Nonis using depth to go shopping....

[Bullfrog]

You can't discount Schenn's physical play though. He's currently at 8th in the league in hits, first for defensemen.

2010-11: finished 8th overall, 1st for defensemen
2009-10: 43rd overall, 18th for defensemen.

Given that he's only 22, there's still obviously room for improvement. Other than Gardiner, he's the youngest defenseman on the team (slightly  younger than Aulie, even and 3 years younger than Gunnarson.) I really think he'll round out his defensive game. He's got lots to learn and lots of time in which to learn it.

 

[Bates]

The stat for hits in the NHL in my opinion is a really flawed one when dealing with a defenceman.  The NHL now counts everything from a bump in the corner to a bone crushing blue line hit as one hit.  I would guess that not many forwards fear the Leaf zone for fear of getting "hit" by Schenn.  I would assume many more fear being really hit by Pheneuf.  I watch a lot of hockey live and on tv and don't believe for one second that hitting has increased in the NHL this season.  I can believe that 2 players bumping each other may have increased but what NHL player actually fears being nudged??

 

[Jalili]

If you ignore the fact that Gunnarsson is a much better defensive player than Schenn, then maybe.

And has some sort of offensive game.

what change a year can bring.  No one would have said Gunnarsson was hands down better then Schenn last year.  He is having an off year, and I think the playing around with his ice time might have something to do with it.  So would you people trade Schenn for Gunnarsson straight up?  I sure wouldn't.

Considering both players are relatively new to the NHL, yeah one year can make a big difference. Gunnarsson has taken a large step forward and is currently playing at a level that Schenn has never been at. Even still, this isn't something that has suddenly happened just now. Schenn has had many ups and downs in his career and has yet to consistently play a solid game for long stretches of time.

Realistically, if Schenn was Gunnar's size this wouldn't even be a conversation. Gunnar can skate, pass, and shoot better then Schenn. He can play in all situations, whereas Schenn is a non-factor on the PP. And Gunnarsson seems to have better hockey sense and decision making skills, which is arguably Schenn's biggest issue.

I know it sounds like I'm bashing Schenn, but I'm not. I just think it's time to realize he's likely not going to be the next Stevens or Foote.

As far as accurate posts go, this one is dead-on.

 

[maplesyrup]

I didn't realize half of Carolina's defence are unrestricted this summer. Now, if there's a team in need of some help there, it's them.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

We were talking about the validity of incarceratedbob earlier in this thread, so I thought I'd bring this up:

Prince Fielder just signed with the Detroit Tigers. For the part few weeks ibn has been swearing that Fielder was going to sign with the Rangers. In fact, two says ago he posted the following tweets:

-**BREAKING MLB NEWS**Source: Texas Rangers have what they consider as a *DEAL* in principle with Prince Fielder (Source: Will Get Done!)
-**BREAKING MLB NEWS**Source: Texas Rangers have swooped in & signed the best player left on market PRINCE FIELDER #Arlington bound

 

[Zee]

We were talking about the validity of incarceratedbob earlier in this thread, so I thought I'd bring this up:

Prince Fielder just signed with the Detroit Tigers. For the part few weeks ibn has been swearing that Fielder was going to sign with the Rangers. In fact, two says ago he posted the following tweets:

-**BREAKING MLB NEWS**Source: Texas Rangers have what they consider as a *DEAL* in principle with Prince Fielder (Source: Will Get Done!)
-**BREAKING MLB NEWS**Source: Texas Rangers have swooped in & signed the best player left on market PRINCE FIELDER #Arlington bound

Incarceratedbob is full of it?  Shocker!

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Incarceratedbob is full of it?  Shocker!

Some people aren't convinced. Anyway I've been waiting for him to post something about Fielder signing in Detroit and it's honestly amazing:

-So the #RJ worked on Texas NO FIELDER: Perfect! Those not familiar with the #RJ get a clue.. Rangers would have been beasting with Prince
-Sometimes u gotta use the #RJ in desperate situations Yankees fans we rather Prince in Detroit(He will have slightly better #'s than Victor)
-#RJ Works again... Thank me later AL West : Sorry AL Central... Texas would have been going back 2the WS again! Now it may be lil harder

I had no idea what this RJ thing meant, so I had to do a little digging. Apparently, it means "reverse jinx". I'm speechless.

 

[bustaheims]

I had no idea what this RJ thing meant, so I had to do a little digging. Apparently, it means "reverse jinx". I'm speechless.

incarceratedbob has a convenient way of covering his arse when he's so obviously wrong? Shocker!

 

[Zee]

Incarceratedbob is full of it?  Shocker!

Some people aren't convinced. Anyway I've been waiting for him to post something about Fielder signing in Detroit and it's honestly amazing:

-So the #RJ worked on Texas NO FIELDER: Perfect! Those not familiar with the #RJ get a clue.. Rangers would have been beasting with Prince
-Sometimes u gotta use the #RJ in desperate situations Yankees fans we rather Prince in Detroit(He will have slightly better #'s than Victor)
-#RJ Works again... Thank me later AL West : Sorry AL Central... Texas would have been going back 2the WS again! Now it may be lil harder

I had no idea what this RJ thing meant, so I had to do a little digging. Apparently, it means "reverse jinx". I'm speechless.

