• For users coming over from tmlfans.ca your username will remain the same but you will need to use the password reset feature (check your spam folder) on the login page in order to set your password. If you encounter issues, email Rick couchmanrick@gmail.com

2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

CarltonTheBear said:

Tough break for Jarnkrok. Seemed fine at the end of preseason. I missed that it was reported last week that he had begun skating. Not to say that he's the answer to all the teams problems but the 3rd line certainly looks like it could use a different look and he'd at least be a different option.

Now with both him and Pacioretty out I would be looking at AHL options there. Both Steeves and Grebenkin look like they've been playing well. Could also be an opportunity for A. Nylander if they want to get him signed.
Click to expand...
Funny how as recently as last week I still heard people like Joshua Kloke sound skeptical about the idea of bringing in extra bodies during training camp. Teams are almost never 100% healthy so why not spend the cap dollars and deal with the cap ramifications later, if at all?
 
cabber24 said:
I cannot say it enough, spread the core 4 over 3.

Kines-Matthews-Domi
Pac-Tavares-Nylander
Jankrok-Kampf-Marner
Lorentz-Dewar-McMann/Reeves

It has to be Matthews/Domi because we know it works. 2nd line is cooking so no change. Marner moves to a shutdown line that can score. I do not care how many apples Marner gets if we have balance, Domi can have some apples too. We do not need Marner playing with Matthews.

With balanced 5V5 ice times, the core will have even more opportunity to play both the PK and PP. Our third line as composed is useless at scoring and defending.
Click to expand...
How about that Kampf/Marner goal on the weekend? Looks like I'm on to something.
 
 
cabber24 said:
How about that Kampf/Marner goal on the weekend? Looks like I'm on to something.
Click to expand...
For the love of hockey can we just dump Reaves? He's not a deterrant which has
been shown already this season, he arrives late to dinner all game...I mean...geez. hire a comedian or dj for the room if need be and bonus - it won't count against the Cap.
 
I think Benning could be a fine enough depth NHL defenceman but at almost 2x the league min this season and next I'm guessing that pretty comfortably gets him through waivers (especially since the Leafs have almost certainly been trying to move him since he was even acquired).

He'll have a $100k cap hit while in the minors, which isn't that big of a deal to keep a 400+ game RHD as a 9/10/11 defenceman in the organization.
 
 
Last edited:
lamajama said:
For the love of hockey can we just dump Reaves? He's not a deterrant which has
been shown already this season, he arrives late to dinner all game...I mean...geez. hire a comedian or dj for the room if need be and bonus - it won't count against the Cap.
Click to expand...
It seems to me Berube has instructed Reaves not to fight at this point in the season. Because he could have easily gotten into 1 or 2 brouhahas by now. Some of the older players with roles should be load managed for closer to the post season.
 
CarltonTheBear said:

Tough break for Jarnkrok. Seemed fine at the end of preseason. I missed that it was reported last week that he had begun skating. Not to say that he's the answer to all the teams problems but the 3rd line certainly looks like it could use a different look and he'd at least be a different option.

Now with both him and Pacioretty out I would be looking at AHL options there. Both Steeves and Grebenkin look like they've been playing well. Could also be an opportunity for A. Nylander if they want to get him signed.
Click to expand...
Alex has 5g and 3a in 10 games, and Grebenkin has 3g and 6a in 10 games.
 
herman said:

Torn Pulled hamstring?
Click to expand...
Better news than the achilles again...was it the same leg as the achilles injury?
 
The team has been playing well and we need Matthews for Game 83, not Game 17. Rest him properly so he's back and healthy. An injured Matthews is still a good player who drive play, but a healthy Matthews is a cheat code for goals.

Benning on waivers....time for Hakanpaa?
Frank E said:
Alex has 5g and 3a in 10 games, and Grebenkin has 3g and 6a in 10 games.
Click to expand...
Nylander is also -6 in 10 games so I'm not sure that he's really showing that he's a viable depth piece if he's a defensive liability.

It's kind of funny to look at the PIM stats for the Marlies though. They have 80 penalty minutes in 10 games. Three teams have >200 already.
 
Ozzie said:
..

What is the chance that Berube will keep Matthews out of this hot PP1 line when Matthews returns?
Click to expand...

Zero.
Zero chance he keeps the person who is likely the most talented player to ever play for the Leafs off of the top PP.
 
L K said:
Benning on waivers....time for Hakanpaa?
Click to expand...
Probably just to open up a roster spot at this point. No sense carrying 23 guys when one of them is basically never getting into the lineup. Don't think Hakanpaa is quite ready for game action at the NHL level.
 
herman said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1856371810851291293

He has played on 3 different lines throughout the season.
Click to expand...

Maybe it's because he's been bouncing around but despite this and the fact that he's literally tied for 2nd in the league for goals I still don't quite think he's playing at the top of his game really. I feel like his normal explosiveness through the neutral zone hasn't quite been there this season. His PP goal on Saturday obviously springs to mind but even that looked more like him moving in slo-mo.
 
CarltonTheBear said:
Maybe it's because he's been bouncing around but despite this and the fact that he's literally tied for 2nd in the league for goals I still don't quite think he's playing at the top of his game really. I feel like his normal explosiveness through the neutral zone hasn't quite been there this season. His PP goal on Saturday obviously springs to mind but even that looked more like him moving in slo-mo.
Click to expand...
I agree. There was a short stretch where he was working through whatever illness he acquired from Tavares as well.

Willy can go afterburner mode from time to time, but I find he is really best at deceptive speed changes, which is a more sustainable playstyle. He's equally good at matching timings with his linemates to develop support, and bursting into open ice for rush chances. For the most part, he'll adjust to his linemates' strengths.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top