• 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

Armchair GM 2019-2020

bustaheims said:
CarltonTheBear said:
Tired: The Leafs need to upgrade their defence at the deadline

Wired: The Leafs should acquire Joe Thornton because they haven't had a consistent 3C all season
Click to expand...

I'm coming around to the idea of Thornton for cheap at the deadline. He'd be a good stabilizing defensive presence on the 3rd line, and might even be able to help out the 2nd PP unit.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming a few things here: 1) he wants to get traded for a shot at a Cup, 2) he'll pick the Leafs as his first choice team, and 3) the Sharks will basically do whatever he wants to make him happy. All that means the Leafs would be able to acquire him for a cheap price. I'm thinking like Timashov and a late draft pick that could go up a round or two depending how far the Leafs go in the playoffs. Sharks would need to retain 50% of his cap hit too unless Rielly or Ceci are done for the regular season. But imagine a forward group of:

Hyman-Matthews-Marner
Kerfoot-Tavares-Nylander
Johnsson-Thornton-Kapanen
Clifford-Engvall-Spezza

I think the Leafs clearly like Kerfoot on the wing and as good as Engvall and Spezza have been this season I don't think they're the absolute best options at 3C, especially if they need that line to take some tough match-ups every now and then.

It leaves Mikheyev on the outside, but I'm not sure we should be counting on him to return this season. If he does that's a nice bonus and the team could figure out how to handle that then.
 
CarltonTheBear said:
bustaheims said:
CarltonTheBear said:
Tired: The Leafs need to upgrade their defence at the deadline

Wired: The Leafs should acquire Joe Thornton because they haven't had a consistent 3C all season
Click to expand...

I'm coming around to the idea of Thornton for cheap at the deadline. He'd be a good stabilizing defensive presence on the 3rd line, and might even be able to help out the 2nd PP unit.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming a few things here: 1) he wants to get traded for a shot at a Cup, 2) he'll pick the Leafs as his first choice team, and 3) the Sharks will basically do whatever he wants to make him happy. All that means the Leafs would be able to acquire him for a cheap price. I'm thinking like Timashov and a late draft pick that could go up a round or two depending how far the Leafs go in the playoffs. Sharks would need to retain 50% of his cap hit too unless Rielly or Ceci are done for the regular season. But imagine a forward group of:

Hyman-Matthews-Marner
Kerfoot-Tavares-Nylander
Johnsson-Thornton-Kapanen
Clifford-Engvall-Spezza

I think the Leafs clearly like Kerfoot on the wing and as good as Engvall and Spezza have been this season I don't think they're the absolute best options at 3C, especially if they need that line to take some tough match-ups every now and then.

It leaves Mikheyev on the outside, but I'm not sure we should be counting on him to return this season. If he does that's a nice bonus and the team could figure out how to handle that then.
Click to expand...
Why make the 3rd line weaker? Just a few stats...
Spezza 2.6 Points/60, Joe 1.7
Spezza 1.99 Ev Points/60...Joe 1.5
Spezza 8.6 PowerPlayPoints/60...Joe 2.9 (Spezza averages 1:06/game, Joe 1:50/game)
Faceoffs, Spezza 52.6%, Joe, 47%
Again, unless he's going on the 4th line, hard pass for me.
 
Guilt Trip said:
Who's coming off the 3rd line and going to the 4th? Kappy, Spezza or Johnsson? I'd take all 3 over Joe at this point. 4th line guy to replace Gauthier, I'm ok with. Also what are you giving up to get him?
Click to expand...

I'd organize my lines similar to how CtB posted, and run them both more like 3rd lines, with ice time based on situation, how each group is playing, etc.

I wouldn't give up much for him - a mid round pick (like a conditional 4th or similar), a depth prospect, etc.
 
Guilt Trip said:
Why make the 3rd line weaker? Just a few stats...
Spezza 2.6 Points/60, Joe 1.7
Spezza 1.99 Ev Points/60...Joe 1.5
Spezza 8.6 PowerPlayPoints/60...Joe 2.9 (Spezza averages 1:06/game, Joe 1:50/game)
Faceoffs, Spezza 52.6%, Joe, 47%
Again, unless he's going on the 4th line, hard pass for me.
Click to expand...

