Matt Duchene talks about the trade speculation swirling about him, while Max Domi talks about the trade rumors that recently swirled about him and teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
COULD DUCHENE BE DEALT IN 2016-17?
Colorado Avalanche winger Matt Duchene addresses trade rumors.
SPORTSNET 590 (VIA TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene was recently asked about the trade rumors dogging him since last season, responding with a chuckle that he doesn’t know if he’ll finish next season with the Avs. “We’re a team that has not been where we want to be the last couple of years, and hopefully we get it back together this year. But if things don’t go that way, I’m sure they’ll be looking to make some big changes. That’s already obviously been talked about a lot in the media.” He went on to say his focus is on helping Team Canada at this fall’s World Cup of Hockey and then trying to help improve the Avalanche.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duchene’s name first popped up in the rumor mill last November. He and teammate Tyson Barrie were mentioned this summer as possible trade candidates. Avs GM Joe Sakic insisted the pair weren’t going anywhere and so far has been true to his word. However, Duchene is correct in his assessment that big changes will be coming if the Avalanche fail to improve next season. The club’s critics would prefer a coaching change over shaking up the roster. Given the friendship between Sakic and head coach Patrick Roy and the latter’s role in management, that doesn’t seem likely.
DOMI LAUGHS OFF PRE-DRAFT TRADE RUMORS.
SPORTSNET 590 (VIA TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Arizona Coyotes winger Max Domi laughed off the trade rumors last month leading up to the opening round of the 2016 NHL Draft linking him and teammate Oliver-Ekman Larsson to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first overall pick. “I thought it was pretty funny, to be honest with you. But that stuff, it’s amazing how fast the fire can spread, so to speak. One guy tweets something, and all of the sudden everyone’s a GM. (Laughs)”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those rumors were either wishful thinking or just musing out loud. The chatter actually originated out of Edmonton last winter, with a pundit suggesting the Oilers offer up the first overall pick (if they won the draft lottery) to the Coyotes for Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes constantly rejected that speculation, just as they dismissed the notion of parting with a package of Ekman-Larsson, Domi or Anthony Duclair and a first-round pick for the first overall pick. Domi and Ekman-Larsson are expected to be key pieces in the Coyotes rebuilding process. They aren’t going anywhere.
Lyle, I think you hit the nail smack dab on the head when you cited wishful-thinking as a source of many rumours. In the case of a good % among the general fan base (blogs included) I’d venture a guess that it accounts for 75% of the “I heard from a source” statements.
I agree George. Anyone can say they have a “source”. When I see a deal actually happen then I believe it. Maybe I live under a rock but I think like most I was very surprised when Subban went for Weber. Not surprised Subban was traded but the destination certainly caught me off guard.
Same with Zibanejad for Brassard and Hall for Larsson. There was never a sniff of any before they actually went down.
It’s a bit of how some sports journalists generate their hits, clicks, and subscriptions. If they can generate the rumor, they generate interest.
I’d like to bring adjectives back into team names, like the Mighty Ducks…How about…the Las Vegas Demented Honey Badgers?
The Mighty Ducks was the stupidest name ever!!
Maple
Leafs – when the correct plural is Leaves
Oh George here are some facts for you, so you know, ok? The “Leafs” was a military regiment for which the team was named after.
Peace.
Oh Ron – nice try. There was NEVER a Canadian military regiment named the “Leafs” and if you can find a reference to one I’d sure like to see it. The FACT is, when Conn Smythe changed the team name from “St. Patrick’s” he chose the Maple Leaf because most regiments in WW I wore a badge depicting a maple leaf. But in deciding on Leafs he ignored the correct plural “leaves.”
After taking control on Valentine’s Day 1927 Smythe immediately renamed the team the Maple Leafs. (The Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team had won the International League championship a few months earlier and had been using that name for 30 years.) There have been numerous reasons cited for Smythe’s decision to rename the team. The Maple Leafs say that the name was chosen in honour of the Maple Leaf Regiment from World War I.
There was NO “Maple Leaf Regiment” per se – many regiments did wear a badge depicting one because, at the time, The Maple Leaf Forever was considered by many to be our national anthem. And whether or not a baseball team used Maple Leafs as their name dating back to the 1800s, the fact is, at the time, the only grammatically-correct plural for leaf was leaves.
