I could care less abot MacArthur but no way do I deal a 2nd rounder or Franson as part of any package.. I just don't realy want Luongo for any price.. Yeah yeah I know how well he is doing this year and how great he can be blah blah blah (not menat for you burn)
- Popcorn Kid

I am with you... Luongo's contract is not worth the headaches.. rather roll the dice on the farm hands and get a draft pick...

What's next? If he scores 25, he'll be Elite because he scored over 25+ goals 5 years in a row?

Elite in my mind is a very select club of guys who can score 45-50+ goals per season.

Not 30.
- Pecafan Fan

I do agree with that.

Kessel has played more of a team game is backchecking and has turned into a playmaker and has 10 assists... he is doing just fine without scoring in every game... just saying..
- DoctorNHL

No doubt.

Kessel has played more of a team game is backchecking and has turned into a playmaker and has 10 assists... he is doing just fine without scoring in every game... just saying..
- DoctorNHL

5 of those assists are the results of guys knocking in rebounds from his shot, not always the result of great passing. However, I do agree that his all around game has definitely improved, and his passing is underrated.

5 of those assists are the results of guys knocking in rebounds from his shot, not always the result of great passing. However, I do agree that his all around game has definitely improved, and his passing is underrated.
- vermie22

as long as the puck ends up in the net... it's all that matters really

No doubt.
- Pecafan Fan

JVR has 8 goals most came off of Kessel's stick.. will be interesting when Lupul comes back.. am thinking he might be better served on Grabo's line to add a little offence.. and get those guys going.. since JVR is working so well on the top line..

Still some time... to see how it shakes out but if he came back today that would be my suggestion.

5 of those assists are the results of guys knocking in rebounds from his shot, not always the result of great passing. However, I do agree that his all around game has definitely improved, and his passing is underrated.
- vermie22

Yesterdays JVR goal tape to tape not to mention the behind the net to JVR in front goal against the Habs that was exquisite.. the only better pass was Kadri's yesterday the skip to Frattin who on the bounce put it in the top corner...

JVR has 8 goals most came off of Kessel's stick.. will be interesting when Lupul comes back.. am thinking he might be better served on Grabo's line to add a little offence.. and get those guys going.. since JVR is working so well on the top line..

Still some time... to see how it shakes out but if he came back today that would be my suggestion.
- DoctorNHL

I have a feeling they keep McClement/Komarov with Grabo and Kulemin, Carlyle has designated them as the checking line and in all honesty they really are the best in those regards (Which is kind of sad).

JVR has 8 goals most came off of Kessel's stick.. will be interesting when Lupul comes back.. am thinking he might be better served on Grabo's line to add a little offence.. and get those guys going.. since JVR is working so well on the top line..

Still some time... to see how it shakes out but if he came back today that would be my suggestion.
- DoctorNHL

Although its only been a short while, JVR has been great.
I loved that trade when it took place......I'm enjoying it more now.

I love how its quieted the haters of that trade.

as long as the puck ends up in the net... it's all that matters really
- Pecafan Fan

most definetely, I don't Kessel does it very often, but most players will take shots just to create a scramble/rebound goal opportunity. I actually think that with JVR in front of the net ,that Kessel should start aiming for the pads a little more often, instead always looking to pick the corners.

Although its only been a short while, JVR has been great.
I loved that trade when it took place......I'm enjoying it more now.
- Fakepartofme

Both guys needed a change of scenery.

Schenn still sucks.

I have a feeling they keep McClement/Komarov with Grabo and Kulemin, Carlyle has designated them as the checking line and in all honesty they really are the best in those regards (Which is kind of sad).
- AdamFrench

I feel you but with Lupul.. they would check hard and definitely score more.. I don't think you lose anything.. Lupul is pretty reliable both ways..

Both guys needed a change of scenery.

Schenn still sucks.
- Pecafan Fan

Yes he does....JVR skated around him and scoring.....beauty!

Both guys needed a change of scenery.

Schenn still sucks.
- Pecafan Fan

Philly fans love him because he makes big hits.. and has only been blown out a few times.. once was yesterday with JVR.. too many of those and he will go down under the pressure there.

