One has to wonder if this explains why Gardiner got traded here in the first place. I certainly hope this isn't the case considering who how our latest top pick plays. We need 1-2 smooth skating PMD in the lineup, our guys now can't clear a puck to save their *****
The concussion/recovery excuse has passed it's expiry date. Guy has been playing for like a month in the AHL. That's not why he's down there right now.
But to make room for him someone needs to be dealt or go through waivers amirite?
Gardiner is untouchable unless "Wow, you knocked my socks off" kind of deal comes along.
Nonis said this underlining his idea of "youth and patience" and "youth for youth". Carlyle didn't like Lupul either and I doubt we're going to make the same mistakes. We'll move Gards in a package for a #1 Centre who is not a rental player. I don't see one in the market right now.
"Since returning from a concussion, defenceman Jake Gardiner has struggled to get his game back, with no goals and just five points in 11 games.
“I thought Jake was OK,” Eakins said. “I thought he was trying to push the envelope a little too hard offensively. . . I’ve seen him play much worse and I’ve seen him play much, much better.”
"Since returning from a concussion, defenceman Jake Gardiner has struggled to get his game back, with no goals and just five points in 11 games.
“I thought Jake was OK,” Eakins said. “I thought he was trying to push the envelope a little too hard offensively. . . I’ve seen him play much worse and I’ve seen him play much, much better.”
But to make room for him someone needs to be dealt or go through waivers amirite?
Holzer can be sent down.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hero
"Since returning from a concussion, defenceman Jake Gardiner has struggled to get his game back, with no goals and just five points in 11 games.
“I thought Jake was OK,” Eakins said. “I thought he was trying to push the envelope a little too hard offensively. . . I’ve seen him play much worse and I’ve seen him play much, much better.”
why are people suggesting Holzer will be the guy going out to let Gardiner come up. we just re-signed him to a 2 year deal I doubt he's the one whose moved, they clearly like him otherwise they wouldn't have re-signed him right now.
Edit: also were winning right now why mess with the team why not leave it as is until we start to faulter
Basically, Dregs says there is no reason for concern about Jake being with the Marlies. Says Leafs management LOVES him and what he is doing. When asked about why he isnt here with the Leafs, Dreger's comments were 100% speculation . He speculates that Randy isnt a fan, or that he doesnt want to disturb what he is doing. Speculation!
Exactly, as always. He constantly throws a bunch of proverbial crap at the wall hoping some if it will stick. He can then claim that he finally 'broke' a story.
It's no wonder he gets his ass handed to him every year by Kypreos on trade deadline day.
It has been well-established that Gunnarsson is playing through an injury. I prefer to evaluate him based on what he has shown us over the last 3 years (stability, a defensively-aware counterpart to Phaneuf) than over the last 6 weeks. Leafs Nation is far too "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" for my liking, and this is Exhibit A. You don't throw away a proven, dependable, veteran NHL defenceman on a whim like that. That's silliness.
The issue with Kostka isn't that he's "just an AHLer", it's that we have a better, more proven option on the farm who is being unfairly held back because of contract status.
Neither of you have made a compelling case for Kostka over Gardiner.
Like I said the overrated Gunnarson and the stigma of Kostka's path to the NHL is blinding people, rather Gunnarson is playing hurt or not he's still the same soft but positional sound D men, his game hasn't been effected one bit further more you think he's the only playing hurt? More excuses no substance in stating Gunnarson is any better than Kotska on your part.... I'm not throwing Gunnarson away he has trade value to use in upgrading a need on the team thank you very much It's just sad that people like yourself don't see just how effective Kostka has been with the Leafs and are quick to sell him short for no reason at all. He's not a guy to let go just so Gardiner could be called up and it's as simple as that. A Gardiner Gunnarson pairing would be a nightmare of soft play that I don't want to revisit from last years soft blue line play... Don't think Carlyle wants that as well.
They're not moving Kostka he's here to stay and has earned his spot rather you see it or not that's for you and anybody else that sells this guy short to deal with it, they're not moving Holzer or Frasor they're here to stay for much of the same reason and that they give the team what Komisarek, Beauchemin and Luke Schenn didn't.
That Leaves Franson, Phaneuf and Gunnarson guess who is the odd man out to call up Gardiner and play in the 6?
Gunnarson has trade value so does Liles at 7 in the depth chart they wont be placed on wavers and lose them for nothing when they can get something in return for them and until one of those is traded Gardiner is stuck in the AHL because of numbers... It sucks that it's the case thus why there's such a thing as too much depth. Kadri and Frattin were stuck in the same position last year the only difference the guys to clear a spot for Gardiner wont be given away we just have to be patient and hope Nonnis does the right thing sooner rather than later.
