?s=21Off to summer camp.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 12, 2020
Phase 3 Return to Play roster announced. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/GncCslBpO6
Leafs roster. No Johnsson?s=21Off to summer camp.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 12, 2020
Phase 3 Return to Play roster announced. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/GncCslBpO6
Leafs GM Kyle Dubas says Auston Matthews is "fit to play" & ready to start camp
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 12, 2020
Zach Hyman is at the rink for Phase 2, said his small group of #Leafs teammates for the process are Morgan Rielly, Alex Kerfoot, Travis Dermott, William Nylander and Joseph Woll
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) June 9, 2020
John Tavares is at the rink for Phase 2 as well. Says his group of #Leafs teammates so far has been Ilya Mikheyev, Jake Muzzin and Jack Campbell. Cody Ceci and Mitch Marner joining on Thursday after getting CoVid testing done.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) June 9, 2020
No line-up guesses yet? I'm shocked.
Hyman-Matthews-Marner
Mikheyev-Taveres-Nylander
Engvall/Robertson-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Clifford-Gautier-Spezza
Muzzin-Rielly
Barrie-Holl
Dermott-Sandin
Andersen
Campbell
Lots of spare pieces...
Update. Petan replaces Hollowell
Leafs GM Kyle Dubas says if all goes well Andreas Johnsson (knee) may be an option at the start of the second round of the playoffs
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 12, 2020
Johnston, who has the inside track on Dubas, brings the goods to SDP once again.Since a lot of people asked, I'm going to transcribe a LITTLE bit of the @Steve_Dangle Podcast with Chris Johnston. As always, not going to do a lot because I don't want to take away views from Steve! The link is right here: https://t.co/3jO6tp4iO1
— Arjun (@_marlanderthews) July 13, 2020
- Petan was injured during Phase 2, hence being left off the initial roster until today.
Back in the day Neil Young’s dad didn’t need to socially distance himself to talk to George Armstrong. No Zoom chats for Scott Young. pic.twitter.com/d8zGltXztt
— steve simmons (@simmonssteve) July 13, 2020
#Leafs full lines in Group 1:
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 13, 2020
Nylander-Matthews-Hyman
Engvall-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Agostino-Petan-Malgin
Rielly-Ceci
Rosen-Kivihalme
Gaudet
Hyman - Matthews - Nylander
Mikheyev - Tavares - Marner
Engvall - Kerfoot - Kapanen
Clifford - Gauthier - Spezza
Muzzin - Holl - top-line matchup
Rielly - Ceci - default vs rando depth line
Dermott - Barrie - OZ starts only for Barrie
Andersen
Campbell
THIS IS NOT ITTimothy Liljegren is absent from his assigned group at #leafs practice this morning.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 13, 2020
Auston Matthews confirms he tested positive for COVID-19
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 13, 2020
Auston Matthews said he can't pinpoint where he got COVID, but "it didn't really hinder my training, I was able to do stuff at home, obviously wasn't able to leave or anything. I'm pretty much asymptomatic."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 13, 2020
Every single response on Twitter is bashing Simmons. I'm enjoying that more than expected.
Matthews confirmed he tested positive but said he was basically asymptomatic and it didn't affect his training.
OMFGNick Robertson vs. Jake Muzzin on the first day of Leafs camp: pic.twitter.com/VKJg8FQvsX
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 13, 2020
Matthews confirmed he tested positive but said he was basically asymptomatic and it didn't affect his training.
I can't believe you aren't crediting me with this scoop
Matthews confirmed he tested positive but said he was basically asymptomatic and it didn't affect his training.
I can't believe you aren't crediting me with this scoop
LOL, c'mon it was like 20 seconds after you posted, I didn't even know you had posted it before I did.
OMFG
Matthews confirmed he tested positive but said he was basically asymptomatic and it didn't affect his training.
I can't believe you aren't crediting me with this scoop
LOL, c'mon it was like 20 seconds after you posted, I didn't even know you had posted it before I did.
I can't believe you didn't understand my joke and in now having to explain it, it is ruined forever.
Matthews confirmed he tested positive but said he was basically asymptomatic and it didn't affect his training.
I can't believe you aren't crediting me with this scoop
LOL, c'mon it was like 20 seconds after you posted, I didn't even know you had posted it before I did.
I can't believe you didn't understand my joke and in now having to explain it, it is ruined forever.
Meanwhile, I am merely unfit.Sheldon Keefe on Timothy Liljegren: "He was unfit to play today."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 13, 2020
Can’t believe I missed this earlierFor the subsection of Leafs fans who seem to love to keep tabs on Nylanders hair, this is for you. pic.twitter.com/DnIUqoJ1aI
— Shawn McKenzie (@ShawnMcKenzieSN) July 13, 2020
OMFG
Credit to Robertson there, but WTF was Muzzin doing going in front of the net like that?
"Judge somebody by their heart and by their character, not by their race."
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) July 13, 2020
The Maple Leafs have been talking about racism, about privilege. As training camp opened, the players decided not to stick to sports: https://t.co/KUmlIxNGMK #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/7s8juRXM5R
OMFGNick Robertson vs. Jake Muzzin on the first day of Leafs camp: pic.twitter.com/VKJg8FQvsX
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 13, 2020
Auston Matthews confirms he tested positive for COVID-19
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 13, 2020Auston Matthews said he can't pinpoint where he got COVID, but "it didn't really hinder my training, I was able to do stuff at home, obviously wasn't able to leave or anything. I'm pretty much asymptomatic."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 13, 2020
LUCKY
In fact, of all those having tested positive leaguewide, we know just one name: Auston Matthews. That’s thanks to a Toronto Sun report last month which revealed his results, something the Leafs star had declined to comment on until camp opened Monday in Toronto.
Those close to the 22-year-old said that he had been disappointed and frustrated by the fact he was “outed” as a confirmed case against his will, even as the identities of every other infected NHL player have, to date, been protected. Many media outlets, including The Athletic, have declined to identify players against their will, even as cases have multiplied rapidly across the sporting world.
[...]
When the initial report about Matthews came out last month, some player agents were outraged that his privacy had been violated. He wasn’t even with his team, they said, and the test result wasn’t going to impact his ability to play. (Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, declined to comment for this story.)
“That was totally out of line,” said one high profile agent, who declined to be identified.
The willingness to address questions about the positive COVID-19 result head-on follows the same tact he’s taken with every injury he’s endured as a member of the Maple Leafs. It also to this point sets him apart from his NHL peers, at least 50 of whom have registered a positive test in anonymity since mid-March.
That’s an individual choice.
Where there is tension to this situation is that Matthews didn’t choose to have news of his result first appear in a sourced story by Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons on June 19. But that doesn’t change the fact he could easily have sidestepped the follow-up questions Monday, especially with the veil of secrecy the NHL is draping over every injury, illness and absence right now.
[...]
The hope here is that Matthews’ openness might help remove any unnecessary stigma other NHLers associate with a positive test. There is value to sharing our experiences, particularly when it pertains to an issue of such great public interest.
A pandemic becomes much less of an abstract idea to the public when someone of this stature normalizes it — which, quite coincidentally, one of Matthews’ favourite athletes Russell Westbrook did Monday by following the NBA trend of announcing positive tests.
Steve's reaction to that article: AHA SO HE ADMITS IT
Defenceman Mac Hollowell has replaced defenceman Timothy Liljegren on the Phase 3 Return to Play roster.#LeafsForever
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 14, 2020
Does that mean Liljegren is out of the tournament?
Jonas Siegel reported that Liljegren was at the Leafs' practice facility yesterday and was seen speaking to the teams head athletic therapist (both wearing masks). That possibly suggests whatever made him "unfit to participate" is something that wouldn't necessitate him to say quarantine away from everyone else.
Liljegren did make an appearance at #Leafs camp yesterday, talking to medical trainer Paul Ayotte. Likely some sort of injury issue holding him out. pic.twitter.com/Tm3jDIpLZf
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 14, 2020
Yeeachh...another hole on the right side. I was looking forward to watching him play, so I hope it's nothing serious.
Yeeachh...another hole on the right side. I was looking forward to watching him play, so I hope it's nothing serious.
I would imagine he was at best 8th on the Leafs depth chart right now with Sandin ahead of him, maybe even Mari--- nevermind let's just say 8th.
Yeeachh...another hole on the right side. I was looking forward to watching him play, so I hope it's nothing serious.
I would imagine he was at best 8th on the Leafs depth chart right now with Sandin ahead of him, maybe even Mari--- nevermind let's just say 8th.
But again we really have no idea what the deal is with him, and because of the leagues secrecy regarding any injuries we might not get any more information. But it's entirely possible he's back in 2 weeks when games start, although granted missing this camp would make things tougher for him to get up to the speed the other guys are at.
Nick Robertson is getting a look today on the Leafs No. 1 power-play unit, joining Matthews, Tavares, Nylander and Barrie.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 14, 2020
(while Marner is getting PK reps)please excuse the questionable camera work (lol) and enjoy this snipe by john tavares on jack campbell pic.twitter.com/borBjqnrKm
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 14, 2020
I see they’re finally using my idea of double PP shifting Matthews as a semi-stationary turret (Ovechkin-style)... Willy stayed out there tooMatthews stays out with the second unit
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 14, 2020
Spezza finds him
Auston makes no mistake pic.twitter.com/0f8lP9mG5V
Here we are building up the confidence of our goaltenders.Nick Robertson pic.twitter.com/kbDYmbscyw
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) July 14, 2020
Would the NHL have cleaner games and higher scores if they did 'free throws*' for the hockey-equivalent of technical fouls on top of the 2 min-5min PP (e.g. instigator, checking from behind, slewfoot, headshot)?
