Trade Deadline

[slapshot]

I think it's pretty obvious the Lou and Co. need to step up and make a deal or two to augment-support this team as currently structured.

Once Zaitsev gets back, it would be fantastic is they could somehow secure that elusive top 4 right-handed d-man, ideally to be matched with Rielly. Not complaints about Hainsey, but getting a stronger right handed shot with Rielly would not only strengthen the top pairing but also allow Hainsey to slide in the 3 pairing alongside Borgman. Polak tries hard but lacks mobility. Carrick has mobility but lack the physical strength. Hainsey at least has a bit of both, and is more experienced with the puck than either of them. I think his stability would be an aide to Borgman, less running around.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Bozak, Komo and JVR. If the Leafs want to make a splash on D, something has to give.

Like Freddy the Goat last night. He was solid. If he continues to improve, Moore will be on the outside looking in. I don't mind Moore, but he occasionally takes undisciplined penalties, not what you would expect from a 4th line defensive veteran player. 

I still like the idea of Marner eventually playing centre instead of Nylander (who I like on the wing with Matthews). He's fun to watch and a natural playmaker. With JVR on one wing and either Brown or Kapanen on the right side, I don't think that line would be hurting.

 

[Kin]

This is about the trade deadline?

 

[LuncheonMeat]

This is about the trade deadline?

In that it's prior to the trade deadline, yes.

 

[bustaheims]

Considering the Leafs' path goes through Tampa Bay, and they look like an unstoppable juggernaut right now - even if the Leafs' played them well last night - this would not be the year I give up assets at the deadline to load up for a playoff run. The strategy for this deadline should probably be offload some of the replaceable parts (Komarov specifically, some other smaller pieces like Moore possibly), and add some assets to use in deals to supplement the team at the draft/in the summer.

 

[herman]

Considering the Leafs' path goes through Tampa Bay, and they look like an unstoppable juggernaut right now - even if the Leafs' played them well last night - this would not be the year I give up assets at the deadline to load up for a playoff run. The strategy for this deadline should probably be offload some of the replaceable parts (Komarov specifically, some other smaller pieces like Moore possibly), and add some assets to use in deals to supplement the team at the draft/in the summer.

If anything, play down to 4th in the division and take your chances with the Metro for the harder first round and easier second round, and a hopefully injury depleted Tampa Bay squad.

 

[Guilt Trip]

If anything, play down to 4th in the division and take your chances with the Metro for the harder first round and easier second round, and a hopefully injury depleted Tampa Bay squad.

If the Leafs were 4th in our division they'd be out of the playoffs. Florida is currently 4th with 39pts(6th in the wildcard race). Only the top 3 in each division make the playoffs. The rest from both division battle for the wild card. If the Leafs stay where they are they'll play Boston and Tampa will play the 2nd wildcard team.

 

[herman]

Oh thanks! I meant whichever wildcard faces the Metro division #1.
Now I feel guilty.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Like last year, probably be Washington....
Anyway, most likely the wildcard will come from the Metro, so it's going to be a good team going against Tampa if they remain in 1st. I like our chances against Boston should it end up that way. Lots of hockey left tho.

 

[ZBBM]

Considering the Leafs' path goes through Tampa Bay, and they look like an unstoppable juggernaut right now - even if the Leafs' played them well last night - this would not be the year I give up assets at the deadline to load up for a playoff run. The strategy for this deadline should probably be offload some of the replaceable parts (Komarov specifically, some other smaller pieces like Moore possibly), and add some assets to use in deals to supplement the team at the draft/in the summer.

^ up there.  This is Year Two of a multi-year process to get to contender status.  Patience.  It will take at least 2 more years to get the back end up to snuff, and even then we are unlikely to have the talent level TB now has.

 

[sickbeast]

Considering the Leafs' path goes through Tampa Bay, and they look like an unstoppable juggernaut right now - even if the Leafs' played them well last night - this would not be the year I give up assets at the deadline to load up for a playoff run. The strategy for this deadline should probably be offload some of the replaceable parts (Komarov specifically, some other smaller pieces like Moore possibly), and add some assets to use in deals to supplement the team at the draft/in the summer.

Yeah but what if they do something wily like trade Van Riemsdyk, Bozak, and Komarov for defensive help, and then let Kapanen and Leivo play every day?  That would be a great move IMO.

 

[bustaheims]

Yeah but what if they do something wily like trade Van Riemsdyk, Bozak, and Komarov for defensive help, and then let Kapanen and Leivo play every day?  That would be a great move IMO.

