dman, Staal, Girardi or McDonaugh. Moving Yandle or Klein with cap hits of 2.65 & 2.9 respectively won’t solve the problem unless both are moved.
It’s going to be interesting to see how NYR wiggles out of their cap hell.
Even Sabre avid fans are apprehensive about the O’Rielly deal.
The only Ranger out of all of them eligible to file (and did file) was Stepan. Miller, Fast or Etem didn’t have the option. They have roughly 10 million to work with, because I doubt Gibbons and or Adam is staying in NY. NY has never carried 8 nhl D-men during the season. I doubt they start doing that now. They are currently carrying 7, McDonagh, Girardi, Staal, Boyle, Yandle, Diaz, and Klein. Which is what they will carry into the season. They also have Skjei, Summers, Graves and possibly Allen to fill in.
I think if Stepan actually makes it to arbitration he’ll see 6-6.5. That will leave 4-4.5 to sign Fast, Miller, and Etem. The only one I can see costing more than 1.5 is Miller. It will be tight, but it can be done without moving anyone.
Wow… another young(ish) center signed. Bozak MUST be on the move soon!
Kadri
Bozak
Komarov
Holland
and now signed…
Winnik
Arcabello
Mathias
There is also Horton of course! 😉
Matthias can play wing as well as center. So does Komarov and Winnik.
Spaling at Centre also if we believe what he told the press, which was that babcock promised he would play centre, not wing………..
Komorov, Winnik, Arcobello & Matthias will all play on the wing & would return to C as injuries dictate in the reverse order, Matthias, Arcobello, etc.
I think its tough to say wh8ch is why I mentioned Matthias being a good fit the other day, as a center I believe he is a better option than just about anyone the Leafs have outside Kadri. Id take him over Holland and Bozak. Holland still has some room for development, and Matthias size could be useful down the middle.
Hi guys first time here but if you all look at the centers
toronto has bozak is better then most now i hope this rebuild goes on but i dont see Kadri as a #1 center
hes at best a average #2 center on a bad team so trading bozak would help the leafs by not being as good at the faceoff circle Bozak is not a #1 center but he filed that role very nicely the last few years and he also improved over that time so show alittle respect he been casted wrong from the start its not his fault
Welcome to the zoo Northernpike (really liked the band). I suspect their is general frustration in Leaf land and no small amount of aaargh!!! which may cause some lashing out.
The problem that Bozak has is the same one Dion has. He’s not what he’s being paid to be which leads to failed expectations and disappointment. Bozak is overpaid for what he actually is.
I believe that the amount of media coverage the Leafs get and the devoted fan base inflates the perceived value of many of the players. Unfortunately this inflation is just in the minds of the fans and media but also in the minds of the players and their agents. Dion would be a very good 2nd pairing D man and Bozak would be a very good 3rd line centre. They are being paid a lot more than those roles would normally be paid so expectations may be unrealistic.
hi pike
i agree hes probably best (at the moment) as well as his desire and committment.
bozak carried this team as a number one centre without the number on centre monikor. no leaf fans complained (until recently) because everyone knows that out of all leaf players in the last 10 years..he is the only one left and played 1st line for 5 years… remarkable feat in toronto for that long without heckling (until now) . not withstanding his defensive play beside kessel, he has improved steaadly every year in faceoffs, top minutes, points, and great on shootouts (if i recall)
so ya screw bozak haters
Oh ya!!!
TO will have ten 1st round picks by the deadline!!!!
Leafs fans are just so stupid
lol speaking of trolls…
Reminds me of the Kool aid guy
OH YEAH !!
lol
Hockey, Hockey, looks great.
Hockey, Hockey, can’t wait.
Oh ya
Sheesh. He’s making me look good by comparison!
