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Where does Justin Schultz sign? [MOD: All Schultz Talk]
Can't believe I got beat out on the Forsberg/Naslund comparison
Maybe once their NHL careers are over, Gardiner and Schultz can team up as coaches, for the very same college team they played for... Imagine the final scene... Hand in hand, together behind the bench, leading the team to victory...
Just thinking about their friendship, and desire to play together, brings this song to mind...
Just wondering...is there even room for him on the New York blue? Seems like they already have a deep young blueline, with good young players like Erixon on the outside still.
the depth might be a reason that schultz wouldn't pick them cause it might be easier to make the nhl on another club...but from the teams standpoint you can never have too many dmen (especially if adding them for just $$). this year with major concussions to staal and sauer, the rangers have seen just how quickly 'depth' can disappear.
plus really whats the 'worst case scenario' to having too many dman? if they are all healthy and pan out then it gives you an area of strength to trade from to fill other needs
50% chance he signs with Anaheim, 50% chance he signs with Vancouver or Toronto.
Anaheim - Team that drafted him
Vancouver - Local boy, could play for a cup contender
Toronto - Jake Gardiner connection, Burke drafted him, could play in the winter classic
Honestly, if I'm him, I'm looking for the best possible situation for success. That means a team that:
a) Has a hole on Defense
b) is either a team on the rise or a team that is a perennial playoff team
c) Has cap flexibility to allow for a potential payday
d) Has quality Defensive vets that would provide a guiding hand
e) Good development coaching (strong development track record)
f) a chance to start in the NHL right away
The teams that can check all or the majority of these criteria should be the frontrunners.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SIDGENO8771
This screams Toronto. I bet on Toronto.
I shouldn't be surprised that there are still Leaf fans that have that kind of belief in this current regime. But come on, look at the facts here!
How the hell are the Leafs a team on the rise or a perennial playoff team?
They were 10th in the conference last year with 85 pts in 82 games... they are 13th in the conference right now with 75 pts in 76 games... that shows no rise and certainly not a playoff team.
The Leafs have missed the playoffs for how many years now? And in that time they've traded top end picks, and have seen their team even worse today than they were last year. This is also not a team that shows any kind of good development coaching either... you know the same defense that has been trashed on for a long time... guys like Schenn, former top end picks, that are still much criticized and showing very slow development overall.
The only thing above the Leafs could maybe provide Schultz is a chance to play immediately - because the team has been so bad that they can let rookie talent step in. They aren't a team on the rise, they aren't a playoff team, they have not shown any signs of good player development. And they've given out a plethora of bad contracts as well - cap flexibility and overall cap management is not a strength for this franchise.
If these are the requirements for Schultz, then the Leafs are way low on his list of teams to go to. There are a lot of other teams that are either on the rise (and proving it by not dropping in the standings), or are perennial playoff teams. A lot of other teams with much better coaching development track records and proven track records with good cap management.
The only thing the Leafs have at this point is Gardiner... let's see how much he loves his former teammate that he played with for just 2 years. Cause there isn't much else that would attract him to Toronto right now... that organization seems to be a mess right now.
50% chance he signs with Anaheim, 50% chance he signs with Vancouver or Toronto.
Anaheim - Team that drafted him
Vancouver - Local boy, could play for a cup contender
Toronto - Jake Gardiner connection, Burke drafted him, could play in the winter classic
For Vancouver, I'd add roster spot gift-wrapped for him...
If what Toronto offers trumps being close to family and friends, on a cup contending team, with a gift-wrapped roster spot... IMO, Gardiner and Schultz might be a little more than friends (and if so, nothing wrong at all about that)... I could see playing with a significant other as a huge motivation, that might (wouldn't be the first time, wouldn't be the last time) trumps all else... I'm not trying to make a joke... It would seem odd to me for Schultz to choose the Toronto situation (just because his bff is playing for the team) over the Vancouver situation...
I think Anaheim has the best chance... But if not Anaheim, IMO, Vancouver must be amongst the second best probabilities (along with other great teams in the mix)... If Vancouver didn't have a cup contender team and gift-wrapped roster spot combination, then just being close to family and friends I don't consider to be much of a deciding factor... Maybe if Schultz was towards the middle or end of his career... At the beginning of his career, I think he'd choose the best place for his career... where maybe the hometown thing giving Vancouver an advantage over a Detroit, assuming Detroit also had a roster spot gift-wrapped (as an example)... I just can't see Toronto being that high on his list... It wouldn't be a best for his career move... The NHL is littered with friends and best friends who get together when in town playing games... IMHO, career move is first (the vast majority of times) with family, friends, bff's being deciding factors once the career criteria is met... except lovers... Love trump all...
