The Leafs have yet to shake things up at center, while it appears unlikely the Coyotes will make more roster changes.
No changes yet at center for the Maple Leafs.
Could the Leafs still ship out Tyler Bozak?
TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports that, barring a trade between now and September, the Maple Leafs will open training camp with Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak as their top centers. “New GM. New coach. Same old centres,” observes Simmons.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A month ago, there was speculation Bozak was the next Leaf likely to move following the trade of Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh. While that might still be possible, the Bozak rumors have pretty much petered out. Since those rumors last appeared, the Leafs hired Lou Lamoriello as their general manager..He might not be as keen to ship out Bozak as some observers seem to be.
Simmons believed the Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins could use Bozak, prompting my counterpoint as to why those clubs are unlikely to pursue him. I think the Leafs intend to retain Bozak for next season, perhaps to bolster his trade value, but at the very least to provide them with some experienced depth at center.
As for Kadri, I don’t believe he’ll be traded. The Leafs have likely penciled him in as their first-line center for 2015-16.
No more roster moves for the Coyotes?
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC: Sarah McLellan recently reported Coyotes GM Don Maloney doubts he’ll make more roster changes prior to the start of training camp in September. He doesn’t rule out some training camp tryouts, citing his roster and payroll flexibility. However, he added, “I’m just adamant not to shore up a roster with any more one-way contracts unless it’s a very good deal.” Maloney said he’d prefer adding a mobile defenseman instead of a winger because of their promising youth at forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s certainly several puck-moving blueliners still available via free agency (Cody Franson, Christian Ehrhoff, Marek Zidlicky), but it appears the Coyotes, like several other clubs in need of such players, are waiting for their asking prices to drop. Perhaps one of those players could end up in Arizona if the price is right for the Coyotes.
Franson seeks a multi-year deal, which might not fit into the Coyotes’ plans. Ehrhoff is willing to accept a one-year deal and reportedly has a “low-ball offer” from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He does, however, have a recent concussion history. Zidlicky is another who’d accept a one-year deal and has had talks with the Boston Bruins, but he’s also 38 and coming to the end of his career.
Ehrhoff and Zidlicky will get signed before Franson does. Whether he deserves it or not, and my opinion is he doesn’t, Franson still wants too much and on too long a term whereas the other two are more affordable and much less risky due to their willingness to do a one-year offer. One day… probably during the exhibition games… Franson will come back towards reality and sign somewhere.
Does anybody read Simmons anymore? Same attitude, same tired old comments.
I totally with your comments. I much prefer to listen or read stories from Bob McKenzie & Darren Dreger. Guys who are much more knowledgeable.
the sad part is he is right everyone said we need a number 1 centerman and were still stuck with a number 2 and 3
Smh…and where is this elusive no.1 center they should have got?
smh…not in toronto
Maybe comes in the form of Stamkos as a UFA next summer. Or if they finish low enough it maybe Matthews (but I doubt that happens, I believe they will finish 4th or 5th in the draft).
Kadri may yet become a #1 C. His development has been hampered by a questionable work ethic & sense of entitlement. Does this remind you of anyone? Ha-ha! I think Babcock could have a profound effect on Kadri & Kadri will be 25 in October & should start to mature.
Many teams have had reasonable success not being able to ice legitimate # 1 & 2 C’s. Nashville is the 1st team to come to mind. Have they ever had a #1 C other than Forsberg ever so briefly & a shadow of his former self. Hell Chicago’s #2 last season was Richards & they won the cup. Calgary had a blossoming Monahan; in only his 2nd season, last season but after that they had Backlund; missed 30 games, Stajan & Jooris. Did anyone see Calgary making the playoffs last season with the roster they had to start the season & this in the much tougher west.
Kadri, Bozak, Holland; who still isn’t any where near fully developed, Spalling are all C’s. Winnik & or Matthias could play C if injuries warrant & down the road either Nylander or Marner may be NHL C’s if Toronto can’t address the C issue in trade or future drafts.
I like what Toronto has done. This is how I would rebuild a team. The future should be bright as long as Lou doesn’t F— it up.
Coyotes GM Don Maloney isn’t looking for any more free agent signings, but if an ideal trade comes along he’ll do it.
It’s not likely a trade will happen until end of preseason.
I heard they tried to trade Bozak for a 2nd rounder at the draft and failed. Pretty sure the rest of the hockey world is expecting his numbers to crumble without Kessel. I fully expect him to slide down to the third line behind Kadri and holland. Decent at face offs, good vision and passing, but overall a defensive liability. i hope I’m wrong but I doubt it.