I m just just getting caught up on the going on from last week who else out there thinks like I do theres a good reason why craig button isn’t a nhl gm anymore
I personally think that Kassian is an upgrade on Prust regardless of what button thinks same guy who said that st Louis was too small for the nhl back in his days in Calgary
if montreal can get Kassian to perform like he did last yr its a plus for them if he produces more double the plus
if he scores 20 plus goals and plays the big man game he might be the second cam neely story outta of Vancouver seem to remember everyone says neely was a dud when they traded him for barry Pederson
just sayin
I think kassian is an upgrade from prust for sure prust is getting battered injuries will be coming I think kassian will score 20
again button bashes the habs on that’s hockey about lack of talent up front
3 guys with 20 plus goals plus pacs with 30 plus goals and a blueline that pitches in well and with them adding petry even more for the backend
they I agree need a big center and more scoring from the right side adding kassian and maybe McCarron adds that plus size and power
very few teams have added what you call a top notch forward thru trade long term most promote from within
I think MB is doing what has to be done ….being patient
would it be nice to add a sniper but at what price do you pay to get a guy for maybe 2 or 3 yrs tops
just sayin
For sure, Kassian is the more talented of the two with the most upside, but Prust is a blood and guts type of guy. I’m a Canucks fan. I hope the trade works out for both teams, but it seems to me Kassian might be starting to run out of time. He’d better make the most of his opportunity to be a big physical player on a team that definitely needs more of the same. As for Prust, I don’t worry about his game, I worry about his long term health. He’s pretty high mileage. Still has a little left in the tank I think, though.
As crazy as it sounds I really like what Toronto has done personal wise since the trade deadline last season to set this team up for the future. I don’t think this is going to be a complete tear down but a controlled transition to youth. Allowing proper development time for all prospects in junior & the minors. No 1 will be rushed unless truly ready.
I think Toronto will surprise a ton of people with what they have assembled for next season & then they will continue to jettison players again at next seasons trade deadline for solid picks & prospects. Impressive.
van Reimsdyk, Bozak, Parenteau.
Lupul, Kadri, Matthias.
Spaling, Holland, Winnik.
Panik, Arcobello, Komorov.
Phaneuf, Reilly.
Gardiner, Polak.
Robidas, Marincin.
Harrington, Hunwick.
Bernier, Reimer.
Toronto should be able to compete with this roster & come trade deadline time Parenteau, Matthias, Spaling, Arcobello, Polak & Reimer are all on 1 year deals for next season & potential cast offs for prospects & picks.
really? lol we will still be bottom 10 maybe bottom 5 we have signed nobody that will help the defense
Absolutely. I said compete, nothing about playoffs, or cup aspirations. Ha-ha!
I think the standings in the NHL will be tighter than last season, especially in the West; I’m currently projecting 6 points separating 7th & 13th. The only teams that look terrible on paper are Arz, NJ & Car.
I think teams are fully aware now that finishing last in the standings doesn’t come close to guaranteeing you winning the lottery any longer so better to at least try to win.
I see Toronto scoring less goals but actually playing a far better team game if for no other reason than the old boys club is gone in Toronto. You will play as asked or sit, be traded or worse. The culture of entitlement is gone in Toronto.
Is Kessel the only one from among your “old boys club” that was responsible for their poor performance in recent years? Seems like that’s exactly what your saying since he’s the only one gone so far from among Lupul, Bozak, Kadri, Van Riemsdyk, Robidas, Dion and Reimer.
No but I meant more from a management perspective but Kessel was the straw that stirred the drink. If you can’t get your best player to sign on your doomed. Kessel was a cancer. He came to camp 25 lbs over of weight. Refused Shanahan’s request to move to LW & regardless of his talent was a cancer to this team. It starts & ends with your best player. Most of the time they set the tone & culture. Not always, there are some solid defense players that play that role for their respective teams but for most teams it’s their best offensive player.
MLSE seriously interfered with hockey operations. Specifically Tanenbaum. That culture is gone. Shanahan & Babcock have full authority of hockey ops now & Shanahan is building a strong management team. With Dubas & Hunter the 4 may be able to run the team with out a real GM.
Well, that more or less coincides with what I’ve been saying about Kessel every time his name popped up in here over the past few months – and for that I’ve been branded a “Leafs hater” and “troll among other things. Was I surprised Pittsburgh took him? In a word yes – but in retrospect the guy that took him – warts and all – is the same guy that ham-strung Carolina with the Semin signing, Ward contract, so we’ll see how that turns out in Steeltown.
