You're right, 21 year old centers who play wonderfully defensively while putting up 55 pts to lead their team (while playing in a shutdown role) aren't worth 5mil....

The Leafs don't need talent like that.
- burn

To be fair, he wasn't in just a shutdown role. He played a bigger role than that. Seems like a good complete player to me, but the asking price could be too high along with his salary demands for a short body of work. I dont think the issue is whether the team needs or could use him, but is it worth the price both in assets and salary to get a deal done.

I think at least one other team will offer a very strong deal.

I would go after him, for sure. I am just not sure how far I would go. Right now, the Leafs could be in a sell high position with some Dmen. I don't think believe that will always be true as I expect that some are playing over their heads.
- Aetherial

OH MY ... I like your new avatar

wouldn't this describe Sundin as well? Do those morons think Sundin sucked too?
- muffin_man

One thing about Sundin though, he was a bit of a bull in a china shop down low and behind the net. He was pretty durable also. I think his physical play was underrated.

I think we have to be happy with JVR right now, of course. Asp is right though, I think we need to be cautiously optimistic.

It is not like we have to go far back to see the Leafs look like a guaranteed playoff team, or see them in the top 3 or 4 in the east... and then see a total collapse.

Not being negative; just being cautious and not getting carried away.

As with any trade it depends on the price but I would definitely be all for acquiring O'Reilly. I think he has legit first line potential. Not super start first liner like Malkin, Crosby, level but definitely like a Bergeron or J. Staal level which is still a big improvement over Bozak (outside of his faceoffs: wow). And, really, where are we going to get a superstar centre at this point...and don't say Getzlaf/Perry or I'll internet slap you.

We have a glut of NHL calibre dmen when Gards and Gunner can return so I'd be cool with letting go one of our dmen or a defense prospect (preferably not Rielly). If you give them a dprospect then give them a roster guy like Bozak or Kulemin or Mac, if you give them a dman roster player then give them a forward prospect like a Biggs or Colborne.

If that doesn't get it done then maybe consider throwing in a pick other than a first rounder, if possible. I really don't like the idea of giving up a first rounder or any pick for that matter. That being said, O'Reilly is probably better than any centre we'd get in the draft and we have one of the youngest teams in the NHL anyway so it might be worth the sacrifice.

OH MY ... I like your new avatar
- .HOHO.

Well I will go back to Nigel, but man, that is one sweet picture isn't it.

There was some article on the latest "evil" for women's body images, the "Thigh Gap". Of course, that made me go look up Thigh Gap images on google. This is because I am a perverted old man.

It is a worthwhile search.

JVR has already been worthe the trade. Schenn is not much better than Komisarek imo.. Horirble skater with no shot. Does have a ton of heart and likes to hit though (two things that decribe Komisarek too)

As with any trade it depends on the price but I would definitely be all for acquiring O'Reilly. I think he has legit first line potential. Not super start first liner like Malkin, Crosby, level but definitely like a Bergeron or J. Staal level which is still a big improvement over Bozak (outside of his faceoffs: wow). And, really, where are we going to get a superstar centre at this point...and don't say Getzlaf/Perry or I'll internet slap you.

We have a glut of NHL calibre dmen when Gards and Gunner can return so I'd be cool with letting go one of our dmen or a defense prospect (preferably not Rielly). If you give them a dprospect then give them a roster guy like Bozak or Kulemin or Mac, if you give them a dman roster player then give them a forward prospect like a Biggs or Colborne.

If that doesn't get it done then maybe consider throwing in a pick other than a first rounder, if possible. I really don't like the idea of giving up a first rounder or any pick for that matter. That being said, O'Reilly is probably better than any centre we'd get in the draft anyway so it might be worth the sacrifice.
- deerow84

The rumoured asking price is a 1st and a top prospect.

Well I will go back to Nigel, but man, that is one sweet picture isn't it.

There was some article on the latest "evil" for women's body images, the "Thigh Gap". Of course, that made me go look up Thigh Gap images on google. This is because I am a perverted old man.

It is a worthwhile search.
- Aetherial

Nigel, Nigel, Nigel!

One thing about Sundin though, he was a bit of a bull in a china shop down low and behind the net. He was pretty durable also. I think his physical play was underrated.

I think we have to be happy with JVR right now, of course. Asp is right though, I think we need to be cautiously optimistic.

It is not like we have to go far back to see the Leafs look like a guaranteed playoff team, or see them in the top 3 or 4 in the east... and then see a total collapse.

Not being negative; just being cautious and not getting carried away.
- Aetherial

That being said, I think JVR will be more useful to the Leafs (even if his play goes up and down) than Luke Schenn would have been, moving forward.

The rumoured asking price is a 1st and a top prospect.
- systemtool

So would that be a first and Reilly? Because that might be a bit too steep for my liking. Maybe if it was a top 10 protected first and Percy/Biggs/someone I could bite the bullet and do it.

That being said, I think JVR will be more useful to the Leafs (even if his play goes up and down) than Luke Schenn would have been, moving forward.
- Pecafan Fan

Even if he doesn't keep up his current pace (no way he will), he will still be more useful.

Even as a 3rd line checker with a bit of touch around the net, maybe he learns to use his size one day?

The fact is, we gave up Schenn. I spent the entire season last season claiming that Schenn was not even an NHL calibre defenseman. That may have been harsh, but really is he more than a 5/6? How tough is it to find those guys?

wouldn't this describe Sundin as well? Do those morons think Sundin sucked too?
- muffin_man

It's ridiculous. And yes they probably do. I used vanek (1" shorter, 8lbs heavier) he'd be more productive if he played more physical. Beyond clueless.