* stationary shot from the slot between the dots by player of team's choosing (on the ice).
Would the NHL have cleaner games and higher scores if they did 'free throws*' for the hockey-equivalent of technical fouls on top of the 2 min-5min PP (e.g. instigator, checking from behind, slewfoot, headshot)?
* stationary shot from the slot between the dots by player of team's choosing (on the ice).
Only if they have to do it on a unicycle.
Leafs vs Habs in 2 weeks for our tune-up game :DHere's the complete slate of NHL exhibition games: pic.twitter.com/I2qAFfYmmE
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 14, 2020
Would the NHL have cleaner games and higher scores if they did 'free throws*' for the hockey-equivalent of technical fouls on top of the 2 min-5min PP (e.g. instigator, checking from behind, slewfoot, headshot)?
* stationary shot from the slot between the dots by player of team's choosing (on the ice).
Would the NHL have cleaner games and higher scores if they did 'free throws*' for the hockey-equivalent of technical fouls on top of the 2 min-5min PP (e.g. instigator, checking from behind, slewfoot, headshot)?
* stationary shot from the slot between the dots by player of team's choosing (on the ice).
On every penalty, the team about to go a man up gets to choose between a penalty shot or a full two minute 5 on 4 regardless of how many goals they score.
Tell me that doesn't make for a better game.
Would the NHL have cleaner games and higher scores if they did 'free throws*' for the hockey-equivalent of technical fouls on top of the 2 min-5min PP (e.g. instigator, checking from behind, slewfoot, headshot)?
* stationary shot from the slot between the dots by player of team's choosing (on the ice).
On every penalty, the team about to go a man up gets to choose between a penalty shot or a full two minute 5 on 4 regardless of how many goals they score.
Tell me that doesn't make for a better game.
The nature of Ilya Mikheyev’s injury being what it is — have you seen any evidence of his arm or wrist affecting his shot or the way he handles the puck?
Keefe: No, I have seen none of it. In fact, I think he is shooting better, which I don’t think is to do with the wrist necessarily but just the amount of time he has been able to work at his game from an individual skills standpoint. I know Denver Manderson worked a lot with him — one of our development consultants — and he was able to get lots of time with that.
Miky, first of all, loves to work. He loves to be at the rink and loves to be on the ice. He and Jake Muzzin might have taken a week or two off here or there, but for the most part through the four months, they have been on the ice all of the time. They haven’t really taken any time off.
He is really ahead of the game here. I think he has really added some pieces, and the shot is the big thing. He scored a goal yesterday in the scrimmage. In practice, the way the puck is coming off of his stick, particularly off of the pass, is impressive. I think that is an addition to his game that is going to serve him well.
This break was a great opportunity for Sheldon and the coaching staff to really begin to develop a greater relationship with the players after coming in mid-season and work with them more one-on-one without the daily regiment of practices and games influencing how much time he can spend with everybody.
I think that will be a really positive thing. Also for us, it allowed us the chance to really hammer home to various players on the team what we were expecting — not only in their on-ice play but in their off-ice engagement and so on and so forth — and try to take steps forward and continue to progress as a team.
[...]
The thing that I was probably most impressed with is that Sheldon and the coaching staff took time to dig deep into every player’s game and used all of the departments we had here — whether it’s player development, R&D, coaching, hockey operations in general — and take this time to build a stronger database, which you probably wouldn’t be able to do as a coaching staff in mid-March and April when you are in the stretch drive and playoffs.
They used that to then open dialogue with the players about what they saw their strengths as versus what we saw their strengths as a team, and where they wanted to invest their time in development versus what we do.
So they were able to use this break to do full performance reviews and collaborate on development tracks to aim for strategic alignment.
Hockey and covering the #mapleleafs has been a privilege. But its now time to move on. I want to thank MLSE for a great adventure, the players, coaches, management and my dear colleagues over the years. And thank you #LeafsNation, your passion is unparralelled !#LeafsForever
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) July 15, 2020
I'll miss his softball first questions in the scrums.
In a fun twist, #Leafs will be doing five scrimmages (starting today) that pits Team Matthews vs. Team Andersen throughout the rest of camp.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 15, 2020
Who ya got? pic.twitter.com/bKVhrOoMAw
I know we aren't meant to take this super seriously... but they couldn't have put the Matthews and Tavares lines on separate teams?
I'll miss his softball first questions in the scrums.
“Questions”
I'll miss his softball first questions in the scrums.
“Questions”
I know, as much as I like him he just didn't ask any questions worth asking.
Lol Gauthier scored too and when he does, his team winsMuzzin blasts home the game winner with 17 seconds to go!
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 15, 2020
Team Andersen takes Game 1 of the scrimmage series.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/auQ3sZli7y
The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
Lol Gauthier scored too and when he does, his team wins
The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
Boo, didn't want us colluding with the officials, eh?Further to this: Toronto wasn't deemed to have broken any rules, per se, but the NHL wasn't comfortable exposing the players and officials to one another.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
And, judging by the volume of complaints, other NHL teams weren't comfortable with it either. https://t.co/oyoPdVYbNR
So bad at defense, amiriteKeefe says Nylander is one of the league leaders in takeaways in the offensive zone.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 15, 2020
So bad at defense, amiriteKeefe says Nylander is one of the league leaders in takeaways in the offensive zone.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 15, 2020
I think I'm going to regret this, but I think the criticism of Nylander's defense is in the defensive/neutral zones.
I think I'm going to regret this, but I think the criticism of Nylander's defense is in the defensive/neutral zones.
He's pretty good with takeaways and breaking up plays in the neutral zone, too. But, like the offensive zone, that's not really an area people focus on when talking about defensive play (except for when players are exceptionally good at it). The criticisms are mostly about how he doesn't look engaged in the defensive zone, which has some merit. He's also not a physical defender, which can be effective - it's just less noticeable, and, therefore, less appreciated. He's not a super strong positional defender, but he can improve there. He'll never be a physical defender, and that's okay. His team still has the puck more when he's on the ice, and that's what's most important.
Different degrees with different reporters.
It's good that you guys are contrasting him with all of the hard hitting and incisive news we get from the other media guys in locker room scrums.
Jesus, some people.
This sounds so ridiculous.The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020Boo, didn't want us colluding with the officials, eh?Further to this: Toronto wasn't deemed to have broken any rules, per se, but the NHL wasn't comfortable exposing the players and officials to one another.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
And, judging by the volume of complaints, other NHL teams weren't comfortable with it either. https://t.co/oyoPdVYbNR
Stone hands Hyman puts away a touchpass from Willy for one of his two scrimmage goals.Zach attack!#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/lEH7pdx5kV
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 15, 2020
To be honest, if I were another team, I'd complain, too. If the Leafs are paying the refs to be there, there's an obvious conflict of interest in ensuring their future objectivity. And if the team isn't paying them and the refs are volunteering and doing it to stay sharp and in shape, then the officials are interacting with the players in a casual setting that borders on fraternization, which also arguably threatens future objectivity, or at the very least the appearance of objectivity.This sounds so ridiculous.The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020Boo, didn't want us colluding with the officials, eh?Further to this: Toronto wasn't deemed to have broken any rules, per se, but the NHL wasn't comfortable exposing the players and officials to one another.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
And, judging by the volume of complaints, other NHL teams weren't comfortable with it either. https://t.co/oyoPdVYbNR
I get it, but I would hope that refs are professional, and therefore reffing in training camp wouldn't affect their judgment in actual games, but I get it.To be honest, if I were another team, I'd complain, too. If the Leafs are paying the refs to be there, there's an obvious conflict of interest in ensuring their future objectivity. And if the team isn't paying them and the refs are volunteering and doing it to stay sharp and in shape, then the officials are interacting with the players in a casual setting that borders on fraternization, which also arguably threatens future objectivity, or at the very least the appearance of objectivity.This sounds so ridiculous.The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020Boo, didn't want us colluding with the officials, eh?Further to this: Toronto wasn't deemed to have broken any rules, per se, but the NHL wasn't comfortable exposing the players and officials to one another.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
And, judging by the volume of complaints, other NHL teams weren't comfortable with it either. https://t.co/oyoPdVYbNR
I think I'm going to regret this, but I think the criticism of Nylander's defense is in the defensive/neutral zones.
He's pretty good with takeaways and breaking up plays in the neutral zone, too. But, like the offensive zone, that's not really an area people focus on when talking about defensive play (except for when players are exceptionally good at it). The criticisms are mostly about how he doesn't look engaged in the defensive zone, which has some merit. He's also not a physical defender, which can be effective - it's just less noticeable, and, therefore, less appreciated. He's not a super strong positional defender, but he can improve there. He'll never be a physical defender, and that's okay. His team still has the puck more when he's on the ice, and that's what's most important.
I get it, but I would hope that refs are professional, and therefore reffing in training camp wouldn't affect their judgment in actual games, but I get it.To be honest, if I were another team, I'd complain, too. If the Leafs are paying the refs to be there, there's an obvious conflict of interest in ensuring their future objectivity. And if the team isn't paying them and the refs are volunteering and doing it to stay sharp and in shape, then the officials are interacting with the players in a casual setting that borders on fraternization, which also arguably threatens future objectivity, or at the very least the appearance of objectivity.This sounds so ridiculous.The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020Boo, didn't want us colluding with the officials, eh?Further to this: Toronto wasn't deemed to have broken any rules, per se, but the NHL wasn't comfortable exposing the players and officials to one another.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
And, judging by the volume of complaints, other NHL teams weren't comfortable with it either. https://t.co/oyoPdVYbNR
At the same time I also think if the Leafs have the means to do this then that's the perk of being part of a franchise with a large fanbase.