It’s important to be very succinct about these things. The goals for this season are: #1 be a hard working team of players that conduct themselves as professionals (the culture shift, new team identity). #2 rebuild through good hockey trades #3 acquire draft picks.
We might finish 13th and achieve these goals. Equally we could secure a playoff spot yet not make our goals. Sounds cliche but its the process that matters.
We can accomplish #1 with the old guard players as long as they buy in. I think they deserve a chance. We’re not in a hurry. If they don’t they will be in the press box. They will only be traded if by #2 they generate some return that helps us long term. Kessel was moved in a hockey deal, not because he’d been a bad boy. #3 means that if you are a UFA on a 1 year deal you are already on the market and will be traded by the deadline for the best return possible.
All that being said, the number of questionable citizens may make a tough go of #1. I would tear up Lupul’s contract tomorrow if I could and I would give Robidas his gold watch and a hand shake but these things can not be done. “Its going to be painful” as Babcock says.
Tronna still needs a # 2 defenseman, if we assume Dion is #1.
If the Leafs want to compete, they must address their deficiencies on the blue line. This defense core is very average at best.
Reilly will be a #1 Dman in 3 to 4 years, possibly a little sooner. Toronto isn’t over flowing with stud D prospects but the cupboard isn’t bare. Finn, Granberg, Valiev,& Percy are all solid prospects & Toronto just added 2 more young Dman in Marincin & Harrington. MacWilliam is a punishing defensive Dman playing for the Marlies as well. Not fun to play against at all.
That’s why I advocate for Toronto to bring Franson back. He helps buffer to allow more time for these kids to develop & earn their spots.
Striker,
Rielly toward the end of last season suggested to me he could be a #1 much sooner than that. As it is, he may be top pair with Dion next season.
The cupboard isn’t as full as you suggest IMO, though – lots of bodies, not a lot of talent.
Not sure who will fill out the bottom pair and 7th D among Robidas, Hunwick, Marincin, Harrington, Granberg and potentially Percy. Maybe one or two of those guys could develop over time to a 2nd pair quality, maybe.
Beyond that, Loov has looked promising and maybe Valiev as well, but neither has top pair potential. Finn was disappointing in the AHL last year, but that was his first campaign and he had injuries.
Then you have these new draft picks like Dermott, Desroches, Lindgren – who knows on any of these kids? Long way off whatever the potential.
I still see D as an organizational weakness. The team really needs to draft some potential stud/top pair guys next year. Rielly needs a long term partner, Gardiner needs to be replaced with a smarter player and then you need to fill out from there.
I need to see more physicality out of Reilly.
It will be interesting to look back at this draft in a few years- the leafs passed on Hanifan and Provorov to take another diminutive forward. Stud D men are hard to find!
I really think Hanifin is going to be the real deal. Not spectacular, but very steady and sound in all phases of the game.
MacWilliam is gone, as well. I think he went to one of the western teams, forget which. Good guy, I liked him personally. Wish him the best.
Personally I liked Marincin last year. I think he will be a solid depth guy for the leafs D.
if kessel is viewed as the leader of sucking defensively as a forward, then gardiner is the equivalent on defense.
I think if he was benched the past 2 years leafs would have been better defensively.
He is young and management pshed to play him.
Secondly the sheer notion of all defencemen being offensive (even polak and phaneuf) is retarded. Your bound to lose every game.
I really have to agree with you. I am totally in favour of gardener being dealt. Package him and Kadri for future picks would suit me fine. Their age and potential would make them attractive somewhere …Ottawa?
No to Semin: he is not a Babcock kind of guy and he will not be a positive influence in the room or on the bench. There is a pattern to the players Leafs are signing:good character, journeymen types who can play a little and stay competitive while Leafs figure out their future and develop some young stars. If Leivo, Brown. Leipsic and Percy can come up and play some, then this could be a surprisingly good team. The only question left to answer is about Bozak, Lupul and Phaneuf…I would get rid of Bozak and consider keeping Lupul: Dion? Hard to tell what he will be with Babcock and a more lunch-pail group.
