Best and worst signing

[ecjp11 0]

Sorry, maybe I'm in the minority here, but based on minutes played per game and what they bring night in and night out I would take Chara over Kubina and Gill combined. That being said, I don't think any of them are worth the money they signed for especially since it was proven this year that you can win a Stanley Cup with a defence that is terrible.

As someone who watched a lot of B's games last year, I can say that Gill is basically junk. He's not a major upgrade over having Belak play D and size in the blue ice is the ONLY upside to his game. The problem there is that the game isn't played in front of the net anymore and he was caught flatfooted many many times last year. Now obviously he didn't have the luxury of playing with a really decent partner, but he might not get that this year either. If you had of asked me about Gill last year at this time I would have said the same thing I'm saying now. He's smart in the sense that he went to the team that offered the most, but I have a feeling he will get bagged on the way Berg has in the past.

Kubina is a bit of a mystery to me. His salery is higher than Kaberle and was signed in the same year, yet the ability of the player in the past is nowhere even close. I think there is a perception out there that Kubina is an offensive defenceman, yet he's never scored over 40 points in a season. and on the other hand, his career +/- is not great either. Now I do think Kubina is a solid defenceman, but should he make more than Kaberle? ney!

Now it's easy to rave about Chara, but he won't be playing with the same cast this year so I definitly see his production going down. But what you get with him is simple and proven:

Decent Offense - Big shot from the point, leads to tons of tip ins and rebounds. Can also be used in front of the net on the PP.

Defensive Responsibility - Despite below average skating he is rarely caught out of position and plays angles very well. A lot of this has to do with size, but like the saying goes. You can't teach size.

Physical Presence - Not just in front of the net, but in the corner (ask McCabe) and between the blue lines (ask Lecavalier). There's no question he is a beast and will always keep the other team honest. How many cheap shots have you seen a Sen take in the last 4 years?

Again, 7.5 per is too much. But like everyone is saying, the market for D was very high this year and IMO if Kubina is worth 5, than Chara is surely worth 7.5

[kosydar 0]

I don't know if Kubina is 'worth' $5 million, and to be honest I never paid much attention to him. However, I have yet to hear one bad thing about him from anyone since the Leafs signed him. Seeing how the Leafs signing a player brings out the haters, I take this as a compliment to him. Every TB fan I've heard from is very upset about him leaving. This is good. He is a right handed shot. While that may sound stupid, I think its important considering McCabe and Kaberle are both LH. Will help on the PP I think. All I know is I'm really excited to have him on our blueline next season.

[Eazy_b97 1]

You have to pay market price for D-men or you don't get them. Kubina was offered more money elsewhere, but chose to take a certain amount to play in Toronto. It wouldn't surprise me if Kaberle took less to stay, so they could go after Kubina. $5 mill is alot, but don't forget he was one of the highest scoring D-men (actual goals) 2 years ago, and was also used primarily as a shutdown D-men in Tampa's cup run. Someone who can play at both ends effectively is exactly what they needed. Kaberle in my mind is one of the top 5 D-men in the league. He's incredibly underpaid for what he brings compared to other D-men. Chara's a worse skater than Kubina and has been protected for far too long in an excellent system in Ottawa. With Redden, Meszaros, Volchenkov and Phillips all around in his time Chara didn't need to "prove" his worth like most other D-men do. I can definately see his skating and lack of hockey sense exposed this season.

I'll reserve judgement on Gill until a later time. I just haven't seen him enough to comment on him to be honest. I remember some big hits against Tucker and some give-aways infront of his nets. Neither is enough to make judgement. I see both Chara and Kubina regularly and am fairly comfortable with both their games.

[McCabe24 0]

Again, another Leafs fan perspective. The Leafs did not have any problem with their forwards last year and have improved both offensively and defensively when you consider the progression of the three kids and the signing of Peca. Yes, it is possible that Tucker and Kilger will not equal their past season goal totals but scoring isn't the only thing they bring. Although the group is still not traditionally built I am confident with any of the four lines out there.

In terms of the defence I think we are a lot better. You have a combination of Karbele and McCabe/Kubina that can play around 25 solid minutes, the best of the prospects (Kronwall maybe?) with whoever isn't with Karbele and Gill with an offensive minded defenceman.

