Goaltending conundrum

[riff raff]

Just put Reimer and Scrivens in there...I like our chances.

That's a big risk to take. If it doesn't work Leafs are in an even worse situation next summer.

The problem I see with Luongo besides the long contract...like someone mentioned in another thread,his confidence is a bit shakey and once the booing starts...what then.

we'll tell him they're saying "Looooooooooooo".

 

[Etiam Vultus]

Clemmensen? Anyone?... Anyone?

Assuming we have no real intention of making the playoffs, sure.

I'm struggling to come up with a huge list of who fits the mold of the "vet" that Burke says he's looking for though. Biron, Clemmensen, a couple other less that thrilling names...

A name that is rarely mentioned in Chris Mason.  I was surprised at how good his career stats are; his last two years in Atlanta and Winnipeg have not been overwhelming.

There is also, (dare I say it), Tim Thomas.  Proven vet, one year left on his contract, lots of silverware in his closet.  I know, I know, I know, he said that he is taking the next year off.  But I am having difficulty reconciling that with his stated desire to play in the Olympics. 

His NT clause ends on July 1 and it is pretty clear that Boston was intending to trade him, so there is always the possibility that he is trying have some control over his destination.  He might be interested in playing for the US Olympic Team GM. 

 

[jdh1]

Just put Reimer and Scrivens in there...I like our chances.

That's a big risk to take. If it doesn't work Leafs are in an even worse situation next summer.

The problem I see with Luongo besides the long contract...like someone mentioned in another thread,his confidence is a bit shakey and once the booing starts...what then.

we'll tell him they're saying "Looooooooooooo".

ha ha..maybe that will work.

 

[maplesyrup]

Clemmensen? Anyone?... Anyone?

Assuming we have no real intention of making the playoffs, sure.

I'm struggling to come up with a huge list of who fits the mold of the "vet" that Burke says he's looking for though. Biron, Clemmensen, a couple other less that thrilling names...

A name that is rarely mentioned in Chris Mason.  I was surprised at how good his career stats are; his last two years in Atlanta and Winnipeg have not been overwhelming.

There is also, (dare I say it), Tim Thomas.  Proven vet, one year left on his contract, lots of silverware in his closet.  I know, I know, I know, he said that he is taking the next year off.  But I am having difficulty reconciling that with his stated desire to play in the Olympics. 

His NT clause ends on July 1 and it is pretty clear that Boston was intending to trade him, so there is always the possibility that he is trying have some control over his destination.  He might be interested in playing for the US Olympic Team GM.

Chris Mason, eh? Okay, why not? Would he be any better then say a Dan Ellis though? I don't know, going this kind of route seems a lot safer than Luongo to me (though I'm fully aware Luongo could be amazing.) Thomas? Man, I don't know.

 

[Tigger]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

 

[riff raff]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

And, who is that, again?

 

[bustaheims]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

I'd love it if the Leafs could land Lundqvist.

 

[Tigger]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

I'd love it if the Leafs could land Lundqvist.

 

[McPwnage]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

The Kings are going to be trading Quick? Where do I sign?

 

[freer]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

And, who is that, again?

Van wrecked him, do we really think coming into TO he is going to have any better success. I suggest Mason or Biron for one year.. Unless Komi and or Connelly are part of a Luo trade, I would stay away

 

[Tigger]

You wouldn't take the best goalie in the game?

The Kings are going to be trading Quick? Where do I sign?

I'll tell you where you can sign McFunny guy... kidding but these opinions don't really change what I was asking about Thomas... maybe I misread Sarge but I thought he was unsure about him.

freer, I definitely wasn't talking about Luongo.

 

[bustaheims]

I'll tell you where you can sign McFunny guy... kidding but these opinions don't really change what I was asking about Thomas... maybe I misread Sarge but I thought he was unsure about him.

Well, the issues with Thomas are twofold. The first is obviously whether or not he'll actually play in this upcoming season. He's publicly announced that he won't, so, I'd say the odds are against it. The second is obviously how much would the Leafs have to give up to Boston (again) to make that deal if Thomas is willing to play. Probably a lot for a guy that really only has a couple years left in him.

