bustaheims said:
I don't agree RE: Kadri. I think trading him for a defenceman is robbing Peter to pay Paul. I don't really agree on Phaneuf, either. I get the inclination, but, I think what really has to happen there is he needs to have his minutes reined in a little. As for Lupul . . . that really depends on what other moves are made. The Leafs need secondary scoring, and he and Kadri are pretty much all they have far that under contract for next season.
My 5$ free beer team is going to be built from the defense-out, hence Kadri being "traded". If I could have a defenceman at the same age with similar potential, i'd make that move. I know he's young, but I just don't really see Kadri's game evolving to take that next big step. Apart from drawing penalties.
I'd move lupul because he's injury prone, and I don't think he makes very good decisions with the puck for a 5M player. Secondary scoring is good, but I don't think he's the guy going forward. I've nothing against Kulimin, but Carter Ashton could probably play that role for 2M cheaper. Its not like he's been contributing offensively.
Phaneuf had a decent season, in my opinion, apart from the last 3 weeks. But his games definitely has holes, and I'm troubled by how he seems less and less hard to play against - physically, and speedwise. I think the best hit he threw all season was against JVR. And with no evidence to back it up, I don't think he's a fit as captain, and I don't think you can take it away without moving him.
Truth be told, I would very seriously look at moving Kessel as well. I think he's a one dimensional player, and they could get a king's ransom for him right now, and perhaps put the team ahead years in the rebuilding process. But I didn't want my head ripped off, so I left him out.
Anyway, this is getting a little past the Dave Bolland subject matter, so I'll continue rambling on another thread.