Nonis using depth to go shopping....

[OldTimeHockey]

The asking price for any addition right now is too steep. Not worth the gamble for a rental. Don't want Boumeester or Wideman next season at $6.8 and $5.25 respectively.

Really? I thought the trades Pittsburgh made indicated the market was pretty soft.

Not if you were to talk to Healy! That Murray trade was absolutely ridiculous in his books! Two 2nd rounders...heck, in 4 or 5 years, that could turn into Silfverberg and Lehner!....Ummmm Glen, do you think Pittsburgh gives a flying leap about what their team will look like in 4 or 5 years? In fact, hopefully the HNIC crew looks different by then too!

 

[cw]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

 

[nutman]

Sometimes the best move is no move. we are what we are and I believe this seasons playoffs will be just to gain expierence for going forward. so any deal made in haste would be just plain stupid.
The young makeup of this team is not in need of an over priced trade at this point. I for one think we can hold our own. And if Nunis was to bring in someone, you can take it to the bank that it would be a stay at home defenceman. We dont need anything else.

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

I think this is the smartest course of action, though I'm more inclined to be a buyer and seller.

I don't think we're much worse off with Gardiner and Holzer in place of Kostka and Liles (he may be too valuable to a playoff appearance to move though). Nor are we much worse without Mac/Bozak.

I'd seriously look into moving all of them, and picking up cheaper replacements for picks (2nd-5th rounders). A guy like Domenic Moore (when he was playing) would do an admirable job of replacing Bozak. Didn't he get traded for a 2nd? Although I'm not sure Bozak goes for a lot more so maybe it's a wash.

 

[crazyperfectdevil]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

I could be mistaken..but i think the optics of moving kessel before their first whiff of the playoffs in years would be all wrong..especially if the trade wasn't for any players that were going to help them right now

 

[cw]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

I think this is the smartest course of action, though I'm more inclined to be a buyer and seller.

I don't think we're much worse off with Gardiner and Holzer in place of Kostka and Liles (he may be too valuable to a playoff appearance to move though). Nor are we much worse without Mac/Bozak.

I'd seriously look into moving all of them, and picking up cheaper replacements for picks (2nd-5th rounders). A guy like Domenic Moore (when he was playing) would do an admirable job of replacing Bozak. Didn't he get traded for a 2nd? Although I'm not sure Bozak goes for a lot more so maybe it's a wash.

I'd gladly move Liles. Didn't care for his contract at all when they re-signed him. I doubt there would be any takers unless the Leafs eat some of his deal.

 

[cw]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

I could be mistaken..but i think the optics of moving kessel before their first whiff of the playoffs in years would be all wrong..especially if the trade wasn't for any players that were going to help them right now

I don't think you're mistaken about the optics short term. But optics will be considerably uglier if he leaves town for nothing after next season.

http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/bob_mckenzie/?id=419433
Bozak, even though he's unrestricted at the end of the year and likely asking for a lot more money than Toronto is willing to pay.
... and maybe Bozak, with his asking price in part, is recognizing his linemate and meal ticket Kessel is thinking south of the border next year and he needs to cash in now - and I think Bozak is right if those are his thoughts about cashing in.

Bozak is in a similar spot that Matt Stajan was - a guy who isn't a 1st line center benefiting from 1st line center ice time. I suspect it will be the only time in his career he will have a such shot to cash in on that and I don't blame him. I just don't want my team to be the sucker who overpays.

 

[leafplasma]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

I wholeheartedly agree with everything except the Kessell thing.  He will never be moved at this deadline, next year who knows, we will see what the landscape looks like at that time.  I think being a seller to move Bozak and Mac is critical.  Liles if his contract can be dealt is also something I would do hands down.  We have in house options that can step in and replace all the above without us even skipping a beat IMHO.  I think it would be poor management not to be a seller of these guys at the deadline.

 

[caver]

Liles looks like he is getting back to be the player we wanted when he came to Toronto. I would be in no rush to get rid of him.

 

[cw]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

I wholeheartedly agree with everything except the Kessell thing.  He will never be moved at this deadline, next year who knows, we will see what the landscape looks like at that time.  I think being a seller to move Bozak and Mac is critical.  Liles if his contract can be dealt is also something I would do hands down.  We have in house options that can step in and replace all the above without us even skipping a beat IMHO.  I think it would be poor management not to be a seller of these guys at the deadline.

My feelings are dependent on where Kessel is on this. Only the Leafs and his agent would know for sure. If Kessel wants to re-sign, that's one thing. But if it looks like he won't, now is a great time to cash in on his value because he also has a year left on his current deal.

Having said that, I agree with you that it's extremely unlikely Kessel will get moved in the next few days.