1) A Thornton trade wouldn't change how Spezza is used on the powerplay.

2) I'm not really sure the offensive talents between the two players is as big as you think, especially when you factor in how massively different the two team environments are this season. Thornton did put up 51 points in 73 games last season after all. San Jose is just a mess offensively this season (and defensively and in goal).

3) In any event, I'm not proposing the Leafs should look to acquire a 3C for any offensive reasons. It's to improve the forward group defensively, something I think pretty much everyone would agree should be looked at. I've been on the Spezza hype train since the day they signed him, but he's still someone best used in a sheltered role. Come playoff time you can't hide your 3C. Thornton's an underrated defensive player. I'd just be more comfortable with him there if the 3rd line needed to take some shifts against the Bergeron trio or Stamkos/Kucherov or Ovi.
 
CarltonTheBear said:
Guilt Trip said:
Why make the 3rd line weaker? Just a few stats...
Spezza 2.6 Points/60, Joe 1.7
Spezza 1.99 Ev Points/60...Joe 1.5
Spezza 8.6 PowerPlayPoints/60...Joe 2.9 (Spezza averages 1:06/game, Joe 1:50/game)
Faceoffs, Spezza 52.6%, Joe, 47%
Again, unless he's going on the 4th line, hard pass for me.
Click to expand...

1) A Thornton trade wouldn't change how Spezza is used on the powerplay.

2) I'm not really sure the offensive talents between the two players is as big as you think, especially when you factor in how massively different the two team environments are this season. Thornton did put up 51 points in 73 games last season after all. San Jose is just a mess offensively this season (and defensively and in goal).

3) In any event, I'm not proposing the Leafs should look to acquire a 3C for any offensive reasons. It's to improve the forward group defensively, something I think pretty much everyone would agree should be looked at. I've been on the Spezza hype train since the day they signed him, but he's still someone best used in a sheltered role. Come playoff time you can't hide your 3C. Thornton's an underrated defensive player. I'd just be more comfortable with him there if the 3rd line needed to take some shifts against the Bergeron trio or Stamkos/Kucherov or Ovi.
Click to expand...

I like this idea.  And maybe Thornton can be a calming presence when they get all nervous in those tight games.
 
CarltonTheBear said:
2) I'm not really sure the offensive talents between the two players is as big as you think, especially when you factor in how massively different the two team environments are this season. Thornton did put up 51 points in 73 games last season after all. San Jose is just a mess offensively this season (and defensively and in goal).
Click to expand...

So would you say that as a hockey team, they have no redeeming qualities at all?
 
Significantly Insignificant said:
CarltonTheBear said:
2) I'm not really sure the offensive talents between the two players is as big as you think, especially when you factor in how massively different the two team environments are this season. Thornton did put up 51 points in 73 games last season after all. San Jose is just a mess offensively this season (and defensively and in goal).
Click to expand...

So would you say that as a hockey team, they have no redeeming qualities at all?
Click to expand...

Well, they've got Vlasic under contract for another 20 years at $7m per.
 
Frank E said:
Significantly Insignificant said:
CarltonTheBear said:
2) I'm not really sure the offensive talents between the two players is as big as you think, especially when you factor in how massively different the two team environments are this season. Thornton did put up 51 points in 73 games last season after all. San Jose is just a mess offensively this season (and defensively and in goal).
Click to expand...

So would you say that as a hockey team, they have no redeeming qualities at all?
Click to expand...

Well, they've got Vlasic under contract for another 20 years at $7m per.
Click to expand...

Your defenceman just isn't a defenceman unless it is a Vlasic.
 
Bullfrog said:
I approve of this pickle joke.
vmy66dj8j2ktwiugrzfz.jpg
Click to expand...

FTFY
 
Don't know the best place to put it, but Dreger says a deal for Muzzin is imminent.  Lebrun speculating it's $5.5x4:

https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1228372887368863746
 
herman said:
It?s Muzzin?s birthday next week

Would you move on from Morgan?
Click to expand...
Absolutely not. While he has his defensive faults, he's a great puck mover and his contract is cheap. 2 more years at 5.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top