Leafs claim Tim Erixon off waivers

[hockeyfan1]

Maybe I've been watching too long. Or maybe I'm just having a rough year. I'd look at dumping the entire roster of these losers. First time ever, I can't recall finding one guy I'd really like to keep (like many have said, maybe Morgan Rielly - but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he went too).

I'd take what I could get with picks/prospects and might tell the rest, they're on waivers and will never wear the jersey again and they can take their GM and coaches with them.

This group and organization are an embarrassment. They need to absolutely napalm it (figuratively) to expunge the chronic disease.

Yet another rebuilding job.  That seems to be the organization's favourite phrase over the course of the Leafs history as I remember it.  And now it starts again, only this time it had better be for real once and for all if this organization is serious enough about competing.

I agree with your assessment concerning the GM as well.
Which leads me to a question -- if Shanahan hadn't come on board in his present role, would any change(s) have occurred?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I don't. Make him part of a package to get one of:
- a young franchise center
- a young stud dman (some might argue he is ..)
- a young top 10 goalie

Yeah, I'd say Rielly's definitely got "stud dman" potential so I don't really see a trade there. I could consider moving him for a potential franchise centre, but the odds of a trade like that happening are pretty slim. I absolutely wouldn't move him for a goalie though, unless his name was Price or Rask and those guys obviously aren't going anywhere. Goalies are way too unpredictable (just look at Bernier) to trade something as valuable as Rielly for.

 

[TML fan]

I'd be looking to move Gardiner ASAP.

 

[cw]

I don't. Make him part of a package to get one of:
- a young franchise center
- a young stud dman (some might argue he is ..)
- a young top 10 goalie

Yeah, I'd say Rielly's definitely got "stud dman" potential so I don't really see a trade there. I could consider moving him for a potential franchise centre, but the odds of a trade like that happening are pretty slim. I absolutely wouldn't move him for a goalie though, unless his name was Price or Rask and those guys obviously aren't going anywhere. Goalies are way too unpredictable (just look at Bernier) to trade something as valuable as Rielly for.

Yeah, I haven't been able to figure goalies since the lockout. I agree. Some in hockey might have them figured out though (they are drafting them better).

I might trade Bernier & Gardiner to the Oilers for one of their floundering hot shot top pick forwards - trying to steal a franchise player.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I might trade Bernier & Gardiner to the Oilers for one of their floundering hot shot top pick forwards - trying to steal a franchise player.

I'd definitely be shopping Bernier too to see what we could get. There could be a few teams looking for goalies this offseason. San Jose would likely be very interested. Have Reimer plus a free agent hold down the fort for a little while.

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

I'd be looking to move Gardiner ASAP.

I don't know if this is a joke, but I'm torn on him. He's been much better under Horachek but he's nowhere near worth $4M a year at this point in time.

He'd be best packaged with someone else on the roster IMO, as he's not especially valuable on his own.

 

[TML fan]

Not a joke. I can't stand Gardiner.

 

[cw]

I might trade Bernier & Gardiner to the Oilers for one of their floundering hot shot top pick forwards - trying to steal a franchise player.

I'd definitely be shopping Bernier too to see what we could get. There could be a few teams looking for goalies this offseason. San Jose would likely be very interested. Have Reimer plus a free agent hold down the fort for a little while.

I don't think Reimer is the real deal as a top 10 NHL goalie. But he's one down to earth personality I don't mind keeping around. (who knows for sure if you're not in the locker room but that's my impression from his interviews).

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I don't think Reimer is the real deal as a top 10 NHL goalie. But he's one down to earth personality I don't mind keeping around. (who knows for sure if you're not in the locker room but that's my impression from his interviews).

Definitely not, but that's a pretty high standard. I think he can be a competent starter for a non-playoff team, and really that's all we need for the next couple of seasons.

 

[Chris]

I don't know what the heck to do with the goalies, but probably one of them needs to go.

As for Gardiner - he's definitely not worth his contract right now. However, if we are doing this rebuild right, that contract won't be an issue for a few years. Question is, does he continue to improve or is it a case of "what we see (now) is what we get"? I've seen some signs of improvement but I wouldn't be too terribly upset if he was moved.

 

[freer]

I don't think Reimer is the real deal as a top 10 NHL goalie. But he's one down to earth personality I don't mind keeping around. (who knows for sure if you're not in the locker room but that's my impression from his interviews).

