I choose Fraser to stay. I think that he's a little better now, but Holzer is younger and I think has a little more upside.
- lumlums

I disagree with you here, sure he's younger, but that means poop when it comes to dman, most of the good ones are late bloomers. i.e Kostka.

I find Fraser a more complete shutdown dman than Holzer. The latter is another gunnerson at best. The former can become like what we hoped Schenn would become.

Nonis can get a 2nd rounder for sure
- Mapleleafs_91

something else from the Leafs would need to go the otherway for Nonis to get the 2nd out LA.

Exactly.


Mac isnt the core or future of this team. He shouldnt even be on our roster or cap spacee next season. Yet hes getting a shot at the first line and has been given an assistants role.

What gives?
- systemtool

I agree, was never a fan of Mac. I'd rather have Frattin over Mac.

I agree with all this, especially the part that Kessel is a perfect fit for the leafs.
He is exactly what the leafs needs to be just good enough to stay out of last place, but not good enough to get into the playoffs.

with him, we are probably not going to get a #1 center we need
- senstroll

One player isn't responsible for all our troubles - blame Burke for that. No matter what you think you know about Kessel, his numbers speak for themselves.

luongo is old and we do not have the team in front of him to play, the senators have enough problems with their goalie situation thats why they brought in bishop, so now they have 3 in anderson, bishop, and lehner
- Mapleleafs_91

he may be available soon but not for this year me thinks.

still the worst trade ever. Kessel AND Percy for 2 guys who've never cracked a lineup.

Oh, and Strome as a #1 center in the NHL is a bit of a reach.
- Big_Lightnin

we have had Bozak for 3 seasons with a sprinkling of Connolly

thats a stretch

I disagree with you here, sure he's younger, but that means poop when it comes to dman, most of the good ones are late bloomers. i.e Kostka.

I find Fraser a more complete shutdown dman than Holzer. The latter is another gunnerson at best. The former can become like what we hoped Schenn would become.
- hooligoon

Fraser makes Schenn look fast.

we have had Bozak for 3 seasons with a sprinkling of Connolly

thats a stretch
- senstroll

right, so if we're suggesting trading Kessel to upgrade at center, how about we actually upgrade?

still the worst trade ever. Kessel AND Percy for 2 guys who've never cracked a lineup.

Oh, and Strome as a #1 center in the NHL is a bit of a reach.
- Big_Lightnin

Maybe a future premier guy, but a "legit #1 centre" before playing more than 30...

I agree with mixing the lines to find some kind of spark but MacArthur sucked last year and this year so far in my POV. why the A on his jersey and why him getting to play on the top line? I'd give Kadri a shot at center before him playing wing on the top line.
- hooligoon

its all about carlyle's use of lines

line one: top offensive line usually draws top defenses

line two: defensive line who can score, put out against the opposition top line

line three: secondary scoring line, typically draws secondary defenses

line four: grit and toughness, attention to defense and a hard forecheck

you put kadri on the top line he is going to get alot of attention from top d-men, on the third line he will see more secondary pairings.

One player isn't responsible for all our troubles - blame Burke for that. Not matter what you think you know about Kessel, his numbers speak for themselves.
- A_Tree

Hopefully Nonis realizes it...probably not after the Lupul contract.

Does anyone see any way the leafs get a #1 center in the next 3 years?
outside of moving kessel for one, I dont see how its done

I agree, was never a fan of Mac. I'd rather have Frattin over Mac.
- faceto27

meh, mac has the experience factor over frattin.. and he is vocal and plays the type of game carlyle likes.. he may be smallish, but he doesnt back down.

he's got the A cause he is vocal. same with Lups.

yeah but hes like a ghost out there on the ice, at least some players attempt something, first game was a ghost
- Mapleleafs_91

I think a lot of that has to do with the Carlyle system. They're not as run and gun anymore, which takes some of the creativity away from their offense.

I disagree with you here, sure he's younger, but that means poop when it comes to dman, most of the good ones are late bloomers. i.e Kostka.

I find Fraser a more complete shutdown dman than Holzer. The latter is another gunnerson at best. The former can become like what we hoped Schenn would become.
- hooligoon

Just my opinion but I think Holzer plays with a higher hockey IQ. As you say though, some guys develop late and it can be tough to see what you have until it's ready

I know. That's why I'm resting in bed right now
- lumlums

Damn! I'm stuck at the office.

Hopefully Nonis realizes it...probably not after the Lupul contract.

Does anyone see any way the leafs get a #1 center in the next 3 years?
outside of moving kessel for one, I dont see how its done
- senstroll

by playing this roster and not upgrading the goalie position

thats how we will get our top line centre

right, so if we're suggesting trading Kessel to upgrade at center, how about we actually upgrade?
- Big_Lightnin

So many people think that by removing Kessel and adding a 'top centre' you solve the problem - the reality is that it's MORE THAN LIKELY a lateral movement.

That's what my wife keeps telling me.
- deerow84

If there's one thing I've learned about he opposite sex, it's that.

So lupul to the third line? Why?

Maybe a future premier guy, but a "legit #1 centre" before playing more than 30...

- A_Tree

or any at all.

So lupul to the third line? Why?
- Yeti1181

because the third line is being used as the secondary scoring line

Hopefully Nonis realizes it...probably not after the Lupul contract.

Does anyone see any way the leafs get a #1 center in the next 3 years?
outside of moving kessel for one, I dont see how its done
- senstroll

I'd worry about getting the top tier goalie first.

So many people think that by removing Kessel and adding a 'top centre' you solve the problem - the reality is that it's MORE THAN LIKELY a lateral movement.
- A_Tree

yup. I seem to recall we had a legit #1 center for 13 years with not #1 wingers. How many cups did that win us?

Hopefully Nonis realizes it...probably not after the Lupul contract.

Does anyone see any way the leafs get a #1 center in the next 3 years?
outside of moving kessel for one, I dont see how its done
- senstroll

Yes, moving Kessel will accomplish this but it would be a silly move.

by playing this roster and not upgrading the goalie position

thats how we will get our top line centre
- Dozzer

I would've agreed to start the season...but I'm not so sure now.

I've been thoroughly impressed with their discipline in sticking to the game plan the past 2 games. If they keep up that level of defensive zone committment, I don't think they'll stink enough to land a top 5 pick.