Rick Nash to Bruins

[Nik]

Fair enough. I only ask because opinion seems divided on that front on the twitter machine.

Most of the scouting reports I've seen on him are that he's a hard-hitting, defensive defenceman with leadership qualities and limited offensive upside. Meh. More often than not those guys become 6/7 defencemen at best.

I don't necessarily doubt that but I think the more relevant question, at least in how it relates to value, is to what extent those attributes are still valued in NHL circles.

[CarltonTheBear]

I don't necessarily doubt that but I think the more relevant question, at least in how it relates to value, is to what extent those attributes are still valued in NHL circles.

Yeah, fair enough. I still get the sense that he's a middling prospect. Andrew Nielsen might be an ok comparable from a Leafs perspective (just in terms of value).

[skrackle]

I find it interesting how we all (it seems) pretty much agree on trading JVR and yet no one thinks management will do it. 

My psychology is this:  I’m happy the team has improved and I’ve enjoyed the season. It looks like a tough slog through the playoffs.  I want to improve further in future years.  That kind of delayed gratification is fairly rare in sports — it is hard not to want the best right now. But I get a sense others feel that too.  I wonder if management is aware of fan psychology.  It would be great if they exploited it this year ...

If there's anything that Leafs fans should be able to handle by now, it's delayed gratification. Management should be able to as well. That's what Shanahan had been preaching. I haven't heard him say much of anything recently, though.

I'm on the same page as you. The best thing to do for the future seems to be to trade JVR, depending on the return, of course. I'd like to see the Leafs avoid getting into an arms race with Boston and Pittsburgh at the deadline. To get through some combination of the Bruins, Lightning, Penguins and then the WC champion? I don't see it happening. The Leafs are getting better, but they aren't at that level yet. Sure, anything can happen, but I wouldn't base my strategy on that idea.

If there's a trade to be made that will most likely improve the team for now and the future, then sure, go for it. Otherwise, I'd rather the Leafs just keep building through picks and prospects. If the Leafs eventually trade for a top pairing defenseman, it will cost a boatload. I think it's better to stockpile assets now while looking for such a trade. Maybe one of those assets becomes the player you need.

[Guilt Trip]

Maybe it's just me but I don't see the Bruins being that much better with Nash. Yes they are but they haven't exactly become a slam dunk imo. I don't see the Leafs loading up to go against anyone here. They've all said that they're sticking to the plan.

[Rob]

I still want to know what Boston is going to do on the back of their sweaters since they now have two players named R. Nash. 

Yes these are the things that keep me up at night.

[CarltonTheBear]

I still want to know what Boston is going to do on the back of their sweaters since they now have two players named R. Nash. 

Yes these are the things that keep me up at night.

I mean it's just going to say NASH.

[Rob]

I still want to know what Boston is going to do on the back of their sweaters since they now have two players named R. Nash. 

Yes these are the things that keep me up at night.

I mean it's just going to say NASH.

BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH NASH IS WHICH? 

Boston really didn't think this one through.

[Nik]

BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH NASH IS WHICH? 

Uh...their numbers?

[Dappleganger]

BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH NASH IS WHICH? 

Uh...their numbers?

I think Dallas did Jo. Benn and Ja. Benn for the Benn Brothers.

[Rob]

BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH NASH IS WHICH? 

Uh...their numbers?

Well then I hope Bob Cole calls all 4 Bruins vs. Leafs games in the playoffs.

[CarltonTheBear]

I think Dallas did Jo. Benn and Ja. Benn for the Benn Brothers.

[Nik]

BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH NASH IS WHICH? 

Uh...their numbers?

I think Dallas did Jo. Benn and Ja. Benn for the Benn Brothers.

Do you guys typically identify players by reading their jerseys as opposed to their numbers?

[Dappleganger]

BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH NASH IS WHICH? 

Uh...their numbers?

I think Dallas did Jo. Benn and Ja. Benn for the Benn Brothers.

Do you guys typically identify players by reading their jerseys as opposed to their numbers?

No. I'd just leave it Nash #61.

Or go full names like the Howe brothers. 

[Zee]

I still want to know what Boston is going to do on the back of their sweaters since they now have two players named R. Nash. 

Yes these are the things that keep me up at night.

They're actually both Ri Nash.

[Zee]

I still want to know what Boston is going to do on the back of their sweaters since they now have two players named R. Nash. 

Yes these are the things that keep me up at night.

They're actually both Ri Nash.

Do what Doug MacLean would do. Have "Rick Nash! Are you kidding me?" On the back of his jersey