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Kyle Dubas is new Leafs GM

Bullfrog said:
louisstamos said:
Here's a money question - is your PP#1 unit:

Tavares - net front
Marner - high right slot
Matthews - high left slot
Nylander - low boards left
Rielly - Point

Or do you split Tavares-Marner and Matthews-Nylander onto two separate PP units?
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The more interesting question for me is where Kadri fits into these lines? Or does he get tried out on penalty kill?
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I imagine if that's PP1, Kadri would be out on PP2, probably high left slot like he was last year.  If that's PP1, then I guess PP2 is Kadri, Marleau, Gardiner, and any two of Johnsson/Leivo/Hyman/Kapanen/Brown.

But yeah - I'm with busta, you'll probably see Matthews and Tavares on two separate PP units.
 
I would do this:

PP1
Tavares
Marleau - Kadri - Marner
Rielly

PP2
Leivo
Matthews - Johnsson - Nylander
Gardiner/Zaitsev

PK - DZ start
Tavares - Hyman
Hainsey - Zaitsev

PK - OTF
Lindholm - Kapanen
Marleau - Brown
Marincin - Holl
 
herman said:
skrackle said:
Just coming back to this on the verge of thing for a minute.

What's this based on? I vaguely recall someone giving the Leafs 1st place odds at winning a cup next year. Is that it?

Yes, the Leafs added Tavares. And, full marks for that. I didn't think they would pull that off. It will help greatly. Well done. I'm not saying otherwise...but that defense! It's barely playoff calibre, let alone championship quality.

I'm not saying Dubas can't or won't improve that part of the Leafs. I'm sure he sees the need to do so, but it's not a given that he will be able to.
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"On the verge of a Stanley Cup" is Lindsay Hofford hyperbole for "Mark Hunter is a hockey wizard" as he's stumping for his long-time boss/friend. I think his statement is accurate insofar as he was reflecting what most of the front office and team probably felt about themselves at the time. Judging by their deadline moves (or lackthereof), that was pretty clearly their read. It's not that accurate per reality, but our perception is generally the reality we interact with.

As for the defense, most hockey systems analysts of the team have pointed to systems and tactics being more culpable than personnel. Defense is a team measure, not just the 2 dudes who play closest to the goalie. To build on what we have further would require a significant asset investment (cap space and players), i.e. we need a 1RD. Adding Tavares instead gives the Leafs an overmatch on lines 2-4, if not also on 1 (playing less DZ hockey). Tavares also fairly recently invested in developing his own play away from the puck (to Selke levels) and you can bet those lessons will be imparted to the young forward core of the Leafs.
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Thanks for clarifying that.

I'm just used to things going pear-shaped when it comes to the Leafs. A failure to keep the puck out of their net is a common theme with this team during most of my fandom.

I agree, Tavares should help the team defense. Having an experienced guy who can control the puck when the game is on the line is huge. That might be one of the most valuable skills Tavares can bring to the Leafs.

I guess for me the main thing is defining or coming to grips with expectations for the upcoming season. When you add Tavares to the talented young core the Leafs have, you want to win asap. I think the Leafs need to win at least one playoff round to show progress, but it's not a given they will do so. Competition at the top of the Atlantic Division is fierce.

I don't think there is a defense prospect ready to step in and make a big difference. Can someone new make the team and provide something that was lacking? Can Liljegren or Sandin elevate their game enough to step up sooner than expected? Can the strengths of the Leafs be enough to overcome their weakness? Can Dubas pull off a brilliant trade solves the Leafs defensive issues without crippling the team?

These are the questions that keep me up at night. Well, not really, but it's still the middle of summer and it's just fun to see where everyone thinks the Leafs are and what they need to do.
 
Hockey writer and The Athletic contributor Craig Constance has been doing a comparison series on how teams in their respective divisions stack up to the Stamlry Cup Champion Washington Capitals, comparing what the Capitals had and what all great teams that have won the Cup have -- excellent centre duo/combo; solid/sturdy defence that can get numbers from all members; playoff experience  (especially important for a young team on the  move up).

How do the Maple Leafs stack up?  3.5 out of 5 rating.  But alas, if the Leaf defence improves steadily (apart from the large input from Reilly and Gardiner), and if the Leafs gain greater playoff experience (advancing a round or two),  all of these will point to greater success and the sky would be the limit for the Blue & White.

When it comes to the Leafs, the writer goes on to add that it won't take much for the team to spur it's move into a bona fide Cup contender.  They already sport a strong offensive core --Tavares/Matthews would be akin to Kuznetsov/Backstrom (or a Croaby/Malkin duo as an example) -- in other words, excellent centres/solid line combinations/etc. 

A very feel good article when one considers the playoff potential of the Leafs as many believe is only a matter of time.  So far from what we have seen, we can deduce that the Leafs (make that Dubas) have faith in their roster & prospects without having initiated a  major defence acquisition.  The near future looks bright.

[tweet]1027252435855859712[/tweet]
 
herman said:
I would do this:

PP1
Tavares
Marleau - Kadri - Marner
Rielly

PP2
Leivo
Matthews - Johnsson - Nylander
Gardiner/Zaitsev

PK - DZ start
Tavares - Hyman
Hainsey - Zaitsev

PK - OTF
Lindholm - Kapanen
Marleau - Brown
Marincin - Holl
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1.  I'd swap Marleau and Leivo on the PP (plus, if Ennis is in the lineup he'd fit better on the left half-wall).