 

[maplesyrup]

All that plus for one some reason (perhaps unfairly) I can't see Thomas wanting to play in Canada. I just think he's at the stage of his career where he'd rather be closer to home if he plays at all.

 

[Tigger]

I'll tell you where you can sign McFunny guy... kidding but these opinions don't really change what I was asking about Thomas... maybe I misread Sarge but I thought he was unsure about him.

Well, the issues with Thomas are twofold. The first is obviously whether or not he'll actually play in this upcoming season. He's publicly announced that he won't, so, I'd say the odds are against it. The second is obviously how much would the Leafs have to give up to Boston (again) to make that deal if Thomas is willing to play. Probably a lot for a guy that really only has a couple years left in him.

Has he said outright he's not playing or that he's just considering it? I have a feeling that's more about his trade clause and situation in Boston, but I could be wrong. Hard to say what that means.

I don't know if it would be huge cost either, you'd have to ask and find out but it makes more sense to me than Luongo by a mile if it's reasonable.

Those issues aside, Thomas would be a pretty good fit short term.

Kiprusoff is another but it's hard to say with them, there's a real divide between management and the rest of the world there, not likely to be moved but he'd be almost perfect again if we're talking short term.

There are other options too but they mostly come with a lot of uncertainty ( de jour ) and I don't see Burke going that route unless he has no choice. Personally, I have practically no interest in the goalies on the upcoming ufa market.

 

[bustaheims]

Has he said outright he's not playing or that he's just considering it? I have a feeling that's more about his trade clause and situation in Boston, but I could be wrong. Hard to say what that means.

He said he was taking this season off to focus on family, friends and faith. No considering it, no maybes. These are his exact words:

From the earliest age I can remember, I've wanted to be a hockey player. I've been blessed in my life to not only be able to live that dream, but to achieve more than I ever thought possible.

The singleminded focus that is necessary to accomplish a dream of this magnitude entails (by necessity) sacrifice in other areas and relationships in life.

At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's.

Friends, Family, and Faith.

This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year.

 

[Tigger]

He said he was taking this season off to focus on family, friends and faith. No considering it, no maybes

I've read that, I'm not entirely convinced he'll stick by that but obviously you'd have to know for certain or you don't trade for him.

If the option to bury player contracts wasn't so up in the air, I'd say there might be an opportunity there to buy a draft pick...

 

[Tigger]

He said he was taking this season off to focus on family, friends and faith. No considering it, no maybes.

Further to this, Chiarelli has confirmed he's operating under that assumption recently. Also, hate to say it but Simmons made an interesting point, a team like Colorado could trade for him, take his cap hit and not have to pay him, and Thomas is living in Colorado now...

 

[bustaheims]

Further to this, Chiarelli has confirmed he's operating under that assumption recently. Also, hate to say it but Simmons made an interesting point, a team like Colorado could trade for him, take his cap hit and not have to pay him, and Thomas is living in Colorado now...

Depending on how things shake out over the summer, I think a team trading for Thomas' cap hit this summer is a very real possibility. Heck, if I were in charge of the Leafs and had some cap room to spare, I'd see if Boston would consider taking Komisarek in exchange. At least that would give him a live body for that cap space (though, I recognize they'll almost certainly get a more appealing offer should this situation play out).

 

[ZBBM]

Folks, the obvious answer is Luongo. All this other talk is just window dressing. You'd be getting a top flight goalie with many good years left. The contract stuff will work itself out. I can assure you that the league will not screw its flagship franchise by, say, changing the rules on burying salary.

 

[Zee]

Folks, the obvious answer is Luongo. All this other talk is just window dressing. You'd be getting a top flight goalie with many good years left. The contract stuff will work itself out. I can assure you that the league will not screw its flagship franchise by, say, changing the rules on burying salary.

They wouldn't just be screwing the Leafs, there are LOTS of long term contracts around the league similar to Luongo's.  There would be many teams up the creek if the rules suddenly changed.