Leafs

[mrusse01 0]

So, they outshot (and for the most part outplayed) Montreal 43-27, and lost in a SO in a game that if not for Price they probably would have won....how much time do you figure this buys JFJ and/or Maurice?

They had a closeup of JFJ during the game and he was discussing a trade. We'll see if they let him pull it off.

haha...were they reading his lips or something?

[RadioGaGa 162]

So will Healy be the next Leafs GM or was it sarcasm? I wasn't watching

Al Strachan named him as a candidate a couple weeks ago on HNIC. Strachan is an ass, but apparently Healy was on Fan 590 in Toronto today (or yesterday...can't remember) talking about the possibilities of it happening.

[EDIT] Shots were actually 46-30 if that matters to anyone.

[sfael 0]

as much as I dislike Healy he a good one about the zamboni driver " the zamboni driver is getting more ice time then Wade Belak".

[hahaimhenry 0]

I heard the Leafs are over the cap space so apprently theres nothing they can really do at this time, but I don't know I'd just fire JFJ and get whoever the new GM is now then later.

Also I wasn't too excited this season for the Leafs even with 3 new players, I didn't think Blake could get another 40 goal season and I also thought even if they did make the playoffs I wouldn't be surprised if they got knocked out the first round by a sweep. I think JFJ really relied ALL players to step up this year but not much of them have.

[Eazy_b97 1]

They aren't over the cap and most rumours moves have them unloading salary, not brining it on.

[Chadd 916]

Nice article. "Highlights" the Leafs draft record over the last two decades.

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/R...ortsHockey/home

[kosydar 0]

Interesting read. I sometimes go to a Leafs board and on there the other day was some guy rating all of the Leafs first round picks for the past 20 years. It seems like most years there were only one or two players in the first round the Leafs should have picked up, but I guess that adds up over the years.

[Patrick67 1]

Brad Boyes is a decent 1st round pick, besides him there's one on that list that really stands...

Kenny Jonsson. Lidstrom's "Brother" in terms of play and smartness.

http://www.eurohockey.net/players/show_pla...gi?serial=10547

Suprised the leafs picked him back in the day.

[kosydar 0]

Cola has shown that he is a good NHL defensemen when he is healthy. He has top end potential, its just injuries hurt him.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Cola should've never fallen to the Leafs. It was a huge surprise he was even available. I have high hopes for Kulemin, Stralman and somewhat Tlusty (see him as a solid second line guy with boarderline first line potential). They are improving, but the draft's been sketchy. Everyone knows how Ballard worked in the 80s, Fletcher was "Draft schmaft" and made a few pity picks (for friends and deaths). Quinn and JFJ have picked alright, but dealt away most of the top-end players (Boyes and Rask being the ones).

[hahaimhenry 0]

I'm still very shocked Zetterberg was a 7th round pick and is able to get THIS good, could it just be good coaching?

[mrusse01 0]

I'm still very shocked Zetterberg was a 7th round pick and is able to get THIS good, could it just be good coaching?

No, it is also bad scouting.

[Eazy_b97 1]

At a certain point I say it's luck. If Detroit really thought that highly of Zetterberg and Datsyuk would they have left them that long, and take the risk of losing them? Same for Kaberle and the Leafs.

[mrusse01 0]

Detroit seems to get lucky a lot though don't they?

Holmstrom, Dats, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Fedorov, Kozlov...

[Eazy_b97 1]

They were some of the first to scout overseas heavily, which gave them Lidstrom, Fedorov come to mind. Kozlov was still a top 50 draft pick and among the top 5- Europeans taken that draft (I believe Lidstrom/Fedorov were too). That was great for them, but things have changed a bit since then and the European scouting has improved immensely. Dats, Holmstrom and Zetterberg were terrific picks in a time where those leagues were scouted, but I think Detroit would tell you they came out much better than they ever hoped for.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Good God! Belak scored his first goal since 2003-2004 tonight...143 Games since he scored. Bob McGill is drinking champagne tonight...198 is still safe.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IuEl0EGO2h4

For old times sake!