If he wants a chance to play right away on a team loaded with young talent he will sign in Tampa or Edmonton. I could see an outside shot at Van, but I think thats a smaller chance of him locking down a roster spot next year.
I'd think he fits the bill for what the Ducks need too, but the fact he would have to take less $$ to sign there likely eliminates them.
Tampa has everything but a track record of developing defenseman, and if they can sign him they can trade their 1st + for a G or top 6 LW.
He'd get more money and burn an ELC year signing with Anaheim, along with a fat wad of spending money this summer. Don't see Tampa as all that attractive a destination.
If he wants a chance to play right away on a team loaded with young talent he will sign in Tampa or Edmonton. I could see an outside shot at Van, but I think thats a smaller chance of him locking down a roster spot next year.
He'd have a roster spot in Van next year without question.
Barring a major acquisition he would have no competition to crack our top 6 if Salo retires.
I shouldn't be surprised that there are still Leaf fans that have that kind of belief in this current regime. But come on, look at the facts here!
How the hell are the Leafs a team on the rise or a perennial playoff team?
They were 10th in the conference last year with 85 pts in 82 games... they are 13th in the conference right now with 75 pts in 76 games... that shows no rise and certainly not a playoff team.
The Leafs have missed the playoffs for how many years now? And in that time they've traded top end picks, and have seen their team even worse today than they were last year. This is also not a team that shows any kind of good development coaching either... you know the same defense that has been trashed on for a long time... guys like Schenn, former top end picks, that are still much criticized and showing very slow development overall.
The only thing above the Leafs could maybe provide Schultz is a chance to play immediately - because the team has been so bad that they can let rookie talent step in. They aren't a team on the rise, they aren't a playoff team, they have not shown any signs of good player development. And they've given out a plethora of bad contracts as well - cap flexibility and overall cap management is not a strength for this franchise.
If these are the requirements for Schultz, then the Leafs are way low on his list of teams to go to. There are a lot of other teams that are either on the rise (and proving it by not dropping in the standings), or are perennial playoff teams. A lot of other teams with much better coaching development track records and proven track records with good cap management.
The only thing the Leafs have at this point is Gardiner... let's see how much he loves his former teammate that he played with for just 2 years. Cause there isn't much else that would attract him to Toronto right now... that organization seems to be a mess right now.
In Schultz's freshman year(09-10),Gardiner was paired with McDonagh. They have the same agent. Ben Hankinson. He tweeted this on March 6,2010
Quote:
NHL scout told me at Wisc vs Goph game last night that the 2 MN D on Wisc Ryan McDonagh/Jake Gardiner are the best D pair in country
He'd get more money and burn an ELC year signing with Anaheim, along with a fat wad of spending money this summer. Don't see Tampa as all that attractive a destination.
How is Tampa not that attractive? They have elite talent and are relatively young, went to game 7 of conference finals last year. They slipped this year but if they had a top PMD and a G they are easily the 3 seed.
How is Tampa not that attractive? They have elite talent and are relatively young, went to game 7 of conference finals last year. They slipped this year but if they had a top PMD and a G they are easily the 3 seed.
Lots of teams are just as attractive for similar or other reasons.
Lots of teams are just as attractive for similar or other reasons.
As I remember only 1 team was in a game 7 of the conference finals last year. Also no other team has giving up more goals this year so a top D and G would help them more than others. I also wouldn't count out SY as the GM of Canada also as a factor.
How is Tampa not that attractive? They have elite talent and are relatively young, went to game 7 of conference finals last year. They slipped this year but if they had a top PMD and a G they are easily the 3 seed.
What do they have over Anaheim honestly? Especially considering the paycut.
As I remember only 1 team was in a game 7 of the conference finals last year. Also no other team has giving up more goals this year so a top D and G would help them more than others. I also wouldn't count out SY as the GM of Canada also as a factor.
I don't even think Leaf fans are believing Schultz can play in Sochi.
For Vancouver, I'd add roster spot gift-wrapped for him...
If what Toronto offers trumps being close to family and friends, on a cup contending team, with a gift-wrapped roster spot... IMO, Gardiner and Schultz might be a little more than friends (and if so, nothing wrong at all about that)... I could see playing with a significant other as a huge motivation, that might (wouldn't be the first time, wouldn't be the last time) trumps all else... I'm not trying to make a joke... It would seem odd to me for Schultz to choose the Toronto situation (just because his bff is playing for the team) over the Vancouver situation...
