Leafs 09-10 Thread

[kosydar 0]

Saw the Habs one and figured might as well start one.

I was fortunate enough to watch their first preseason game last night and I have a few thoughts about it. Obviously its just one preseason game and it doesn't hold a lot of weight, but there were definitely things that stood out.

Stalberg- He was all over the ice. He is arguably one of the fastest Leafs, and appears to have good offensive instincts. Looks ready to at least get a tryout with the big club.

Bozak- Sick goal, and like Stalberg, was noticeable the whole game. Looks like he could be the real deal. Hopefully there is a way those two can make the squad.

Allison- I'm really rooting for him to prove himself, but he looked flat all game. I think a big part of that had to do with his linemates Tlusty and Kulemin also being flat for the first half. Allison can't lead a line by himself, so he can only play as well as his linemates. I hope he gets in another three preseason games, hopefully playing with guys like Blake and Stempniak to see what he can really do.

Kadri- I was very skeptical of him at the draft (based on nothing other than wanting Schenn), but he impressed me last night. It was my firs time seeing him play other than Youtube clips. He won't stick with the Leafs this year, but his high skill level is obvious. Others have said he has the potential to play like Dougie, and we'd be fortunate if that came true.

Hanson- The most underwhelming of our prospects. He will start with the Marlies, book it.

Exelby- I thought he was possibly the biggest surprise. He had three or four great hits, but his transition game was great.

Beauchemin- Our best defender last night (which he should be). Looking forward to seeing what he can do parked next to Schenn.

White/Finger- Both were pretty meh. Need to step it up if they want to lock up a 5th/6th spot on the team.

Toskala was good, MacDonald was decent.

Looking forward to tonight, especially to see Kabs+Komi, Schenn, Grabovski, and how Kadri, Stalberg and Bozak continue.

[K9 Unit 1]

damn its like i'm reading my own thoughts...did you noticed hanson looks like antropov without the tinted visor? lol

stalberg would definately be my new fav. leaf

[Chadd 916]

Ugly game, lots of cheap shots from the Flyers

[farhanshak 1]

hey guys

saw an article on sportsnet regarding the Phil Kessel Trade. Seems like speculation but "two well placed sources" And Burkie is really big on this guy.

apparently in the next week or so there should be a pretty big deal.

see the link. :D

Phil Kessel Potential Trade Article

[chippa13 1844]

Burke was unhappy with the TSN boys when they hit him up for info on the negotiations with Boston. Everyone and their brother already knows Phil will likely be wearing a new logo when he plays this year. As for "well placed sources", that is sportswriter code for "I need a quote to make me look like an insider so I'm making this one up".

As for the Leafs, I have been impressed with what I have seen from Kadri in 2 games thus far. I'm interested to see how he does against a real NHL roster.

[vek 0]

I think Burke is making a mistake going after Kessel. Once he's away from Savard and a good supporting cast, he'll just be another small winger in Toronto putting up reduced numbers without first line support. And it sort of seems that Boston isn't exactly heartbroken to be shopping him.

The Leafs need to preserve their draft picks.

[chippa13 1844]

If Boston were to keep Kessel then they would have some hard personnel decisions to make. Let's remember, Kessel isn't another version of Glen Murray. He has the speed and ability to create offense as well as finish it. Give him a decent NHL centerman and Phil is going to produce. Kessel in Toronto could be the catalyst for another version of the Pittsburgh model. Bring a bunch of young talent together and some adequate defense and see what grows in 2-3 years.

[KennyWu 24]

Saw the Habs one and figured might as well start one.

I was fortunate enough to watch their first preseason game last night and I have a few thoughts about it. Obviously its just one preseason game and it doesn't hold a lot of weight, but there were definitely things that stood out.

Stalberg- He was all over the ice. He is arguably one of the fastest Leafs, and appears to have good offensive instincts. Looks ready to at least get a tryout with the big club.

Bozak- Sick goal, and like Stalberg, was noticeable the whole game. Looks like he could be the real deal. Hopefully there is a way those two can make the squad.

Allison- I'm really rooting for him to prove himself, but he looked flat all game. I think a big part of that had to do with his linemates Tlusty and Kulemin also being flat for the first half. Allison can't lead a line by himself, so he can only play as well as his linemates. I hope he gets in another three preseason games, hopefully playing with guys like Blake and Stempniak to see what he can really do.