I can find many other references that state the exact same thing George, you were the one who said you would like to see it. I’m not sure how much truth to it there is but its what many of us have heard to the origin of the name perhaps you remember discussions you had with Mr Smythe a little differently age can do that I hear….(just kidding) ?
For the record, all I was responding to was Ron’s comment that “The “Leafs” was a military regiment for which the team was named after …”
I know my military history and I know for a fact no such regiment existed.
I thought it was a nick-name of the squad but any way I feel I owe you one since I, like many, fell victim to the grandeur of lore.
Just an FYI :
https://1967ers.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/why-are-the-leafs-called-the-leafs/
I’m still pushing for the LV Black Jacks. A spade for a logo unless Poker Stars objects to that. It would look sick and I’d definitely buy a jersey
Black and White would be cool. Jersies with only two colors look the best.
No more Black jersey please It’s Vegas do something original… don’t be the Vegas Kings
This is the best name suggestion I’ve seen. I like it.
No more black jersey sharks Bruins Kings Sens Lightning…it’s Vegas do something original and don’t be the Las Vegas Kings
The name won’t be related to gambling, it’s been said. Unfortuantely I think it’s destined to be the Black Knights….
Although I personally like the name suggestion, the fact is the NHL (Bettman) has come out and said the new LV team name can not and will not have any reference to gambling.
There is going to be enough political things to deal with over the next while for Gary I can see why he probably doesn’t want a franchise named after gambling or mafia tho both would likely be the easiest brand to pedal.
So much for the idea of calling them the “Las Vegas Mob” then.
Las Vegas Crap Shooters. The logo designs itself
That’s not a bad name!
I stated yesterday that Roy is the problem in Colorado. He has early success everywhere he goes but eventually grates on people. I am not part of the coach killer ideology; however, in this case it is glaringly obvious. Is it possible that a top notch superstar like Roy cannot cope when others cannot perform to his expectations? There is no doubting his place as possibly the best goalie ever in hockey history; but his status as a coach certainly does not compare. And yes I am aware of the Memorial Cup title as coach of the Ramparts. He does have the potential to be an effective coach but it has not been realized at the NHL level. This team is too good to be that bad!
As a Bruins fan I am likely biased against Roy, but I am with you on this Steven.
As a goaltender his extreme confidence was an asset. As a coach who has to teach a bunch of kids, it may be perceived as arrogance by the team.
Or he is just an A-hole?
Can’t it be both?
Jeremy Roenick agrees with the latter.
I suppose it can Icebear, and in most cases it probably is.
For the Leafs, their forward lines look to be stacking up in the following manner…
Michalek – Matthews – Van Riemsdyk
Marner – Nylander – Soshnikov
Komarov – Bozak – Laich
Martin – Holland – Greening
No room for Kadri in the top 6 unless Matthews/Nylander hang back in the AHL to keep their development going. And no room for Lupul either unless Soshnikov/Marner head to the farm.
What are the chances of those 4 forwards making the big club vs being AHLers this year? And, what could be the return for Kadri and Lupul separately or as a package together?
Will those 4 forwards make it? Good question.
Don’t know enough about Soshnikov.
Marner – No, but do you really want to send him back to JR or can he go to the AHL next year? If AHL is not an option and JR won’t help his development perhaps Europe for a season where it is less physical? Heard that Bruins may send Zboril over for the same reason.
Nylander – back and forth throughout the year is my guess. Start in NHL, likely struggle playing 200′, send him back down, bring him back up later in year once he works on it down there.
Mathews – Plays all season with Leafs.
Soshnikov impressed me last year to be honest. I think an NHL job is his to lose. Marner can’t go back to junior is my understanding, would have to go to the AHL.
Marner can go to junior one more year and slide the contract. He would dominate again and would have another year to build up his strength.
For those who feel it is pointless to send him back to junior, ask Sens fans how they feel about Lazar. He dominated junior the year after he was drafted and Ottawa kept him on the NHL roster the following year as a 19 year old because he couldn’t go to the AHL. His progression has sucked since then and in hindsight, they should have let him play 1st line minutes in junior one more year. It would have helped both his development and confidence.
Exactly Van. And now he’s openly grumbling because he believes his development problems are directly related to the fact McLean/Cameron hardly ever played him at his “natural” position – C.