The new game is about special teams and I think the Leafs have improved their PK while a sense a logic will help the already terrific PP. This is a very promising team with how the Sundin situation is concerned, the play of Raycroft and prospect development being the keys to winning the Cup in the next five or ten years.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Colaiacovo is healthy and ready to play a top 4 role.

[willc7786 0]

Best: Arnott, Samsonov, Savard (bad defensively, but they needed a play maker without thornton)

Worst: Yashin...oh sorry, that ones just so bad it counts every year lol I'd say everyone who signed a defenseman this year...the market just became ridiculous, everyone got overpayed, and those who weren't won't make an impact

[DamnLocust 0]

Best: Shanahan, Arnott, Lindros (if he stays healthy)

Worst: Elias/White. Along with Brodeur's extension, the Devils are going to regret this summer. I honestly don't think they'll be able to keep Gomez, Gionta, and Rafalski. Someone's going to have to move on because they're in some deep cap trouble. Really surprising too, as Lou is IMO the best GM in the league. And that's saying a lot coming from a Rangers fan.

[Meathead 0]

Best: Shanahan, Arnott, Lindros (if he stays healthy)

Worst: Elias/White. Along with Brodeur's extension, the Devils are going to regret this summer. I honestly don't think they'll be able to keep Gomez, Gionta, and Rafalski. Someone's going to have to move on because they're in some deep cap trouble. Really surprising too, as Lou is IMO the best GM in the league. And that's saying a lot coming from a Rangers fan.

Are you kidding? Elias is one of the best all-around wingers in the game when you consider scoring, playmaking, and two-way play. And Colin White is one of the bets defensive defensmen in the game.

[DamnLocust 0]

White is overpaid and it's too long of a deal. He may be worth 2 mill in 2 or 3 years, but he isn't worth that money today, especially for a team with cap trouble and multiple key UFAs going into arbitration this year and next.

Elias is a great player. He had one of the biggest impacts on his team in the NHL this year, as evidenced by the Devils' performance with and without him. But to sign him (or anyone else for that matter) for 7 years is a bad move. Not to mention they can't even trade him or send him to the minors. I understand that Lou wanted to ensure that Patrik stays in the swamp with him, but who knows if he's still be wanted in 4 or 5 years? especially at $6 million

edit: White's pulling in 3 million per over 6 years, not 2 mil as I had thought.

[Meathead 0]

White is overpaid and it's too long of a deal. He may be worth 2 mill in 2 or 3 years, but he isn't worth that money today, especially for a team with cap trouble and multiple key UFAs going into arbitration this year and next.

I'd take Colin White over Jagr, Kovalchuk, or Alfredsson any day of the week.

[kosydar 0]

You are, without a doubt, a retard.

[Meathead 0]

You are, without a doubt, a retard.

Nah, I just don't like players that are too good to hit or play defense.

[kosydar 0]

Emphasis on too good? You realize that there are different roles on each team, right? Not everyone has to hit.

[Chadd 916]

He won't be responding for a couple days. I get tired of trolls.

[Shagel 0]

White is overpaid and it's too long of a deal.  He may be worth 2 mill in 2 or 3 years, but he isn't worth that money today, especially for a team with cap trouble and multiple key UFAs going into arbitration this year and next.

I'd take Colin White over Jagr, Kovalchuk, or Alfredsson any day of the week.

I agree only becuase Colin White likes to get dirty and possibly without the skill he posses could shake the high name players off their game. As I rememer thats his specialty.

[Shagel 0]

usually..but if its say Crosby two words and a face rub could end a players night

[DamnLocust 0]

Crosby has a MUCH greater potential to be a deciding factor in a game than colin white does. Agreed, he brings a sound defensive game and a good deal of toughness, but players in any league are paid the big bucks to score goals (regardless of the importance to stop goals from being scored on you). White is a Role player, not a top pair and barely a top 4 defenseman.

The reason that it was so bad of a signing, however wasn't just that he's getting overpaid, it's the fact that the Devils are in so much cap trouble, and now have to pay Gomez $5million if they want to keep him. Even if they keep him, they'll have to move somebody else.

[Eazy_b97 1]

usually..but if its say Crosby two words and a face rub could end a players night

Like when Hatcher was all over him in Philly, right?