I get it, but I would hope that refs are professional, and therefore reffing in training camp wouldn't affect their judgment in actual games, but I get it.
I get it, but I would hope that refs are professional, and therefore reffing in training camp wouldn't affect their judgment in actual games, but I get it.
If other teams seriously think that refs are this easily influenced then we have a much, much larger issue at hand here.
I get it, but I would hope that refs are professional, and therefore reffing in training camp wouldn't affect their judgment in actual games, but I get it.To be honest, if I were another team, I'd complain, too. If the Leafs are paying the refs to be there, there's an obvious conflict of interest in ensuring their future objectivity. And if the team isn't paying them and the refs are volunteering and doing it to stay sharp and in shape, then the officials are interacting with the players in a casual setting that borders on fraternization, which also arguably threatens future objectivity, or at the very least the appearance of objectivity.This sounds so ridiculous.The #leafs were told by the NHL they couldn't continue using officials during training camp, according to Sheldon Keefe.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020Boo, didn't want us colluding with the officials, eh?Further to this: Toronto wasn't deemed to have broken any rules, per se, but the NHL wasn't comfortable exposing the players and officials to one another.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 15, 2020
And, judging by the volume of complaints, other NHL teams weren't comfortable with it either. https://t.co/oyoPdVYbNR
At the same time I also think if the Leafs have the means to do this then that's the perk of being part of a franchise with a large fanbase.
Why couldn't they just hire a couple OHL referees?
For TOR to understand how to pick apart CBJ's (very good) OZ and NZ forecheck, they'd need to learn a couple of things about icebreaking ships. (I'm not even kidding) https://t.co/ZbNuudCsb2 pic.twitter.com/awuMPrk8gf
— Jack Han (@JhanHky) July 16, 2020
New post: CBJ's 1-2-2 forecheck is one of the tougher structural puzzles to solve in hockey. Here's a possible solution for TOR. https://t.co/tvhJMMViEY
— Jack Han (@JhanHky) July 16, 2020
This drill appears to be about winning board battles with your hips/feetBack to work 💼#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/eSvbDFn5uG
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 17, 2020
Leafs lines today in first full practice:
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 17, 2020
Nylander-Matthews-Hyman
Mikheyev-Tavares-Marner
Engvall-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Clifford-Gauthier-Spezza
Rielly-Ceci
Muzzin-Holl
Dermott-Barrie
Sandin-Marincin
Andersen-Campbell
*Nick Robertson not in this group
(During phase 2 small group practices, which was obvious from the grouping)One interesting nugget from Sheldon Keefe today: Leafs experimented with Travis Dermott playing the right side alongside Morgan Rielly.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 17, 2020
Another option potentially in camp and beyond.
(During phase 2 small group practices, which was obvious from the grouping)One interesting nugget from Sheldon Keefe today: Leafs experimented with Travis Dermott playing the right side alongside Morgan Rielly.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 17, 2020
Another option potentially in camp and beyond.
Leafs lines today in first full practice:
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 17, 2020
Nylander-Matthews-Hyman
Mikheyev-Tavares-Marner
Engvall-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Clifford-Gauthier-Spezza
Rielly-Ceci
Muzzin-Holl
Dermott-Barrie
Sandin-Marincin
Andersen-Campbell
*Nick Robertson not in this group
Head down hustle from @nickrobertson01#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/mNLbGgeIb1
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 18, 2020
And if there were any concerns about Nylander, he just went and scored a beauty breakaway goal, followed immediately by Auston Matthews going five-hole on Andersen
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 18, 2020
It’s now 5-1 Team Matthews
Someone’s been training the Leafs to show corner and go 5 holeWilly (and the 🥬) is flying 💨#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/aJWmIDKUPw
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 18, 2020
Zach Hyman is absent from Leafs practice ... he blocked a shot yesterday and was down for a bit but stayed on the ice ... await update from Keefe
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 18, 2020
Nick Robertson joins main group and is skating with Auston Matthews and William Nylander
lol i have no idea what is happening
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 19, 2020
Classic Marner. Is Shilton an Ender’s Game fan?Hot Soup!
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 19, 2020
Ilya Mikheyev scores his second goal of the game, this one shorthanded. 3-0 Matthews. pic.twitter.com/tY81dPQiek
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 19, 2020Why isn’t there a stream of this?
Marner to Nylander, but Andersen is up to the task against the notes cherry picker.🎶 Whole lotta glove 🎶#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/xVBfl0QoJe
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 19, 2020
This one is unstoppable. Stretch passes on the menu to get around the Columbus forecheck.@tysonbarrie ➡️ @91Tavares ➡️ @AM34 🚨#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/7XMZ7FSl6B
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 19, 2020
Summertime magic ✨#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/hVM7warWAT
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 19, 2020
OH DANG#Leafs lines today:
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 21, 2020
Hyman-Matthews-Marner
Nylander-Tavares-Mikheyev
Robertson-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Clifford-Gauthier-Spezza
Engvall (in grey?)
Pairs are back to the usual
I'm sure it's in this thread already, but is there a timeline on Johnsson's return?
Freddie is rounding back into formOk wait. THIS is even more ridiculous 😱 https://t.co/4wL7SASugb pic.twitter.com/iKx2UGP25K
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 21, 2020
I present to you Matthews dislodging a water bottle pic.twitter.com/vdx9TZAcqF
— Justin Cuthbert (@jccuthbert) July 21, 2020
Freddie is rounding back into formOk wait. THIS is even more ridiculous 😱 https://t.co/4wL7SASugb pic.twitter.com/iKx2UGP25K
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 21, 2020
Ceci serving it up in the slot for the opposition
Ceci serving it up in the slot for the opposition
I'm going to be charitable and say that was a bump out under duress to his support partner Dermott that handcuffed him and went through the wickets. Wouldn't mind if he just pinned it to the boards back there for a bit instead.
Ceci serving it up in the slot for the opposition
I'm going to be charitable and say that was a bump out under duress to his support partner Dermott that handcuffed him and went through the wickets. Wouldn't mind if he just pinned it to the boards back there for a bit instead.
While we're at it...what was Engvall doing?
From all I've read/heard, Robertson has been very impressive.Ceci serving it up in the slot for the opposition
I'm going to be charitable and say that was a bump out under duress to his support partner Dermott that handcuffed him and went through the wickets. Wouldn't mind if he just pinned it to the boards back there for a bit instead.
While we're at it...what was Engvall doing?
Losing his roster spot to an 18-year old.
All this says to me is that Engvall is a very known quantity to Keefe, and Robertson brings up questions he wants to answer, so the practices are where information is gathered to answer said questions. The floor on Engvall is, at worst, 4th line adequate; he's not going to cost them the game, but he's also not likely to break a game open.
If Robertson can consistently push the third line into offensively rolling over its match up, a la Pittsburgh's HBK trio, then pull the trigger on that change. If not, we still have a very speedy and pesty third line that should be springing Kapanen on hail mary forays.
Andreas Johnsson and Timothy Lilijegren are skating before #leafs practice.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 22, 2020
Johnsson had knee surgery in February and had been rehabbing at home in Sweden. He's eligible to return during the playoffs if the team plays long enough for him to get cleared. pic.twitter.com/YBKfrCbxBf
All this says to me is that Engvall is a very known quantity to Keefe, and Robertson brings up questions he wants to answer, so the practices are where information is gathered to answer said questions. The floor on Engvall is, at worst, 4th line adequate; he's not going to cost them the game, but he's also not likely to break a game open.
If Robertson can consistently push the third line into offensively rolling over its match up, a la Pittsburgh's HBK trio, then pull the trigger on that change. If not, we still have a very speedy and pesty third line that should be springing Kapanen on hail mary forays.
That's probably a fair characterization. Robertson is an unknown at this level, but he's also not going to be thrown into the lineup on the 4th line. A risk-free opportunity to see how he meshes with his potential linemates is something the team is obviously happy to take advantage of.
Nick Robertson remains part of the #leafs third line, with Pierre Engvall an extra. A good sign for the 18-year-old at this stage of training camp.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 22, 2020
Barrie still can't do 2-on-1s. Campbell has looked good against the bottom six's attack which is equal parts positive and negative.Highway. Robbery.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/KwJ1tNW89p
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 22, 2020
um whutWelp, #Leafs went straight to overtime, apparently, and John Tavares won it for Team Matthews. https://t.co/iANJ2cVSzO
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 22, 2020
Shades of Mogilny on this playWinner winner, chicken dinner!
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 22, 2020
JT ends it in OT with the only goal of the game.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/rYdCvTqGgh
Practice is over
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 22, 2020
Scrimmage is over
Media availability underway
Nylander and Engvall the last two on the ice ... still putting in work pic.twitter.com/b97PdAkHdn
Barrie still can't do 2-on-1s.Highway. Robbery.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/KwJ1tNW89p
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 22, 2020
It was actually a 3 on 1. Pretty hooped no matter what he did there.
Team White:
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 23, 2020
Nylander-Matthews-Hyman
Engvall-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Agostino-Brooks-Malgin
44-83
23-94
48-32
31
*chef's kiss*#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/NAA1mTZkPk
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
A soup-erb penalty shot#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/m39cRVkON8
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
Goodbye Johnsson and Kapanen.
Mikheyev, here's your cheque.