 

[Jalili]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

Regarding Bozak, MacArthur and Kostka I see that as an issue of succession planning: identifying replacement players who can fill in the gaps. None of the 3 are long-term pieces anyway. I'd like Bozak to stay because of the important role he plays. You can never have too many centers.

But the prospect of Kessel leaving in 2014 has to be a huge concern. I've got the feeling that if he does leave the Leafs will not fare well in what they get in return for him, if anything.

 

[cw]

This team is extremely unlikely to win a Cup as it is. I don't think deadline additions can materially change those chances.

I'd be seriously assessing the futures of UFAs Bozak,  MacArthur and maybe Kostka. If they're not going to fit in terms of pulling together a true contender (and with all three, I have my doubts they fit), I'd take advantage of what looks to be a good sellers market and move them for young assets that will improve the franchise of talent.

Kessel also has a limited NTC next season before he becomes a UFA. If it doesn't look like he wants to stay, now would also be a good time to consider moving him.

Obviously, if they dumped four guys off their NHL roster, it would hurt their playoff efforts. I also realize it's unlikely to happen because of that. But I'd be selling whatever I reasonably could to help me get closer to having a true Cup contender down the road.

Regarding Bozak, MacArthur and Kostka I see that as an issue of succession planning: identifying replacement players who can fill in the gaps. None of the 3 are long-term pieces anyway. I'd like Bozak to stay because of the important role he plays. You can never have too many centers.

I'd rather Bozak remain as well until they have a true 1st line center replacement. Top 6 centers continue to be hard to come by.

A wild card in this, maybe not an enormous one, is Joe Colborne. He's not waiver exempt next year. Could Kadri & Grabbo handle the top six center roles and Colborne provide a good bang for the buck as a 3rd line checking/scoring center? The odds are probably unlikely Joe can step in and be as effective but I'm not sure of that and it's something they're going to have to think about before next season starts.

Kadri & Lupul are certainly making a statement that they belong on the top line. And Grabbo's offensive productivity would probably bounce back if he's in less of a checking role. With no obvious 1st line center available on the UFA market, maybe they look for a 3rd line center rather than giving Bozak a Stajan/Grabbo-like contract - and get something for him now rather than him leaving for nothing.

 

[Jalili]

Colborne is definitely in the conversation right now. The problem is there's so many variables with him, like whether he's ready, whether he can handle playing in a non-scoring role, etc.

It would be very fitting of Leaf management to sign/acquire a vet center as insurance, if Bozak does leave.

 

[TML fan]

I'm not concerned even a little bit about Kessel leaving. He's not.

 

[Jalili]

There's no way of knowing that. Devils fans probably said the same thing about Parise.

 

[leafplasma]

Colborne is definitely in the conversation right now. The problem is there's so many variables with him, like whether he's ready, whether he can handle playing in a non-scoring role, etc.

It would be very fitting of Leaf management to sign/acquire a vet center as insurance, if Bozak does leave.

Yes, if Bozak is dealt which I think he should be, we have two options to take us to the end of the season.  Grabs should be bumped to Kessels line.  Then we either have a short term fill in with Connolly as third line centre for the remainder of the season or we have our long term option in Colborne either this season or most definitely next season.  Lupul Kadri become the bonafide 1st line next year, Grabs is the second line centre where he has performed admirably in the past and now with Kessel's as his winger and Joe follows in the footsteps of Kadri being eased into the lineup as third line centre.  I would be surprised to see both Bozak and Grabs with the team come Wednesday and I think Bozak is the obvious choice to go.

 

[TML fan]

And deprive me of having to read people complaining about how Kessel is overpaid and wont go into corners for the next 6 years? I don't think so.

 

[cw]

I'm not concerned even a little bit about Kessel leaving. He's not.

If I had to bet on it, I'd bet he's not on the Leafs roster after 2013-14.

 

[bustaheims]

Really? I thought the trades Pittsburgh made indicated the market was pretty soft.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that. A pair of 2nd round picks (or a 2nd and a 3rd if he doesn't re-up with the Pens) for a guy pending UFA defensive defenceman who had not played well was pretty steep. The Morrow deal is roughly where the market would have been most seasons, and the Iginla deal, as you point out, was a situation where the Flames had little leverage to work with. I think the market might be a little softer in terms of prices for forwards, but, considering how many teams are reportedly looking for help on the backend, I imagine the prices there will remain pretty steep.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I think a lot of people knew Parise was leaving. They had two top left wingers and one was signed for a gazillion years at big money, I mentioned it after Kovalchuk was signed there.

Kessel has no need to flee Toronto, he's having a lot of success here and from everything I can see, likes it in Toronto. Sure, we don't know what's being said through his agent to the team, but I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe he wants to chase big dollars somewhere else.