Today we look at the other “Center of the Hockey Universe” Toronto….
Expectations: How is the fanbase?
Code Green: Fanbase very satisfied and happy with progress.
The Spin machine in Toronto has done a great job at trying to lower expectations, and to start the season Leaf fans almost feel as if they are playing with house money. Should the team out perform what’s expected the expectations will naturally rise.
Salary Cap Status: How much freedom exists to improve upon your structure?
Code Green: Team is well within the cap and free to make some moves.
For now the Leafs have Hortons 5 million plus top play with. Starting next year they have a ton of money.
Team Window: Which way is the team heading?
Window Shut: The team has bottomed out and the rebuild is on.
They define window shut as the season begins, but the question of how soon the window could be opening is a very real question. I feel it starts to open sooner than later.
Offense: Where does this team stand offensively?
Code Double Red: This team does NOT have the horses and is in need of massive additions.
For this team to compete at the NHL level it needs to add scoring.
Defense: Where does this team stand defensively?
Code Yellow: This is team considered solid defensively, but may still missing a key.
Defensively
Toronto is actually pretty solid and may get more solid with the maturation of certain players.
Goalie: How solid between the pipes
Code Green: This team is set in goal with a bona fide starter and a backup who can fill in admirably when needed.
The combination of Bernier and Reimer is very sufficient if not above average.
Buyers at the Deadline?
Code Green: Highly unlikely this team goes out and buys players for a potential playoff run.
Not Happening.
Sellers at the Deadline?
Code Red: This team is highly likely to be sellers at the deadline.
UFA Situation: How set up are they?
Code Red: Several Key players are not signed for next year.
They have nine players who will be UFA’s this summer and all of them will have to prove themselves good enough to return to Toronto for 16-17.
RFA situation: Possible Nuclear Bombs.
Code Red: One of this team’s major players will be an RFA heading into next season and could be an issue, but is likely to get done.
Morgan Rielly is an RFA next year, as is Kadri. Rielly should be able to command a BIG number and will be hard to get on a bridge deal.
Rumored Moves:
Bozek and Lupul are actively available and teams are calling regarding each. Dion Phaneuf appears safe for now, but see below.
Potential Moves:
I keep hearing that Kadri needs to show he is a legit top 6 or he will be moved. He does have value. Phaneuf is not at all a sure bet to finish in Toronto. They want him to be a big part of this team, but part of that may be showcasing. There are teams, including the LA Kings, who are high on Phaneuf. I could see that deal happening...
Team Score.
Adding up the Categories I will attempt to give each team a score based on how active on the rumor mill I can see them being this year. How likely they are to make some noise on the transaction wire.
Score and likelihood of deal:
90-100 = team highly unlikely to be involved in trade talks
80-100 = team not likely to be moving players, unless injuries play a factor
70-100 = this team will probably be involved in the average amount of trade talks this season
60-100 = this team will be involved in above average trade talks this season
50-100 = this team will be very likely to make some moves as the year goes along.
Below 50 = fun, fun, fun for lovers of rumors.
Toronto Team Score :84 The pressure to acquire via trade just isn’t there right now….however they will be listening for sure.
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HBSL STH Bracket
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