Jake Gardiner

[EJ]

If they are going to keep Komisarek in, and they will for financial reasons, I would not mind them sending both Aulie and Gardiner down.

Gunnar Phaneuf
Liles Schenn
Franson Komisarek
Lashoff

Lashoff can spell Komi or Franson or possibly even Gunnar at various times.

I think Gunnar has good enough two-way play in order for us to at least try him with Phaneuf.  Last year, I thought Kabby-Schenn was our best defensive pairing in both directions, so I'd like to try to recapture that with Liles-Schenn.

Have Gardiner and Aulie play as a tandem for 26+ minutes each in the AHL.  We'll be very pleased with this decision once the mid-season injuries role in.  It is pretty common that 9-10 defenders get used on a team during the year due to injuries isn't it?  I would wait for at least January before pursuing any trade.  The return on the trade should be much higher from January through the trade deadline than now, unless some team encounters a rash of early injuries and are willing to give us a great return.

This makes a lot of sense.  A heckuva lot has to go right for this squad to make the playoffs, and I for one am ready for another season on the outside if it means developing a good young defense corps.

You have the patience of a saint.

 

[Mack674]

If they are going to keep Komisarek in, and they will for financial reasons, I would not mind them sending both Aulie and Gardiner down.

Gunnar Phaneuf
Liles Schenn
Franson Komisarek
Lashoff

Lashoff can spell Komi or Franson or possibly even Gunnar at various times.

I think Gunnar has good enough two-way play in order for us to at least try him with Phaneuf.  Last year, I thought Kabby-Schenn was our best defensive pairing in both directions, so I'd like to try to recapture that with Liles-Schenn.

Have Gardiner and Aulie play as a tandem for 26+ minutes each in the AHL.  We'll be very pleased with this decision once the mid-season injuries role in.  It is pretty common that 9-10 defenders get used on a team during the year due to injuries isn't it?  I would wait for at least January before pursuing any trade.  The return on the trade should be much higher from January through the trade deadline than now, unless some team encounters a rash of early injuries and are willing to give us a great return.

This makes a lot of sense.  [bold]A heckuva lot has to go right for this squad to make the playoffs,[/bold] and I for one am ready for another season on the outside if it means developing a good young defense corps.

How do you figure ? I think a lot more has to go wrong than right.

As long as there are no mass amounts of prolonged injuries and other unforseen circumstances I dont think the Leafs have any less of a chance than alot of teams.

All these years of failure have given Leaf fans an inferiority complex.

I dont see where the "good young defence corps" to develop is. Who are you talking about? Franson and Schenn who are already legit and pretty decent NHLers ? Phaneuf, Liles and Komisarek need time to develop too ?
These guys aren't children - if Gardiner makes the team then you have one rookie. No big deal.

If they dont make the playoffs this year then yes, it is a big deal, and I dont see how RW doesn't lose his job. Again, thats barring crazy circumstances that are beyond his control.

 

[Zee]

So why exactly did Anaheim trade him again?

I'm sure Steve Simmons will write an article about it.  There's no way the Leafs can get a good young player for basically nothing, he must have a deep character flaw we're not aware of.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

jonasTSN1050 Jonas Siegel
Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner have both made the team.

And there it is.

 

[4th Liner]

If they are going to keep Komisarek in, and they will for financial reasons, I would not mind them sending both Aulie and Gardiner down.

Gunnar Phaneuf
Liles Schenn
Franson Komisarek
Lashoff

Lashoff can spell Komi or Franson or possibly even Gunnar at various times.

I think Gunnar has good enough two-way play in order for us to at least try him with Phaneuf.  Last year, I thought Kabby-Schenn was our best defensive pairing in both directions, so I'd like to try to recapture that with Liles-Schenn.

Have Gardiner and Aulie play as a tandem for 26+ minutes each in the AHL.  We'll be very pleased with this decision once the mid-season injuries role in.  It is pretty common that 9-10 defenders get used on a team during the year due to injuries isn't it?  I would wait for at least January before pursuing any trade.  The return on the trade should be much higher from January through the trade deadline than now, unless some team encounters a rash of early injuries and are willing to give us a great return.

This makes a lot of sense.  A heckuva lot has to go right for this squad to make the playoffs, and I for one am ready for another season on the outside if it means developing a good young defense corps.

You have the patience of a saint.

You have to be patient in the post-cap world. In the old days you could buy your way to the playoffs, even a shot at the cup. These days you have to fill at least half your roster with low-cost, but talented, players - and that means young, developing players. They are the new hot commodity in the post-cap world.

Even when you get close to challenging for the cup - about the only way now to get that last, big piece will be having a good young prospect to give up. Hard to do if you don't have any.

The Leafs are coming back from near the bottom, there is no quick fix.

