NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 18, 2023
The Maple Leafs acquire Ryan O’Reilly in a three-team trade, Connor McDavid reaches the 100-point plateau again, Patrick Kane reaches a scoring milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
MAPLE LEAFS ACQUIRE RYAN O’REILLY
NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Wild.
āThe Blues received the rights to forward prospectĀ Josh PillarĀ from the Wild for O’Reilly, then traded him and Acciari to the Maple Leafs for Toronto’s first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators’ third-round pick this year, Toronto’s second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and forwardsĀ Mikhail AbramovĀ andĀ Adam Gaudette.
Minnesota received Toronto’s fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.ā
CAP FRIENDLY: The Blues retained 50 percent of O’Reilly’s $7.5 million cap hit with the Wild and Leafs each taking on 25 percent.
The St. Louis Blues ship Ryan O’Reilly to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a three-team trade (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the previous moves made by Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas leading up to the annual trade deadline, this one is the biggest. O’Reilly was among this season’s top trade candidates. The 32-year-old center is a former winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy the Selke Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy. He is considered among the league’s elite two-way forwards despite the decline in his production this season and a broken foot that sidelined him for nearly six weeks.
I admire the creativity of Dubas and his capologist in finding a way to land a notable player despite carrying limited cap space. It’s the second time he’s gone the three-team trade route, with his previous effort being the 2021 acquisition of Nick Foligno.
Leafs fans will be hoping that the O’Reilly deal has better results than the Foligno trade. So will Dubas, whose future as Leafs GM could be determined by his club’s performance over the remainder of this season and in the playoffs.
O’Reilly should help the Leafs at both ends of the rink. Acciari, meanwhile, is a good bottom-six winger who should help their penalty kill. However, I remain concerned about their blueline and goaltending depth in their quest to get over the postseason hump.
The Blues roster rebuild (retool?) continues just over a week after they shipped Vladimir Taransenko to the New York Rangers. They now have three first-round picks and two third-rounders in this year’s draft as well as two second-round selections and two fourth-rounders in the 2024 draft. The Blues also receive a veteran depth forward in Gaudette for the rest of this season plus a young center in Abramov who might have a future in St. Louis.
Wild GM Bill Guerin used his cap space to buy himself a fourth-round pick. He still has over $12.8 million in projected trade deadline cap room to make other deals before the March 3 deadline.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists to become the first player this season to reach 100 points in a 5-4 shootout loss to the New York Rangers. Alexis Lafreniere tallied the game-winner and Chris Kreider scored twice in regulation as the Rangers overcame a 4-1 deficit. Winners of seven straight, the Rangers (33-14-8) sit one point behind the second-place New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan Division with 74 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid has now reached the 100-point mark six times in eight years. It’s also the fifth time he’s been the first player in a season to reach that plateau, sitting behind Mario Lemieux and Phil Esposito (six teams each) and Wayne Gretzky (nine times).
The Oilers activated winger Kailer Yamamoto off injured reserve. Rather than trade or waive Jesse Puljujarvi as many observers anticipated to make room for Yamamoto, they instead loaned Dylan Holloway and Vincent Desharnais to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane scored two goals as his club rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Ottawa Senators 4-3 on an overtime goal by Andreas Athanasiou. Max Domi and Jake McCabe each had two assists for the 17-32-5 Blackhawks. Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux scored for the Senators (26-24-4) as they sit seven points behind the New York Islanders for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 56 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane moved into third place among American-born NHL players with 1,217 points. He’s now 15 points behind Phil Housley for second overall but he has a long way to go yet to catch Mike Modano, who is 157 points ahead with 1,374.
Before the game, former Senator Chris Neil was honored by having his number 25 raised to the rafters in the Canadian Tire Centre. Neil is the third player in modern Senators history to have his number retired, joining Daniel Alfredsson and Chris Phillips.