That @AM34 & @wmnylander connection 👀#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/Y1Z8lNyY6N
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
I was taught in floor hockey that your feet are two extra sticksmitch marner will get you the perfect pass even with his feet pic.twitter.com/FiuQSI8Oho
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 23, 2020
A swing and a drive on #OpeningDay#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/SFXybubQia
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
Hattie for MikyHats off to Souperman 🧢🧢🧢#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/QoGbiNaDXK
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
*chef's kiss*#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/NAA1mTZkPk
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020A soup-erb penalty shot#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/m39cRVkON8
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
Malgin?Denis with the deflection#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/5ZB8vflVcG
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
Frank probably won't know how to feel about this one.Give-and-goal!#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/ubKABtWRQr
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2020
What was the score? 14-11? Do we need to worry about defending?We have more firepower than The Wild Bunch.
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2020/07/23/sheldon-keefe-on-nick-robertson/
Keefe has some good things to say about Robertson and his adaptation to NHL play, Kapanen’s pop, and Spezza’s spezziness
Willy immediately snaps a photo for InstagramFrederik Andersen has brought back the CN Tower pads for today’s activities. Said earlier in #Leafs camp he’s trying out lots of equipment to see what works best for him. pic.twitter.com/06Tuv5HeeY
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 25, 2020
Well well wellLeafs practice lines:
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 25, 2020
Nylander-Matthews-Hyman
Mikheyev-Tavares-Marner
Robertson-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Clifford-Engvall-Spezza
Gauthier
Muzzin-Holl
Rielly-Ceci
Dermott-Barrie
Sandin-Marincin
Andersen-Campbell
Well well wellLeafs practice lines:
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) July 25, 2020
Nylander-Matthews-Hyman
Mikheyev-Tavares-Marner
Robertson-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Clifford-Engvall-Spezza
Gauthier
Muzzin-Holl
Rielly-Ceci
Dermott-Barrie
Sandin-Marincin
Andersen-Campbell
The #leafs official roster now stands at 30 players: pic.twitter.com/rsZ03OtMGD
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 25, 2020
According to @sport24_ru the Russian forward Yegor Korshkov is going to sign a contract with @hclokomotiv in #KHL. Lastly, he played for @MapleLeafs in #NHL. #LeafsForever #hockeytwitter
— KHL DIARIES (@vorkywh24) July 26, 2020
Here is the roster for #CBJ as they head into the bubble. pic.twitter.com/1yJVGJ48Hp
— Alison (@AlisonL) July 26, 2020
I was gonna say they have decent mid tier forwards and two good defensemen, but as I look at their stat totals they actually don't have much there. As much as people are saying watch out CBJ wasn't healthy all year... I mean, ok, but their ppg stats are mostly not good also.Here is the roster for #CBJ as they head into the bubble. pic.twitter.com/1yJVGJ48Hp
— Alison (@AlisonL) July 26, 2020
Morgan Rielly.
— doug glatt (@KwnStorm) July 27, 2020
Gronk. pic.twitter.com/K5weoAnENG
Have y'all not seen Engvall?
Have y'all not seen Engvall?
Giraffes are peaceful creatures.
Have y'all not seen Engvall?
Giraffes are peaceful creatures.
Pfft. How many giraffes have you seen in the wild?
The closest I could say would be that scene in TLOU.
*tears*
Morgan Rielly.
— doug glatt (@KwnStorm) July 27, 2020
Gronk. pic.twitter.com/K5weoAnENG
err, not sure we need Kyle Clifford anymore.
Has he always look this ripped? My god!
I was gonna say they have decent mid tier forwards and two good defensemen, but as I look at their stat totals they actually don't have much there. As much as people are saying watch out CBJ wasn't healthy all year... I mean, ok, but their ppg stats are mostly not good also.
What's the word on the goalie situation for Columbus...is there a clearer number 1 during this mini-camp?
Everybody will be quick to point out what they did to Tampa last year but that was with Duchene and Panarin leading the charge offensively and Bob putting up a .932 save percentage. Just not the same team.
Lines at today's practice via @LeafsPR
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 27, 2020
Nylander - Matthews - Hyman
Mikheyev - Tavares - Marner
Robertson - Kerfoot - Kapanen
Clifford - Engvall - Spezza
Petan - 🐐 - Malgin
Muzzin - Holl
Rielly - Ceci
Dermott - Barrie
Sandin - Marincin
Rosen - Liljegren
Lines at today's practice via @LeafsPR
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 27, 2020
Nylander - Matthews - Hyman
Mikheyev - Tavares - Marner
Robertson - Kerfoot - Kapanen
Clifford - Engvall - Spezza
Petan - 🐐 - Malgin
Muzzin - Holl
Rielly - Ceci
Dermott - Barrie
Sandin - Marincin
Rosen - Liljegren
I'm liking this.
Their backend mobility and frustratingly heavy and effective 1-2-2 forecheck are the real weapons.
#CBJ lines for the start of practice today:
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) July 27, 2020
Foligno-Dubois-Bjorkstrand
Nyquist-Jenner-Atkinson
Texier-Wennberg-Bemstrom
Robinson-Nash-Foudy
Werenski-Jones
Gavrikov-Savard
Murray-Kukan
Harrington-Nutivaara
Korpisalo/Merzlikins
I don't want to sound dramatic but if we lose to this we need to trade Matthews.More than likely if we lose to this it's Freddie who ought to be on his way out of town.
I'm a little concerned about Dermott-Barrie.
I don't want to sound dramatic but if we lose to this we need to trade Matthews.More than likely if we lose to this it's Freddie who ought to be on his way out of town.
I don't want to sound dramatic but if we lose to this we need to trade Matthews.
Spezza has taken Robertson under his wingLet it rip @nickrobertson01 #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/dZWUe3MMgU
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 27, 2020
Spezza has taken Robertson under his wing
I'm a little concerned about Dermott-Barrie.
Sheltered third pair. As long as they don't face top competition I think they should be ok.
Woof, open the windows somebody, we're getting some overconfidence buildup. This is a group that has yet to win a meaningful series.
Woof, open the windows somebody, we're getting some overconfidence buildup. This is a group that has yet to win a meaningful series.The Leafs will never lose another game ever again.
Has he always look this ripped? My god!
He's always had impressive lower body strength
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/WeeklyCheeryAlaskanhusky-size_restricted.gif)
But now he has a girlfriend who is a formidable athlete herself and they were doing workout videos for IG over the lockdown.
Marner: "We want to be known as a team that plays every single night as hard as we can and makes it hard on other teams." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) August 12, 2020
I don't know how Marner does it, but he always says the right thing that comes out wrong because it's from his mouthMitch Marner on his series vs. #CBJ: "The first game, I wasn't engaged at all, in the physicalness of play at all. And then from that point on, I felt like I got a lot more engaged and playing as my old self...but zero goals isn't going to get the job done."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) August 12, 2020
Jason Spezza on his future with #Leafs: "I know that I'm not the player I once was, but I do feel like I can help quite a bit, and the fire still burns and I really hope to be back here next year."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) August 12, 2020
Um, let's re-sign this guyJason Spezza on #Leafs next step: "I've played on high-end offensive teams and the ones that had long playoff runs could lock it down when you had a lead. So that's something that this group will have to get comfortable with moving forward."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) August 12, 2020
beep. boop. whizzzz. bing!John Tavares on Sheldon Keefe: "His ability to communicate and see the game in a different light and be able to attack it in different ways is truly exceptional. His ability to understand it and then articulate that to the group was fantastic."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) August 12, 2020
Strong statement on the state and future of the Leafs from Auston Matthews: pic.twitter.com/XiIxJmpffp
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) August 12, 2020
NO. Unless you're studying under Matthews/Robertson and build up the strength to actually unleash a shot with pace, please don't shoot more because that means our scoring centres aren't shooting.Changes Mitch Marner wants to see in his game next season?
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) August 12, 2020
"Just more goals ... I know I need to get selfish sometimes ..."
Kyle Dubas, asked if it's possible he's misread the potential of the #leafs core group: "Nope."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 12, 2020
Kyle Dubas, asked if it's possible he's misread the potential of the #leafs core group: "Nope."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 12, 2020
I guess end of season stuff should go here:Strong statement on the state and future of the Leafs from Auston Matthews: pic.twitter.com/XiIxJmpffp
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) August 12, 2020
I'd like to add that this was the only answer on the Zoom call with no elaboration, and that Steve Simmons asked this question. I'm sure this is all coincidental. https://t.co/cp12n8Zz2y
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 12, 2020
Dubas hints Cody Ceci's metrics internally reflected his value defensively and that that information will cast him in different light if/when data like that becomes public.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 12, 2020
Dubas hints Cody Ceci's metrics internally reflected his value defensively and that that information will cast him in different light if/when data like that becomes public.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 12, 2020
Nobody seemed to believe me whenever I said that the Leafs genuinely liked Ceci.
Dubas hints Cody Ceci's metrics internally reflected his value defensively and that that information will cast him in different light if/when data like that becomes public.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 12, 2020
Nobody seemed to believe me whenever I said that the Leafs genuinely liked Ceci.
I saw this quote and I hope it's just Dubas defending his guy and not wanting to throw him under the bus. There's no fancy metric in the world that can convince me Ceci doesn't suck. If Dubas actually thinks he's good we may be in some trouble here.
Nobody seemed to believe me whenever I said that the Leafs genuinely liked Ceci.
Dubas hints Cody Ceci's metrics internally reflected his value defensively and that that information will cast him in different light if/when data like that becomes public.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 12, 2020
Nobody seemed to believe me whenever I said that the Leafs genuinely liked Ceci.