 

[bbt]

Must admit, he earned his spot on this team, at least from a pre-season perspective. And strictly on pre-season, I don't think sending him to the minors would benefit either party at this time.  He plays with a lot of poise and confidence, jumps up in the play and can be an offensive threat as the 4th forward. 

The defenseman that I think is totally over-rated is Schenn.  The only thing going for him as a 1st rounder was that he matured much faster (body wise) at an earlier age than other players his age.  Rest assure you the Leafs scouts did another bang up job but then again that does not say much for Leafs scouting either but the then again look at the last 20 years and it has been slim pick'ins for the Leafs). 

I want to throw a brick at the TV screen when I see him out there killing pentalies, holding his stick up high with two hands, waving it back and forth, looks like something a mite or squirt would do.  I want to scream when he falls down and lunges his stick at the forward who just dippsy doodled around him at the blue line.  I want to turn off the TV when he takes a weak wrist shot from the point as he as yet to learn how to take a slap shot, or at least one that is of NHL calibre.  I hate to turn the TV on as I might see the opposing team scoring as he has his man is unattended and open and in most cases, behind him. 

The only thing he has going for him is that he was a 1st round draft choice and both management and fans still want to believe he will become a 1st line defenseman, or that matter a quality NHL defenseman.  My opinion is that he would be lucky to be a 6th defenseman on any other NHL team. The press and Leafs brass continue to build this guy up but he has yet to show me anything that would lead me to believe he should be anything but a 7th or 8th defenseman.

But in all fairness to him, I don't see any Leafs defensemen who can be a 1st line defensive core on any NHL team.  And to pay him the money his new contract brings him and basing it on hope, isn't a very sound business decision and eventually the press and fans will also begin to lose hope unless there is another miracle on ice. 

 

[Number 5]

Must admit, he earned his spot on this team, at least from a pre-season perspective. And strictly on pre-season, I don't think sending him to the minors would benefit either party at this time.  He plays with a lot of poise and confidence, jumps up in the play and can be an offensive threat as the 4th forward. 

The defenseman that I think is totally over-rated is Schenn.  The only thing going for him as a 1st rounder was that he matured much faster (body wise) at an earlier age than other players his age.  Rest assure you the Leafs scouts did another bang up job but then again that does not say much for Leafs scouting either but the then again look at the last 20 years and it has been slim pick'ins for the Leafs). 

I want to throw a brick at the TV screen when I see him out there killing pentalies, holding his stick up high with two hands, waving it back and forth, looks like something a mite or squirt would do.  I want to scream when he falls down and lunges his stick at the forward who just dippsy doodled around him at the blue line.  I want to turn off the TV when he takes a weak wrist shot from the point as he as yet to learn how to take a slap shot, or at least one that is of NHL calibre.  I hate to turn the TV on as I might see the opposing team scoring as he has his man is unattended and open and in most cases, behind him. 

The only thing he has going for him is that he was a 1st round draft choice and both management and fans still want to believe he will become a 1st line defenseman, or that matter a quality NHL defenseman.  My opinion is that he would be lucky to be a 6th defenseman on any other NHL team. The press and Leafs brass continue to build this guy up but he has yet to show me anything that would lead me to believe he should be anything but a 7th or 8th defenseman.

But in all fairness to him, I don't see any Leafs defensemen who can be a 1st line defensive core on any NHL team.  And to pay him the money his new contract brings him and basing it on hope, isn't a very sound business decision and eventually the press and fans will also begin to lose hope unless there is another miracle on ice.

Can I have some of whatever it is you're smoking?

 

[WAYNEINIONA]

Must admit, he earned his spot on this team, at least from a pre-season perspective. And strictly on pre-season, I don't think sending him to the minors would benefit either party at this time.  He plays with a lot of poise and confidence, jumps up in the play and can be an offensive threat as the 4th forward. 

The defenseman that I think is totally over-rated is Schenn.  The only thing going for him as a 1st rounder was that he matured much faster (body wise) at an earlier age than other players his age.  Rest assure you the Leafs scouts did another bang up job but then again that does not say much for Leafs scouting either but the then again look at the last 20 years and it has been slim pick'ins for the Leafs). 

I want to throw a brick at the TV screen when I see him out there killing pentalies, holding his stick up high with two hands, waving it back and forth, looks like something a mite or squirt would do.  I want to scream when he falls down and lunges his stick at the forward who just dippsy doodled around him at the blue line.  I want to turn off the TV when he takes a weak wrist shot from the point as he as yet to learn how to take a slap shot, or at least one that is of NHL calibre.  I hate to turn the TV on as I might see the opposing team scoring as he has his man is unattended and open and in most cases, behind him. 