Speaking of the Islanders, they overcame a 4-3 deficit on third-period goals by Brock Nelson and Zach Parise to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4. Ilya Sorokin kicked out 40 shots while Nelson and Anders Lee each scored two goals as the Islanders (28-23-7) vaulted over the Washington Capitals into the final Eastern wild-card spot with 63 points. Rickard Rakell tallied twice for the Penguins (27-18-9), who also have 63 points but sit in the first wild-card berth with four games in hand over the Isles.
The Minnesota Wild dimmed the Dallas Stars 2-1 on shootout goals by Frederick Gaudreau and Matt Boldy. Filip Gustavsson stopped 29 shots while Mats Zuccarello scored in regulation for the 29-21-5 Wild as they hold a two-point lead over the Calgary Flames for the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 63 points. Jamie Benn scored in regulation for the Stars (30-14-12) as they remain on top of the Western Conference with 72 points.
IN OTHER NEWS…
CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau said critical comments made on Twitter by his agent aimed at the club’s recent struggles didn’t represent his opinion about the club or head coach Darryl Sutter.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Huberdeau’s agent is Allan Walsh, who created a stir during the 2020 playoffs with a tweet insinuating that client Marc-Andre Fleury was being stabbed in the back by head coach Peter DeBoer. Fleury was the starting goalie for the Vegas Golden Knights while DeBoer was their head coach.
SPORTSNET: The Toronto Maple Leafs moved goaltender Matt Murray to long-term injury reserve following the acquisition of Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari. Once third-string goaltender Joseph Woll is ready to return to the AHL, the Leafs will have enough room to activate Murray and his $4.6 million salary when he’s healthy again.
THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks placed winger Tanner Pearson on LTIR with a season-ending hand injury suffered on Nov. 9.
GOPHNX.COM’s Craig Morgan tweeted that Arizona Coyotes coach Andre Tourigny said defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere could return to the lineup on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gostisbehere’s been sidelined since Jan. 24 with an upper-body injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gostisbehere’s return will be watched closely by playoff contenders seeking an experienced puck-moving defenseman.
NJ.COM’s Ryan Novozinsky tweeted that the Devils sending Alexander Holtz to their AHL affiliate to the minors isn’t in anticipation of a trade but to give the young forward some game play.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holtz has only appeared in 19 games this season and doesn’t see much ice time when he does play. I’ve mentioned him as a possible trade chip if they intend to pursue a notable winger such as San Jose’s Timo Meier at the trade deadline.
THE ATHLETIC: Nashville Predators 2021 first-round pick Zachary L’Heureux received a 10-game suspension by the QMJHL for poking at a fan with a stick following a Feb. 8 game.
Former NHL referee Tim Peel is accused of berating teenage youth hockey officials following a Jan. 15 game at St. Peters (Missouri) Rec-Plex.
Big trade for Leafs now gives them legit chance to win a series Gave up a lot of futures but worth it. Blues did well. Now with 3 1st rd picks with young core in place retool will be done fast
Agree MB4
This was a load to give up; might get Leafs past Bolts
Iām still skeptical that this could get them past Bruinsā¦.
And neither Bolts or Bruins have made their moves yet
Pengy
Yes it will be interesting to see what happens in next while. As for bruins I didnāt realize how good Swayman was actually playing. Till I read article on nbc this morning
fact, from a statistical standpoint, Swayman has been the league’s top goalie since mid-December
If that is case will be good thing for bruins going forward
As I said yesterday to Mike Pilon in my summary of the Leafs’ season so far, let’s wait to see what Dubas does to shore up perceived weaknesses before dismissing them outright.
Agree
And thatās not good news for the rest of the Eastern Conference teams
What load, Pengy? Did any top prospects leave?
Any guarantees with those draft picks?
Face it, the Leafs lineup is much stronger now and somehow, as a cap team, we didn’t trade any player from the NHL roster.
I honestly don’t know what more you want but Dubas did a smart piece of business and the team will benefit.
This is a good trade for the Leafs for sure. No question Dubas did very well.
But surely their biggest need is in net. Murray is made out of caramelized sugar and is always one sneeze away from IR.