He outperformed his reputation! But like, he's UFA now. There's no trade value (like there was just before the deadline before he got injured)...I’ve trimmed his comments on Muzzin, Holl and Barrie. Here’s Dubas’ take on Cody Ceci when I asked if the organization needed to re-evaluate how they evaluate defensemen: pic.twitter.com/gdjY0P334v
— Justin Cuthbert (@jccuthbert) August 12, 2020
Dubas hints Cody Ceci's metrics internally reflected his value defensively and that that information will cast him in different light if/when data like that becomes public.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 12, 2020
Dubas hints Cody Ceci's metrics internally reflected his value defensively and that that information will cast him in different light if/when data like that becomes public.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 12, 2020
Nobody seemed to believe me whenever I said that the Leafs genuinely liked Ceci.He outperformed his reputation! But like, he's UFA now. There's no trade value (like there was just before the deadline before he got injured)...I’ve trimmed his comments on Muzzin, Holl and Barrie. Here’s Dubas’ take on Cody Ceci when I asked if the organization needed to re-evaluate how they evaluate defensemen: pic.twitter.com/gdjY0P334v
— Justin Cuthbert (@jccuthbert) August 12, 2020
He's coming back next season, isn't he
(https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/teamShotLocOffWi/1920/TOR/cecixco93)(https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/teamShotLocDefWi/1920/TOR/cecixco93)
a positive effect on our defense overall, but an anchor on driving offense (which is not his role).
Dubas on whether his vision for how the team should play is going to change or remain the same:
I don’t find myself transfixed on one thing. You all think that I have one way of going about things and it is never changing, but I think anybody who knows me or works with me would tell you it is pretty much the opposite. Every season, regardless of what the outcome has been — whether at different levels we have won or have been in the playoffs and fallen short — there has always been a full review of where we are at.
The vision for me always has to be changing. I don’t think any business or any team that just has one vision or way of doing things and doesn’t change is going to be successful in the long run. They might get lucky, but it is not a way to go about having sustainable success. I think the moves that we have made over the last couple of seasons have indicated that it is not just all about one thing here. That will certainly be the review that is done now with regards to where we are at and where we are going.
I am not someone that is stubborn with that. The goal will be to get us into a different position next year, certainly, to the point where we are making progress and sustaining ourselves as a contending team year in and year out.
I don't think people would complain about Ceci so much if he were paid 3 million less. But I also doubt he'll sign for 3 million less.
I don't think people would complain about Ceci so much if he were paid 3 million less. But I also doubt he'll sign for 3 million less.
I'd take him for $1mil. That's it.
I don't think people would complain about Ceci so much if he were paid 3 million less. But I also doubt he'll sign for 3 million less.
I'd take him for $1mil. That's it.
Flat cap and many other players have already signed for raises. Depending on how many retirements or exits from the league there are, on top of owners tightening their purse strings, this is a distinct possibility (same for Barrie).
*whispers*
— Rhys Jessop (@Thats_Offside) August 12, 2020
Per @IneffectiveMath, Cody Ceci had the best impact on 5v5 xGA/60 of all TOR D this season, and per @EvolvingWild Cody Ceci led all TOR D in EV Defensive xGAR, and was second in total EVD GAR.
Cody Ceci: analytics darling.
An annual tradition like no other pic.twitter.com/qtvz1IsRu2
— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) August 12, 2020
Ceci actually didn't look bad in Game 5, not saying good, but not terrible, so for a million I would keep CC Ryder. Barrie can move north of real Barrie, north of Moosonee and not come back.*whispers*
— Rhys Jessop (@Thats_Offside) August 12, 2020
Per @IneffectiveMath, Cody Ceci had the best impact on 5v5 xGA/60 of all TOR D this season, and per @EvolvingWild Cody Ceci led all TOR D in EV Defensive xGAR, and was second in total EVD GAR.
Cody Ceci: analytics darling.
One of Ceci's most endearing qualities is that he isn't 4 more years of Zaitsev at $4.75M.Haha good one. CC isnt bad defensively. Hes just not good with the puck. His offensive side is offensive lol. As a 6-7 guy for the right price hes fine. Hes a lot better then Marincin.
I'd happily take him at close to league min as our 7th D and let Marincin sink down into being the first call-up from the Marlies.
An annual tradition like no other pic.twitter.com/qtvz1IsRu2
— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) August 12, 2020
Burks looking like "to much Scotch at the end of the day" guy. I actually feel for him, after his son was killed he seemed to slide the slippery slope. Doesn't look good. Trade "Nylander"...nonsense.An annual tradition like no other pic.twitter.com/qtvz1IsRu2
— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) August 12, 2020
Burke is so long in the tooth as a former GM and commentator he's starting to look like Lisa Simpson if she never got braces.
Burks looking like "to much Scotch at the end of the day" guy. I actually feel for him, after his son was killed he seemed to slide the slippery slope. Doesn't look good. Trade "Nylander"...nonsense.An annual tradition like no other pic.twitter.com/qtvz1IsRu2
— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) August 12, 2020
Burke is so long in the tooth as a former GM and commentator he's starting to look like Lisa Simpson if she never got braces.
I miss Lou.
https://eyesonisles.com/2020/05/22/islanders-lou-lamoriello-tenure-resounding-success/
I almost never post here, but guys, I’ve gotta vent. I've been watching, waiting, hoping the vaunted Shanaplan was actually going to work. But after the past 2 wasted decades I wonder why I still care about this team. Isn’t that the definition of insanity?
I'm feeling especially sour on Dubas -- another unproven boy-genius who believes his tunnel-vision reliance on numbers beats decades of hockey horse-sense. It doesn’t. And when it comes to his handling of payroll numbers, tying up half the cap on 4 players is more like a fantasy league rookie move than the work of some hockey mastermind. He doesn't value, nor does he display toughness, either on the ice, or in salary negotiations. Thus we have the Nylander and Marner contracts: not value for money. Too cute by half. No killer instinct. No one to replace the grit and intimidation factor that players like Polak or Kadri brought to the team. Or even Uncle Leo. You cannot build a playoff team as you build a regular season team, and vice-versa. Therein lies the challenge. Balance. Guts. Compete level.
Kyle is certainly not the first GM of the Leafs to have the idea that you can buy your way to a championship. But I thought we were done with that failed idea.
As Nik has more eloquently posted, we are very early in this rebuild...
Some eloquent shit Nik, I give you credit for that. You do have a big brain.As Nik has more eloquently posted, we are very early in this rebuild...
Someone should really let me know what sort of nonsense I'm apparently posting.
Some eloquent shit Nik, I give you credit for that. You do have a big brain.As Nik has more eloquently posted, we are very early in this rebuild...
Someone should really let me know what sort of nonsense I'm apparently posting.
At any rate, the deficiencies for me begin and end at defence (and hemorrhaging 1st rounders)
Some eloquent shit Nik, I give you credit for that. You do have a big brain.
Regarding the age old canard of "toughness", I don't recall at any time this year that the team needed it added as an overriding attribute, anyway. Clifford really didn't wow me with any contribution post acquisition apart from giving that CBJ player a concussion, and it's hard to get behind that personally as a must-have skillset.
I remember not long ago when the "grit" talk got us david clarkson, so best to tread lightly. I must admit though, I had a very soft spot for leo komorov, who I think became a bit of a whipping boy, but I thought was underrated in terms of his contribution. Put me down for a few of those.
At any rate, the deficiencies for me begin and end at defence (and hemorrhaging 1st rounders)
The more I watch the playoffs I see the Leafs need a dirty player. In the playoffs that stuff doesn't get called and even if it does get called you know there will be an even up call that will give you a PP.
Good player, Friged the team two years in a row. Sorry bud.The more I watch the playoffs I see the Leafs need a dirty player. In the playoffs that stuff doesn't get called and even if it does get called you know there will be an even up call that will give you a PP.
A two-time 30-goal scoring 2nd line centre with a solid defensive game would be nice.
The more I watch the playoffs I see the Leafs need a dirty player. In the playoffs that stuff doesn't get called and even if it does get called you know there will be an even up call that will give you a PP.
A two-time 30-goal scoring 2nd line centre with a solid defensive game would be nice.
WELL OKAY THEN.
— NHL (@NHL) August 19, 2020
Nazem Kadri (@43_Kadri), GORGEOUS. #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: https://t.co/K9JeDnMbsc @NHLonNBCSports
🇨🇦: https://t.co/OSZKgvk46l @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/VlTr5ZwLDV
My goodness, that's his sixth goal of the #StanleyCup Playoffs!
— NHL (@NHL) August 19, 2020
🇺🇸: https://t.co/SCEEqysRDm @NHLonNBCSports
🇨🇦: https://t.co/eVCyWTbCNm @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/UJGsiCRSk6
The more I watch the playoffs I see the Leafs need a dirty player. In the playoffs that stuff doesn't get called and even if it does get called you know there will be an even up call that will give you a PP.
A two-time 30-goal scoring 2nd line centre with a solid defensive game would be nice.WELL OKAY THEN.
— NHL (@NHL) August 19, 2020
Nazem Kadri (@43_Kadri), GORGEOUS. #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: https://t.co/K9JeDnMbsc @NHLonNBCSports
🇨🇦: https://t.co/OSZKgvk46l @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/VlTr5ZwLDVMy goodness, that's his sixth goal of the #StanleyCup Playoffs!
— NHL (@NHL) August 19, 2020
🇺🇸: https://t.co/SCEEqysRDm @NHLonNBCSports
🇨🇦: https://t.co/eVCyWTbCNm @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/UJGsiCRSk6
— Out of Context Boston Bruins™ (@oocbruins) August 20, 2020
Man I miss those mitts.
Now we're left with Kerfoot and about 5 other identical stone-handed small forwards.