The only thing he has going for him is that he was a 1st round draft choice and both management and fans still want to believe he will become a 1st line defenseman, or that matter a quality NHL defenseman.  My opinion is that he would be lucky to be a 6th defenseman on any other NHL team. The press and Leafs brass continue to build this guy up but he has yet to show me anything that would lead me to believe he should be anything but a 7th or 8th defenseman.

But in all fairness to him, I don't see any Leafs defensemen who can be a 1st line defensive core on any NHL team.  And to pay him the money his new contract brings him and basing it on hope, isn't a very sound business decision and eventually the press and fans will also begin to lose hope unless there is another miracle on ice.

Can I have some of whatever it is you're smoking?

I wouldn't want whatever he's been smoking. Tt makes you dillusional

 

[Jalili]

Must admit, he earned his spot on this team, at least from a pre-season perspective. And strictly on pre-season, I don't think sending him to the minors would benefit either party at this time.  He plays with a lot of poise and confidence, jumps up in the play and can be an offensive threat as the 4th forward. 

The defenseman that I think is totally over-rated is Schenn.  The only thing going for him as a 1st rounder was that he matured much faster (body wise) at an earlier age than other players his age.  Rest assure you the Leafs scouts did another bang up job but then again that does not say much for Leafs scouting either but the then again look at the last 20 years and it has been slim pick'ins for the Leafs). 

I want to throw a brick at the TV screen when I see him out there killing pentalies, holding his stick up high with two hands, waving it back and forth, looks like something a mite or squirt would do.  I want to scream when he falls down and lunges his stick at the forward who just dippsy doodled around him at the blue line.  I want to turn off the TV when he takes a weak wrist shot from the point as he as yet to learn how to take a slap shot, or at least one that is of NHL calibre.  I hate to turn the TV on as I might see the opposing team scoring as he has his man is unattended and open and in most cases, behind him. 

The only thing he has going for him is that he was a 1st round draft choice and both management and fans still want to believe he will become a 1st line defenseman, or that matter a quality NHL defenseman.  My opinion is that he would be lucky to be a 6th defenseman on any other NHL team. The press and Leafs brass continue to build this guy up but he has yet to show me anything that would lead me to believe he should be anything but a 7th or 8th defenseman.

But in all fairness to him, I don't see any Leafs defensemen who can be a 1st line defensive core on any NHL team.  And to pay him the money his new contract brings him and basing it on hope, isn't a very sound business decision and eventually the press and fans will also begin to lose hope unless there is another miracle on ice.

Schenn is actually a pretty good PK'er, but I still hate the fact that we used a top 5 pick on a guy that has the mobility of a 40 year old vet.

 

[Kaberle15]

Kudos for Gardiner for making the team, he pushed Aulie back to the Marlies!

On a side note, Schenn lead this team in Hits, blocked shots, and avaraged over 22 minutes per game, he also played all 82 games.

 

[Tigger]

Schenn is actually a pretty good PK'er, but I still hate the fact that we used a top 5 pick on a guy that has the mobility of a 40 year old vet.

Really? That's not the Schenn I've been watching. He may not have Gardiners wheels but I haven't seen anything to suggest what you're saying.

 

[Tigger]

Must admit, he earned his spot on this team, at least from a pre-season perspective. And strictly on pre-season, I don't think sending him to the minors would benefit either party at this time.  He plays with a lot of poise and confidence, jumps up in the play and can be an offensive threat as the 4th forward. 

The defenseman that I think is totally over-rated is Schenn.  The only thing going for him as a 1st rounder was that he matured much faster (body wise) at an earlier age than other players his age.  Rest assure you the Leafs scouts did another bang up job but then again that does not say much for Leafs scouting either but the then again look at the last 20 years and it has been slim pick'ins for the Leafs). 

I want to throw a brick at the TV screen when I see him out there killing pentalies, holding his stick up high with two hands, waving it back and forth, looks like something a mite or squirt would do.  I want to scream when he falls down and lunges his stick at the forward who just dippsy doodled around him at the blue line.  I want to turn off the TV when he takes a weak wrist shot from the point as he as yet to learn how to take a slap shot, or at least one that is of NHL calibre.  I hate to turn the TV on as I might see the opposing team scoring as he has his man is unattended and open and in most cases, behind him. 

The only thing he has going for him is that he was a 1st round draft choice and both management and fans still want to believe he will become a 1st line defenseman, or that matter a quality NHL defenseman.  My opinion is that he would be lucky to be a 6th defenseman on any other NHL team. The press and Leafs brass continue to build this guy up but he has yet to show me anything that would lead me to believe he should be anything but a 7th or 8th defenseman.

