Quote:
Originally Posted by daveleaf
lol.
I think he is a very good player than you have two very proud fan bases. I think ROR is a hell of a player, is he a first line player? Tough to say, throwing a lot at him. My guess is he would need a few more years at the 2 spot to develop some more. Remember, if some of you are old enough. Mats Sundin was the #2 behind Sakic and he was a first overall pic. When he was traded to Tor he was our second line centre behind Gilmour, there were a number of years on there where he needed time to grow into those skates. Other than over the top talent like Crosby there a very few guys like Sakic and Tavares that walk into a leading 1C role at age 18. Takes a long time. I think ROR would be better suited at the 2 spot and continue to work on his game. I think he would be gold behind Tavares.
I honestly really like Gardiner, I think he is going to be a hell of a d-man. I see him playing a long time for the Leafs and being someone we look back at and say what a player he was. Nonis is just keeping him in the AHL to get sharp and we have too many d-men and he makes the most sense to spend a little more time there and play huge minutes until bodies are moved.
I actually hate what you guys are going through since you found a gem in the second round and no comp will ever seem like enough. If it was me I would be trying to mend the fences but I really don't like the way the management team has handled players in the last few years.
My BS rant for the day, actually my second.  |
I agree, especially with the bolded part. Look at the last few years.
Fleischmann - acquired in a trade, has a health scare, but is able to continue his NHL career, the Avs let him go without an offer. Signs with Florida (Avs East) and is doing well.
Mueller - acquired in a trade, gets a concussion, just when he looks to be able to continue his NHL career, the Avs let him go without an offer. Follows Fleischmann to Florida.
Craig Anderson - looks like the G of the future a few years ago. Avs make him a lowball contract offer, he gets disgruntled and they trade him for Brian Elliott.
Elliott plays like crap in front of the struggling Avs team, doesn't get a qualifying offer, goes to the Blues where he wins the Jennings, Crozier and sets the NHL record for SV%.
Ian LaPerriere - After 5 years with the team (including lockout year) and becoming a fan favorite, the Avs give him a lowball "take it or leave it" offer. He leaves it and signs with Philly.
I won't even go farther back for Drury and Tanguay. O'Reilly is just the last in a long line of contract negotiation blunders for Avs management. I'd like to believe they can work something out, but I have a feeling that it would require O'Reilly to do all the compromising. So, I've resigned myself to hoping they get the best possible return for him. And I don't think Gardiner+ is the best offer Sherman is going to get.