A) Was at a price that, relative to league salaries, Tavares has never justified with his play
B) Set a salary structure for the team that probably hurt them in the 3 RFA negotiations
C) Bolstered a position where the Leafs were arguably at their strongest
I didn't like the signing at the time, was never big on Johnny T. and at the price, Whew. I guess they felt they had to make the statement that "this is the new Leafs" especially after not enticing Stamkos enough.
A) Was at a price that, relative to league salaries, Tavares has never justified with his play
B) Set a salary structure for the team that probably hurt them in the 3 RFA negotiations
C) Bolstered a position where the Leafs were arguably at their strongest
All correct. The Leafs and the fans seemed to go fall head over heals in love with Tavares. Rightly so, as he is a great player. But the signing shouldn't have happened. Not at that cost. I'm not saying that the team is losing because of him. But it certainly threw a wrench into the rebuild.
I do think it isn't unreasonable to look at Tavares as maybe the worst contract the Leafs have. He's a really good player BUT he's 11M on the cap and he arguable isn't a top 10 player at his position. His contract certainly takes more of a bite with the cap freeze.
Stats to back it up. I have no issue with JT and his contract. He was still close to a point a game in what some considered an off year.I do think it isn't unreasonable to look at Tavares as maybe the worst contract the Leafs have. He's a really good player BUT he's 11M on the cap and he arguable isn't a top 10 player at his position. His contract certainly takes more of a bite with the cap freeze.
Ooh, this is fun:
Per NaturalStatTrick over the last two regular seasons only measuring listed centres, John Tavares led the league in all-situations individual xG/60 at 1.28; his goals/60 actually exceeded that at 1.57. Matthews was 5th in ixG/60 at 1.19 but 1st in the league at G/60 at 1.85(!!). Yeah, xG has some inherent biases but it's probably the closest measure of which individual player puts pucks in the net.
Toronto is the only team with two centres in the top 5 for both metrics (ixG/60, G/60).
I think I agree Tavares is not top 10 (more like 12-15), but when combined with Matthews in tandem, there's significant gravity that both players are drawing off each other. I don't think either player gets to this level if they were on separate teams. I don't think we're better off running Matthews/Kadri/Brassard or whoever down the middle. I think they let you get cheaper 3rd wingers per line for the duration of their contracts. Tavares was still basically a point per game playing some mix of injured, sleep-deprived, and in mourning.
I didn't like the signing at the time, was never big on Johnny T. and at the price, Whew. I guess they felt they had to make the statement that "this is the new Leafs" especially after not enticing Stamkos enough.
A) Was at a price that, relative to league salaries, Tavares has never justified with his play
B) Set a salary structure for the team that probably hurt them in the 3 RFA negotiations
C) Bolstered a position where the Leafs were arguably at their strongest
All correct. The Leafs and the fans seemed to go fall head over heals in love with Tavares. Rightly so, as he is a great player. But the signing shouldn't have happened. Not at that cost. I'm not saying that the team is losing because of him. But it certainly threw a wrench into the rebuild.
Stats to back it up. I have no issue with JT and his contract. He was still close to a point a game in what some considered an off year.I do think it isn't unreasonable to look at Tavares as maybe the worst contract the Leafs have. He's a really good player BUT he's 11M on the cap and he arguable isn't a top 10 player at his position. His contract certainly takes more of a bite with the cap freeze.
Ooh, this is fun:
Per NaturalStatTrick over the last two regular seasons only measuring listed centres, John Tavares led the league in all-situations individual xG/60 at 1.28; his goals/60 actually exceeded that at 1.57. Matthews was 5th in ixG/60 at 1.19 but 1st in the league at G/60 at 1.85(!!). Yeah, xG has some inherent biases but it's probably the closest measure of which individual player puts pucks in the net.
Toronto is the only team with two centres in the top 5 for both metrics (ixG/60, G/60).
I think I agree Tavares is not top 10 (more like 12-15), but when combined with Matthews in tandem, there's significant gravity that both players are drawing off each other. I don't think either player gets to this level if they were on separate teams. I don't think we're better off running Matthews/Kadri/Brassard or whoever down the middle. I think they let you get cheaper 3rd wingers per line for the duration of their contracts. Tavares was still basically a point per game playing some mix of injured, sleep-deprived, and in mourning.
While we can call this an off year for John, he's also been close to PPG in non-off years. At 29 I'm not really expecting him to suddenly become a 100+ point player. He's a 40 goal 80-90 point player. He's responsible defensively. He does what is asked of him. We just probably aren't going to see significant growth in his game. I'd like to see him penalty kill this year...one to get a guy who doesn't go 40% on faceoffs and two to get better value out of an 11M contract to get him an extra 2 minutes or so of icetime to bump him up over 20 a game.
Yup. I think both him and Matthews should give the PK a go. Both are very good in the dot also.Stats to back it up. I have no issue with JT and his contract. He was still close to a point a game in what some considered an off year.I do think it isn't unreasonable to look at Tavares as maybe the worst contract the Leafs have. He's a really good player BUT he's 11M on the cap and he arguable isn't a top 10 player at his position. His contract certainly takes more of a bite with the cap freeze.
Ooh, this is fun:
Per NaturalStatTrick over the last two regular seasons only measuring listed centres, John Tavares led the league in all-situations individual xG/60 at 1.28; his goals/60 actually exceeded that at 1.57. Matthews was 5th in ixG/60 at 1.19 but 1st in the league at G/60 at 1.85(!!). Yeah, xG has some inherent biases but it's probably the closest measure of which individual player puts pucks in the net.
Toronto is the only team with two centres in the top 5 for both metrics (ixG/60, G/60).
I think I agree Tavares is not top 10 (more like 12-15), but when combined with Matthews in tandem, there's significant gravity that both players are drawing off each other. I don't think either player gets to this level if they were on separate teams. I don't think we're better off running Matthews/Kadri/Brassard or whoever down the middle. I think they let you get cheaper 3rd wingers per line for the duration of their contracts. Tavares was still basically a point per game playing some mix of injured, sleep-deprived, and in mourning.
While we can call this an off year for John, he's also been close to PPG in non-off years. At 29 I'm not really expecting him to suddenly become a 100+ point player. He's a 40 goal 80-90 point player. He's responsible defensively. He does what is asked of him. We just probably aren't going to see significant growth in his game. I'd like to see him penalty kill this year...one to get a guy who doesn't go 40% on faceoffs and two to get better value out of an 11M contract to get him an extra 2 minutes or so of icetime to bump him up over 20 a game.
Stats to back it up. I have no issue with JT and his contract. He was still close to a point a game in what some considered an off year.I do think it isn't unreasonable to look at Tavares as maybe the worst contract the Leafs have. He's a really good player BUT he's 11M on the cap and he arguable isn't a top 10 player at his position. His contract certainly takes more of a bite with the cap freeze.
Ooh, this is fun:
Per NaturalStatTrick over the last two regular seasons only measuring listed centres, John Tavares led the league in all-situations individual xG/60 at 1.28; his goals/60 actually exceeded that at 1.57. Matthews was 5th in ixG/60 at 1.19 but 1st in the league at G/60 at 1.85(!!). Yeah, xG has some inherent biases but it's probably the closest measure of which individual player puts pucks in the net.
Toronto is the only team with two centres in the top 5 for both metrics (ixG/60, G/60).
I think I agree Tavares is not top 10 (more like 12-15), but when combined with Matthews in tandem, there's significant gravity that both players are drawing off each other. I don't think either player gets to this level if they were on separate teams. I don't think we're better off running Matthews/Kadri/Brassard or whoever down the middle. I think they let you get cheaper 3rd wingers per line for the duration of their contracts. Tavares was still basically a point per game playing some mix of injured, sleep-deprived, and in mourning.
So the draft is Oct 6-7 and UFA starts Oct 9th. We're 14 days away before stuff really starts to happen. I can imagine the NHL wants teams to not do anything while the final is ongoing so as not to distract from their show, can't wait until the cup is awarded and the fireworks begin.
So the draft is Oct 6-7 and UFA starts Oct 9th. We're 14 days away before stuff really starts to happen. I can imagine the NHL wants teams to not do anything while the final is ongoing so as not to distract from their show, can't wait until the cup is awarded and the fireworks begin.
First buyout window opens this Friday too.
Testing out some career viz pic.twitter.com/YbDoOxLouV
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) September 20, 2020
Probably the most efficient way you could fit that other guy into our cap system.That other guy?
Probably the most efficient way you could fit that other guy into our cap system.That other guy?
Hmm... Lundqvist
Hmm... Lundqvist
I'd be interested in seeing similar charts, but just for the last 3 seasons or so . . . you know, a relevant time frame. :P
Probably the most efficient way you could fit that other guy into our cap system.That other guy?
The one we've spent the last 4 days spitballing ideas about how we'd fit him into our cap.
If healthy, the King is guaranteed 40+ games with a defense that is slightly better than NYRs.
Um big fat no. The King is dead..lol. Who would take on Flower at 3.5 for 2 years?Probably the most efficient way you could fit that other guy into our cap system.That other guy?
The one we've spent the last 4 days spitballing ideas about how we'd fit him into our cap.
Trade Andersen for picks and maybe depth forward on the cheap. Sign freshly bought out Lundqvist UFA to a two-year 2M to tandem with Campbell. If healthy, the King is guaranteed 40+ games with a defense that is slightly better than NYRs.
Um big fat no. The King is dead..lol. Who would take on Flower at 3.5 for 2 years?
If healthy, the King is guaranteed 40+ games with a defense that is slightly better than NYRs.
Toronto's defence was much better than NYRs even just this past season without Pietro.