But in all fairness to him, I don't see any Leafs defensemen who can be a 1st line defensive core on any NHL team.  And to pay him the money his new contract brings him and basing it on hope, isn't a very sound business decision and eventually the press and fans will also begin to lose hope unless there is another miracle on ice.

This is mostly nonsense. The only issue even worth responding to is that Luke has both hands on his stick almost all the time because he's been coached to do so.

Another miracle on ice? I guess you were disappointed when Ron lost that one by a nose, too bad...

 

[Jalili]

Schenn is actually a pretty good PK'er, but I still hate the fact that we used a top 5 pick on a guy that has the mobility of a 40 year old vet.

Really? That's not the Schenn I've been watching. He may not have Gardiners wheels but I haven't seen anything to suggest what you're saying.

His skating is one of the things that stands out when I've seen him play. I may possibly be in the minority but my impression of him is that his mobility is below average for a young NHL player.

 

[Tigger]

Schenn is actually a pretty good PK'er, but I still hate the fact that we used a top 5 pick on a guy that has the mobility of a 40 year old vet.

Really? That's not the Schenn I've been watching. He may not have Gardiners wheels but I haven't seen anything to suggest what you're saying.

His skating is one of the things that stands out when I've seen him play. I may possibly be in the minority but my impression of him is that his mobility is below average for a young NHL player.

That's a little different than your previous description.

 

[cujo4ever]

Schenn is actually a pretty good PK'er, but I still hate the fact that we used a top 5 pick on a guy that has the mobility of a 40 year old vet.

Really? That's not the Schenn I've been watching. He may not have Gardiners wheels but I haven't seen anything to suggest what you're saying.

I agree, not many 40 year old vets can do this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C3mJTKnpbI

I think Schenn has improved his mobility since first coming into the league. I think there's room for improvement, but he's by no means terrible in that regard.

Having said that, Gardiner is definitely more mobile than Schenn, I'm glad he makes the team. I think we'll find Komi is the pressbox or playing very few minutes before long.

 

[azzurri63]

Must admit, he earned his spot on this team, at least from a pre-season perspective. And strictly on pre-season, I don't think sending him to the minors would benefit either party at this time.  He plays with a lot of poise and confidence, jumps up in the play and can be an offensive threat as the 4th forward. 

The defenseman that I think is totally over-rated is Schenn.  The only thing going for him as a 1st rounder was that he matured much faster (body wise) at an earlier age than other players his age.  Rest assure you the Leafs scouts did another bang up job but then again that does not say much for Leafs scouting either but the then again look at the last 20 years and it has been slim pick'ins for the Leafs). 

I want to throw a brick at the TV screen when I see him out there killing pentalies, holding his stick up high with two hands, waving it back and forth, looks like something a mite or squirt would do.  I want to scream when he falls down and lunges his stick at the forward who just dippsy doodled around him at the blue line.  I want to turn off the TV when he takes a weak wrist shot from the point as he as yet to learn how to take a slap shot, or at least one that is of NHL calibre.  I hate to turn the TV on as I might see the opposing team scoring as he has his man is unattended and open and in most cases, behind him. 

The only thing he has going for him is that he was a 1st round draft choice and both management and fans still want to believe he will become a 1st line defenseman, or that matter a quality NHL defenseman.  My opinion is that he would be lucky to be a 6th defenseman on any other NHL team. The press and Leafs brass continue to build this guy up but he has yet to show me anything that would lead me to believe he should be anything but a 7th or 8th defenseman.

But in all fairness to him, I don't see any Leafs defensemen who can be a 1st line defensive core on any NHL team.  And to pay him the money his new contract brings him and basing it on hope, isn't a very sound business decision and eventually the press and fans will also begin to lose hope unless there is another miracle on ice.

I mentioned this last year or the year before can't remember to the same extent. I like Luke and what he brings each and every night but he is not a top rated pairing guy. I said it before he doesn't have the offensive game and albeit it has improved it will never be his strong point and the one thing I have stated about his game is his skating. He's not a great skater and at times he gets beat because of it. If I was Burke I would've been trying damn hard to get Bogosian from Atlanta/Jets because last year he was not happy there and wanted out. Someone replied to my comment and said they would have to start with Evander Kane. Wake up whoever you were. Bogosian in my opinion is an all round better player than Luke with a lot more upside. I would make that deal straight across in a heartbeat. The contract is not that bad considering some of the contracts out there. May seem steep now but in the last years it will seen fairly cheap.

 

[Tigger]

Schenn is the new Colo or did I miss something?

 

[Guru Tugginmypuddah]

Schenn is the new Colo or did I miss something?

Even worse, complete bust.

 

[bustaheims]

Schenn is the new Colo or did I miss something?

Now don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got till it's gone

 

[Fanatic]

Anyone know what number Gardiner will wear now that he made the team?