Definitely not, but that's a pretty high standard. I think he can be a competent starter for a non-playoff team, and really that's all we need for the next couple of seasons.

Neither is Bernier.

 

[moon111]

I think the Leaf players have gotten away with too much for too long.  Defence can be sacrificing.  You sometimes have to make a safe, smart play over a risky play.  To ask for such out of Kessel seems to have killed him. 

 

[Bender]

Be nice to get a second at least for Polak or team him with Bozak for a first

Maybe I've been watching too long. Or maybe I'm just having a rough year. I'd look at dumping the entire roster of these losers. First time ever, I can't recall finding one guy I'd really like to keep (like many have said, maybe Morgan Rielly - but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he went too).

I'd take what I could get with picks/prospects and might tell the rest, they're on waivers and will never wear the jersey again and they can take their GM and coaches with them.

This group and organization are an embarrassment. They need to absolutely napalm it (figuratively) to expunge the chronic disease.

Wow, that's rough CW, I've never read a post that I felt was more angry by you to a point where you wouldn't keep one person on the roster.

Unless you can get a cornerstone piece of the franchise there's no way you trade Rielly, especially if we can get a potential 1C in Strome or Marner.

 

[Tigger]

If it's the right deal, no player is untouchable, Rielly you need treasure for followed narrowly by JVR and Kessel.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Be nice to get a second at least for Polak or team him with Bozak for a first

Maybe I've been watching too long. Or maybe I'm just having a rough year. I'd look at dumping the entire roster of these losers. First time ever, I can't recall finding one guy I'd really like to keep (like many have said, maybe Morgan Rielly - but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he went too).

I'd take what I could get with picks/prospects and might tell the rest, they're on waivers and will never wear the jersey again and they can take their GM and coaches with them.

This group and organization are an embarrassment. They need to absolutely napalm it (figuratively) to expunge the chronic disease.

Wow, that's rough CW, I've never read a post that I felt was more angry by you to a point where you wouldn't keep one person on the roster.

Unless you can get a cornerstone piece of the franchise there's no way you trade Rielly, especially if we can get a potential 1C in Strome or Marner.

I mean if someone can look at Morgan Rielly and can't instantly say he's a player they'd "really like to keep," I don't know what to say.  He's not even 2 seasons into a career after being very highly touted.

 

[mr grieves]

Be nice to get a second at least for Polak or team him with Bozak for a first

Maybe I've been watching too long. Or maybe I'm just having a rough year. I'd look at dumping the entire roster of these losers. First time ever, I can't recall finding one guy I'd really like to keep (like many have said, maybe Morgan Rielly - but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he went too).

I'd take what I could get with picks/prospects and might tell the rest, they're on waivers and will never wear the jersey again and they can take their GM and coaches with them.

This group and organization are an embarrassment. They need to absolutely napalm it (figuratively) to expunge the chronic disease.

Jeez. I always lurked to benefit from cw's carefully balanced opinions, long-view reasonableness, and moderating influence. So, this seems... different.

I've got little emotional attachment to these players. Last one I really liked was probably Franson, because he came over on a smart trade, had knocks on his game but made good and even exceeded expectations, seemed to have the right attitude... I probably still have a soft spot for Kessel, because when he's on, that shot brings great joy. But otherwise, nah. So, 'dump the bunch of losers' certainly has some appeal.

While there's no one I wouldn't mind trading if it brought one of the things they'll most need to contend -- an elite 1C, a stud 1D, or a high-scoring winger, who'll be in his prime in 3-5 years -- I don't know if there's any package of Richard Panik, Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner or any of the guys under 26s that'll bring that sort of return (well, maybe Rielly + JvR?). And since those guys will be in their primes in 3-5 years, I don't know that there's much profit in dumping them. The Leafs will, eventually, need a competitive second line and top four, and some of the under 26s they're now thinking of as the core look like they'll turn into that, at least.

 

[brothert]

i feel cw's thinking. i survived the 80s and it may be because im getting crusty in my midlife but i dont feel or see any form of anguish from any of this current group. 80's players were bad talent wise but they give a crap. i almost kicked my tv in last night. please gimme some darcy tucker lose yer crap emotion ....
something.  get out of the fetal position you bums and dig yourselves out.