Arthur on the reporters suggested that Edmonton should’ve called Boston to flip RNH for Rask. He thinks that would be a good deal for both sides. I’m a bruins fan and I ask how is that a good deal for Boston? RNH is a center making $6m per season. Boston top 2 centers are Patrice Bergeron and David Krecji both over $7m per season and both better then RNH. This is not a slight to RNH but he be a 3rd line center in Boston and Edmonton would get a true #1 goalie who term and $$ are both big $7m per for 7yrs. If the Bruins were considering moving Rask imo it would have to be for a stud d, not a center and conversely it would appear that’s exactly what Edmonton should be looking for a proven stud d. Wondering what the Oiler fans take on this is, Jeff?
I’m an Oiler Fan, and that trade makes no sense from this end either. A lot of rumours are created by wishful thinking on a columnist part. RNH is a young developing centre that was rushed into the NHL. He is growing into the role they thrust him into. He is going to be a superstar. Trading a 21 year old kid drafted 1st overall for a goalie would be an incredibly stupid trade.
Most of the trade rumours I hear make no sense. Same guy wrote before Lucic for Eberle. Might sound good if your a Boston fan or sports writer.
But it did not consider Eberle being locked up long term for a reasonable contract. Or that Lucic has one year left on his contract. And that he is looking for a long term contract. Which is not really a great option for an aging power forward.
Another point. Boston is not going to deal with Edmonton. That’s a uninformed comment on his part.
Boston just dumped Dougie Hamilton in Calgary in some sort of pissing match with Chiarelli in my opinion. Let me quantify that.
1. A number of GM’s remarked they weren’t even aware that Hamilton was on the trade block.
2. They took a lower set of draft picks from Calgary then Edmonton was offering.
3. The cost to Edmonton included Darnell Nurse, a non starter
Why would you not shop an asset in an effort to drive up the price? What they did was to trade Hamilton into Chiarelli’s back yard, for lower draft picks then Edmonton offered, and without creating any sort of market for the player.
That’s either very bad management. Or a personal grievance against Chiarelli that clouded his mind into making a terrible trade. Even Edmontons picks would have been a terrible trade.
That was not a good enough return for Hamilton. And I would be very upset if I was a Boston fan.
I was a 34 year Bruins fan & it was the final straw for me.
Going to select a new favorite team from either TB or Anh.
Thats not really something a fan would do, thats a bandwagon guy the 34 years before hand mean nothing.
I agree on that they didn’t get enough for Hamilton, I also think it was dumb on PC not to trade Nurse for Hamilton if it was straight up. Which I find that hard to believe from a bruins point of view. NO way would I give Hamilton just for Nurse. Hamilton is proven 3yrs in, Nurse is still a solid prospect that couldn’t crack a weak Oilers line up. The reason they didn’t deal with EDM is because the position wouldn’t do anything for Boston because the guys that were on their list, were going to be there when they were drafting. We won’t know if they were right or wrong on them picks for another 3 years. Dougie clearly wanted out of Boston and the bruins reacted quickly to get the best pick available in the 1st round, which they tried to deal to move up and didn’t like the offering. Final point if PC wasn’t willing to trade Nurse for Hamilton it says more about how the bruins organization as a whole including pc (when he was there.) view Hamilton, must be something they don’t like. I will say this, the Oilers should be an exciting team to watch; however, I said that last year also.
No it was picks for plus Nurse. And trading Nurse for Hamilton would have been dumb. Nurse is an absolute stud. He is going to be everything Hamilton is, the only difference is that Nurse has a real nasty side to him.
And Nurse could have made the line up. They have finally let a prospect develop properly. Let him fill in, so he can back up his nasty streak.
Hamilton is a great D man, but you would be giving them same thing back plus picks for a guy that is 2 years farther along then Nurse.
Nurse was named player of the game in world Juniors in the gold medal game. He was the only d man that could keep up with McDavid in Juniors. He is amazingly fast. I can’t say enough good things about him. He is a future top 2 in my opinion. Time will tell.
They didn’t get the best deal they could have. They didn’t let teams know he was even on the market. Hard to create a bidding war, if no one knows he is available. Terrible trade imo.