No I was offering up a comparable on an aging goalie who's best days are far behind them. I dont want either. I want a Kuemper for Freddie deal.Um big fat no. The King is dead..lol. Who would take on Flower at 3.5 for 2 years?
You'd consider Fleury but not Lundqvist? They had the same save percentage despite one playing on the worst defensive team in the league and one playing on one of the best.
No I was offering up a comparable on an aging goalie who's best days are far behind them. I dont want either. I want a Kuemper for Freddie deal.
Why would we have to give up the 1st to get Kuemper? All I've heard is Arizona wants to dump salary so trade them one for one. Arizona gets almost as good a goalie for a million dollars. They'll save, in actual cash, 2.5 mill this year and 5.5 next season. That's an 8 million dollar savings. Yes they'll have to get another goalie for next season but even at say 3 mill, they're still ahead 5 mill. Leafs will save 500k in Cap and have a goalie for 2 years.No I was offering up a comparable on an aging goalie who's best days are far behind them. I dont want either. I want a Kuemper for Freddie deal.
Fair. I'd definitely be interested in Kuemper but don't really want to give up the 15th overall pick. But if we can trade Andersen for a 1st to a team that will benefit a lot from his $1mil salary then I'd be fine flipping that pick to Arizona for him.
Why would we have to give up the 1st to get Kuemper? All I've heard is Arizona wants to dump salary so trade them one for one. Arizona gets almost as good a goalie for a million dollars. They'll save, in actual cash, 2.5 mill this year and 5.5 next season. That's an 8 million dollar savings. Yes they'll have to get another goalie for next season but even at say 3 mill, they're still ahead 5 mill. Leafs will save 500k in Cap and have a goalie for 2 years.
Am I way off here?
Good point but it's only a 500k increase in Cap and 5 times that in actual cash savings. They are apparently shopping everyone so we'll see but I think they can do it.Why would we have to give up the 1st to get Kuemper? All I've heard is Arizona wants to dump salary so trade them one for one. Arizona gets almost as good a goalie for a million dollars. They'll save, in actual cash, 2.5 mill this year and 5.5 next season. That's an 8 million dollar savings. Yes they'll have to get another goalie for next season but even at say 3 mill, they're still ahead 5 mill. Leafs will save 500k in Cap and have a goalie for 2 years.
Am I way off here?
I'm not sure Arizona goes for a 1-for-1 swap because Kuemper has an extra year on his contract, but if Andersen is involved, a 1st round pick shouldn't be.
That's a big if, though. Arizona doesn't have a ton of cap space, and I'm not sure they'd want $9.25M of it tied up with their goalies.
Why would we have to give up the 1st to get Kuemper? All I've heard is Arizona wants to dump salary so trade them one for one. Arizona gets almost as good a goalie for a million dollars. They'll save, in actual cash, 2.5 mill this year and 5.5 next season. That's an 8 million dollar savings. Yes they'll have to get another goalie for next season but even at say 3 mill, they're still ahead 5 mill. Leafs will save 500k in Cap and have a goalie for 2 years.
Am I way off here?
No I was offering up a comparable on an aging goalie who's best days are far behind them. I dont want either. I want a Kuemper for Freddie deal.
Fair. I'd definitely be interested in Kuemper but don't really want to give up the 15th overall pick. But if we can trade Andersen for a 1st to a team that will benefit a lot from his $1mil salary then I'd be fine flipping that pick to Arizona for him. If we did that, signed Brodie to a $5mil deal, signed Mikheyev and Rodrigues to $1.5mil deals and traded Johnsson and Dermott away you'd have a roster that looks like:
Hyman-Matthews-Nylander
Mikheyev-Tavares-Marner
Robertson-Kerfoot-Barabanov
Engvall-Rodrigues-Spezza
$900k 13th forward
Rielly-Brodie
Muzzin-Holl
Sandin-Liljegren
Lehtonen
Kuemper
Campbell
That's just a smidge under the cap. If you wanted to clear a bit of space you could replace Engvall and Rodrigues with guys closer to league minimum. That would either give you room to bring Dermott back (albeit in a strictly bottom pair role) or sign a veteran like Thornton or Simmonds to give the bottom-6 a new look.
Do we really think we get a 1st for Andersen? Robin Lehner got traded for a low 2nd, a mediocre backup in Malcolm Subban and a 4th round prospect (plus the 5th round pick they gave the Leafs for eating salary/Dzierkals)
They need to replenish their draft picks and are probably fine with using Raanta/Hill as their goalies next year. I can't see them having much interest in one year of Andersen especially if they're looking to cut even more cash beyond Kuemper like Stepan. That'd be a signal they don't have much hope for next season so getting futures back just makes more sense.
If 2 years of Kuemper goes for anything less than a 1st I'd be pretty shocked.
Makes sense. I was just looking at it from a cash savings and didn't consider their loss of picks.Why would we have to give up the 1st to get Kuemper? All I've heard is Arizona wants to dump salary so trade them one for one. Arizona gets almost as good a goalie for a million dollars. They'll save, in actual cash, 2.5 mill this year and 5.5 next season. That's an 8 million dollar savings. Yes they'll have to get another goalie for next season but even at say 3 mill, they're still ahead 5 mill. Leafs will save 500k in Cap and have a goalie for 2 years.
Am I way off here?
They need to replenish their draft picks and are probably fine with using Raanta/Hill as their goalies next year. I can't see them having much interest in one year of Andersen especially if they're looking to cut even more cash beyond Kuemper like Stepan. That'd be a signal they don't have much hope for next season so getting futures back just makes more sense.
If 2 years of Kuemper goes for anything less than a 1st I'd be pretty shocked.
That could happen. Leafs actually had Lehner at the deadline last year lol. Let's say it's possible. What team do you think would be involved?They need to replenish their draft picks and are probably fine with using Raanta/Hill as their goalies next year. I can't see them having much interest in one year of Andersen especially if they're looking to cut even more cash beyond Kuemper like Stepan. That'd be a signal they don't have much hope for next season so getting futures back just makes more sense.
If 2 years of Kuemper goes for anything less than a 1st I'd be pretty shocked.
I think the only way it works is the exceptionally rare 3 team deal. So, you know, not happening and all.
I think the only way it works is the exceptionally rare 3 team deal. So, you know, not happening and all.
Makes sense. I was just looking at it from a cash savings and didn't consider their loss of picks.
That could happen. Leafs actually had Lehner at the deadline last year lol. Let's say it's possible. What team do you think would be involved?
That's right. I forgot about them signing him to a one way deal. Oh and I didn't think you said Anderson and a 1st.Makes sense. I was just looking at it from a cash savings and didn't consider their loss of picks.
Arizona also seems to like Hill. He had good numbers last season while they ran into injuries and they just signed him to a 1-way contract. Raanta's injury history would mean they'd need to beef up their 3rd goalie position but I think they'd be comfortable with that pair considering the circumstances.
Kevin Woodley said on TSN 1040 in Vancouver that the Arizona Coyotes have been offered a 1st round pick for Darcy Kuemper but they're looking for a 1st and a 2nd round pick or a 1st and a prospect.
— Sergei (@berezin_goal) September 23, 2020
Woodley covers the Canucks for noted terrible website https://t.co/zsWxtuvxT0.
Since we were talking about him:It seems a lot, but not. Quality goalie though. I think Freddie can get a first only because of the million dollar price tag. So what prospect are we giving up?Kevin Woodley said on TSN 1040 in Vancouver that the Arizona Coyotes have been offered a 1st round pick for Darcy Kuemper but they're looking for a 1st and a 2nd round pick or a 1st and a prospect.
— Sergei (@berezin_goal) September 23, 2020
Woodley covers the Canucks for noted terrible website https://t.co/zsWxtuvxT0.
Since we were talking about him:It seems a lot, but not. Quality goalie though. I think Freddie can get a first only because of the million dollar price tag. So what prospect are we giving up?Kevin Woodley said on TSN 1040 in Vancouver that the Arizona Coyotes have been offered a 1st round pick for Darcy Kuemper but they're looking for a 1st and a 2nd round pick or a 1st and a prospect.
— Sergei (@berezin_goal) September 23, 2020
Woodley covers the Canucks for noted terrible website https://t.co/zsWxtuvxT0.
No, pretty much the same thing. It was a late, 30th 1st round pick(Sam Steel) and a 2nd#50 (Maxime Comtois) in the draft after. Keep in mind, Freddie was 26 at the time.Since we were talking about him:It seems a lot, but not. Quality goalie though. I think Freddie can get a first only because of the million dollar price tag. So what prospect are we giving up?Kevin Woodley said on TSN 1040 in Vancouver that the Arizona Coyotes have been offered a 1st round pick for Darcy Kuemper but they're looking for a 1st and a 2nd round pick or a 1st and a prospect.
— Sergei (@berezin_goal) September 23, 2020
Woodley covers the Canucks for noted terrible website https://t.co/zsWxtuvxT0.
Isn't that more than what Freddy costed us?
Today feels like a good day for a deal. Let's go boys!
TJ Brodie could be a nice option playing with Muzzin as a shutdown pair. That'd leave Holl most likely playing with Rielly. I'm thinking the bottom pair are Liljegren and Sandin. :-\
Dermott moved in a trade.
TJ Brodie could be a nice option playing with Muzzin as a shutdown pair. That'd leave Holl most likely playing with Rielly. I'm thinking the bottom pair are Liljegren and Sandin. :-\Holl and Muzzin have been very good together. I think they need a partner for Rielly, unless he gets traded, so anyone coming in will play with him first. Gudas isn't that guy, but Brodie would be an option. Don't know if he's willing to come to Toronto though. Thing is, whatever is coming in means the end of Johnsson or Kerfoot or both. I also think the Leafs shouldn't get rid of Dermott unless we have a return we can't refuse. I don't think he's getting a huge raise. Leafs only have to qualify him at $874,125 and he has no arb rights, so he accepts or sits. I think he has way to much talent to give up on. He's only 24 this Dec. If he can play the right side, even better. Even if they go with Liljegren or Lehtonen, Dermott could be your 7th. You can never have enough D men. Tampa used 9 in the playoffs.
