2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

[Heroic Shrimp]

I think we can all agree it?s time to plan the parade? of people falsely claiming that Leaf fans are planning the parade.

 

[Bender]

I?m not taking anything away from Campbell but it?s not like we?re watching cujo and Belfour bailing the team out.

He?s been steady and reliable but has he stood in his head and bailed them out of games they shouldn?t have been in? I?d argue that no he hasn?t.

Agreed. He?s had some great games and some excellent sequences, but the team in front of him has been equally good. They?ve done a pretty good job of limiting the grade A chances, haven?t spent many long stretches hemmed in their zone, etc. The team has helped make Campbell look good just as much as he?s made the team look good. They?ve been putting together really complete performances.

At the same time he's saved way above expected thus far.

 

[Frank E]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

 

[L K]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

 

[rdowdall]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

Yeah, Boston probably won't trade him to a team in the same division.  I was thinking you could make the deal work if Mikheyev and Holl were going back the other way. 

 

[Guilt Trip]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

Yeah, Boston probably won't trade him to a team in the same division.  I was thinking you could make the deal work if Mikheyev and Holl were going back the other way. 

Debrusk for Mikheyev and Holl???? Sorry but that's ridiculous. I wouldn't trade Mikheyev straight up for him.

 

[bustaheims]

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

But, it would be cooler if they did...

The Leafs would definitely need the Bruins to retain the full 50%, and I don't see them doing that.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

DeBrusk would also be due a $4.4mil qualifying offer after this season. Based off everything: his current cap hit, his future cap hit, his performance, and his likely not insignificant asking price from the Bruins, I really don't see why the Leafs would have any interest.

edit: just double-checked to make sure he didn't play for the Greyhounds, it's a no so we're clear there.

 

[herman]

Would rather have Barzal, Chabot, Connor, or Kylington, tbh.

 

[rdowdall]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

Yeah, Boston probably won't trade him to a team in the same division.  I was thinking you could make the deal work if Mikheyev and Holl were going back the other way. 

Debrusk for Mikheyev and Holl???? Sorry but that's ridiculous. I wouldn't trade Mikheyev straight up for him.

Forgive me, but I don't get the incredulous tone in this post.  Holl is the reason the Leafs are going to have to send Liljegren down when Mrazek comes off IR, and quite frankly, I think he has been the Leaf's worst d-man this season.  Mikheyev requested a trade from this team, and it probably means that in order to placate him they are going to have to play him on a line with Tavares, and I am not really sure how that is going to work out.  It may be fine if he can produce there, but rather than his quick start in his rookie season, he hasn't really lit the world on fire since, despite being given some chances last year to play with Tavares.  Also, in the playoffs, Mikheyev has a grand total of 0 points. 

DeBrusk is a different player, and he is a reclamation project, but he also plays a style that could be useful in the playoffs, and his style of game may be more of a fit on the Tavares line than Mikhayev's will be. 

 

[dappleganger]

https://twitter.com/jim03bjays/status/1465525240788828171

New favourite Leaf.

 

[Redleaf]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

Yeah, Boston probably won't trade him to a team in the same division.  I was thinking you could make the deal work if Mikheyev and Holl were going back the other way. 

Debrusk for Mikheyev and Holl???? Sorry but that's ridiculous. I wouldn't trade Mikheyev straight up for him.

Forgive me, but I don't get the incredulous tone in this post.  Holl is the reason the Leafs are going to have to send Liljegren down when Mrazek comes off IR, and quite frankly, I think he has been the Leaf's worst d-man this season.  Mikheyev requested a trade from this team, and it probably means that in order to placate him they are going to have to play him on a line with Tavares, and I am not really sure how that is going to work out.  It may be fine if he can produce there, but rather than his quick start in his rookie season, he hasn't really lit the world on fire since, despite being given some chances last year to play with Tavares.  Also, in the playoffs, Mikheyev has a grand total of 0 points. 

DeBrusk is a different player, and he is a reclamation project, but he also plays a style that could be useful in the playoffs, and his style of game may be more of a fit on the Tavares line than Mikhayev's will be.

I get your thinking here!