Kadri- I was very skeptical of him at the draft (based on nothing other than wanting Schenn), but he impressed me last night. It was my firs time seeing him play other than Youtube clips. He won't stick with the Leafs this year, but his high skill level is obvious. Others have said he has the potential to play like Dougie, and we'd be fortunate if that came true.

Hanson- The most underwhelming of our prospects. He will start with the Marlies, book it.

Exelby- I thought he was possibly the biggest surprise. He had three or four great hits, but his transition game was great.

Beauchemin- Our best defender last night (which he should be). Looking forward to seeing what he can do parked next to Schenn.

White/Finger- Both were pretty meh. Need to step it up if they want to lock up a 5th/6th spot on the team.

Toskala was good, MacDonald was decent.

Looking forward to tonight, especially to see Kabs+Komi, Schenn, Grabovski, and how Kadri, Stalberg and Bozak continue.

Cool, I was there too and felt the same.

Beauchmin had a lot of hard passes that his teammates couldn't handle, hopefully he passes a little softer to them?

Also, notice the Woz? :lol: At the warm up skate he was one of the last guys on and took the last shot on the empty net and promptly missed. He got a few hoots and hollers for that.

[vek 0]

If Boston were to keep Kessel then they would have some hard personnel decisions to make. Let's remember, Kessel isn't another version of Glen Murray.

You could be very well right, but I think its quite telling that Boston made a priority to lock up others (ie-Krecji) ahead of Kessel.

I just wonder why Burke is so gung ho on him. He doesn't fit the mold of the Perry/Getzlaf type of player that the Leafs sorely need. And there's a lot of reports of Kessel not being particularly well-liked by his teammates wherever he's played. I hope that's wrong, but there seems to be a lot of risk in mortgaging substantial future on him being a great team guy and major contributor.

[chippa13 1844]

The decision for Boston really came down to Krejci and Kessel. Krejci has a more rounded game and is a point producing center. Add that to the fact that Savard may well be moving on after this season and Krejci becomes all the more valuable and a more immediate need to get pen to paper. Plus, they figured Kessel would be the tougher of the two negotiations and that proved to be true. There was a slim hope that Kessel would come in for Krejci money or just a hair above but that didn't happen.

Consider also that Marco Sturm is returning this season, Recchi was signed to a one year deal, and Lucic has improved in the offensive zone. That should provide some of the goals lost by the departure of Kessel.

As for Kessel's lockerroom reputation, nobody cares as long as you're scoring goals.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Beauchmin had a lot of hard passes that his teammates couldn't handle, hopefully he passes a little softer to them?

Or, hopefully they all man up and learn how to take an NHL pass...or was that tongue in cheek...sorry, hard to tell on the interweb sometimes.

[kosydar 0]

If Boston were to keep Kessel then they would have some hard personnel decisions to make. Let's remember, Kessel isn't another version of Glen Murray. He has the speed and ability to create offense as well as finish it. Give him a decent NHL centerman and Phil is going to produce. Kessel in Toronto could be the catalyst for another version of the Pittsburgh model. Bring a bunch of young talent together and some adequate defense and see what grows in 2-3 years.

Kessel is a dynamic player, and if this had been four years ago when we still had Sundin I'd jump at the chance to get him. The thought of those two together is nuts. The problem now is that I don't know how Kessel will blend with this team. I am 100% behind throwing an offer-sheet at him, but two first and a second seem excessive to me. I don't think he'll be a franchise player. For a team with a strong, but relatively shallow and unproven prospect pool that's a lot to give up. If guys like Hayes, Stefanovic, Devane, etc all develop, the loss of those high picks becomes easier. But the Leafs have few blue chippers, and a lot of mid-range or boom or bust prospects. I hope the Leafs are able to make a trade that involves their extra parts, such as White/Van Ryn/Finger (yeah right)/ Stajan/Stempniak. Unfortunately I don't see Boston having much interest in any of those guys with maybe the exception of White and Stajan, but probably not both.

[chippa13 1844]

Bumping against the cap the way the B's are, it is extremely unlikely that they will take any roster players in exchange for Kessel. The Leafs will have to find another sucker for their spare parts. Sidenote: it was quite humorous to hear the TSN guys gushing over Finger in the preseason game against Boston.