Lyle and all,
The Blues have really loaded up on draft picks for the next couple years, but with each trade (Vladdy and O’Reilly) I would have hoped to acquire higher rated prospects OR current young roster players with a long term future. Draft picks take TOO long to materialize (if ever)! I do expect that Army will have fun at the draft packaging the picks in some manner. I also believe that the “throw-ins” that were included in each trade (Mikkola and Acciari) were much too valuable to not receive a greater return–they each should have been worth a mid-round pick. Wondering if O’Reilly will return to Blues after season is complete? Wondering if Armstrong is finished (Barbashev, Parayko,….)?? Wondering if the Blues can even be competitive for the rest of season? Even after these MAJOR moves, I can’t really figure out the plan.
IP
Parayko on Pens please
Or Detroit.
Hi Penny,
Sorry But You guys have nothing to give the Blues for Parayko…., Apart from picks and i dont think they need to move CP right now….
I just looked through the Pens Roster,
Yes there is Sid & Lots othere Old Guys āļø But there is nobody I they i think the Blues would want…..
Blue’s Now have 3 X 1st round picks in the NHL draft in June now, and they have a young team up front
They have Ivan Barbashev who is a UFA Winger, not sure what he is worth…..maybe a Late 1st pick or 2nd pick…ā
They also have 5 young d prospects coming along from 20 to 23 yr old..
Brayden Schenn being the oldest forward at 31years old…..š¤ the rest are all between 20 & 27 yr old….
GM, Doug Armstrong has done a Masterful job of Re-tooling on the Fly….š
Im sure this is what the Vancouver Canucks are also trying to do but years & years behind the St Louis Blues
It sounds like Thatcher Demko is headed to the Trade Block Now or at the NHL Draft… Sen’s are Watching this one….ā
Hi Willie
You are absolutely correct; very unlikely Pens have trade pieces needed.
Does not diminish my hopes though LOL
I think Oil might be able to swing something if they wanted to
Parayko still remains as my bromance
So that would amount to around 20 mill for three right shot d menā¦delusional
Hey Willie can you elaborate on this:
GM, Doug Armstrong has done a Masterful job of Re-tooling on the Flyā¦.š
Im sure this is what the Vancouver Canucks are also trying to do but years & years behind the St Louis Blues
What did Armstrong do exactly thatās years ahead of the Canucks?
Great points iowaprince I think ror comes back and parayko and Barbashev get moved for more high picks which army will have to flip for higher picks or a big time player before the draft. The prospects I agree are a waste wonder if Bolduc comes up if he can not sure how the rules work in that situation.
Penny,
Would love to have him back home in Edmonton…. āļø
our oldest kid went to school with him here in St albert, A Really nice Kid.
But we are Cash Strapped big time…
We need minimum 3 new players for the playoffs
last night oilers game was just Brutal.. could see it coming in the 3rd….and it did again,
its taken Ken Holland a Long time to Clean up Peter Chiarelli Bad Trade and Bad Signings History here….š
Hi Willie
If (as has been reported by media) Oil are considering EK (even at 1/2)ā¦. Then they have a plan to fit in $5.8 Mā¦. Parayko is inly $700 mor in Cap ($6.5 M) and should cost much less in trade (no retention needed on Parayko; Parayko certainly not having anywhere near the year EK is having)
Would live Parayko on Pensā¦. Would mean moving Petryā¦. Iām OK with thatā¦. Just $250 K more, but locked for 7 more years; 6 plus years younger; bigger; stronger; faster
Definitely worth a call to see what extra is needed ti convert
Petry + Kappy
Into
Parayko; Sammy B and Barb
For sure itās a 1st; Oāconnor and one of Puust OR Poehling
What other assets are required?
HexBurkieā¦. Youāll never know if you make the call
Iowa,
To reassure you,2023 draft will be one of the best the deepest in decades so you are getting a pretty good first rounder my friend. And in addition, why not a 2nd 3rd and 4th ? But wait ! Just to be sure let’s ad Abramov. Oh yeah you need a dept player ? Ok let’s ad Gaudet. (Sounds like a paid commercial lol)
You don’t need to be a Leaf’s hater to notice that they paid alot for 32 yo O’Reilly. The Leafs are much better equiped for this season’s playoffs, but they had to pay a steep price. Acciari was a throw in.