HI I’m just gonna say it would be good to find out how he fills this role remember he’s gotten better each year with him being the #1 center now that Kessell is gone maybe he can play for himself and not try to feed his friend so much 1 thing i can say out of the first line Bozak was the only 1 with any defensive skill but its hard to cover for 2 other players and do your own job
I agree pike with him being the only one backchecking but he is more of good number 3 an ok number 2
Northernpike, stats show he’s half as productive without Kessel on his wing. It’s close to half a point a game so I expect 35-40 points next year. He just doesn’t have the offensive weaponry to justify a top 6 role, and at 29 I don’t see him getting any better. Being the best defensively on a line with JVR or Kessel isn’t much of an endorsement, but who knows maybe I’m wrong and he clicks with Parenteau or something.
Kadri is our number 1 next year IMO, whether he’s eventually going to be a true number 1 or at least a soft number 1 (if we cant find one elsewhere) remains to be seen, but I think he’s at least earned a shot.
A few years ago I might have agreed that Bozak was the better of th 3 defensively, now I dont think that at all….he is terrible. Personally I wouldnt fare if they bought him out….somewhere they need to drop a contract, or else the capspace they currently have means almost nothing. They couldnt pick a guy off waivers or trade picks away to help a capped out team.
Bozak was far better defensively than jvr or Phil all he had to do was go in his own end! Lol I buy out lupul or try to get a pick and a shorter toxic contract one more injury and they get nothing anyways
I think everyone, including myself, have high hopes for Holland. But let’s be honest, Tyler Bozak will not fall lower on the depth chart than Holland. I can see Babcock flirting with the idea of Kadri as the #1C, but I don’t see Bozak being stuck on the third line. Holland has shown some promise in support roles such as penalty killing, but I just don’t see him pushing out Bozak as a top 6 forward unless Bozak is traded. For one, if the Leafs want to try and move Bozak, putting him on the 3rd line and giving him 8-10 minutes per game is the wrong way to go about it. And secondly, I just don’t think Bozak is as bad as a lot of folks make him out to be. He is no Mats Sundin (and maybe being his positional successor has been his biggest downfall), but I think most teams would be happy having him as their #2C. IMO, the part of his game that his lacking the most as a centreman is his physicality. He’s the best faceoff man on the team, quick, skilled, has good vision, and I believe he can be a real character player now that he won’t be rushing off to play Call of Duty with Phil after every game/practice. Coach him right, surround him with the right personalities, and he will be worth more than a 2nd round pick by the trade deadline.
Buyout window opens for 48 hrs hours on Weds now that Bernier is done with arbitration…wonder if we wont see more of a “shake up” then. A Robidas Bozak or Lupul buy out wouldnt shock me.
They settled before the arbitor’s decision, not sure if that counts Shticky.
I think you just have to go to the hearing…I could be wrong but am pretty sure it applies. Robidas however I am wrong just realized about his contract…thanks again Nonis.
Sorry missed your post before responding.
I had asked this question of Lyle on 1 of these rumor threads about the buy out if not settled in arbitration. He didn`t respond nor did anyone else weighed in but from other sites I`ve read, I believe it does once the process started.
Yep. It counts.
No cap relief buying out Robidas.
Kadri – drove Carlyle nuts; Shanny (not the coach) benched him and publically called out the kid for his approach to the game. It will be interesting to see how Babcock works with the him to bring his game to #1 center status. He has alotta talent, not sure he’s a number 1 center – we shall see.
I think the way Shanahan, Dubas, Hunter & Babcock have set the team up for next season they are going to be significantly better defensively. I don`t give any credit to Lou yet as he just got there.
I think Kessel`s lost goal production can be made up with a more balanced scoring attack over the entire roster with Parenteau, Matthias, Spalling, Beck, Komorov, etc all making contributions. I think the added power play time now available to Lupul in place of Kessel will help him as well & I see the 2nd unit getting a better opportunity as well with not so much being handed to the 1st unit as in the past. I think this roster has a much better goal differential than -51 & won`t pull the plug mid point like last season when Carlyle was fired.
As crazy as it sounds I have Toronto as my dark horse in the East to make the playoffs currently. I don`t think they will necessarily but I think they will be very close. With in 2 to 4 points as bizarre as that sounds.
This isn`t that bad a team. Not much glamour but a ton of solid 2 way players with great character who will work hard.
van Reimsdyk, Bozak, Parenteau.
Lupul, Kadri, Matthias.
Winnik, Holland, Komorov.
Panik, Spalling, Beck.
Spare Arcobello.
Phaneuf, Polak.
Gardiner, Rielly.
Robidas, Marincin.
Harrington, Hunwick.
Bernier, Reimer.