Schenn for me had played better in Philly than he ever did in Toronto.. never liked him here but that was under Ron Wilson.. Carlyle's new system might have suited him more..

Greatest benefactors are the goalies.. now they only have to save shots once not 32 times on one play.

Both guys needed a change of scenery.

Schenn still sucks.
- Pecafan Fan

Junior hockey has a funny way of masking some players' shortcomings...especially skating and mobility.

Edit: I should probably add, that the WJHC has an even better way. It's easy to get carried away when Schenn's beating up on a 5'5" Russian kid, or if a forward scores 5 goals against Norway....the list of players who dominated the WJHC and flamed out in the NHL is way too long to even start discussing.

Although its only been a short while, JVR has been great.
I loved that trade when it took place......I'm enjoying it more now.

I love how its quieted the haters of that trade.
- Fakepartofme

He started out poorly but with some words from Carlyle he has improved.. still not perfect but is buying in more every day. Doesn't hurt that he has 8 goals... more impressive is Frattin with 10 games and 7 goals.. he is on fire... especially if you see how many shots.. it is ridiculous..

Yesterdays JVR goal tape to tape not to mention the behind the net to JVR in front goal against the Habs that was exquisite.. the only better pass was Kadri's yesterday the skip to Frattin who on the bounce put it in the top corner...
- DoctorNHL

I agree, those were great plays and he also had some beauty passes with Lupul last year. His skills in that regard are underrated. Lets not kid ourselves though, he is most definitely looking for the shot 90% of the time. It just happens that this year there are some guys ready to bang in the garbage when he does, and it is about time there was.

I agree, those were great plays and he also had some beauty passes with Lupul last year. His skills in that regard are underrated. Lets not kid ourselves though, he is most definitely looking for the shot 90% of the time. It just happens that this year there are some guys ready to bang in the garbage when he does, and it is about time there was.
- vermie22

Well that is Hockey 101 unfortunately we aren't used to that in Toronto because we have had so many perimeter players for the last 10 years.. but the way to score consistently is to have net presence take a shot low and scoop up rebounds.. sounds basic but it really is.

Too hard to beat goalies in the NHL when they see it all the way...

I still think the Leafs have a ways to go to get there.. their net presence is still weak.. they have guys skating in instead of standing there blocking.. Kuli was perfect example of a good play yesterday.. Phaneuf only scores cause Kuli is blocking the Goalie...

Well that is Hockey 101 unfortunately we aren't used to that in Toronto because we have had so many perimeter players for the last 10 years.. but the way to score consistently is to have net presence take a shot low and scoop up rebounds.. sounds basic but it really is.

Too hard to beat goalies in the NHL when they see it all the way...

I still think the Leafs have a ways to go to get there.. their net presence is still weak.. they have guys skating in instead of standing there blocking.. Kuli was perfect example of a good play yesterday.. Phaneuf only scores cause Kuli is blocking the Goalie...
- DoctorNHL

I also think that Kessel would do better cutting in on net more often with his speed as Gionta does than fire perimeter shots.. and he does that when he is confident..

but right now I am just happy that they compete every night.. and even when things go against them they work, work.. and wait for an opportunity.. they were forcing it under Wilson then getting frustrated and making very bad plays.

So who is the odd winger out when Lupul comes back? My vote is for Macarthur.

So who is the odd winger out when Lupul comes back? My vote is for Macarthur.
- Leafs43

McLaren

So who is the odd winger out when Lupul comes back? My vote is for Macarthur.
- Leafs43

I am with you he is in the Connelly/Lombardi School of Soft Defending... he does have great positioning in the offensive zone.. but is way too soft under the barrage of big teams.. that his value is as high as it will ever get.. i would trade him at the deadline.. with Liles.. for some picks.. if we can get a useful player than that would be good too.. but I would rather see picks.

So who is the odd winger out when Lupul comes back? My vote is for Macarthur.
- Leafs43

odds are someone else will be hurt by then

no nhl team is ever fully healthy.. its even becoming rare for game one of the season

So who is the odd winger out when Lupul comes back? My vote is for Macarthur.
- Leafs43

Yeah, MacArthur, Connoly, Brown and Komi should be traded for picks this year! The sooner the better.