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Quick updates on the injured guys:

https://twitter.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1466079216978612228
https://twitter.com/dalter/status/1466078877105770500
https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1465749856895578120

Sounds like all 3 could be back in action at some point next week.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

Yeah, Boston probably won't trade him to a team in the same division.  I was thinking you could make the deal work if Mikheyev and Holl were going back the other way. 

Debrusk for Mikheyev and Holl???? Sorry but that's ridiculous. I wouldn't trade Mikheyev straight up for him.

Forgive me, but I don't get the incredulous tone in this post.  Holl is the reason the Leafs are going to have to send Liljegren down when Mrazek comes off IR, and quite frankly, I think he has been the Leaf's worst d-man this season.  Mikheyev requested a trade from this team, and it probably means that in order to placate him they are going to have to play him on a line with Tavares, and I am not really sure how that is going to work out.  It may be fine if he can produce there, but rather than his quick start in his rookie season, he hasn't really lit the world on fire since, despite being given some chances last year to play with Tavares.  Also, in the playoffs, Mikheyev has a grand total of 0 points. 

DeBrusk is a different player, and he is a reclamation project, but he also plays a style that could be useful in the playoffs, and his style of game may be more of a fit on the Tavares line than Mikhayev's will be. 

You don't know how Mikheyev will work out with JT but let's get rid of a top 4 guy,(that's where he plays), in Holl and Mikheyev for a reclamation project? Keefe will not placate Mikheyev. He will get his shot in the top 6 and if it doesn't work he'll go to the third line. You seem to forget how good this guy is defensively and before you start with the offence again let me remind you that this guy has outproduced Hyman, in their  first 90+ NHL games and never had a sniff of PP time or played with Matthews. Last season he scored 2 less goals and 9 less points then Hyman 5v5 and again, never played with M&M. Oh and Hyman had 1 playoff point last year playing exclusively on the PP and with M&M. He's also better defensively.
Mikheyev is flat out a better player then Debrusk and makes roughly 2 mill less.
If the Leafs don't want Liljegren to go down to the Marlies, they could trade Holl or Dermott or whoever, but bringing back a crappy contract and player like Debrusk for players that are better would be a mistake.

 

[rdowdall]

Think the Leafs have any interest in DeBrusk?

I don't think Boston would ever consider trading him in division.

We also don't have the cap space to absorb a 3.675M cap hit on a guy you are acquiring to hope his scoring form returns.  The Bruins aren't going to trade him 1 for 1 for Ritchie.

Yeah, Boston probably won't trade him to a team in the same division.  I was thinking you could make the deal work if Mikheyev and Holl were going back the other way. 

Debrusk for Mikheyev and Holl???? Sorry but that's ridiculous. I wouldn't trade Mikheyev straight up for him.

Forgive me, but I don't get the incredulous tone in this post.  Holl is the reason the Leafs are going to have to send Liljegren down when Mrazek comes off IR, and quite frankly, I think he has been the Leaf's worst d-man this season.  Mikheyev requested a trade from this team, and it probably means that in order to placate him they are going to have to play him on a line with Tavares, and I am not really sure how that is going to work out.  It may be fine if he can produce there, but rather than his quick start in his rookie season, he hasn't really lit the world on fire since, despite being given some chances last year to play with Tavares.  Also, in the playoffs, Mikheyev has a grand total of 0 points. 

DeBrusk is a different player, and he is a reclamation project, but he also plays a style that could be useful in the playoffs, and his style of game may be more of a fit on the Tavares line than Mikhayev's will be. 

You don't know how Mikheyev will work out with JT but let's get rid of a top 4 guy,(that's where he plays), in Holl and Mikheyev for a reclamation project? Keefe will not placate Mikheyev. He will get his shot in the top 6 and if it doesn't work he'll go to the third line. You seem to forget how good this guy is defensively and before you start with the offence again let me remind you that this guy has outproduced Hyman, in their  first 90+ NHL games and never had a sniff of PP time or played with Matthews. Last season he scored 2 less goals and 9 less points then Hyman 5v5 and again, never played with M&M. Oh and Hyman had 1 playoff point last year playing exclusively on the PP and with M&M. He's also better defensively.
Mikheyev is flat out a better player then Debrusk and makes roughly 2 mill less.
If the Leafs don't want Liljegren to go down to the Marlies, they could trade Holl or Dermott or whoever, but bringing back a crappy contract and player like Debrusk for players that are better would be a mistake.