This was the trade that Ron Hextall needed to make but he was asleep at the wheel as usual. Great deal for Dubasā¦ but the Leafs are still counting on Samsonov and Murray and thatās a big concern.
Now all the Leafs need is Tanner Jeannot from Nashville and the leafs will be able to battle with Tampa Bay
Leafs4ever
Agreed! Jeannot would be a great pick up for the Leafs. A big body with good offensive instincts.
I do think the Leafs could use a good right handed centre. Bjugstad would fit the bill.
Or maybe Mathieu Olivier from Colombus, that would be good too
Pengy, Petry and Kappy would be a terrible return, unless multiple picks and Pickering is included. Kappy would be a flat out cap dump, and you are asking the Blues to take on 3+ million in Cap space for next season.
Well Pengy wonāt be happy lol.
Hopefully this will be what they need. Brings there depth up big time without losing anyone off their roster. Still can get a D man if they want.
Donāt like losing the draft picks but they are 3-5 years away if at all plus they kept there top prospects which are way closer then the picks. Knies if signed is is ready now to play what role is to be determined.
Hi MoTV
yesā¦ not happy
This move improves them nowā¦. and comparing them now to Bolts nowā¦just might get them past Bolts
I, however, am not convinced this move gets Leafās past Bruins
Andā¦. Bolts and Bruins have yet to make their moves
So, this could end up a load of assets given up just to get past Bolts; or worse still, still lose out to Bolts after their move(s)
Nowā¦ if magically RoR takes a MASSIVE home-town discount (donāt count on it) to re-up with Leafsā¦. Then assets given up (lose to Bruins and/or Bolts aside) seem not so unjustified
Time will tell
Awaiting (not with a happy thoughts) on Bolts and Bruins moves
I nor anyone else think the Leafs are done adding and as Pengy convictions tell him they still need to or else!
Man on TV – re Knies -what makes you believe he is ready now for an NHL role? Yeah, he’s having a decent season at U. of Minnesota – but that is one big jump an the history says most won’t make it.
In terms of current college leaders in points he ranks 32nd – and most of those above him likely will never see the NHL.
As for being nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, join the club – there must be umpteen hundred nominees.
https://www.ncaa.com/stats/icehockey-men/d1/current/individual/99
https://hobeybaker.com/2023-nominees/
Iām not sold on Knies or anyone else coming out the NCAA and be effective but didnāt Makar do that? No Iām not ranking Knies as being anything close as the first 5 words speak of my expectations of him.
Like big players in junior dominate due to their size advantage but in the NHL that advantage goes buh-bye and since heās not a great skater heās gonna have a hard go not to mention him adapt to the best league with the very best players in it. Itās a huge jump and expectation for a player with zero experience, right?
Hey George they have had a couple scouts from other teams think he is definitely ready he plays a power game and he is big and has some decent skill also Kyle said last year he could help the Leafs last year but couldnāt get him to sign.
I donāt know where he will slot in to start probably bottom 6 to start if he decides to leave.
He might take a bit of time but it wonāt be because he isnāt big or strong enough.
Well, as I say, it’s a huge difference between U.S. College and the NHL, not the least of which is getting used to playing 82 games a season as opposed to 35-40.
Just a quick look shows these U.S. College “top dogs” chosen at around the same point as Knies (57th in Round 2) over the years and not one has made it beyond being a minimal presence or a 4th line plugger: Tyler Pitlick – 31st; Adam Clendening 46th; Matthew Nieto 47th; A,\.J. Greer 39th; Dylan Gambrell 60th.
He could make it … but don’t expect him to be anything but a grunt. Jack Eichel he ain’t.