Moving JvR depends strongly on the return - too weak, and it gives the impression they're throwing in the towel. As for Bozak, they're just not deep enough down the middle to move him without bringing another C in - so, again, seems like throwing in the towel. Unless they really fall off to bubble team status, I don't think either of those two get moved unless there's a huge offer on the table.

 

[Frank E]

Yeah but what if they do something wily like trade Van Riemsdyk, Bozak, and Komarov for defensive help, and then let Kapanen and Leivo play every day?  That would be a great move IMO.

Moving JvR depends strongly on the return - too weak, and it gives the impression they're throwing in the towel. As for Bozak, they're just not deep enough down the middle to move him without bringing another C in - so, again, seems like throwing in the towel. Unless they really fall off to bubble team status, I don't think either of those two get moved unless there's a huge offer on the table.

I'm with busta here...centre depth isn't great right now, but I suppose Marleau could move there to ride out the year.  There's a post on PPP that's suggesting the Leafs should chase Pacioretty.  The post suggests a pretty massive package that I can't even get my head around for a guy with only 1 year left on his deal.

Trading JVR, Komarov, and Bozak, and Moore, I have a feeling that's why the goat is getting a look.  This season looks to me just like last year...they're just not ready to take the next step yet. 

And another thing...anyone thinking that Leivo and Kapanen can replace the offense of Bozak and JVR is dreaming.  Neither guys are even regular NHLers at this point, and suggesting they replace guys who combine for over 100 points a season is bananas.  If Kapanen and Leivo are playing in those kind of roles, they've thrown in the towel on the season.

 

[herman]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why Pacioretty's nickname isn't Maxi Patch.

 

[Highlander]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why Pacioretty's nickname isn't Maxi Patch.

Funny Herman.... 8)

 

[Bill_Berg]

Yeah but what if they do something wily like trade Van Riemsdyk, Bozak, and Komarov for defensive help, and then let Kapanen and Leivo play every day?  That would be a great move IMO.

Moving JvR depends strongly on the return - too weak, and it gives the impression they're throwing in the towel. As for Bozak, they're just not deep enough down the middle to move him without bringing another C in - so, again, seems like throwing in the towel. Unless they really fall off to bubble team status, I don't think either of those two get moved unless there's a huge offer on the table.

I'm with busta here...centre depth isn't great right now, but I suppose Marleau could move there to ride out the year.  There's a post on PPP that's suggesting the Leafs should chase Pacioretty.  The post suggests a pretty massive package that I can't even get my head around for a guy with only 1 year left on his deal.

Trading JVR, Komarov, and Bozak, and Moore, I have a feeling that's why the goat is getting a look.  This season looks to me just like last year...they're just not ready to take the next step yet. 

And another thing...anyone thinking that Leivo and Kapanen can replace the offense of Bozak and JVR is dreaming.  Neither guys are even regular NHLers at this point, and suggesting they replace guys who combine for over 100 points a season is bananas.  If Kapanen and Leivo are playing in those kind of roles, they've thrown in the towel on the season.

I wouldn't want to see Marleau have a permanent role at center. I would like to see them pick up another reliable center, a guy that you can trust defensively, as well as another defenseman or two. But any deal has to be right too, no breaking the bank for this season.

I think Gauthier is up so they can take a look at what they have. No expectations until they see what he can do for a few games.

 

[ZBBM]

Gauthier's not fast enough to play in this league now.

 

[AvroArrow]

Gauthier's not fast enough to play in this league now.

He's faster than Brian Boyle who's been pretty successful in this league.

 

[Chris]

Need to see more of Goat but speed didn't look to be a problem to me. He doesn't appear to be particularly agile but his long reach can make up for that to a degree. Looked competent on the PK and in his own end for the most part. I think he can play in this league.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I'm starting to think that it's more likely that JVR and/or Bozak will get re-signed than it is that they'll get traded. I think one of them walks on July 1st and the other is brought back. Not sure which one. Not saying that's what I would do, that's just my gut feeling.

 

[bustaheims]

Need to see more of Goat but speed didn't look to be a problem to me. He doesn't appear to be particularly agile but his long reach can make up for that to a degree. Looked competent on the PK and in his own end for the most part. I think he can play in this league.

Yeah. For a 4th line C and PKer, I don't think the speed is a big issue. He'll be on the ice against slower players or in a role where his size will make up for a good deal of his lack of footspeed.