Just read the part of your argument about not dealing with Edmonton because of the draft picks. They took draft picks. And Edmontons picks were higher then Calgary’s picks. And after their first pick, the next two prospects they drafted would have been available in the second round. They were pretty big reaches.
I don’t agree with you on that reasoning.
If Boston passed up a better deal with Edmonton just because of PC well that’s just petty and not good business. I don’t like the Hamilton deal and yes they should’ve got more, to quick to react to a player who didn’t want to play in Boston any longer. But that’s in the pass just like Thorton, Kessel and Seguin, other decisions I wasn’t happy with.
Hey caper, your right it doesn’t make much sense. RNH is not the type of player that screams bruin hockey. Raask would make sense for anyone to pick up.
I am of the opinion that the oilers should keep RNH for now anyways and wait for Draistle to develope, when/if Draisaitl who is much bigger and plays more of a power game stakes his claim to a NHL spot then he oilers move RNH to fill in whatever hole they have at the time.
I am thinking a McDavid, Drasaitle combination down the middle is the best option but time will tell if draisaitl becomes the type of player I beleive he can be and for now the oilers need RNH
Funny though I do think Draistle would fit well in Boston a young guy to replace Bergeron or Krejci who aren’t getting younger so a block buster could be made there.
But yes RNH to Boston makes little sense.
I just think the Leafs need to reset the room and for god sakes if Dion stays take the C off his chest and wait to see who the real leaders are on the team
I like Phaneuf & stripping the C off your captain but retaining him is a disastrous concept. See SJ with Thornton.
I’m curious to see how Hamilton does in Calgary.
It’s not like he lit the hockey world on fire in Boston
Do people think he is a Norris trophy type defender?????
He’s good but I’m not sure if he’s going to become a legend!!!!
@stricker
I’m not trolling people.. Just schooling TO fans back to reality. Just listen to the ridiculous statements they make
Do you type all this with your red nose and giant shoes on?
Taking the “C” off a player and keeping him doesn’t work anywhere. If you gonna strip him, you gotta trade him.
Well maybe taking the C off him may widen the trade market for him as he will want to leave making it easier to trade as long as they can find a trade partner
Is there any leaf fans on this site? Could you tell me what your team is trying to achieve? are they in a rebuild? trying to make the playoff? Or wanting to lose but remain competitive at the same time? I would of though instead of signing good players for one year, they would just stay the course and fall to the bottom of the pack and get the best odds possible for the young American next season and build from the draft.
Asset management. I think they want to be competitive in their rebuild but at the same time they are looking to turn these guys into assests, like they did with Santorelli and Winnik.
Who knows maybe they will find soemone worth keeping but for now I believe their plan is to build assets.
Ahh, the new buzz phrase that we’ll be hearing for the next 5 years – “asset management.” Dreamed up by one of the figure filberts no doubt.
Sens fan so take this with a grain of salt. I think Kyle Dubas (sorry for spelling) analytical analysis is running this show. They appear to be picking up players on short term deals to perhaps sign them to a long term if they work out but they can move them for additional picks, or let them walk and fall no further behind.
The team is building through the draft around what they wish to keep. What that is is a mystery. Perhaps they will shed all of the old crew, Dion, JVR, Lupol, etc. perhaps they will just draft and sign young players and fit them around these guys.
Toronto is to stupid to figure it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bahahahahahah.. Good luck with the 10 year rebuild
@ K
This will be my one and only interaction with you that is serious. If you want interaction with people try to stop being a jerk in your comments. By continually calling out Leaf fans as stupid, you’re not making friends.
Do we all question what they are up to as Caper is asking. Yes we do as hockey fans in general but we dont go around calling people names even if you are just generalizing. We argue and agree with each other but keep it on an adult level.
K, disagreeing with Leafs fans is one thing. Some of your recent comments, however, are starting to cross the line into flat-out trolling by being deliberately antagonistic. You wouldn’t appreciate it if someone here called you “Stupid”. You can disagree with them without insults.
Same goes for everyone else on here. Leave the childish insults for the playground. Act like adults.
