Leafs @ Canucks - Dec. 3rd, 7:00 pm - CBC, TSN 1050

[Kin]

But even so, Nik, if JVR is part of a galaxy of 4 highly paid forwards does that really throw off the whole payroll balance?

It depends, I suppose. If(and this is a legit if) you can get those 5 guys all in at around 30-35 million and then the forwards in total at 50 or so then I guess you've got a reasonable amount of flexibility but unless the Leafs develop a real top tier defenseman ideally you'd like them to be a team that could be in on a top free agent or take money back if needed.

 

[herman]

This calls for a fist pump!

 

[Kin]

That Matthews kid is ok at putting the puck in the net.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Okay Hyman maybe you can make a pass.  Nice pass.

 

[ZBBM]

Matthews!  Marincin with another nice play.

 

[ZBBM]

if JVR is part of a galaxy of 4 highly paid forwards does that really throw off the whole payroll balance?

It means, if the team wants to have any real success, they'll need a lot of players in the lineup that are out-performing their paycheque. An excessive amount, really.

Well, maybe but that's kind of subjective anyway.

 

[ZBBM]

But even so, Nik, if JVR is part of a galaxy of 4 highly paid forwards does that really throw off the whole payroll balance?

It depends, I suppose. If(and this is a legit if) you can get those 5 guys all in at around 30-35 million and then the forwards in total at 50 or so then I guess you've got a reasonable amount of flexibility but unless the Leafs develop a real top tier defenseman ideally you'd like them to be a team that could be in on a top free agent or take money back if needed.

I hear you.  I guess what this conversation boils down to is that JVR is a real important asset for the Leafs to manage well, whether they keep him or trade him.  In fact, you could argue that what they do with him is a linchpin for the future.

 

[Arn]

If Kadri had fallen like that he'd have been going to the box too

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

If Kadri had fallen like that he'd have been going to the box too

Oh yeah, 100%.

 

[herman]

That was a great move by Kadri, and penalty draw.

 

[herman]

Looks like they've adjusted to running Nylander and Matthews on their shooting sides on the PP more regularly now.

 

[herman]

Beautiful 2-on-1 coverage by Gardiner, completely sealing off the pass without dropping.

 

[ZBBM]

Having spent a bunch of time praising JVR tonight, I just want to say that I may not be responsible for my actions if they trade any one of Matthews, Marner, or Nylander.  I want to spend whatever time I have left on this earth watching them in Leafs unis.

 

[Kin]

Credit where it's due, Miller has been pretty good.

 

[ZBBM]

Bozak has had a very good game around the net.

 

[herman]

Miller has Bozak's number tonight. Great effort by Marner and nice pass by JvR to centre for Bozak.

 

[Tigger]

And, sure he's our best trading chip, but is he really pricing himself out?  We all thought that would happen to several guys on TB.  So who knows?

If he puts up 30+ goals this season, and comes close or does the same next? Yeah, I'd say so. That's likely $7M+ per for 5+ seasons territory for a guy who isn't going to be your best forward (possibly even not your 2nd or 3rd best, either). Unless they get Nylander, Matthews, and Marner on long-term sweetheart deals, that's not really manageable.

Like I say, it only works if he deals a discount to us because he wants to "be part of something special."

Having said that, if the right trade came along for a defenseman, then of course you have to look hard at it.

I'd probably be ok with either of those but more likely the Leafs need to try to accomplish the latter and land a young-ish top dman. Also, gotta roll the roster somewhat to get more of those good price performance contracts. Personally, I don't see JVR as part of the core in say, two years, and that's really what Leaf management needs to be ruthless about if they want to be contenders, or dare I say it, a 'dynasty' type team down the road.

 

[Kin]

Jeez. Brown just inches from winning it there.

 

[herman]

This game has been way better than the hyped fight-fest.

 

[ZBBM]

Marincin and Bozak my accolade-getters so far.