[kosydar 0]

White would be the only affordable option (under $1 mil), but as such he has the most value. Apparently Burke turned down a 2nd rounder for him last deadline. The problem with the whole Kessel deal is that Boston and Toronto don't make good trading partners. There aren't a whole lot of realistic options there.

Fingers problem is that he never really had a chance. Nobody knew who he was (myself included) when the Leafs signed him to that contract. He is a good bottom pairing guy, but paid far too much. Its funny they were praising him in that game because I think he was out there for all three goals against.

[mrusse01 0]

If Boston were to keep Kessel then they would have some hard personnel decisions to make. Let's remember, Kessel isn't another version of Glen Murray. He has the speed and ability to create offense as well as finish it. Give him a decent NHL centerman and Phil is going to produce. Kessel in Toronto could be the catalyst for another version of the Pittsburgh model. Bring a bunch of young talent together and some adequate defense and see what grows in 2-3 years.

You mean the Pittsburgh model of 'getting to draft two of the highest rated forward prospects in a generation and having them both pan out as well as anybody could have expected', haha?

The Pens are ridiculous, they had Sid #1 overall, MAF #1 overall, Malkin #2, Stall was #2 as well I think right? And they also had Ryan Whitney who was a #5 overall. Frankly it would be a gigantic, colossal disappointment if they weren't one of the best teams in the league right now.

Regarding the Leafs, I think one thing a lot of people forget about Kessel is that he's TWENTY ONE YEARS OLD. That is extraordinarily young for a player with his experience (and results) in the NHL. I find it hard to follow the logic when people argue the Leafs are trying to short cut around the 'rebuilding process' by trying to acquire the guy.

As for pre-season, I'm interested to see how the defense is going to shake down. Schenn/Beauchie/Komisarek/Kabby are all 100% locks, so that leaves 2 spots among Van Ryn, White, Frogren, Exelby and Finger. I think Exelby is a near lock to get one of those spots, so it comes down to one opening...and frankly I don't see how White doesn't make this team given his contributions over the past few years. But then again, what can you do with Finger and his contract? It's a slap in the face to Fletcher (who's still kicking around) to send the guy to the AHL or even stick him in the press box. And I mean, Van Ryn is also a really good player if he can stay healthy so what do you do with him? Not to mention Frogren, who I assume is last in line more or less and is almost guaranteed to open up with the Marlies. Do they play White on the 3rd line maybe and wait for the inevitable injuries to come? It's definitely a log jam.

[top_shelf_24 0]

Hagman is too sick.

[Leafsrule16 5]

For the first time in 3 years I felt as if the leafs had a serious chance to actually do better then close to last in there conference, seeing the preseason games, they have a lot of young talent and some talent that really needs to step it up but i was overall pleased and even surprised ; kadri clearly has a great deal of skill and exelby is better in his own end then i could have anticipated. Of course im biased, but im really loving this team.

[Law Goalie 147]

I would be stunned if the Leafs didn't keep 7 D - and if they keep White to play wing and D, they could effectively have 8, and only send Frogren down.

The guy I feel bad for is Carl Gunnarson. He's played extremely well, and looks to be a quality NHLer in the making. They're going to have to send him down to the Marlies or let him go back to Europe, and he's nearly played his way onto the team.

That leaves the Leafs (hoho) in a position to deal D as the year goes on. Finger could very well be attractive to a team with some injuries on the back end, provided Burke keeps the price low - maybe a 2nd or a comparable prospect?

[mrusse01 0]

You think they can get rid of Finger with that contract of his? I'd personally love to get a 2nd round pick back for him, he really is overpaid quite severely in my opinion.

I'm interested with what Wilson/Burke are going to do with the 3rd line. There has been the of-stated preference for a bottom 6 and top 6, but really the team is more along a top 9, bottom 3 making right now. I don't see a lot of real grinders/defensive specialists with some scoring upside who fit into that 3rd line role, and there aren't any real top 6 guys besides Kessel now and I guess Grabovski. All the talk has been Stajan and Grabo as the top 2 centers, so that leaves Mitchell as 3rd line centre? Is Wallin going to make the team? Now you have to find a spot for White too? That big idiot Poni is still around, Stempniak has looked good and is cashing a big paycheque, Tlusty you figure has to get a shot, Kulemin seems like he should be up there too after playing 70+ games last year.