[M-Cohen 0]

4 In a row, woooooo...

[mack 44]

Hadn't seen this but it may have been put in some random thread since that's SOP here: Crazy, crazy stuff

We picked eight potential trading partners for the Leafs, then asked eight hockey experts to play John Ferguson Jr., posing this question: As Leafs GM, what would your opening demand be in a trade for Mats Sundin?

If they were JFJ ...

GLENN HEALY

During a 15-year career, played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, New York Rangers and Maple Leafs. It has widely been speculated he is a candidate to become an NHL general manager.

I would trade Sundin to Ottawa for ...

Andrej Meszaros, D. 22 years old. In 41 games, has 7 goals, 12 assists and has a plus-minus rating of plus-8.

Patrick Eaves, RW. 23 years old. In 20 games, has 4 goals, 4 assists.

Antoine Vermette, LW. 25 years old. In 40 games, has eight goals, 15 assists.

Two first- or second-round draft picks in 2008.

John Muckler

Muckler has more than 50 years of pro hockey experience as a part owner, general manager, director of player personnel, director of hockey operations, head coach, assistant coach and player.

I would trade Sundin to Detroit for ...

Andreas Lilja, D. 32 years old. In 42 games, has 2 goals, 7 assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-7.

Brendan Smith, D. 18 years old. A Toronto native, Smith was Detroit's first-round pick in 2007.

Two high round picks.

PHIL ESPOSITO

Coach and GM of the Rangers for three years in the mid-1980s, during which he earned the nickname "Trader Phil." He also was GM of the Lightning.

I would trade Sundin to Pittsburgh for ...

Jordan Staal, C. 19 years old. In 41 games, has 3 goals, 7 assists.

Angelo Esposito, C. Was Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 2007, 20th overall.

A 2008 first-round pick.

BILL WATTERS

Former Maple Leafs assistant general manager.

I would trade Sundin to San Jose for ...

Ryane Clowe, LW, 25 years old. In 11 games, has 3 goals and 3 assists.

Nick Petrecki, D, 18 years old. Was the 28th pick in the 2007 draft, the second of San Jose's two first-round picks.

First and second-round pick, 2008.

BRIAN LAWTON

A former first overall pick and longtime player agent, Lawton is looking for work as an NHL GM.

I would trade Sundin to Anaheim for ...

Drew Miller, LW. 23 years old. In 25 games, has 2 goals and 3 assists.

Anaheim's first-round pick in 2009.

Anaheim's first-round pick in 2008 (acquired from Edmonton) or Bobby Ryan, C. 20 years old. In 13 games, he has 3 goals, 2 assists.

GORD STELLICK

GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs from April 1988 until August 1989.

I would trade Sundin to Vancouver for ...

Mason Raymond, LW. 22 years old. In 20 games, has 3 goals, 6 assists.

Cory Schneider, G. 21 years old. Vancouver's first-round pick, 26th, in 2004. Taylor Ellington, D. 19 years old. Vancouver's second-round pick, 33rd overall, in 2007.

CRAIG BUTTON

Former Calgary Flames GM.

I would trade Sundin to Calgary for ...

Matthew Lombardi, C. 25 years old. In 43 games, has 9 goals, 12 assists.

Mikael Backlund, C. 18 years old. Calgary's first-round pick, 24th overall, in 2007.

Dustin Boyd, C. 21 years old. In 19 games, has 3 goals, 2 assists.

Two first-round picks in the next three years – taken at the discretion of the Leafs prior to the selection at the draft. "That would allow the Leafs the opportunity to maximize the picks." The Leafs would demand a second-round pick in the year they didn't take a first-rounder.

MIKE MILBURY

Former New York Islanders GM

I would trade Sundin to New Jersey for ...

Nicklas Bergfors, RW. 20 years old. New Jersey's first-round pick, 23rd overall, in 2005.

2008 first-round draft pick.

