Toronto Maple Leafs 2013-2014

[Jason Harris 31]

It's hard to tell with him, because he's played on mostly bad teams in his career. Toronto's GM said his plus-minus is trending in the right direction, but what that's really saying is Toronto's success is trending in the right direction.

So if this year is truly indicative of Phaneuf's increased skill and maturity, I don't think it's that far out of whack. His salary decreases over the length of the agreement; coupled with likely salary cap increases, he might become overpaid at 35, but probably not greatly so.

[chippa13 1844]

Sometimes when a guy is always on bad teams you have to wonder if said player is not part of the problem.

[IPv6Freely 2083]

I don't think Phaneuf is what's wrong with this team.

[Chadd 916]

I'm not a huge Phaneuf fan, but isn't 7M a season about right when compared to other defencemen posting similar numbers?

He's currently tied for 42nd in points. I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the other forty-something guys aren't making $7M per year.

[IPv6Freely 2083]

He's currently tied for 42nd in points. I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the other forty-something guys aren't making $7M per year.

I don't think half a season is what Nonis is basing the contract extension on.

[Chadd 916]

I don't think half a season is what Nonis is basing the contract extension on.

If he's giving him $7M/$49M, I don't think he's basing it on past performance either.

[IPv6Freely 2083]

I don't disagree. But while I do think it's too much, I also think he would have been offered the same to play elsewhere.

[Monty22 821]

Not for seven years.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Nonis seemed quite sure that he'd get 7 (or 8) years if he went UFA. Dreger figured he'd get MORE than $7M.

[bigdmac 12]

I think that's about the perfect deal for Dion. Maybe could have taken a couple years off the contract, but it wouldn't be good to lose a player like him because the team got greedy. He's the number one defenceman on the team, plays lots of minutes, and I think he's finally starting to improve on the blueline, so I don't really have a problem with it. He could have easily got the same contract on another team had tested the UFA market so I think it was a good pick up by the Leafs.

[Chadd 916]

Nonis seemed quite sure that he'd get 7 (or 8) years if he went UFA. Dreger figured he'd get MORE than $7M.

There is always someone willing to be really stupid when it comes to UFA deals. Everyone agrees that Bickell would have likely gotten at least as much money as a UFA as he did from Chicago and it's not like he has done much to justify it this season.

[chippa13 1844]

That is the problem with these deals. GMs think that one desperate team out there is the market.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Kadri has to go.

[iceman8310 103]

randy carlyle the next coach to be fired? Who would replace him? Also I don't think Dion is captain material.

[IPv6Freely 2083]

I think Lupul should be captain of this team, personally. I'd say clarkson if he had contributed anything (he's my kind of captain).

I like Carlyle but he's clearly lost the room. Not as bad as it was with Wilson, but still pretty bad.

No idea who would replace him. Is it too late to get Eakins back? Hehe

This is beyond ridiculous though. I am surprised however, that they managed to hang on to that last playoff spot this long.

5 regulation wins since the end of October, zero of them on the road.

[chippa13 1844]

They painted themselves into a nice corner with the Phaneuf extension.

"Here's $7 million per for the next seven years. We really like what you've given us and will provide in the future. Oh, and by the way, could we get the C back?"

[iceman8310 103]

ralph krueger would be a good coach i think. They should of kept him in Edmonton personally. Their D is kiling them. Giving up around 40 shots a game. Too late to get burke back?

[Chadd 916]

ralph krueger would be a good coach i think. They should of kept him in Edmonton personally. Their D is kiling them. Giving up around 40 shots a game. Too late to get burke back?

Carlyle is supposed to be good at coaching defense. Ironic, isn't it?

[RadioGaGa 162]

Randy Cunneyworth might be good in Toronto. He's been a solid coach at every level/place he's coached, other than the Language thing that forced him out in Montreal. He's just re-jopined the Rochester Americans in an advisory role, similar to what Craig Patrick has with the Sabres.

[Morten 2]

Dion is better now yes, but why the hell should he get more than clarkson, lupul, or kessel??

Players have to sacrifice aswell....

[IPv6Freely 2083]

Wow, I'm honestly shocked at the current streak. Six games for the first time since 2007, I think they said.

It was funny, they posted the roster from the last time they won in PHX. It had Sundin, Mogilny, Roberts, Belfour...

Phil is lighting it up. 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists) in 7 games, and now has one more goal than some guy named Crosby.

They seem like SUCH a better team without Clarkson playing, I don't know why. I'm not sure that even with his struggles that he's the reason for the lack of success, but it's still quite the coincidence.

The crazy part is that the team just behind them has won 7 straight! (columbus)

[RadioGaGa 162]

from The Hockey News

The last time the Leafs won six in a row Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington and Pittsburgh were the worst five NHL teams.

btw...the Leafs missed the playoffs that year by 2 points.

[IPv6Freely 2083]

from The Hockey News

btw...the Leafs missed the playoffs that year by 2 points.

Yea, that was the first year of "the streak", I believe.

[IPv6Freely 2083]

I can't believe this actually exists, but I'm laughing my ass off. http://www.reddit.com/r/templeofthephil/

If anything, I guess I'm glad the fans have finally embraced him, now that he's proven the doubters of "the trade" wrong.

[xracer4844 5]

i love gleason!