Amen to that!
i agree 100% but you do know the world has all kinds of different class of people and just being a fan of a team that is in hard times dont give some people the right to be course or ignorant or disrespectful to others
I’m probably a little harsh on some of the people.. But I’m certainly not rude to anyone, I come up with points, make arguments using facts and comparables??
I don’t get it what’s the problem??
I dislike TO and most of their fans because of the absurd statements they always make. And the fact that they believe that TO is the centre of the hockey universe.
It doesn’t matter what the post is.. these guys just want to talk about TO!!! So boring!!!!
Don’t you think they are a bit of a laughing stock there Guru????
No.
I’m not going to be baited thank you.
cmon guru its one thing to fib but to flat out lie? lol ive been a fan for 30 yrs and I laugh at some of the moves lol
You claimed just yesterday you were a Sens fan, bigbear. You can’t be both a Leasf fan and Sens fan.
I think your drunk dan39!! I never said I was a sens fan ever!!
I look at it as passionate. Leaf fans are just more passionate then others at times.
Have they made mistakes, yes, lots but put it this way, were the Chicago Cubs laughing stocks losing for all those years ?
Besides if I made their money I wouldnt care what anyone called me !
Again not that I love the Kessel deal but…How much salary came back to the Canuks in the Kesler deal? What did thhe Bliejackets get for Jeff “he is so much better than Kessel”? Wasnt that jist Jack “way overrated” Johnson and the 27th pick? The Leafs wanted to move Kessel for picks and prospects with as littlte momey coming back as possible, Spaling s contract just over 2 mill + 1.2 for kessel means the Leafs get 2 prospects and a pick eventho lottery protected and save nearly 5 mill in cap this year alone on that deal yet people who hated Kessel still yip about the return…Hunwick I think is better than Granberg Robidas or McWilliam ditto with Marinicin Harrington….down the middle Kadri Matthias Holland could be the best 3 centers they have been able to roll out in some time, the team now actually could boast some size that can actually play with Winnik Holland Matthias Polak Panik…not sure they are a playoff team probably not but the Leafs actually made some pretty smart moves and should be a much harder team to play against…still probably a top 10 pick next year but games overall should be a little closer.. not sure this team will be as bad as some here are making it out to be with all these “bad”moves.
Methinks he forgot to put the “special” in front of that K 🙂
My hats off to you, that was pretty witty. I am not sure why you all are peeved by K. I perhaps have to reread his post but I’ve received worse on this site, People claiming I lie, say one thi then the other, flip flop, what ever you call it deposited my attempts to slap them in the face win pure logic.
Besides you have to admit Leaf fans show a lack of judgement. The evidence is apparent and blatantly shown every day they proudly put on that blue jersey,
Haha.
Just some friendly banter.
Dang autocorrect. Deposited = despite in my fired little spelling impaired mind.
I’m not baiting anyone
Toronto’s management is a joke!! They just hired a coach without a GM in place, not to mention also conducted a draft without one!!!
They pissed and moaned about not taking a bad return with Kessel.. Words out of shanny’s mouth (we are in no rush.. We want to get it right)
And what happened they got a garbage return!!!!!!
And before you start arguing about the return, remember they paid two 1st round picks for him!!!!!
I won’t even mention who the picks are!!!! Lol
Shall I go on??? This management is terrible,
The team is terrible and the fans well they think they can fix it with 3 trades and free agency!!! So ridiculous
bozak
Phaneuf
Lupul
Nobody wants these players unless you give them away.. And some you would have to eat salary
But not according to leaf fans.. These guys are all going for 1st rounders
Phaneuf will bring back a first and a prospect (high end).
Bozak will get a first at the deadline
Lupul will be packaged with someone for a first at the deadline
All the one year deals signed in the off season will fetch a 1st at the deadline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are you guys not bored with this??????????????
George has been like the one reasonable person on here.. Maybe a few others.
Am I wrong.. Lyle?
As I said, it’s ok to disagree with the opinions of Leafs fans. It’s not ok to insult them, or anyone else. And the same goes for those who disagree with your take.