I have to say that even if he's my favourite player of all-time, if Sundin doesn't waive his NTC this year I have to question if he really wants to win a Cup. He says all the right things about it, like how he wants to do it and wants to do it in Toronto. Well that's just great, I want to wake up with 3 lovely kids next to my wife Jessica Biel, but since that's not likely I do that with my wife.

[DarkStar50 679]

Mats Sundin for Jessica Biel, DONE. Keep the draft picks.

With NHL Center Ice TV package, I end up turning on the Leafs like a rubbernecker checking out the tractor trailer accident on the other side of the highway. I want to see how they manage to do what they do no matter how bad it is that they do it. Honestly, it reminds me of my lifetime of watching the Rangers.

[mrusse01 0]

I think after last night's debacle we basically have to trade Sundin now. I think he'll waive his NTC if the team asks him just because he is such a stand-up guy, I really do think he is loyal to the organization to the point that he will let them trade him if they ask.

Considering what players like Tkachuk were able to bring in last year, that the pool of 'rental' players this year is even thinner, and Sundin is much better than anyone traded last year, I really have to think he's worth a first & second round pick and one top prospect at least. Watching him every night the guy is an absolute horse down low, can still fly, and has one of the best slappers in the league. It would be scary to see what he could do with some actual talent around him.

Ship him to Anaheim, get back Edmonton's pick...and we end up with probably two top 5 overall picks next year.

[kosydar 0]

I'm just hoping that the Leafs hang on to Sundin through the weekend. I'm going to SJ to watch the Leafs play for the firs time on Sat, and it'd be a bummer not to see Sundin.

[Zamboni 6]

Mats is strong on the puck this season-looks 5 years younger. The Leafs should be able to trade him for more than prospects-Sundin can be a big factor in who hoists the cup. He's hovering around 10th in scoring this season on a dismal team, Leafs should trade both him and Tucker to highest bidder.

Sooner the Leafs pull the trigger on a Sundin trade the lower they will finish improving odds in the draft lottery. Ferguson should be able to get a great young player & draft pick right now.....waiting till trade deadline could hurt the teams draft position if Mats catches fire. I'd trade Mats to highest bidder, do same with Tucker in 2 weeks and then dump Kubina or McCabe at trade deadline if any general manager gets carried away desperately trying to make a playoff run.

Sundin's value will never be higher, trade buzz must have every playoff contender considering an offer. Hold off, risk injury-go on a meaningless winning streak-the Leafs do have options.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I think after last night's debacle we basically have to trade Sundin now. I think he'll waive his NTC if the team asks him just because he is such a stand-up guy, I really do think he is loyal to the organization to the point that he will let them trade him if they ask.

Considering what players like Tkachuk were able to bring in last year, that the pool of 'rental' players this year is even thinner, and Sundin is much better than anyone traded last year, I really have to think he's worth a first & second round pick and one top prospect at least. Watching him every night the guy is an absolute horse down low, can still fly, and has one of the best slappers in the league. It would be scary to see what he could do with some actual talent around him.

Ship him to Anaheim, get back Edmonton's pick...and we end up with probably two top 5 overall picks next year.

I think you'd get a roster player as well. Any team taking him would probably want to send some salary back...Mats ain't cheap.

[DarkStar50 679]

Leafs should trade for the first round pick of whoever they think may finish last NEXT year.

"With the first pick in the 2009 draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs draft from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey Laegue, John Tavares."

Jeez, I should run that team!

[mrusse01 0]

Leafs should trade for the first round pick of whoever they think may finish last NEXT year.

"With the first pick in the 2009 draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs draft from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey Laegue, John Tavares."

Jeez, I should run that team!

Yeah, or they could just not re-sign Sundin in the off-season and use their own pick in 2009 cuz without the Big Captain that team is going to be U-G-L-Y.

As for the salary issue, it's not much of a problem for anyone outside of the Ducks I don't think, Mats has a pretty reasonable salary.