Don't want to nit-pick, but both Liles and Gardiner play the left side.
You're right. I didn't take LD/RD into account and just threw pairings together. My bad. And your point about keeping Gardiner & Liles apart is great as well. Both puck rushing D-men.
Bottom line Komi must go. I don't know what's worse, his contract or his play...or the fact that he wears a letter on his jersey (seriously hope that changes, so embarassing).
If we can't add anybody via UFA I am fully comfortable with Holzer stepping up. Incredibly impressed with his development. While I don't see us as front-runners, at least we're on Schultz's short list! Get to work Gardiner!!
Really want Latendresse or Mueller as project players.
Latendresse preferably.
I like Mueller. And he's also American too. He had a good season with Colorado, just a bit of an injury bug. I think if we can get him, Kulemin could be move for a centre.
I like Mueller. And he's also American too. He had a good season with Colorado, just a bit of an injury bug. I think if we can get him, Kulemin could be move for a centre.
You got them down but I think one of Gunnar or Franson is a goner tbh. Or Holzer since a lot of people were interested in him.
Well the cap is increasing, so it gives us a chance to play around with things.
I think we need help else where. If we are going to get Luongo, that'll take up some room, plus re-signing our current players will take up some as well. We don't need to spend money on the back end anymore.
I think we need help else where. If we are going to get Luongo, that'll take up some room, plus re-signing our current players will take up some as well. We don't need to spend money on the back end anymore.
Ideally you are correct, but there could be still moves going on. I ofc think and have been saying for god knows how long we need veteran leadership in this team. So when our young guys decides to take a nap they get snapped at and work their butt off again. I am still not sold on the loungo thing.
Ideally you are correct, but there could be still moves going on. I ofc think and have been saying for god knows how long we need veteran leadership in this team. So when our young guys decides to take a nap they get snapped at and work their butt off again. I am still not sold on the loungo thing.
There's no way a team like Florida is going to overpay for a goalie who already left their team.. Not only that but they have Markstrom.. Then what do they do with Luongo? Doesn't make sense to me.. Gillis is just going to have to realize that the price tag isn't there because majority of teams have their goalie..
Of course veteran leadership is something we need. But we can get that up front because on the back end we have JM Liles and Komisarek (unless he's moved) and our captain is back there. I think we need more vocal forwards..
There's no way a team like Florida is going to overpay for a goalie who already left their team.. Not only that but they have Markstrom.. Then what do they do with Luongo? Doesn't make sense to me.. Gillis is just going to have to realize that the price tag isn't there because majority of teams have their goalie..
Of course veteran leadership is something we need. But we can get that up front because on the back end we have JM Liles and Komisarek (unless he's moved) and our captain is back there. I think we need more vocal forwards..
Well they can easily move Theodore for Loungo with some pieces, gives Schneider a respectable mentor/backup. While Loungo runs down the goalie crease in Florida and mentors Markstrom. It can be done. I do agree Gillis is a kook atm expecting so much for his goalie, he is an elite goalie no doubt but the age isn't great with his contract. If Gillis lowers the price, I'm sure burke can make it happen.
Yea we need help in the bottom six and suspect that is the place where we get some facelift.
Ive got a weird feeling we sign penner 3 years 4 million and Parros at 2 years 1 million. thus making MacA expandle and we might be abe to get a good center with MacA and Franson
Ive got a weird feeling we sign penner 3 years 4 million and Parros at 2 years 1 million. thus making MacA expandle and we might be abe to get a good center with MacA and Franson
if penner is cheap i am down, but parros I can't see.
My thoughts are a guy like Jay McClement as a 3rd/4th line C (not sure if its a need, I just like him) and a guy like Clemmensen to be a steady backup for Reimer (unless Burke trades for a vet goalie like a Theodore or Backstrom).
I expect the most exciting part of free agency for the Leafs to be the chase after Justin Schultz. Some veteran grit and goaltending are really all I could see being realistic targets. I'd love Parise or Suter but I don't see either signing in Toronto. Parise will likely stick around Jersey or *shudder* Pittsburgh ( I really hope not) and Suter will stay in the U.S. apparently (Detroit?).