Why not just have a leaf version of rumors so K and George can comment on each others posts? Maybe they are new and don’t watch the sporting news in this country but weather they like it or not the Leafs dominate a ton of coverage and their fans generate a ton of page views for this site.
What the hell does that have to do with the price of bread in Lower Slobovia? That is exactly the kind of arrogant s”8t that makes it a joy to yank the chains of an insufferable bunch from a city who think that, simply because they are the largest in Canada, no one else counts.
I am a flames fan, as you can tell their aren’t alot of flames fans on this site so I talk about the leafs and their players and trades because I like to talk hockey. I was suggesting Lyle make a special page for you and K so you could pat each other on the back all day and talk about how cool your latest Leaf insult was.
How about everybody lay off with the silly sniping at each other and just stick to talking hockey?
Lyle, I only wish you the best of luck. But I for one have had it with this bunch. Maybe soon it will dwindle down to a precious few ooing and ahhing over the latest Leafs acquisition and tossing out absurd trade proposals as they try and outdo one another. And after they can all sit in a circle and sing Kumbaya. Take care man.
K, I understand where you’re coming from, really I do. For example, I’ve been dumped on by some of these LeafsNation diehards as a “troll” for voicing my opinions about the very things you mention, and I usually respond in kind.
But just avoid the “stupid” epithets and what you are saying will carry more weight while delivering the same message. Those that won’t – or can’t more likely – point out their counter-arguments will soon be simply ignored. Like john for example, or those who “hate” Steve Simmons and want Lyle to stop referring to him. I asked a few days ago for someone to tell me what he said in one of his articles that was inaccurate and the only response I got was that he was a “hack” who has no respect in the industry (no examples to back that up, of course).
But then I didn’t expect any articulate arguments to support their dislike for the man, and so put it down to a writer who consistently tells them what they SHOULD hear and not what they prefer to hear. Bottom line – how can a sport writer be positive about anything regarding a professional team in his own city that has performed so poorly on and off the ice for the better part of a decade?
George, you did claim that Kessel could not be traded – perhaps in jest – as Striker pointed out and were proven wrong so I think it’s fair for people to accuse you of trolling the fans here.
Simmons just in the last week inaccurately stated that the Leafs high end forward prospects were all under 6 ft tall – in particular, he had Kapanen at 5’10” when in fact he is 6’0″.
The credibility of his hot dog anedote re Kessel is also in doubt given he got the location of his residence wrong.
I also replied on why I dislike Simmons. He may be source but I’m still no fan.
Funny I used to like him but I think he is getting to be too much.
Sigh. I’ll try ONCE more. In addition to saying “God, I hope I’m wrong and he does get traded” so we can hear the end of the Kessel soap-opera, I consistently said there was no way he was going to be dealt – as some were suggesting – for two 1st rounders and a prospect and no cap hit withheld. At some point along the way, probably out of sheer frustration, I said exactly what Striker and Schticky picked out, and that was there was no way he would be dealt – without going into further elaboration and so of course that becomes the definite statement that some like to toss back in my face. OK. Fine.
But explain to me how what I say is “trolling.” If someone tosses out a trade proposal, do they just want it left like that? Hanging with no response? Otherwise, if I find it to be “improbable” who says I can’t say so in here? Is this a Leafs-fans only site?
How do you know for a fact Kapanen is 6′. Have you measured him, or are you looking at biographical posts that, in many cases and in all sports, embellish just a tad? Perhaps he’s closer to the truth, but until someone puts him up against a wall in his bare feet and gets out the measuring tape, anything can be claimed.
Further on Kapanen here’s 4 sites that present 4 different descriptions:
Hockey’sFuture – 5-10 165 lbs
eliteprospects.com – 6′ 181 lbs – but they then go on to say “Kapanen is small but slippery …” How is someone 6′ 181 lbs small?
HockeyDB.com – 5-10 171 lbs
http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetails.htm – 5’11 182 lbs
So, who’s correct?
George, Kapanen was 6’0.5 at the combine when they take accurate measurements and he was 17 – he hasn’t shrunk since
Well somebody better set those sites straight. No wonder there’s confusion.