Shuffle around these players & line combinations or D pairings anyway you want & it`s not that bad & in the east it`s an easier slog to the playoffs than in the west. They will work hard & at least do their best to win or Babcock will sit them & Shanahan & his 3 headed management team will ship them out as able.
Ya I don’t know, you were 30 points out last year and lost a pretty key guy in Kessel.
Toronto was holding down a playoff spot when Carlyle was fired & the wheels completely fell off. Some what I choice I believe as the decision to rebuild had finally been made. Did they tank deliberately? I don’t know it sure looked like it. The vast majority of the foundation had pulled the plug not the least of which was Kessel, although he wasn’t alone by any means.
I’m not a Toronto fan so I wasn’t 30 points out of any thing. I’m simply a hockey fan commenting on the subject of discussion.
Matthias, Spalling & Winnik all post reasonable points; 25 to 35, & do so with no power play time. All 3 are 3 of the better scoring forwards in the game at even strength! With the exception of the superstars, most forwards generate 25 to 40% of their point production on the pp. Matthias hasn’t even peaked yet. Being a monster 6’4″ 225lbs I have his break through point at 400 games like Dman. It takes these bigger guys longer to adapt to their bodies & the game for some reason. Matthias just played his 408th NHL regular season game. This may be his best offense year to date next season. He will certainly see 2nd line PP time in Toronto this season something he has never had to date in his career & that should mean an increase in point production by at least 25% if not 40!
Add in Parenteau & Lupul most likely being the biggest beneficiary of Kessel moving & I think Toronto will be better than last season not worse. Will they make the playoffs? No but they’ll be close & if Babcock can get his systems in place quickly if they did sneak in I wouldn’t be shocked. As stated earlier I have them as my dark horse in the East.
Dont forget that Kadri said that he is as talented as stamkos so, you know, problem solved
When did he say that?
It was reported that he said that near the end of last season when Tampa was playing in Toronto. If he did say it I’m sure it was taken out of context by the media, but was basically making a joke.
Maybe, just maybe the Leafs’ locker room will be a better place next season too. That’s a bunch of 3rd liners you have listed, guys the Leafs are depending on to make up goals.
Striker
How can you say you like what Toronto has done??
They have no clue what they are doing.. Shanny has zero experience, and right out the gate he hires a new coach instead of a GM. Then hires Dubas as an assistant. Trades kessel (with no GM).
How can you support this kind of management? There is absolutely no structure
They don’t have a plan in place, We don’t know whose leading, they are not organized and who is controlling the team
Bush league
So you are saying that hiring Mike Babcock was a mistake? Because about half the league was trying to hire him. Maybe if you had some valid arguments instead of hating on everything that Toronto does then people wouldn’t think you were such a troll.
Moving Kessel and his attitude and salary was the smartest move ever
Whoever made it. Their doing something right.
I’m not sure what about the management structure is confusing to you, they have a president, a general manager, assistant general managers, a coach and assistant coaches. I believe that is the same as every other team in the league, not sure what is so confusing in this case.
Many teams are moving away from the conventional model of team management with a sole GM having all the power. There’s just to many variables in play & the President is starting to have a greater say in day to day hockey operations.
Shanahan has a vision & a plan. He hired Dubas & Hunter, removed Nonis & he with Dubas & Hunter selected Babcock not only as coach but also allowed Babcock to have input into player personal decisions & he was given the title of director of player development. Very similar to Roy; asst. GM, getting the similar powers when he agreed to coach in Colorado. These 4 very smart minds have been making the decisions for all hockey operations with Shanahan having the final stamp of approval on all decisions.
I don’t think Shanahan necessarily even planned to hire a GM specifically but the situation with Lamoriello arose surprisingly & Lou is a person that Shanahan holds in very high regard. He saw a great opportunity to add a highly respected hockey mind to help mentor Dubas & Hunter & seized the opportunity.
These 4 men prior to Lou being hired had divided the responsibilities of player development, trades, scouting, personal decisions, drafting, etc & have done a fabulous job in 5 short months; at least Shanahan, Dubas & Hunter, since starting this rebuild just prior to last seasons trade deadline. Babcock has only been in place briefly but would have had input into all trades & signings since coming on board.
These are great hockey minds & although you may not like the model it’s been very effective in a very short period of time. They have moved out Winnik, Franson, Santorelli, Kessel & numerous lesser lights for prospects & picks & signed or brought back solid depth players to fill the void as they develop their prospects properly. Most of whom will be moved out at the most opportune time to maximize their trade value & slowly start integrating in the new pipeline of prospects.
Everyone will be held accountable moving forward & if you don’t buy in you will sit or be traded. The sense of entitlement that existed in Toronto for years is dead.