The return on retention bar/marker has possibly now been set
Guerin retained 25% of RoR ā¦. $1.9 M in annual Cap; about $600 K in actual pro-rated Cap
The actual cash hit is much less as RoR had a large SB this year and only $1 M in actual salā¦. So Wild out just about $330 K to ābuyā a late 4th rounder; two years from now
Billy G got hosed in thisā¦. That much dollar retention in previous years garnered a 3rd in that upcoming draft (not 2 years down the road)
With this ābase-lineā return for retention; Iām assuming more creative trades may happen and calls to Yotes et al might happen
Pengy. Saw the other day on twitter a puck pedia post about Rangers could still sign Kane by using 3rd team. Kaneās salary for this season was 2.9 mil, but when they broke it down and prorated salary, 25% retention by 3rd party came out to 165k and was worth a 5th round pick. Maybe your numbers are off on RoR?
Hi Slick
Numbers (cashed paid) on RoR are right
What another club may pay for any deal re Kane is another story
For Kaneā¦. As at TDL (1/4 year left) ; after escrow; he is owed sal between $650 K and $660 K
50%ā¦. $325-330 K
25% ā¦.. ~ $165 Kā¦. Say 4th in ā24
12.5 % 4th teamā¦. $80-85 Kā¦. 5th rounder
12.5 % of Kanes Capā¦$1.3 Mā¦. but at TDL only 1/4 year leftā¦. So Rangers (or whoever) need but $330 K in Cap space
Soā¦. Kane could be got (by many teams) forā¦.
4th and 5th to middle retaining teams; plus
Whatever needed to Blackhawks for retaining 50%
(A āsunk cost of about another $330 K that Chi would have already counted on paying)
Not sure (1) if Kane still waives; and (2) who still interested; (3) who Kane WOULD accept a trade to; and more importantly. (4) Chiās ask?
Pengy, not sure youāre seeing this today, Iām not arguing numbers with you, but PuckPedia has different figures. According to them, wild paid 76k for a 4th. As I mentioned above, they have Kane as being owed 165k and based on past transactions that price will only be worth a 5th. Based on that, I donāt see how Guerin got hosed.
Although I like the addition of ROR and Acciari, I agree with Lyle that this doesn’t address either of Toronto’s most important area of need, nor does it address the need for a top six winger. So, is this a shrewd move by Dubas, or another case of going after a shiny object while ignoring other more pressing issues ? I guess we will find out if Dubas has another ace up his sleeve, or see if his team succeeds in April and May as is.
That also might just be the first move of several Iago. There’s still a ways to go before TD Day.
True George. The question is do the Leafs have enough assets left to fill their potential holes.
lago
I tend to agree. Their biggest need was a top LW and a physical defenceman.
While itās never a bad idea to have depth at C they still have a fairly large hole at 2LW and far fewer assets to get help there.
Not sure Acciari was the player to add to the deal. Barbashev would have been a better fit. Especially after giving up all those assets.
Great move by the Leafs. also keeps both these players away from other contenders(no ROR to Canes etc) so this makes this Ranger fan happy
Just realizedā¦. If the base-line for retention is $330 K buys a late 4th rounder in 2025ā¦.
Kane and Toews as at TDL EACH only owed ~ $730 K
Chi will retain 50% for sure
So a 3rd and 4th teams (each taking a subsequent 50% of the previous ) could be involved for a 4th in ā24 and a 5th in ā25
Chi retains 50%
3rd team 25%(50% of 50 %)ā¦. $180-$185 K cashā¦..4th in ā24
4th team 12.5 % (50% of 25%)ā¦.. $92 K max cashā¦.. 5th in ā25
Final team (2nd teamā¦. Major trade partner ) get EITHER Kane or Toews for $1.3 M ANNUAL cap hit but only need $330 K in ACTUAL proportionate Cap space for balance of year
Many teams will have $330 K in TDL available Cap spaceā¦.. to acquire Kane or Toews for just a 4th and 5th on top of what they pay BlackHawks ššššš
Would like to see HexBurkie offerā¦.