Dermott moved in a trade.
TJ Brodie could be a nice option playing with Muzzin as a shutdown pair. That'd leave Holl most likely playing with Rielly. I'm thinking the bottom pair are Liljegren and Sandin. :-\Holl and Muzzin have been very good together. I think they need a partner for Rielly, unless he gets traded, so anyone coming in will play with him first. Gudas isn't that guy, but Brodie would be an option. Don't know if he's willing to come to Toronto though. Thing is, whatever is coming in means the end of Johnsson or Kerfoot or both. I also think the Leafs shouldn't get rid of Dermott unless we have a return we can't refuse. I don't think he's getting a huge raise. Leafs only have to qualify him at $874,125 and he has no arb rights, so he accepts or sits. I think he has way to much talent to give up on. He's only 24 this Dec. If he can play the right side, even better. Even if they go with Liljegren or Lehtonen, Dermott could be your 7th. You can never have enough D men. Tampa used 9 in the playoffs.
Dermott moved in a trade.
I wouldn't mind seeing them sign Thornton and Spezza who can play the wing. Also wouldn't mind seeing Simmonds on the 4th line. Dubas has lots of options but we'll see what the market costs.
If the Leafs are worried about the expansion draft, they won't sign any D men because they can only protect 3..Muzz, Rielly, Holl are it for now. Sign a Brodie or Gudas and Holl won't be protected anymore. There's a very low chance a UFA is going to come here without protection against the expansion draft so they may only go after 1 D man.
I've heard Gudas thrown around as a potential 3rd pair right guy if we aren't sure Lilejegren is ready. I agree that Dermott most likely is on the outs with Rielly, Muzzin and Sandin ahead on the left. There's also the expansion draft to think of and Leafs can't protect so many defencemen.
Dermott by himself isn't getting you much in a trade. If I have the choice, I'm keeping Kerfoot over Johnsson all day, every day. Same money, harder position. However if they go after and get AP, I think both are gone.TJ Brodie could be a nice option playing with Muzzin as a shutdown pair. That'd leave Holl most likely playing with Rielly. I'm thinking the bottom pair are Liljegren and Sandin. :-\Holl and Muzzin have been very good together. I think they need a partner for Rielly, unless he gets traded, so anyone coming in will play with him first. Gudas isn't that guy, but Brodie would be an option. Don't know if he's willing to come to Toronto though. Thing is, whatever is coming in means the end of Johnsson or Kerfoot or both. I also think the Leafs shouldn't get rid of Dermott unless we have a return we can't refuse. I don't think he's getting a huge raise. Leafs only have to qualify him at $874,125 and he has no arb rights, so he accepts or sits. I think he has way to much talent to give up on. He's only 24 this Dec. If he can play the right side, even better. Even if they go with Liljegren or Lehtonen, Dermott could be your 7th. You can never have enough D men. Tampa used 9 in the playoffs.
Dermott moved in a trade.
I wouldn't mind seeing them sign Thornton and Spezza who can play the wing. Also wouldn't mind seeing Simmonds on the 4th line. Dubas has lots of options but we'll see what the market costs.
I have Kerfoot leaving. Hopefully Johnsson can stay and factor into the top six.
I'm not giving up on Dermott but hopefully he has value and can bring something nice back in a trade. I think the Leafs have to move one of their Left D to make room for a RD. Dermott is my guy.
If the Leafs are worried about the expansion draft, they won't sign any D men because they can only protect 3..Muzz, Rielly, Holl are it for now. Sign a Brodie or Gudas and Holl won't be protected anymore. There's a very low chance a UFA is going to come here without protection against the expansion draft so they may only go after 1 D man.
This might be a semi-controversial take but I don't think we should act like Sandin as the 3LD is something that's set in stone (granted I've done it myself in the past). If the Leafs keep Dermott I think the odds are it'll be him and Lehtonen on the bottom pairing with one of them of course playing the right side. I think there's a number of scenarios where he actually starts the season with the Marlies.I think you're right and I'd be ok with that scenario. I think most of us pencil Sandin in because Dermott isn't signed and Lehtonen is unknown. Lehtonen isn't coming over here to play on the Marlies and the Leafs didn't sign him to play there either. Dermott will have to sign for what the Leafs want. He has no choice other then to sit. I don't see the Leafs going after Gudas. I think he'll cost too much for a 3rd pairing guy.
And that was my point in the response. The expansion draft will have zero effect on if the Leafs sign a UFA or not.If the Leafs are worried about the expansion draft, they won't sign any D men because they can only protect 3..Muzz, Rielly, Holl are it for now. Sign a Brodie or Gudas and Holl won't be protected anymore. There's a very low chance a UFA is going to come here without protection against the expansion draft so they may only go after 1 D man.
For the expansion draft protection, If you sign an FA defender:
Locks:
F - Tavares, Marner, Matthews and Nylander
D - Rielly, Muzzin, FA
So now you can either protect 3 more forwards or 1 more D.
If they could add 4th D that was worth protecting (or Dermott if he stays and takes a step forward), I don't think the risk of losing Holl or one of the remaining forwards (since Hyman is a UFA) should stop them.
I think you're right and I'd be ok with that scenario. I think most of us pencil Sandin in because Dermott isn't signed and Lehtonen is unknown. Lehtonen isn't coming over here to play on the Marlies and the Leafs didn't sign him to play there either. Dermott will have to sign for what the Leafs want. He has no choice other then to sit. I don't see the Leafs going after Gudas. I think he'll cost too much for a 3rd pairing guy.
I think DeMelo could be good fit with Rielly and Goudas could be a 2nd/3rd pairing guy with Sandin, Lehtonen or Dermott. I don't see either getting a huge amount but I'd bet the Leafs will offer longer terms to get the cap hit low.I think you're right and I'd be ok with that scenario. I think most of us pencil Sandin in because Dermott isn't signed and Lehtonen is unknown. Lehtonen isn't coming over here to play on the Marlies and the Leafs didn't sign him to play there either. Dermott will have to sign for what the Leafs want. He has no choice other then to sit. I don't see the Leafs going after Gudas. I think he'll cost too much for a 3rd pairing guy.
If they manage to sign Pietrangelo, there's no chance for Gudas here. If they go for Brodie instead you miighhtt be able to squeeze Gudas in. If Brodie is a no-go then I think DeMelo + Gudas would still be a good haul.
And that was my point in the response. The expansion draft will have zero effect on if the Leafs sign a UFA or not.If the Leafs are worried about the expansion draft, they won't sign any D men because they can only protect 3..Muzz, Rielly, Holl are it for now. Sign a Brodie or Gudas and Holl won't be protected anymore. There's a very low chance a UFA is going to come here without protection against the expansion draft so they may only go after 1 D man.
For the expansion draft protection, If you sign an FA defender:
Locks:
F - Tavares, Marner, Matthews and Nylander
D - Rielly, Muzzin, FA
So now you can either protect 3 more forwards or 1 more D.
If they could add 4th D that was worth protecting (or Dermott if he stays and takes a step forward), I don't think the risk of losing Holl or one of the remaining forwards (since Hyman is a UFA) should stop them.
This might be a semi-controversial take but I don't think we should act like Sandin as the 3LD is something that's set in stone (granted I've done it myself in the past). If the Leafs keep Dermott I think the odds are it'll be him and Lehtonen on the bottom pairing with one of them of course playing the right side. I think there's a number of scenarios where he actually starts the season with the Marlies.
And the risk losing one of Johnsson or Kerfoot, should they still be here, shouldn't stop the team from adding to the D.
No worries, I kind of left it hanging at the end there so when I read my response back it can be seen as you saw it. Anyway, you are absolutely correct. We'll worry what we can lose in the draft next year.And that was my point in the response. The expansion draft will have zero effect on if the Leafs sign a UFA or not.If the Leafs are worried about the expansion draft, they won't sign any D men because they can only protect 3..Muzz, Rielly, Holl are it for now. Sign a Brodie or Gudas and Holl won't be protected anymore. There's a very low chance a UFA is going to come here without protection against the expansion draft so they may only go after 1 D man.
For the expansion draft protection, If you sign an FA defender:
Locks:
F - Tavares, Marner, Matthews and Nylander
D - Rielly, Muzzin, FA
So now you can either protect 3 more forwards or 1 more D.
If they could add 4th D that was worth protecting (or Dermott if he stays and takes a step forward), I don't think the risk of losing Holl or one of the remaining forwards (since Hyman is a UFA) should stop them.
Sorry, I thought you were saying since they could only protect 3 so it would be Rielly, Muzzin + acquired D so they would only go after 1.
I was saying they can protect 4 D, because there are only 4 forwards they absolutely need to protect.
If Dermott is moved and they protect 4D, they could add 2 D because really losing Holl isn't a big deal.
And the risk losing one of Johnsson or Kerfoot, should they still be here, shouldn't stop the team from adding to the D.
And the risk losing one of Johnsson or Kerfoot, should they still be here, shouldn't stop the team from adding to the D.
It shouldn't, you're right - but, if they are still here, I imagine the team would want to protect them and/or potentially other forward additions that may happen.
Unless the team adds a pair of higher-end D, there really is no issue. If they lose a guy like Gudas, so be it.