This seems like a very good plan to me regardless of the fact it’s not being made by 1 individual. None of these 5 management personal will allow it nor do they have a history of taking the easy road. These are 5 very strong minded individuals. I would love to be a fly on the wall in 1 of their meetings.
Wait a minute, the president is involved in decision-making? Does that mean that Steve why is involved in Tampa? I guess that isn’t a problem because it isn’t Toronto.
Why would Boston want another center?
exactly, Bozak won’t be replacing Burgeron or Krecji and Spooner is set to be the 3rd line center. Sorry no vacancies in Boston.
Agree with Koko almost ready for the big leagues no need for another center. Unless Krejci was moved which might be a good idea after that contract Chiarelli gave him.
I see the opposite of what you guys see.. chances are you will support any moves made by anyone wearing the blue and white.
It’s crazy how you spin these moves in to positives.. But I guess that’s what you do when your a hardcore fan of a specific team
I don’t even like Toronto. I was a Bruins fan for 30+ years, Ray Bourque is my favorite all time player, followed closely by Yzerman & then Mike Bossy. I pulled the plug after the Hamilton trade. That was the final straw for me. That’s 3 significant assets moved in the last 10 years with out garnering a proper or sufficient return; Thornton, Seguin & Hamilton, due to mismanagement. Not staging a full scale bidding war. Enough was enough.
I have several other teams I’m found of as I frequent their buildings, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton & Dallas. I work in the petroleum industry & live just outside of Vancouver so I see those 4 teams play a ton live. I’m a fantasy hockey pool fan. I like everything about NHL hockey as it allows me to enjoy my favorite hobby, Hockey Fantasy leagues.
I don’t have rose colored glasses, bleed blue & white, nor am I a Toronto hater, although having been a Bruins fan from the original 6 days I kind of hate all the other original 6 teams especially Montreal, well that’s not completely true, I really like Chicago. Time will tell if these moves were positive or not. I think what they have done is very sound & I think it’s a solid start to a proper rebuild. They aren’t burning it down just for the sake of burning it down as many want. It’s a calculated & well thought out plan to maximize assets, generate the best returns & allow time for prospects to learn their roles moving forward.
I can understand your position. Bruins seems to have handled important trade decisions differently than other NHL franchises. The trades you mention are certainly suspect. Maybe it’s Jeremy Jacobs? Personally I don’t like the influence of Cam Neeley in a managerial role over there. I read about the inner-goings of the Seguin trade, 2010, and was flabbergasted how unprofessional parts of management handled themselves. It seemed full of yes-men and void of perspective viewpoint. I am always very critical of a management totally buying into a fleeting identity like they did (“big bad bruins”). An identity like that can usually be traced to a few core players playing that style for a window of time. (for example S. Thornton, Chara, Lucic & Bergeron, Thomas playing feisty/gutsy, exuding confidence) When players like that retire/traded/slow down, such identity diminishes bit by bit and eventually it’s not reality anymore. If a management doesn’t understand things just changed, how could they make the right decisions needed going forward? If still trying to live up to an unattainable identity, that is delusion and creates unnecessary baggage going forward.
I don’t think old or new GM or scouts were the problem there. They wanted to be more patient with Seguin while Neeley and some other stooges wanted him out.
I think Bruins underestimated how good Thomas really was for them for a few years to keep them in contention for the Stanley Cup. His goaltending sure blows todays finalists Bishop/Crawford out of the water. Rask should be able to get the team far into the playoffs if the rest of the team got it together.
This edition of the Leafs is a work in progress. 5 years from now no one except the hard core fan will remember names like Parenteau, Arcobello, Hunwick. Not sure people are getting this. Ironically I think we may look back on this as the off season they shook things up at centre. We drafted Marner and Nylander is trying a move to centre. Maybe that’s the combo to centre the top two lines for many years to come.
Btw imo Bozak would have been gone if they could have got anything decent in return. He’s worth more to us that a late 2nd and retained salary.
blozak is the next buyout—-might not happen for a while but he will totally suck this year like usual especially since kessel is gone—i guess toronto couldn’t get anything for him—its good he is here—so toronto can offically tank and get some more pics—the only positive thing i have to say about slozak
You seem like an elequent and intellectual gentleman. I’m sure Lamoriello is taking notes.
Striker
I don’t understand then.. Their moves have been bush league!!!
Shanny has zero experience and has been doing things the wrong way.. Support it all you want but you (and shanny) should go to business classes before you plan the parade route
i agree they are a bush team team, but disagree if your calling management bush league. Figure it out yourself
and a rebuilding / tanking team needs crappy roster! No?
so management has rebuilt = success
if you want stankos / sharp…then wait a few years