Trades seem like a more exciting venture from Burke's standpoint. I doubt this is the year Burke finds a #1 C because there don't seem to be any available so solidifying the goaltending and maybe some bottom six veteran leadership and I'll consider it a solid offseason.
Ive got a weird feeling we sign penner 3 years 4 million and Parros at 2 years 1 million. thus making MacA expandle and we might be abe to get a good center with MacA and Franson
Penner sucks in the regular season.I hope Burke does not waste money on him.
I would not blow the bank on the UFA this year. I like Gaustad as a big, tough centre, can kill penalties too, and if not mistaken is good on faceoffs.
Centre depth: Bozak/Kadri, Grabovski, Gaustad, Steckel
Yes, I really think Kadri should be given a shot at the #1 C spot. A guy with hands like that is a potential passer to Kessel/Lupul
I wouldn't mind a chance at Moen either (LW?).
Other than that - not really interested in much, as they don't have a chance (realistic) at Parise and/or Suter.
I would not blow the bank on the UFA this year. I like Gaustad as a big, tough centre, can kill penalties too, and if not mistaken is good on faceoffs.
Centre depth: Bozak/Kadri, Grabovski, Gaustad, Steckel
Yes, I really think Kadri should be given a shot at the #1 C spot. A guy with hands like that is a potential passer to Kessel/Lupul
I wouldn't mind a chance at Moen either (LW?).
Other than that - not really interested in much, as they don't have a chance (realistic) at Parise and/or Suter.
the way the roster is shaping up that might be his only shot
maybe if JVR can play C and they flip but other than that Kadri is going to need to pull one out of his hat to make it
Penner sucks in the regular season.I hope Burke does not waste money on him.
I agree Penner just does not produced enough in the regular season. But there is a good chance based off his history as a Leafs GM Burke is going to over spend on a scrub or two.
Congrats to Italia scoccer fans as Italy dominates and beats the German soccer machine 2-1 today off 2 magnificent goals by Mario Balotelli and are through to the Euro Cup 2012 final vs defending champion Spain Sunday @ 2pm on TSNHD LIVE!! Everyone at the gym today was picking Germany while i was going with Italy who have an excellent record against the Germans!!
the way the roster is shaping up that might be his only shot
maybe if JVR can play C and they flip but other than that Kadri is going to need to pull one out of his hat to make it
Neither of these guys can play center. Kadri will play RW on 2nd or 3rd line since they are now looking at a possible "top 9" layout. He should be fine as long as he gets the whole season with the big club.
Neither of these guys can play center. Kadri will play RW on 2nd or 3rd line since they are now looking at a possible "top 9" layout. He should be fine as long as he gets the whole season with the big club.
Kadri for the latter half of his AHL season has been playing as a center.
Kadri for the latter half of his AHL season has been playing as a center.
There will be some shuffling. I wouldn't be surprised if JVR took a few shifts centering the top line here and there. I'm also half expecting Connolly to have a career year and actually centering the top line like he was supposed to last year.
There will be some shuffling. I wouldn't be surprised if JVR took a few shifts centering the top line here and there. I'm also half expecting Connolly to have a career year and actually centering the top line like he was supposed to last year.
Personally think he will be working on the wall. He might be given a shot in the pre-season but in the regular season don't see it unless he really shows he isn't rusty.
I wouldn't be surprised if he does get a chance on the top line.
Just can't see that happening for multiple reasons and having enough wingers now among them.
Attitude etc aside, and the fact he doesn't hit, he is a big body and displayed Kessel or better skills two years ago. If he replaces Kule on the 2nd line with Grabo and JVR they could basically have two #1 lines because Grabo would have to thrive with a 70+pt winger.
A plus player on a Caps club full of minuses and fewer Gvwy than Tkwy. It might push Kadri out as he is small if more aggressive than Semin, and bring back more of a traditional bottom 6 banger. It could work, but Burkes comments don't suggest he is after a scoring winger. The money could get a bit stupid though.
I'd rather give Holzer the shot then sign another UFA. Save the money for some one else..