Kessel-Grabo-Hagman

Blake-Stajan-Poni

Stempniak-Mitchell-White

Orr-Primeau-Mayers

Kaberle-Komisarek

Beauchemin-Schenn

Finger-Exelby

Still leaves Tlusty, Kulemin, Bozak, Stralberg, Wallin, Hansen all on the outside looking in. Not to mention Frogren and Van Ryn on D. Maybe you keep Van Ryn and Wallin in the press box....but the kids I think would all be better served playing for the Marlies than sitting.

[Chadd 916]

The Leafs have way too many third line guys and not enough first or second line guys. With any luck they can deal some of their quantity for quality.

[fastmiele 59]

The Leafs have way too many third line guys and not enough first or second line guys. With any luck they can deal some of their quantity for quality.

I would say the chance of that happening is close to zero. I am a Leafs fan and to be honest if I were the opposition I would have very little interest in trading for their 3rd line players. I rather dip into the unrestricted FA pool. There are still some decent players unsigned.

[kosydar 0]

The Leafs have way too many third line guys and not enough first or second line guys. With any luck they can deal some of their quantity for quality.

They tried to do that last year in the Coliaccavo/Steen for Stempniak trade. Didn't work out too well.

[chippa13 1844]

White would be the only affordable option (under $1 mil), but as such he has the most value. Apparently Burke turned down a 2nd rounder for him last deadline. The problem with the whole Kessel deal is that Boston and Toronto don't make good trading partners. There aren't a whole lot of realistic options there.

Fingers problem is that he never really had a chance. Nobody knew who he was (myself included) when the Leafs signed him to that contract. He is a good bottom pairing guy, but paid far too much. Its funny they were praising him in that game because I think he was out there for all three goals against.

Spot on with Finger. He is a serviceable 3rd pairing guy but the Leafs "Lapointed" him. They took a serviceable guy and tried to make him out to be a star. Shades of the B's overpaying Martin Lapointe, pick up a support player who had a decent year and treat him like a top guy. Big mistake that you spend years regretting, moreso in the cap age.

As for someone recommending the Leafs wheel Finger for a 2nd rounder, that won't happen. Overpaid 5/6 defensemen don't yield more than a 3rd/4th rounder tops.

[kosydar 0]

If the Leafs could get a 3rd or 4th rounder for Finger right now he'd be gone. BB and RW already have the top 4 set as Kaberle-Komisarek, Beauchemin-Schenn. Exelby is most likely guaranteed a spot as he was traded for. Management likes White and have turned down trades for him in the past. Van Ryn is one of Wilson's favorites (and if he is healthy he is the best of the four). Frogren will go to the Marlies. That just leaves Finger. If they could dump his salary, it'd be helpful for next off-season. I have a feeling they'll be making a run at Savard, so Kadri can develop without a ton of pressure. The thing with Finger is I like him and I like his style of play. We just have a logjam on D, and he is the obvious candidate to go. He is overshadowed by Schenn, Komi, Beauchemin, and Exelby.

[Chadd 916]

If the Leafs could get a 3rd or 4th rounder for Finger right now he'd be gone. BB and RW already have the top 4 set as Kaberle-Komisarek, Beauchemin-Schenn. Exelby is most likely guaranteed a spot as he was traded for. Management likes White and have turned down trades for him in the past. Van Ryn is one of Wilson's favorites (and if he is healthy he is the best of the four). Frogren will go to the Marlies. That just leaves Finger. If they could dump his salary, it'd be helpful for next off-season. I have a feeling they'll be making a run at Savard, so Kadri can develop without a ton of pressure. The thing with Finger is I like him and I like his style of play. We just have a logjam on D, and he is the obvious candidate to go. He is overshadowed by Schenn, Komi, Beauchemin, and Exelby.

I agree about the top four and Exelby, the bit about Van Ryn makes sense as well. If the Leafs could get anything for Finger, I think he would be gone. The problem is that you just can't pay a number five or six defenseman the kind of money that he makes. It wouldn't surprise me to see Finger head to the Marlies, the only way he moves is through a waiver claim or a re-entry claim at half price.

Funny that the Leafs suddenly have a really solid top six on the blue line now.