OāConnor , 2nd , Puust OR Poehling to Chi; plus 4th (ā24) , 5th (ā25) as above , for Toews to replace Carter at 3C
No thanks. Thatās like trading your curdled cup of buttermilk (Carter) for a melted carton of ice cream (Toews). The ice cream might sound more appealing, but itās still no good even if you stick it in someone elseās freezer. Iām all for Hextall doing something (Anything!) to shake up the Penās and salvage some respectability this year. As Meatloaf once sangā¦ābut I wonāt do that.ā
Hog sorry don’t buy the favor down the road.
GM may not be there to provide a return favor.
Deal with the now, this wasn’t a good deal for Mimny.
Not many 4th rounder make it to the NHL.
Minnesota next two seasons over $14m in dead cap.
Gave away a prospect and got small chance of a probable NHL player.
Hi SOG
Pens for sure must upgrade 3C
Toews, is far far far better than Carter
Is tied for tops in goals on his team
82 Game pace of 25-24-59
Tops in NHL on the dot
Tons of playoff experience
3 cups
Leadership
That package worth it
HexBurkie showed ownership was āall inā by re-upping the āseniorsā and bringing in Petryā¦. Very old rosterā¦., showing ownership was nixing a rebuild or re-tuneā¦. So missing playoffs is not acceptable
That package still keeps a 1st; keeps top prospects/up and commers in P-O J;Smith and Pickering; and should secure making playoffs
Pengy, Re: If the base-line for retention is $330 K buys a late 4th rounder in 2025 …
Worse than that. Minnesota also gave up the rights to Josh Pillar, a 4th round draft pick in 2021. Josh, who plays for Saskatoon of the WHL, has been frequently injured. Only 13 games this year – sidelined from late Nov until this week due to a lower body injury. A Marlie prospect for next season.
Vast majority of ROR’s earnings is in signing bonuses; only $1 million to be paid thru 2022-23 season. So, actual cash cost to the Wild for retaining 25% is approx 80k. Minny has tonnes of cap space – almost $13 million at trade deadline.
The Wild provided a favor for a team in the other conference, hopefully to be re-paid at some future time.
āThe Wild provided a favor for a team in the other conference, hopefully to be re-paid at some future time.ā
I agree plus with all that free cap space to hold a percentage of cap for assets is not glamorous but smart. Also the favor is always remembered when you need the help. Win win.
This assessment is 100% bang on.
Hi HOG
I didnāt know anything re Pillar
If heās as you sayā¦. Then yes.., there must have been a nod nod wink wink āhandshakeā agreement (Billy G and Dubas) for Leafs to āpayoutā at a later date
A gamble by Billy G ā¦ what if Dubas is kicked to the corner this summer (if not making ECF should ensure that) ā¦. How do you cash in on an agreement with a new Leafs GM?
Good move by the Leafs- given their opposition and the urgency for this year. Looks now to hang on the quality & timeliness of the goaltending. Boston has formidable numbers. The Leafs still have anxiety. The Rangers have the next great thing and the Bolts have the current great thing. Hard to bet against Vasy V Shesty for Russian Goalie supremacy in the Conf finals again.
I think the Leafs also have a Russian in net whose numbers donāt suck eitherā¦thatās three or four if you include the one in Long Islandā¦anyone else?
Great points iowaprince I think ror comes back and parayko and Barbashev get moved for more high picks which army will have to flip for higher picks or a big time player before the draft. The prospects I agree are a waste wonder if Bolduc comes up if he can not sure how the rules work in that situation.
Good trade for leafs and the Blues.
Minnesota, what were you thinking? Gave away an unsigned player and took on cap for a 4th round pick. That most likely won’t see the NHL.
Gueirin should’ve held for a 2nd or 3rd, nothing to lose.
ROR is a great pickup, but for the leafs it was always going to be about their D and goaltending.
With that said still plenty of time to do more.
Gone this far, go further, haven’t won in awhile
Empty the tank and pickup a dman.
Leafs need two good D men and a goalie who can win a series or two. Personally I think they traded for wrong positions but time will tell and their probably not done yet.
