Recent content by slapshot

Here why I think the Leafs will finally clear this hurdle. This assumes they will meet up again and they go into the playoffs relatively healthy, without missing key pieces. 1. Upgrade on defence. I think overall the Leafs defence will be considerably better. Muzzin will have a full year in the...

It's clear the Leafs are pretty high on Kerfoot to extend him for four years right off the bat, at slightly more than Kappy and Johnny. Does that mean we should expect him to perform slightly better than those two? If so, I am definitely pleased with the signing. I guess we can only wait and...

Well Garrett Sparks has had his first full season as a back-up audition and I think most would concur, it's time he moved on... I think the experiment could come back to hurt the team in terms of playoff experience. Though I am predicting a Leafs first-round win, if the past trend holds true...

Nothing like 5 goals in a couple of games to ramp up the talk. Here's my take on JVR. If I were the Leafs, I'd offer $6 million for five years, take it or leave it. Can they afford it? Yes.  For about $32 million, they can lock up all their key forwards including JVR and Nylander, by letting...

I think it's pretty obvious the Lou and Co. need to step up and make a deal or two to augment-support this team as currently structured. Once Zaitsev gets back, it would be fantastic is they could somehow secure that elusive top 4 right-handed d-man, ideally to be matched with Rielly. Not...

Babcock says it will probably take 10 games into the season to figure out the roster but they'll have to start with something. I've been pleasantly surprised with the two Swedish defencemen, Rosen and Borgman. To me, they shown so far to be the best 6-7 defencemen, though I don't think it makes...

Started yesterday. A few Leafs in the tournament. Timothy Lilijegren off to good start, got tying goal in Sweden's 4-3 win over USA squad. Woll started the game for USA and gave up only one goal. Leafs Finnish prospect Eemeli Rasanen also playing in tournament. Hopefully some games will be...

I hoping Timothy Liljegren is still around for Leafs selection, but probably gone. Wouldn't even mind them moving up a few spots, without giving up the farm, for a skilled player over a Luke Schenn type. Otherwise just like them to take best player available.

How good a d-man do you think the Leafs could get for a package of something like JVR, their 2017 first round pick and a prospect (not on current roster)? If Sosh slide into JVR spot, how many goals and points do you think he'd get playing with Bozak and Marner? Not that I'd like to see JVR...

Of course, most people would like the Leafs to make the playoffs and make some noise, but of these 3 scenarios only, which would be your most favourite and least favourite: 1. Have tight playoff like hockey right down to the wire, but just miss. The young players get the benefit of playing...

Whom of the Leaf UFAs coming up over the next year or two would you consider offering another contract to? Perhaps none of them? But if you did, how much and how long. Here are my thoughts: JVR, 27: Obviously if you could get the right d-man, he would bring the most in return. But 30-goal guys...

The Habs replaced Subban with whom they deem a respected leader... i.e. Shea Webber. Do the Leafs need to do likewise? Find a way to add the vet that everyone will look up to...a Wendal or Dougie type of guy. And what would they give up to get such an asset and who would fit that role in a deal...

1. Kadri 2. Brown 3. Soshnikov

For the first time in a long while, the Leafs have established a pretty deep pool of NHL calibre or NHL ready players, which creates a healthy competition for spots but also creates a significant evaluation process to figure who to keep and who to discard, or who can be discarded? This "deep...

With the season over Saturday, we're all hoping the Shanaplan, or whatever you want to call it gets things on the right track. Mark Osbourne I think called the tank right in that it will finally result in the gutting of an ineffectual core. Here are a few of my thoughts on a few things moving...