Since you didn't put up an explanation, as you can see, only person Gardiner isn't touching is Carlyle. Both never really liked each other. Rumor is that Carlyle wasn't happy with the pick at all, and a huge reason why Ducks added Gardiner to Lupul trade instead of a pick.
sarcasm
LOL. you got me.
I was looking for the sarcasm you cheeky, cheeky **** mate.
Basically, Dregs says there is no reason for concern about Jake being with the Marlies. Says Leafs management LOVES him and what he is doing. When asked about why he isnt here with the Leafs, Dreger's comments were 100% speculation . He speculates that Randy isnt a fan, or that he doesnt want to disturb what he is doing. Speculation!
This is BS.
I loved Dreger because of his newsbreaking trades and deals.
But this just shows he's just like every other media POS out there.
Exactly, as always. He constantly throws a bunch of proverbial crap at the wall hoping some if it will stick. He can then claim that he finally 'broke' a story.
It's no wonder he gets his ass handed to him every year by Kypreos on trade deadline day.
Like I said the overrated Gunnarson and the stigma of Kostka's path to the NHL is blinding people, rather Gunnarson is playing hurt or not he's still the same soft but positional sound D men, his game hasn't been effected one bit further more you think he's the only playing hurt? More excuses no substance in stating Gunnarson is any better than Kotska on your part.... I'm not throwing Gunnarson away he has trade value to use in upgrading a need on the team thank you very much It's just sad that people like yourself don't see just how effective Kostka has been with the Leafs and are quick to sell him short for no reason at all. He's not a guy to let go just so Gardiner could be called up and it's as simple as that. A Gardiner Gunnarson pairing would be a nightmare of soft play that I don't want to revisit from last years soft blue line play... Don't think Carlyle wants that as well.
They're not moving Kostka he's here to stay and has earned his spot rather you see it or not that's for you and anybody else that sells this guy short to deal with it, they're not moving Holzer or Frasor they're here to stay for much of the same reason and that they give the team what Komisarek, Beauchemin and Luke Schenn didn't.
That Leaves Franson, Phaneuf and Gunnarson guess who is the odd man out to call up Gardiner and play in the 6?
Gunnarson has trade value so does Liles at 7 in the depth chart they wont be placed on wavers and lose them for nothing when they can get something in return for them and until one of those is traded Gardiner is stuck in the AHL because of numbers... It sucks that it's the case thus why there's such a thing as too much depth. Kadri and Frattin were stuck in the same position last year the only difference the guys to clear a spot for Gardiner wont be given away we just have to be patient and hope Nonnis does the right thing sooner rather than later.
Ugh, run-on sentences....
Since you seem unwilling to answer the question, I'll ask again:
What does Mike Kostka bring to the table that Gardiner does not?
Enough with the stigma crap, I can honestly say that I'm not wrapped up in the whole journeyman AHLer storyline. What I see is a defenceman who impressed people early on because they weren't expecting much, then went on to regress in play.
I think its hilarious you think Kostka has earned a spot on this roster over Gunnarsson. He is so unappreciated around these parts.
And why do you keep using "soft" in a negative connotation when referring to Gunnarsson/Gardiner when Kostka is only marginally more physical? Why, because he fought a midget (Gallagher) and threw down an off-balance Senator on Wednesday? Perhaps his likeness to Thor has you confused?
What do you see in Kostka that others don't? And what makes him a better option than Gardiner?
I'd take Holzer out of the lineup before Kostka or Gunnar. Holzer has been brutal the last few games and it's really starting to wear on Phaneuf. Phaneuf looks tired, and is giving way more pucks than usual due to trying to over compensate for his lackluster partner IMO.
I'd move Gunnar back up with Phaneuf and move Phaneuf to the right side where he's more comfortable. Holzer comes out of the lineup, Gardiner plays with Kostka which is a pairing that looked great with the Marlies earlier this year. Then our third pairing stays Fraser/Franson, as I think that pairing has been our most consistent all year.
Gunnar/Phaneuf have had success in the past, no reason to think they won't now, even taking Gunnar's clear health status into account.
My main point: Gardiner has to be in this lineup. AINEC.
I agree that Holzer has struggled. But he, unlike Kostka, brings some things to the table that Kostka/Gardiner do not: the ability to clear the front of the net, physicality, penalty killing abilities and an intimidation factor. My view is that if we take Holzer out and have Gardiner/Kostka playing together, we have too many players of the same type and not enough grit. I would prefer to keep Holzer in the lineup but shelter his minutes to 3rd pairing duties and heavy penalty killing time.
It's just sad that people like yourself don't see just how effective Kostka has been with the Leafs and are quick to sell him short for no reason at all. He's not a guy to let go just so Gardiner could be called up and it's as simple as that. A Gardiner Gunnarson pairing would be a nightmare of soft play that I don't want to revisit from last years soft blue line play... Don't think Carlyle wants that as well.
.