That and the nhls info comes from before the draft diring the combine…in Kaps case…he just turned 18 at the time, not unusual for a guy to grow an inch or 2 over thos period Sami Kapenen (his Dad) is 5’10 About 190…look at a photo of the 2 together….Whos bigger?
Dan39 I have no idea why whether or not a poster on this site gets something right or wrong has any bearing on his credibility. We are all speculating, even the dude with the the inside source,
We will all be wrong we will all be right at times.
The funny thing is, if we all came on this site and we were all right all the time we would have nothing to discuss or debate because we would all be saying the same thing.
I just don’t understand your claim and wonder if that should cause me to question your credibility.
Cause your wrong you know.
Haha.
don’t bring me into this garbage any more the headlines are about the sens spew on them for once
It’s fun not bein the guy being spewed on.
hey george
regarding simmons (i mean who cares its news) but as a long time torontosun leaf news reader… I can honestly say that he is the type of guy to stir up RIDICULOUS trouble (not just news), which in toronto puts players under microscope even when the team is playing good.
ie. sundin / kessel hasn’t scored in 20 game (with whatever (misleading ) facts to support how bad he is), yet the player has a 20 game assist streak or something positive could have been said.
Brian Burke openly confronted him as being the head bobo of “leaf nation” & “media” & “centre of universe” type of retardness and almost put a stop to all of it once anb for all, except don cherry got pissed of at burke and put a stop to burke having success fighting anyone in public anymore, including the media.
K,
You just dont have the mental capacity to understand what the leaf management are doing. First and foremost they got a very good return for kessel, in fact more than they gave up, they received 2 firsts, a second rounder a 2 3rd rounders. The free agents they are signing isn’t so they can compete, it is so they can turn a zero ivestment into draft picks at the trade deadline. All it’s costing them to do that is money…and essentially they are turning dollars into draft picks. You call out lead fans, and to be honest…you aren’t very smart, your opinions have no support or evidence of any intelligence. I truly am glad you aren’t a leaf fan….it makes me feel better we have one less “special” fan on our side.
This is interesting. K is in the wrong for calling an entire fan base stupid. Yet Dan openly questions his mental capacity, hmmmmm…where is the backlash or is this hypeocristy at its finest.
I understand what your saying but im a leaf fan and we cant point fingers at Shanny for what Burke and Nonis did before he got here
Hey Lyle I disagree with your assessment that the Ryan was picked up to solve the need for a top 6 winger. As I recall it Murray did not have the money for another high priced winger. Alfredsson wanted money he felt owed to him in a verbal agreement. They could not sign them both. Alfredsson decided to go to detroit and only then did they sign Ryan. Therefore Ryan was Alfy replacement.
Then Spezza left the following year. Since the Sens have been looking for a top 6 to replace him. Yet this need arose after Ryan signed.
but yes I agree that Murray may find the help from with in, with one of the youth.
As a Bruin fan, I see things a certain way or from a bruins perspective. I find it interesting to ask questions of other fan base to see it from their perspective as a fan. Also interesting to see that how often the other side value their players more then you value them, that goes vice versa. I always try to disconnect the emotion, but can’t help but sometimes get caught up in it. Like the question about what r the leafs doing. Hockey guru gave me a great reply, which I didn’t take into consideration, not saying I agree because I be wondering if your not better off with a higher first round or as to say 2 second round picks. I do appreciate the response as it was informed and mature.
This is a great site Lyle. I enjoy reading it and I like to hear your opinion and everyone else’s. IMO the debate is entertaining. I may disagree with certain people at times but that’s what makes life interesting. How boring would it be if we all agreed.
Those who say things like ‘all fans of X team are idiots!!!’ are wrong and have no credibility and don’t come across as too smart themselves but it takes all kinds to make the world go round right? I don’t want to see this become a Leafs only page. Keep it civil people.
well said
Persoanlly, I just say what I want and try not to be rude…but it happens (everyone generalizes and there is alot of miscommunication via text = all fans, idiots & typing 10000 words rather than a 1 min convo….)
it helps to take things with a grain of salt, ignore people that bug you and post something about other teams instead of the leafs…if thats your thing or upsets people