šReally Disappointed in the Edmonton Oilers performance last night against the NYR…
There is No dought the Really miss the steady defencive play of Big Rookie d/man Vincent Desharnais….100% āļø
The other 2 young young d/men, Broberg had a so so Not so good night,
young Bouchard had an other poor game, puck give away’s and not playing Physical just a tough night for him… just inconsistant for a young guy who is still learning
Big DARNELL NURSE…. Took an ill-timed hooking penalty just after they went up 3-0 in the 1st.
then it was 3-1… moments later. His ice time was way to much again 27.00 minute with only 1 shot tonight on Goal……
I hope we get a Very Good 2nd pairing LD man Very Soon…. to take minutes away from Nurse, he should only play 20 to 21 minutes night top’s Because after that he gets Real SLOOPY
Oilers D is just not Physical and Aggressive Enough to much of the same old with these guys we have right NOW…
The 3rd period , you could just see the NYR were not giving up and just thumped the Oilers for there 3rd losse this week š
Cash Strapped Oilers need minimum 3 New players bye the TDL….š¤
move out JP, $3.M. F Warren Foegle $2.75M..
and maybe a young d/man like Bouchard or Broberg to get a better LD and ?? with there 1st pick & 2nd picks in play to make it work….
1/ Need to trade for that 2nd paring LD man
2/ A Top 6 RW spot…
3/ A scoring 3 line player like a Sam Lafferty typeā
if there is some cash left a big hard hitting forward
I like this move by the Leafs. They decided they donāt want to draft anymore.
Their GM obviously feels this is his last chance so heās swinging. He isnāt looking to the future. Time to win for the leafs is now. Itāll be fun come playoff time.
Any upside to the second player the Leafs picked up
I am not familiar with him at all
Barbashev would of been nice , obviously not doable , or maybe Leafs have another plan for a defenseman
Wait and see , as per Tampa, Boston , Carolina prepare going into in the playoffs
Re: Leafs
The Leafs now have excellent centre depth with Matthews, Tavares, OāReilly, and Kampf. Holmberg also looked capable so good insurance.
Where I think they could use an upgrade is at 2LW. Not sold on the idea of Knies stepping in to be the answer? Is this a case of āa bird in the hand is worth two in the bushā Trade Knies while the hype machine is in full effect for a player that can help now?
Their defence has played well by committee but with Muzzin obviously out for the season they need to replace his physicality. The question now is do they have the assets to acquire a real top 4 defenceman?
Daryl, it wouldn’t surprise me if O’Reilly plays 2LW at times.
I know one thing – the Toronto team defence just got a whole lot better with these additions.
Noel Accari is a plug and play player. Put him on any line, and he’s gonna do a good job. Be it center or on the wing he’s there to play. Decent hands. Good in the dot. Tireless on the forcheck and backcheck. Hunts pucks really well. Fearless player.
Thanks SOP
Your script on Noel Accari is great to hear !
Playoff hockey , type of player a team NEEDS !
Bruins still havenāt done their move(s) yet
Pagnotta (4th period) said Bruins had interest in Barbashev, and that expected cost is a 2nd and a prospect;
and many in media have said they had interest in Schenn (and costing a 2nd)
Those two added to the already tops in league team; while still keeping their 1st AND Lysellā¦. Scary
For your information and reference:
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/teams/dr00008490.html
Toronto Maple Leafs draft history. Of the notable relevant first round draft picks that panned out are Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Reilly, Sandin, Liljegren. Those were all early picks. But other than that I donāt see a lot of jackpots. One need only look to other first round prize selections like Jeff Ware, Nik Andropov, Stuart Percy, Scott Thornton, Rob Pearson, Steve Bancroft, Eric Fichaud, Kenny Jonsson, Landon Wilson, Brandon Convery, Grant Marshall, Drake Betehowsky, Brad Boyes and Luca Cereda.
Draft picks are generally unknown factors. So Dubas dealing unknowns tgat can take 3-5 yrs to develop without drawing from known prospects or team is a calculated minimal risk with potential gain.
If you want to improve your team thereās only so many ways you can do it.