Back to London after preseason. Has looked very good so far, but is weak at this stage and is prone to turnovers. London should help, and so will playing in the WJC.
I think he'll get his 9 games, or at least a few of them. But a dominant year in the O and some World Juniors will be good for him, and the fans
Can't wait to see him. I might have to get Knights tickets this year..
London I think is the way to go for Kadri. He's really talented, but I think a year of seasoning is what he needs. Plus, just the thought of him improving after one year gives me goosebumps!
As much as I think he deserves the 9 game look, I don't think he'll get it.
I don't think they risk putting players on waivers just to have Kadri get a short NHL stint before putting him back in juniors. That, and I think Wilson/Burke want this team ready to go from day 1.
I think he's sent back after the last pre-season game.
Good Knight Nazeem! Who does he have to play with in London? Because what he needs is a really good linemate, and learn how to use each other. Maybe the Leafs pay London $100 000 to trade for an elite forward to play with, if they don't have one already. I'm going to go look it up.
Times like this you wish we could put him in the AHL.
Nothing left to prove in the CHL. Won an OHL Championship, played in the Mem Cup. World Juniors will be a new experience for him, but other than trying to lead the OHL in points, he's not gonna learn much from another year in London.
He'll probably play out the year with London and then join the Marlies for (hopefully) a deep playoff run, dare I say our Leafs?
I know comparing Kadri to Gagner is way off. But I just dont want to rush a prospect with that high of a ceiling.
I firmly believed Gagner should have spent another year in juniors, not because he had something more to prove, which he did not. He had as good a year a prospect can have in London right before he was drafted, but just because he could have gotten a little more stronger and more mentally prepared.
I think Kadri will benefit immensely by spending another year in the juniors where he could be the focal point on their offense. He can concentrate further on his passing ability, his two-way play, and his strength.
I really hopes he plays 9 games. If he keeps playing like he is now they would have no reason to send him down. But part of me really wants to see him at the WJC.
I doubt he is ready for a top 6 center role. Lots of kids tear it up during pre season but when they are playing against NHL goaltending with set NHL lineups they cool off.
In a season where their 1st round pick is given away, they will win more games with him in Junior then with him learning on the job in the NHL. Not a big Stajan fan but I have little doubt he will manage a lot more points than NK is capable of this year.
Where every win is critical I can't see any point in keeping him around for another 9 games. What if he scores two points? It hurts his confidance and the won lost record at the same time. I don't think he can take a top 6 spot, and 12 minutes a game spotting in on the bottom 6 isn't going to help his development or his confidance as much as going back to Juniors right away. Give those games to Bozak or Tlusty. They need to be concerned with the guys that are going to play for them all season, not cup of coffee visits from draft picks.
Unless they actually believe he has a chance to win a top 6 spot, he will learn more in the WJHC and OHL playoffs than waiting for the inevitable demotion.
9 games, and see how he fits. If he doesnt get hurt or gets dummied in the corners, let him stay. If he cant win a fight for the puck in the corner for his life, back to Juniors.
Good Knight Nazeem! Who does he have to play with in London? Because what he needs is a really good linemate, and learn how to use each other. Maybe the Leafs pay London $100 000 to trade for an elite forward to play with, if they don't have one already. I'm going to go look it up.
London has McRae(St Louis), Varone(San Jose), Erlich(released from San Jose), Rinaldo(Philly), Taylor(Washington and Vancouver tryouts) and Knight(first rounder in 2010 NHL draft) to play with. He'll have really good line mates. Varone Erlich and Kadri were dominate in the playoffs last year. Plus he'll have Hall, Schenn, Ashton, Seguin, Hishon to play with at the WJC.
to Kadri:
"son, take a look at Crosby's body, strength and fitness level...and you now have a year...please do your best to replicate that...see you next year."
Good Knight Nazeem! Who does he have to play with in London? Because what he needs is a really good linemate, and learn how to use each other. Maybe the Leafs pay London $100 000 to trade for an elite forward to play with, if they don't have one already. I'm going to go look it up.
I just started a thread over on the OHL board. We should get some good insight into who he is likely playing with.
I was about to post a similar poll but here are my thoughts...after seeing Kadri play it so obvious what this Leafs team lacks and has been lacking for years- HIGH LEVEL SKILL...like Kadri posseses...not that I just noticed it, but it's becoming so obvious...damn some of our Leafs- they play hard and what not but just suck arse when it comes to skill and talent...Kadri v.s. the Flyers should have had 3 assists..the dude gift wrapped passes/goals to Mitchell, Stempniak and some other bozo and they flubbered..looked pathetic...put Kadri out there on the PP and 2nd line duties and the odd shift here n there with Kessel...the team has nothing to lose...we have a solid D-core, only 1 first line player and 2-3 good 2nd players in Grabo, Hagman and then Poni...Kadri will gain size and strength in time..he knows that..there are things he needs to work on like faceoffs and not always trying to stick handle through...he'll learn that but @#$@#'s sake let one of our few skilled players play especially when we're supposed to ascending and not descending now...ideally in some time:
x-Kadri-Kessel
Poni(or x)-Grabo-Hagman
Kulemin-Bozak-Tlusty (although he looks like he'll be ready in the year 2027, shown jack crap so far..so Stralberg I guess)
Orr-Mitchell-whoever-whatever-Hanson-blah blah
P.S. I think Toskala needs 10-12 more surgeries...what a stinker.
Last edited by Poggemon Destiny*: 09-20-2009 at 11:38 PM.