;D
That's the best he could to make up for his BS huh?? Sadly people will continue to follow and report on his "insider info"

 

[Fanatic]

Eklund would like you all to stay tuned.

Been on the phone all day looking into the rumors I am hearing out of New York that are saying the Maple Leafs may be closing in on their man...

as one source called it.."The biggest trade of the year is all but set."

Another source said, "I wouldn't yet say it was done, but I will say it is the answer the team has needed for some time. A top line scorer...It may take a few days though..

There have been a few names being thrown around, but the names that are the most common are that of either Blue jacket Nash or Carter. I have also heard Getzlaf mentioned today...for the first time from a guy who is familiar with it.

Stay tuned...

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Biggest-Trade-Yet-About-to-Hit/1/41607

 

[Zee]

Eklund would like you all to stay tuned.

Been on the phone all day looking into the rumors I am hearing out of New York that are saying the Maple Leafs may be closing in on their man...

as one source called it.."The biggest trade of the year is all but set."

Another source said, "I wouldn't yet say it was done, but I will say it is the answer the team has needed for some time. A top line scorer...It may take a few days though..

There have been a few names being thrown around, but the names that are the most common are that of either Blue jacket Nash or Carter. I have also heard Getzlaf mentioned today...for the first time from a guy who is familiar with it.

Stay tuned...

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Biggest-Trade-Yet-About-to-Hit/1/41607

Jason Blake?

 

[pnjunction]

...

 

[oldrugbyguy]

Borje Salming?

 

[ZBBM]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

 

[Britishbulldog]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

Phaneuf and MacArthur for Rick Nash??

 

[bustaheims]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

I'm a big fan of Rick Nash, but, I'm not sure he's worth the $7.8M cap hit he carries, and I'm pretty sure Burke won't be willing to give up the type of assets Columbus would want for him in addition to it.

 

[Tigger]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

Phaneuf and MacArthur for Rick Nash??

...only if Burke believes he can land Suter, then Weber...

 

[Rebel_1812]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

I'm a big fan of Rick Nash, but, I'm not sure he's worth the $7.8M cap hit he carries, and I'm pretty sure Burke won't be willing to give up the type of assets Columbus would want for him in addition to it.

Agreed.  He is not a center too.  So we would still have the problem of having 3 second line centres and no first line centre.  Plus, getting Nash would mean that Lupul would be on his way out the door. 

 

[groundskeeper willie]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

I'm a big fan of Rick Nash, but, I'm not sure he's worth the $7.8M cap hit he carries, and I'm pretty sure Burke won't be willing to give up the type of assets Columbus would want for him in addition to it.

Agreed.  He is not a center too.  So we would still have the problem of having 3 second line centres and no first line centre.  Plus, getting Nash would mean that Lupul would be on his way out the door.

Not that I'm advocating selling the farm for Nash and his huge contract, but I'm not sure trying to get a first line centre to play with Kessel and Lupul is the best way to go. Top lines are usually two elite players plus a third wheel (think Sedin, Sedin, Burrows or Naslund, Bertuzzi, Morrison etc). Adding a Getzlaf to Kessel and Lupul might not improve the team the way everyone expects, unless there is insane chemistry between all three players.

Personally, I'd still like to see the Leafs add an elite player, but to play on the second line. Look for an equivalent to Malkin, Kesler or Hossa. The problem with that for the Leafs though is that the only guy playing like a true second liner this year is Grabovski, so a winger like Nash, Carter or Ryan would make more sense.

Of course, one problem with the three best offencive players all being wingers is it would prevent 'loading up' the top line on power plays or late game pushes.

 

[bustaheims]

In case anyone is still questioning whether or not incarceratedbob is a fraud, he pretty much outed himself as one last night, after flipping his lid over the officiating in last night's Leafs-Isles game (he's a fish sticks fan, apparently). At least, according to some of the more, umm, interesting quotes poster by some of those of at HFBoards, he did.

Some highlights:

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
Go #HABSGO **** YOU LEAFS! Now you will see what happens when you get on my bad side.. Watch what happens 2the locker room courtesy of #IBN

Which, of course, was followed by:

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
**NHL BLOCKBUSTER RUMOR**Source: Leafs have offered Schenn / Grabo / Kadri / Komi for Nash & another player... CBJ thinking it over

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
If CBJ takes the deal *NOTE* Burke has already worked it out with Komi waiving NTC : Leafs hoping it goes through after break

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
**PROPOSED TRADE ALERT** Kadri / Schenn / Grabo / Komi (Will waive NTC) for Rick Nash + Top 9fwd #CBJ Still mulling over offer #HOTRUMOR

And, then:

Incarcerated Bob @incarceratedbob
Post that on you're #LAME ass team forum.. I got #Umad huh wait until i post the RUMORS about the "SEXUAL ASSAULT" #NHL Player #TMLTALK