 

[KW Sluggo]

Be nice to get a second at least for Polak or team him with Bozak for a first

Maybe I've been watching too long. Or maybe I'm just having a rough year. I'd look at dumping the entire roster of these losers. First time ever, I can't recall finding one guy I'd really like to keep (like many have said, maybe Morgan Rielly - but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he went too).

I'd take what I could get with picks/prospects and might tell the rest, they're on waivers and will never wear the jersey again and they can take their GM and coaches with them.

This group and organization are an embarrassment. They need to absolutely napalm it (figuratively) to expunge the chronic disease.

I think Rielly absolutely has to stay. I agree with the rest.

Too bad we have to wait for the off season for the big moves to take place. This draft really looks like a juicy one. Burning it ALL down right now, and sinking this ship as far down to bottom as possible could net this team a real nice haul and help start the rebuild with some nice pieces.

Agreed, Red Leaf.

Keep Captain Morgan, 86 the rest.

 

[slapshot]

Unlike some who are just so disgusted (so am I) they want to see the whole roster traded, I don't think that is actually necessary.
I think a culture change can occur by rooting out the main core issues, bringing in or developing some real leaders (i.e. Morgan Rielly) and have a few key players regroup or continue development. Here is my assessment for whatever it's worth:

1. Phaneuf. Number 1 problem. Too slow, often seems lost defensively for a guy who is a captain. Didn't stand up and be counted when needed (i.e. Eric Staal slapshot). Doesn't provide confidence to a team needing some.
2. Kessel. I had always been a Phil supporter through Seguin trade years and all the dissing of him over the trade. I thought he hung in there scored his goals and was exciting to watch. But this year's really bother me. He mailed in for much of the year. His compete in the corners was even lower than usual. To hear he doesn't look after himself fitness wise and is one of the first of the ice in practice is not what you needed. There was an article that suggested this has even rubbed off on Bozak (maybe you could say the same for JVR). I think he and Phaneuf need to be moved most importantly to change the culture.
3. Bozak. Depending on what they get back, I'd trade him. But if the deal wasn't right, I'd give him a chance to prove himself again with Kessel gone as a third line center only. He's not a number one and Kadri likely is number 2 for a while.
4. JVR. I think he can rebound, with some of the rest of the core cleaned out.
5. Lupul. Again, would depend on the return in a trade, but I wouldn't be opposed to Lupul coming back if he could stay healthy. Probably the best of veteran leadership they have on the existing roster when he's healthy, along with Polak.
6. Speaking of Polak, not opposed to having him back either, or Holtzer for that matter.

It's really about what can you get in a trade? If it betters you club's prospects sure, but no sense trading just for the sake of it.

I think the Leafs need to wait longer on Rielly for sure, and also Gardiner and Kadri. I see some progress in both the latter two's game as well, just not as much as we'd like. But with a more dedicated roster, not necessarily a better one, but one that tries harder, they could continue to improve as well.

 

[Heroic Shrimp]

Be nice to get a second at least for Polak or team him with Bozak for a first

Maybe I've been watching too long. Or maybe I'm just having a rough year. I'd look at dumping the entire roster of these losers. First time ever, I can't recall finding one guy I'd really like to keep (like many have said, maybe Morgan Rielly - but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he went too).

I'd take what I could get with picks/prospects and might tell the rest, they're on waivers and will never wear the jersey again and they can take their GM and coaches with them.

This group and organization are an embarrassment. They need to absolutely napalm it (figuratively) to expunge the chronic disease.

Wow, that's rough CW, I've never read a post that I felt was more angry by you to a point where you wouldn't keep one person on the roster.

Unless you can get a cornerstone piece of the franchise there's no way you trade Rielly, especially if we can get a potential 1C in Strome or Marner.

I mean if someone can look at Morgan Rielly and can't instantly say he's a player they'd "really like to keep," I don't know what to say.  He's not even 2 seasons into a career after being very highly touted.

I agree on that point.  Anybody else on the roster traded and, so long as it's for what I consider to be fair value, I don't mind.  With everybody except Rielly, I think I have a good handle on their present strengths and weaknesses and what their ceiling is, if they haven't already reached it.  But Rielly, I can't say what his ceiling is (though I feel it's pretty high), and so I can't pin fair trade value on him.  Maybe he's the next Niedermayer (for lack of a better description), maybe not.  But getting rid of every single player on the roster because of the team performance feels too much like "kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out".  I may not have an emotional attachment per se to Rielly, but I feel it is too likely that if they trade him, what they get back in the end won't match up to what they gave up.