Anyone else feeling really good about being a Toronto sports fan right now.

What a difference a few months make.

Raptors shake things up. Take on salary. Won 3 straight and look to be moving in the right direction.

Jays are the favourites to win the World Series.

And the Leafs are looking good. Not saying there won't be a few more bumps in the road but what has me excited is they finally look like they have turned a corner.

Well I will go back to Nigel, but man, that is one sweet picture isn't it.

There was some article on the latest "evil" for women's body images, the "Thigh Gap". Of course, that made me go look up Thigh Gap images on google. This is because I am a perverted old man.

It is a worthwhile search.
- Aetherial

So would that be a first and Reilly? Because that might be a bit too steep for my liking. Maybe if it was a top 10 protected first and Percy/Biggs/someone I could bite the bullet and do it.
- deerow84

A "bit" too steep?? That would be a retarded deal for the Leafs to make... and then you have to overpay him to sign him?

Colorado may get a first, but it will be a late round first and the prospect will not be a top prospect.

As much as I hate to say it, Vancouver is looking very strong. If they keep Luongo, they may be advised to throw their 1st and one of their prospects (who cares which one) at Colorado. Vancouver could use the grit and more skill and depth behind the first line.

I think at least one other team will offer a very strong deal.

I would go after him, for sure. I am just not sure how far I would go. Right now, the Leafs could be in a sell high position with some Dmen. I don't think believe that will always be true as I expect that some are playing over their heads.
- Aetherial

The 14 yr old fake iinsiderr said the habs are offering Diaz, Leblanc Eller.

Looks like it won't take much.

Anyone else feeling really good about being a Toronto sports fan right now.

What a difference a few months make.

Raptors shake things up. Take on salary. Won 3 straight and look to be moving in the right direction.

Jays are the favourites to win the World Series.

And the Leafs are looking good. Not saying there won't be a few more bumps in the road but what has me excited is they finally look like they have turned a corner.
- D.Lemieux

I was thinking the same thing actually the other day. Dont forget, Argos won the GC.

While right now its all just progress and no results, it's still encouraging.

A "bit" too steep?? That would be a retarded deal for the Leafs to make... and then you have to overpay him to sign him?

Colorado may get a first, but it will be a late round first and the prospect will not be a top prospect.

As much as I hate to say it, Vancouver is looking very strong. If they keep Luongo, they may be advised to throw their 1st and one of their prospects (who cares which one) at Colorado. Vancouver could use the grit and more skill and depth behind the first line.
- Aetherial

As rental?

They have no cap space next year and have to make major cuts as it is.

That being said, I think JVR will be more useful to the Leafs (even if his play goes up and down) than Luke Schenn would have been, moving forward.
- Pecafan Fan

Which is why I liked the deal from the getgo. If he was consistent he be way more valuable. Only a small few are consistent.

That being said, I think JVR will be more useful to the Leafs (even if his play goes up and down) than Luke Schenn would have been, moving forward.
- Pecafan Fan

I will take a guy that has the potential to score 25 or more over a shutdown defenseman, we need talent up front, solid defence can be taught with the right system and structure.

A "bit" too steep?? That would be a retarded deal for the Leafs to make... and then you have to overpay him to sign him?

Colorado may get a first, but it will be a late round first and the prospect will not be a top prospect.

As much as I hate to say it, Vancouver is looking very strong. If they keep Luongo, they may be advised to throw their 1st and one of their prospects (who cares which one) at Colorado. Vancouver could use the grit and more skill and depth behind the first line.
- Aetherial

A young guy who had a good season, automatically gonna be fawned on by lots of people, who'll then want to overpay for the guy.

1 decent offensive season isn't worth the adoration he's getting, IMO. Give a guy primary offensive duty, and he's gonna rack up assists. Doesn't mean he's going to be a 1st line center. He was drafted to be an awesome 3rd line C, and that's probably what he's going to become.

Anyone else feeling really good about being a Toronto sports fan right now.

What a difference a few months make.

Raptors shake things up. Take on salary. Won 3 straight and look to be moving in the right direction.

Jays are the favourites to win the World Series.

And the Leafs are looking good. Not saying there won't be a few more bumps in the road but what has me excited is they finally look like they have turned a corner.
- D.Lemieux

I'm hoping that we get similar luck to Boston when they had the Celtics, Bruins, Pats and Red Sox all winning their respective championships within a short period of time from each other. I think that kind of thing catches on in a city.

I'm not really a basketball fan (although I was at the game on Sunday, which was a decent game) but I'd obviously like the Raptors to win above any other team. Same goes with the Jays, I don't really care about baseball but I'll go to a few games each year and I do actually find baseball playoffs exciting, I think I just can't get a high or low off a sport with over 160 games, seems like the one off win or loss means nothing but it matters in the playoffs.

I wish all Toronto sports teams the best...but, that being said, I would trade the success of all of them for the next 20 years for a Stanley Cup no questions asked. Hell, at this point I would gladly watch those teams suffer horrible seasons if it meant the Leafs make the playoffs and make it past the first round.

I will take a guy that has the potential to score 25 or more over a shutdown defenseman, we need talent up front, solid defence can be taught with the right system and structure.
- LeafMan

Morning Lou.

I will take a guy that has the potential to score 25 or more over a shutdown defenseman, we need talent up front, solid defence can be taught with the right system and structure.
- LeafMan

Paul Maucryptonite

Morning Lou.
- Tee-Dot

Hellooooooo