I think Anaheim has the best chance... But if not Anaheim, IMO, Vancouver must be amongst the second best probabilities (along with other great teams in the mix)... If Vancouver didn't have a cup contender team and gift-wrapped roster spot combination, then just being close to family and friends I don't consider to be much of a deciding factor... Maybe if Schultz was towards the middle or end of his career... At the beginning of his career, I think he'd choose the best place for his career... where maybe the hometown thing giving Vancouver an advantage over a Detroit, assuming Detroit also had a roster spot gift-wrapped (as an example)... I just can't see Toronto being that high on his list... It wouldn't be a best for his career move... The NHL is littered with friends and best friends who get together when in town playing games... IMHO, career move is first (the vast majority of times) with family, friends, bff's being deciding factors once the career criteria is met... except lovers... Love trump all...
Gillis..is that you? So tell me where he plays if he doesn't make the Nucks??? Chicago ..not in Vancouver.
Guess where he gets to play if he doesn't make the Leafs???
20 minutes down the street at the Ricoh Centre. He doesn't even have to move. He could play for the Marlies until he's ready, Practice at the same arena that the Leafs do at the same time, and hang out with his best bud.
This may not sound to attractive to you but one of the biggest factors for young UFA's signing with the Leafs is having the Marlies in the same city!
Do you know where Tyler Bozak, Luke Schenn, and others live?? It's Bremner Square, they ride the elevator down to the first floor and walk into the door of the ACC!
Very attractive to a young player knowing he isn't going to be shipped out across the continent if he doesn't make the team!
Gillis..is that you? So tell me where he plays if he doesn't make the Nucks??? Chicago ..not in Vancouver.
Guess where he gets to play if he doesn't make the Leafs???
20 minutes down the street at the Ricoh Centre. He doesn't even have to move. He could play for the Marlies until he's ready, Practice at the same arena that the Leafs do at the same time, and hang out with his best bud.
This may not sound to attractive to you but one of the biggest factors for young UFA's signing with the Leafs is having the Marlies in the same city!
Do you know where Tyler Bozak, Luke Schenn, and others live?? It's Bremner Square, they ride the elevator down to the first floor and walk into the door of the ACC!
Very attractive to a young player knowing he isn't going to be shipped out across the continent if he doesn't make the team!
So as long as Schultz values playing with his friends and not having to move away if he can't cut it in the NHL more than team success, player development and stability in an organization, then Toronto should be a lock. Even teenagers are happy to move across the country to put themselves in the best situation for their hockey careers. Leafs fans better hope he has the mindset of a 12 year old!
Why are the Leafs the best situation for him? I think most non-Leafs fans would argue that they aren't a very good situation for him right now. The only thing they have going for them is Gardiner. But how many times do we see players not sign with teams where they claim they have best friends? And how many times do players leave good friends behind to look at better opportunities elsewhere?
The facts as I see them are that the Leafs aren't a good place to sign right now as they are very much a stalled franchise overall, and more and more questions will come up with management and direction of the franchise.
They have not made the playoffs since 04. They have gone through a management change 4 yrs later, and now 4 years after that they are no closer to making the playoffs. In fact since 04, they have been among the most inconsistently bad franchises in the league. Inching to 9th or 10th, only to fall to 13th or 14th.. Then moving up again, and then moving down again... And they have very little to show from the draft through all those disappointing years.
There is no history of consistent improvement. They have not drafted all that well in that time. They have not developed players well in that time.
So what makes them such a good option for a young player looking to start his career and developed as best as he could? It's a franchise where their GM may not even have many more years. Seriously bias aside - how many teams, especially in big demanding markets - have the patience to keep standing by through what will now be 4 straight years of missing the playoffs, following 4 years prior to that?
I see a lot of wishful thinking here with TO. Any team in the league with their track record over the past several seasons would be seen as an unstable franchise - unstable in the sense of regime changes expected, and overall direction of the franchise changing.
The best franchises in the league for him to sign with would be top organizations that have a history of strong player development and a team that has actually shown consistent improvement if not a top franchise. Why not, for example, sign with Detroit, where he can learn from one of the top development organization's around, playing with great players and a chance to win it all? Lidstrom will retire soon and their defense could have a long-term spot for him.
Or even with a team like Colorado? also a team with a great history of player development, and an organization showing growth overall. There are some quality young players to play with there. Or Pittsburgh, Philly, NYR, Boston, Chicago and yes, even Vancouver.
The fact is that there are a lot of other organizations that provide more stability and have a proven track record in player development, which this current Leafs organization is not showing. They have Gardiner, and if Schultz really wants to play with his best bud, that's where he signs. But if he's looking for the best environment to launch his career from, I don't see how that's the Leafs. He's a highly-touted young prospect, who plays a position (right side defense) which is in high demand throughout the league. There will likely be a lot of teams after him that can offer a lot better environment and organization to best develop in. And if he's as good as advertised, there will be a lot of teams that can offer him a chance to start right away in the NHL.
