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I personally don't see the Leafs trading any of JVR, Bozak or Komorov at the trade deadline, unless it is such a great offer they can't refuse and upgrades the current team. They won't subject from the existing lineup to a sell off in personnel as that would be sending the wrong message to a...

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...

I would like to see the Leafs eventually try Marner at center. I think it would give him more open ice for his creativity. I think he's committed enough to become responsible defensively. He's 50% on a small sample size of face-off this year, and it's not like he doesn't have any experience...

Damien Cox had an article today on Willie and Mitch's off years leaving money on the table, though Marner is still a year away from a new deal. I expect Nylander to come in at $6 million, comparable Nic Ehlers, drafted one spot below him but has played 50 more games. Marner will probably come in...

Martin is like an insurance policy, something you don't think you need until you actually do. Granted the league has changed, tough guys have to be able to actually play, and I think Martin is fine. He takes his man, he's not stupid with the puck (makes simple plays) and is not a liability...

I think we'll have a better read on Rielly after this season. Last couple of years Babcock seriously focused Rielly on his defensive game, either with a sub-par partner or with Zaitsev who had to spend the year adjust to new league and new environment. Last year Rielly was often the 3rd d-man...

Glad this is cleared up but frankly I think all the talk about the Leafs being hamstrung by young guys growing salaries is over-blown. I look at it this way... 1. With bonuses, Nylander was making 1.6 million. Lupul's 5.2 million coming off the books can cover that, putting him in Johnny...

This is what I'd like to see, not what I expect to see: Hyman, Matthews, Nylander JVR, Bozak, Marner Marleau Kadri Brown Martin Komarov Kapanen Moore, Leivo extras Rielly Hainsey (for now) Gardiner Zaitsev Rosen Carrick Marincin (if Polak is not ready, then eventually Polak 7th guy, Marincin...

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...

I think Lupul proved to be a stand-up guys. Admitted he erred, explained why and apologized to everyone. That should be the end of it.

I mean hockey is played with your skates too, apart from kicking it into the net for a goal, I don't see anything wrong with using one's skates in the face-off circle. Next they'll be penalizing guys for simply kicking the puck with the skate to their stick. I am being facetious of course, but...

I am with you and not just because the Leafs have been hit with it most. I mean seriously, what morons dreamt this up?  Drop the bloody puck already. Their turning the game into a specialties team affair. It's bad enough we already have to deal with the stupid shoot-out (thank goodness for the...

Based on your post, I decided to Google Marner to see how much centre he had played. What I found was not what I had been looking for but actually more interesting. Check out this link from two years ago. Perhaps this plan has not changed...

I thought Gardiner was pretty composed last year, for the first season in several. Working under Babcock has been good for his game. Babs shows confidence in him, and I think that has helped.

Leafs defence in next 6-12 months. Gardiner - Zaitsev Rielly - Carrick Hainsey - Lilijegren (going to surprise) In 12 - 18 months Rielly - Lilijegren (going to surprise even more) Gardiner - Zaitsev Dermott - Carrick

I don't think anyone has brought this up - and no doubt there will be naysayers - but I wouldn't be entirely surprised if it is Marner and not Nylander who gets moved to the number 2 center spot, with Kadri dropping to three. People talk about the Bozak line now like it's the "third line"...

I would tend to agree with your assessment Nick. I think we still get two decent years out of Marleau and he's not around for the third. I don't think this deal is so much about either Marleau or JVR about getting more first class leadership in the dressing from someone who actually has a great...

The media is sure going to town on the Marleau contract's 3rd year. I'm not too worried about. I have confidence, the Shanaplan can make it go away if they need to. Meanwhile, the Leafs certainly have a plethora of forwards. Assuming these are the top 12. They have at least 3 leftovers plenty...

One other similarity, both have played for Leafs, Rangers and Tampa.