Mikheyev is not flat-out better than Debrusk.  I think those are some blue and white goggles talking there.  Debrusk has produced points at a 0.53 pace, whereas Mikeyev has produced at a 0.43 pace.  Debrusk has played more, is two years younger, and has produced in the playoffs to the tune of 0.44 points per game, compared to Mikheyev 0.00.  DeBrusk has value in that he still has upside, 1st round pedigree has produced a 27 goal season, and was on pace for another 20+ goal season in the covid shortened season.  You put him with the right players, and you may get a top 6 forward who can produce at a 20 goal/40 point rate and be that puck retriever that would help the Tavares line.  None of this means that Mikeyev is bad.  I think he can be an attractive piece in a deal for someone like DeBrusk.  Holl isn't playing well, and he makes $2 million in a flat cap world.  He's a salary dump as I don't think you are going to get much for him on the open market with the way he is currently playing.  Also, he is blocking someone else from taking that spot because sitting him means it would be even harder to move him.

I get if you don't think that the trade will happen due to cap concerns, or locality, like others have posted.  The value being offered in the swap though isn't that far out of line where it is this severe overpayment that will cripple the team in the coming future.  Mikhyev in all likelihood will walk for nothing at the end of the year because he has flat out said he doesn't want to be here, and the Leafs are going to have to move one of Holl or Dermot in a cap dump, and in those trades, it is hard to get value back when the player is playing really well.  Much more so when the player is struggling, as Holl is, regardless of where he is playing in the lineup.

 

[herman]

https://theathletic.com/2986359/2021/12/01/one-on-one-with-morgan-rielly-how-off-ice-lessons-changed-the-leafs-defenceman-and-kept-him-in-toronto-long-term/

Morgan Rielly had long believed no other NHL organization could treat him as well as the Leafs since he was drafted fifth in 2012. Yet if there was something that made him realize he wanted to wrap up his contract extension, it might have been a series of conversations this summer.

Rielly alluded to as much when his extension was announced, telling reporters that as he?s gotten older, ?you start to feel passionately about your job.?

Over the summer, the wisecracks about the Leafs came fast and hard from friends, exacerbated by the Leafs? blown 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2021 NHL playoffs.

Being the longest-serving current Leaf means these comments are nothing new. But this time, they struck a nerve with the normally even-keeled Rielly.

?I found myself getting really defensive about my teammates and Toronto,? Rielly said. ?And I think that?s when it really clicked that this team means a lot to me, and this game means a lot to me. It?s arguably the most important thing to me.?

 

[L K]

DeBrusk since 2019 - 124GP 27G 28A 55P 0.44 PPG (9G/13A on PP)
Mikheyev since 2019 - 93GP 15G 25A 37P 0.43 PPG (0G/0A on PP)

 

[dappleganger]

https://theathletic.com/2986359/2021/12/01/one-on-one-with-morgan-rielly-how-off-ice-lessons-changed-the-leafs-defenceman-and-kept-him-in-toronto-long-term/

Morgan Rielly had long believed no other NHL organization could treat him as well as the Leafs since he was drafted fifth in 2012. Yet if there was something that made him realize he wanted to wrap up his contract extension, it might have been a series of conversations this summer.

Rielly alluded to as much when his extension was announced, telling reporters that as he?s gotten older, ?you start to feel passionately about your job.?

Over the summer, the wisecracks about the Leafs came fast and hard from friends, exacerbated by the Leafs? blown 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2021 NHL playoffs.

Being the longest-serving current Leaf means these comments are nothing new. But this time, they struck a nerve with the normally even-keeled Rielly.

?I found myself getting really defensive about my teammates and Toronto,? Rielly said. ?And I think that?s when it really clicked that this team means a lot to me, and this game means a lot to me. It?s arguably the most important thing to me.?

I like these words from Rielly.

 

[Kin]

"Arguably" the most important thing to him? What sort of lack of commitment is that? Does he have some sort of family or personal life he values? NOT 100% MROGAN!

 

[CarltonTheBear]

"Arguably" the most important thing to him? What sort of lack of commitment is that? Does he have some sort of family or personal life he values? NOT 100% MROGAN!

Also basically admitting that he didn't care when others said his teammates sucked and were failures for the first 7 years he was here.