I’m actually hoping that Lazar plays a good chunk of this year in the AHL so he gets a lot of top line minutes given he is still waiver exempt. I’m glad Cameron was fired with his favouritism of Borocop/hatred of Hoffman/horrible line combinations, but you can’t blame him for having Turris, Zibanejad and Pageau ahead of Lazar on the C depth chart. If you want Lazar to progress, you’re better off having him as 1C in the AHL vs. 4C in the NHL playing <10 minutes per game.
Ya, tough call with Lazar. I actually got to know him a little bit while he was here in Edmonton. Great kid. I was on the fence on whether it was good for him or not when he made the team, the last time I saw him he sure was hoping to. Was mature enough, but in hindsight you are probably right. When in doubt with a young player, patience should be the default.
Te same thing COULD happen with Chabot this year. He can’t be sent to the AHL and if they keep him at the NHL level he’ll be dividing 5/6 time with Boroqiecki and Wideman and possibly Claeson. Not a good way to develop a player with tat kind of talent who – in the eyes of many – is simply too good for junior. Marner is in the same boat with Toronto. There needs to be some sort of exemption for players of that caliber from having to go back to junior for pocket-money and change when they could be earning a decent salary in the AHL at least. You’re 19 – o;d enough to fight if ever go to war but not old enough to earn a decent salary. I think that would last about 5 minutes in any court of law if some player ever chooses to take it that far.
Not sure about the legality of it George O, but agree that there should be an option for these players. As I am sure many do.
Can’t they just go to Europe and play pro there for a year? As I mentioned earlier Zboril (Chabot’s team mate with the Seadogs) may go to this home country to play in the Czech Republic pro league. The Bruins are on board with it for the reasons you mention.
If a bunch of players take that route perhaps the CHL & NHL rethink the agreement.
Kadri at this moment till others develop is the Leafs best centre what do you mean there is no room? Never mind centre aside from JVR probably the best value contract that’s not entry level
van Reimsdyk, Bozak, Komorov.
Michalek, Kadri, Nylander.
Lupul, Matthews, Marner; 9 games/Holland.
Martin, Laich, Greening.
Marner can’t go to the farm. He get’s his 9 games & could just steal a job if not back to Jr. Waivers impacts who stays & who goes. Soshnikov won’t be starting in the NHL as he doesn’t need to clear waivers. Leivo, Greening, Lupul etc. will have to be waived to get roster compliant.
As injuries or other hit for other teams players will be moved to make room for 2 more younger players later in the season. 3 rookies start the year, Matthews, Nylander & Marner, 2 stay, Marner goes back to jr maybe, maybe not.
1 of Leivo, Lupul or Greening not all will need to be waived, 2 in Marner stays to start the season. The only 1 of those 3 that would get selected in waivers would be Leivo. The other 2 pass through. Neither provides much cap releif. 900k each.
I really cannot see Marner going back to Jr.It would be a waste he’ll develop lazy habits as Jr. is far below his skills now.
I also think it will have a negative effect on his personality. He’s going to have to and the Leafs are going to have to have him in the NHL.
So where does that leave Kadri?
Vancouver
Probably looking at rolling 4 lines sheltering Mathews a bit Nylander on wing Kadri Mathews Bozak down the middle depending on zones
So you are suggesting…
Michalek – Matthews – Van Riemsdyk
Nylander – Kadri – Soshnikov/Marner
Komarov – Bozak – Laich
Martin – Holland – Greening
Hollywood are you serious with your posts?
Probably as serious as you with your claim that the Leafs name was based upon a Canadian military regiment using Maple Leafs as their name in WW I!
WW I George I’ve shown references to support what Ron has said now you show otherwise
I repeat, there was NEVER a Canadian regiment with the name “Leafs” – and neither you nor Ron can point to a legitimate reference (and I don’t mean some bloody blog).
Matthews and Nylander aren’t starting the season as 1st and 2nd line centres. Kadri and Bozak will fill those roles for now and I’m not convinced that Nylander won’t end up on the wing longer term. I see Matthews and Kadri as 1st and 2nd line centres with Nylander and Marner as top 6 wingers in 2-3 years.
Could the Leafs get a top 4 D-man for Kadri?
Top 4 maybe possible but I think a bigger issue would be top pair and no I cant see Kadri fetching that type of D…imo with his contract I don’t think Kadri is a guy you move good value for a player like that. You are not likely to get a big improvement to warrant the trade and his contract isn’t really an issue. Even if Mathews develops very quickly for 4 million bucks Kadri is a very good 2 C and we will have to wait and see how Babcock chooses to use Nylander. I think Bozak out of all the C would be the most likely to be moved if any.