2.  More importantly, Johnsson is on the PK. 
 
Coco-puffs said:
1.  I'd swap Marleau and Leivo on the PP (plus, if Ennis is in the lineup he'd fit better on the left half-wall).

2.  More importantly, Johnsson is on the PK.
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1. Marleau and Leivo actually occupy the exact spots on their respective PPs that I don't care about at all, so I expect a rotating cast.

2. Johnsson on PK is cool with me. I do know the coaching staff prefer players to max out at 2 phases of the game, rather than 3, if they can help it. So I don't expect Johnsson be on the PK much, or Marleau (or Kapanen on the PP). Tavares is an exception because a) he's done it very successfully in the past, and b) they're short on face off options on the PK. If Johnsson is starting the game on the 4th line, maybe he gets the extra phase as an ice time boost.
 
Im sure Im not alone in saying this, but I can't remember a time when I actually wished a beautiful summer was over. Lets get to start of the NHL season and the 1st Leaf game already!!!
 
herman said:
1. Marleau and Leivo actually occupy the exact spots on their respective PPs that I don't care about at all, so I expect a rotating cast.

2. Johnsson on PK is cool with me. I do know the coaching staff prefer players to max out at 2 phases of the game, rather than 3, if they can help it. So I don't expect Johnsson be on the PK much, or Marleau (or Kapanen on the PP). Tavares is an exception because a) he's done it very successfully in the past, and b) they're short on face off options on the PK. If Johnsson is starting the game on the 4th line, maybe he gets the extra phase as an ice time boost.
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1.  So, considering you don't care at all about those positions it should be easy to convince you:  I think Marleau is a better net-front presence than half-boards option.  Leivo is a better passer and can probably shoot from there just as well as Marleau.

2.  Johnsson came up to the Leafs last season and was a part of all three phases.  He was also one of the Marlies PK leaders.  Had more PK TOI than Marleau in the Playoffs.  He may end up being the 6th most used on the PK behind Hyman, Tavares, Lindholm, Brown, and Kapanen... but I'm sure he's going to see more than Marleau.  So yes, I was nitpicking at your lineup there.  So sue me. :P
 
Coco-puffs said:
1.  So, considering you don't care at all about those positions it should be easy to convince you:  I think Marleau is a better net-front presence than half-boards option.  Leivo is a better passer and can probably shoot from there just as well as Marleau.

2.  Johnsson came up to the Leafs last season and was a part of all three phases.  He was also one of the Marlies PK leaders.  Had more PK TOI than Marleau in the Playoffs.  He may end up being the 6th most used on the PK behind Hyman, Tavares, Lindholm, Brown, and Kapanen... but I'm sure he's going to see more than Marleau.  So yes, I was nitpicking at your lineup there.  So sue me. :P
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1. Yup, I'm convinced enough. I sort of don't even want Marleau on the PP, to be honest. All he does is force shots from a distance; parking him on top of the crease is a good way to mitigate that, but I sort of want to preserve him physically. Leivo on the crease is a bit of a waste of his shooting potential, so moving him to Bozak's old spot is actually kind of nice (opens up a one-time option too).

2. I think Johnsson's deployment last season was a combination of Babcock's smitten adoration and the fact that he mostly supplanted Komarov's deployment, who was, as we all know, deployed tri-phasically. Marleau's special teams involvement being scaled back can only be a good thing, so I'm open to what you're suggesting.
 
I'm very curious to see how these pieces are going to fit together. 

If nothing else, it's going to be a very interesting October.
 
RedLeaf said:
Im sure Im not alone in saying this, but I can't remember a time when I actually wished a beautiful summer was over. Lets get to start of the NHL season and the 1st Leaf game already!!!
Click to expand...
Frank E said:
I'm very curious to see how these pieces are going to fit together. 

If nothing else, it's going to be a very interesting October.
Click to expand...

Longest feeling off-season ever. If the Jays weren't so clearly accidentally tanking, this might be easier, but Dubas getting the reins and adding Tavares to the big Three is a lot of hype to wait on.
 
We have 4 weeks until players report on Sept 13th, so that means Nylander's contract will be worked out by then.  It's coming...
 
Speaking of klunkheads, Dubas would?ve played longer had his career not been derailed with concussions.
 
Bobby Mac got a sit down with Dubas and TSN has posted some clips of the interview:

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/dubas-confident-nylander-s-contract-will-be-resolved~1479170

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/dubas-confident-they-can-afford-to-keep-jt-matthews-marner-and-nylander~1479174

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/will-the-maple-leafs-have-a-captain-this-year~1479169

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/dubas-on-relationship-with-babcock-he-s-very-very-open-to-any-ideas~1479173

Links above detail the topic of each video.

Coles notes:

- Expects Nylander to be signed before camp starts.  If not, doesn't expect WillNye to be at camp based on precedence.

- They are taking a patient approach to re-signing Matthews and Marner and aren't opposed to discussing extension in-season

- They won't name a captain to start the season and will be patient with naming one.  "We've seen in the past that the rush to name someone can come back to bite you"

- Babcock and him have a good relationships.  Asks that Dubas just doesn't surprise him.
 
Talks about the defense, mentions Holl twice, doesn't mention Carrick.

Edit: still watching, he remembers to mention Carrick later.
 
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