See and I think Bozak as a #3 C would be GREAT! Sure he is a little pricy at $4.2m but he is great on the draw and plays a complete 200′ game. he would be VERY difficult on opposing top line centers and winning draws thus keeping the puck off the sticks of the oppositions top guys is a HUGE step towards success. And no team that gets offensive production from it’s 3rd line is EVER in a bad/non-playoff spot. And a 3rd line comprised of Komarov and Bozak and ???would CERTAINLY chip in offensively!
Ehh ya I beg to differ with Bozaks defensive game how does a team as bad defensively as the Leafs say that a their no 1 centre (previous to Babcock) plays a good 200 ft game? It doesn’t make sense he is not good defensively …really his 200 ft game is not that good and no I don’t want a 4.25 million 3 line centre good face off guy yes but besides that not worth the roster spot.
Top 4? Maybe off a team that has a deep D corps. Then again, there are a lot of silly GMs out there.
I don’t see Toronto moving Kadri. Bozak eventually but Toronto got Kadri signed at decent money & term. He plays as Toronto’s #2 until both Matthews & Nylander are ready to assume the 1st & 2nd line roles at which point Kadri moves to #3. 2 or 3 years out.
Schticky—you are 99% correct most times–best on the board for what I have read—Ive been a leaf fan for 30 years—blozak is so overrated—can’t wait for him to be off team—3rd line is pushing it—for price paid–he is soft and gets the easy points—he’s not a creator–and gets bounced off the puck like wild fire—
if it’s from Eklund how can it not be the truth?
Eklund is the worst and his podcast are stupid…the first 5 minutes plus are b.s they don’t even talk hockey….
How about Kadri (C), and Gardiner (D) +Pick/s to AVS for Duchene (C), and Barrie (D)
that isn’t even close to happening. Maybe if you include 2 1sts + but at that point you should just offer sheet kucherov
Hahahaha, are you serious?
Let me say emphatically, that is a big NO from the Avs.
Wait a minute – no so fast, If Gardiner is part of the deal AVS would be getting the better figure skater BY FAR
They never stop trying do they? You have to give them at least that much.
It all goes back to Lyle’s mention of “wishful-thinking” in the opening blurb. They do try.
In all fairness, it could have been Bozak and Cowen! They’re getting there!!!
He probably thinks “picks” could be the clincher – but if so, fails t realize that, outside of a top level 1st round pick, just about every pick becomes a crap-shoot.
Maybe you should ask the Avs for a couple of 1rst round picks too…..another Maple Leaf our trash for your gold trade idea…lol
As for the opening day lineup after the preseason, where we will see about 15 different Marlies. Here is how I think things end up opening night:
Lupal – Kadri – Van Riemsdyk
Komarov – Bozak – Michalek
Nylander – Matthews – Marner
Martin – Laich – Greening
Holland/Soshnikov
Reilly – Zaitsev
Hunwick – Gardiner
Marincin – Polak
Andersen
Enroth?
Lupal is 5.25 mil that you aren’t going to get anything for if he doesn’t play, well, till he gets hurt.
Michalek is a LW as is van Reimsdyk. Komorov played RW last season with van Riemsdyk & Bozak when all were healthy. Nylander played RW.
Ok!!, so besides switching the wings, what do you think overall? I think the Leafs are pretty much screwed on defense, all right up front though…
Kadri #1, Bozak #3, Matthews #3, and Holland or Laich #4. JVR and Brown, Komorov and Nylander, Michalik and Marner, and Greening and Soshnikov as spares. This leaves Hyman, Lupul and Lievo to battle for a spot? I expect Lupul, Bozak, Michalik, Greening and Laich don’t finish the year in Toronto?
Then Reilly, Zhaitsev, Gardner, Marincin, Polak, Hunwik, Corrado and Carrick become the D with Hunwick and Polack, Corrado, and Polack gone by the deadline?
Heres a good trade
T.Pleckanec,J Petry,N Scherback,N Juulsen+1st rd pick 2017 for T Barrie and M Duchene!!
??
I guess they are going to trade Polack twice according to my last entry?
Duchene and Iginla ( hell waive the NMC)
For
Pick of Nelson/Strome/Lee & Barzal & Pelech should get it done.
I’d still have to think about it though,