I am not even a huge Gardiner fan (meaning I would like to see him used in package for someone like Couturier)....but any blind man can see that he was easily our best dman last year (off. and def.).
- Cooshie

...this makes no sense. Our best offensive Dman should go for a guy at centre in a position we're already chalked full of guys.

Gardiner is our best asset back there at the moment. His speed helps us gain the zone. Before Jake our guys would carry the puck along the blueline, not sure what to do afterwards, and stickhandle it onto the opponents stick. Our entry as well as transition is significantly weaker without him

Gardiner, although i like him, consistantly has trouble in his own end.
- Fatty-Patty

True, but that still doesn't disqualify him as our best dman!!! He probably had the least consistant trouble in his own end....

Oh I'm not arguing your lines at all for all intents and purposes that would be fine. I'm just saying Randy knows if he can get Grabs to start winning battle and getting the puck into the offensive zone more the LEafs will be brutal to play against. Just look at how the Bruins key on Phil and it opened up things for KAdri, imagine if Grabos line could score more it would be deadly. 3 scoring lines is downright scary for opposing teams IF it can be done properly.
- aminnes

Oh yeah for sure that would be ideal and with our depth on the wings it may even be possible. I just see people getting of Grabo's back and in my opinion those lines might be a solution. But Carlyle is probably trying to do what you are saying, they're is a reason why he is the coach after

Grabovski was paid like a 30 goal, 60 point player by Burke because that's what they expected him to become. If he be a 20 goal, 50 point player, he's worth 4.5 million. Grabovski can't play a shutdown role, doesn't mean he can't play two-way hockey against the average players. He is still decent defensively, just not a Selke candidate. His offensive numbers make him look bad, but if he can get back up to the 50 point range, a team in search of offensive depth on the 2nd line would be more willing to move a more defensive center for him.
- Two_For_Truth

He was paid the ridiculous amount because he knew he had MLSEL over a barrel - he was the only centre on the team worth more than $2 million a year.

Anybody here that rumor: Miller for Kessel?

Time to move Kadri and Grabo up in the lineup ....and McLement ...they're all playing better than Bozak right now.
- The Law

Actually, Bozak has been playing better of late - he definitely has been better then Grabo the last hand ful of games.

Anybody here that rumor: Miller for Kessel?
- MapleLeafsFTW

No

Time to move Kadri and Grabo up in the lineup ....and McLement ...they're all playing better than Bozak right now.
- The Law

Grabs had one effective game, and scored on a play he almost screwed up. His goal vs. BUF was 90% Gardiner slapping the puck onto his stick for an easy tip. Bozak had goals vs OTT & WPG by being in the right spot.

Unless Grabs utilizes his speed like he did vs. BOS he won't be very effective

Afternoon Guys, I dont have the time to read the last few pages, but does anyone else think that the Leafs should Bite on Joe Thorton????

Gardiner was our best dman last year - defensively?

Oh my...
- Atomic Wedgie

To clarify he said any "blind man" can see that.

So, that wouldn't include those of us who are vision-positive.

Anybody here that rumor: Miller for Kessel?
- MapleLeafsFTW

Between division opponents, I don't think so.

Can't think of too many teams out there who will pay up for Miller, despite the fact that his time in BUF is almost certainly nearing its end.

Maybe NJ will be interested when Marty hangs them up. COL is certainly a possiblity, though they gave up 2 1sts for Varly so I can't imagine them being interested in moving more picks. Maybe there's a fit for ROR on BUF.

Oh yeah for sure that would be ideal and with our depth on the wings it may even be possible. I just see people getting of Grabo's back and in my opinion those lines might be a solution. But Carlyle is probably trying to do what you are saying, they're is a reason why he is the coach after
- MapleLeafsFTW

And the thing is is that they are winning. Let's say the LEafs keep trucking and play a round or whatever. But imagine the third line starts putting the biscuit in.

Grabs had one effective game, and scored on a play he almost screwed up. His goal vs. BUF was 90% Gardiner slapping the puck onto his stick for an easy tip. Bozak had goals vs OTT & WPG by being in the right spot.

Unless Grabs utilizes his speed like he did vs. BOS he won't be very effective
- AngryWhiteMale

Sadly GRabs made a great shot but Lucic not caring had more to do with the goal than anything.

...this makes no sense. Our best offensive Dman should go for a guy at centre in a position we're already chalked full of guys.

Gardiner is our best asset back there at the moment. His speed helps us gain the zone. Before Jake our guys would carry the puck along the blueline, not sure what to do afterwards, and stickhandle it onto the opponents stick. Our entry as well as transition is significantly weaker without him
- AngryWhiteMale

I don't know...maybe you have never heard of Rielly, Pecy, Finn, Blacker...
All very good (one spectacular) puck moving defencemen in the Toronto Maple Leafs system. Maybe you think we are on the verge of winning a cup so it's more important that we keep Gardiner rather then filling the biggest glaring hole that we need filled....

And the thing is is that they are winning. Let's say the LEafs keep trucking and play a round or whatever. But imagine the third line starts putting the biscuit in.
- aminnes

At this point, I'd just be happy if the first line started scoring again.

Anyone seen JVR lately?

Anybody here that rumor: Miller for Kessel?
- MapleLeafsFTW

More like Miller Lite.

At this point, I'd just be happy if the first line started scoring again.

Anyone seen JVR lately?
- Atomic Wedgie

He's a horse in front. He takes mad abuse and hasn't bagged one in a while, I'm fine with him right now.

Grabs had one effective game, and scored on a play he almost screwed up. His goal vs. BUF was 90% Gardiner slapping the puck onto his stick for an easy tip. Bozak had goals vs OTT & WPG by being in the right spot.

Unless Grabs utilizes his speed like he did vs. BOS he won't be very effective
- AngryWhiteMale

lol

whats next? go bruins go?

More like Miller Lite.
- aminnes

Between division opponents, I don't think so.

Can't think of too many teams out there who will pay up for Miller, despite the fact that his time in BUF is almost certainly nearing its end.

Maybe NJ will be interested when Marty hangs them up. COL is certainly a possiblity, though they gave up 2 1sts for Varly so I can't imagine them being interested in moving more picks. Maybe there's a fit for ROR on BUF.
- AngryWhiteMale

My Dad told me some guys were talking about it at his work during the last game, probably nothing to it.

And the thing is is that they are winning. Let's say the LEafs keep trucking and play a round or whatever. But imagine the third line starts putting the biscuit in.
- aminnes

It's a valid argument, I'd still like to see Grabo have someone to play with who can pot the puck. Come to think about that's probably why they have Frattin there.

God damn, i was in the wrong blog F5ing it. I hate you all.
- walshyleafsfan

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/67431/f5-o.gif ?

I am not even a huge Gardiner fan (meaning I would like to see him used in package for someone like Couturier)....but any blind man can see that he was easily our best dman last year (off. and def.).
- Cooshie

wow

I don't know...maybe you have never heard of Rielly, Pecy, Finn, Blacker...
All very good (one spectacular) puck moving defencemen in the Toronto Maple Leafs system. Maybe you think we are on the verge of winning a cup so it's more important that we keep Gardiner rather then filling the biggest glaring hole that we need filled....
- Cooshie

Based on how patient we were with Nazem I would be very surprised if the like Of Reilly, Finn & Percy(all very solid prospects, mind you) didn't join the team for another 3 years or so.

Reilly will get one more year of WJC & WHL before playing at least one full season in the AHL. Same goes for the other two.

In the meantime we'll need Gardiner's ability from the back end if our offense if to have any balance. We simply can't not have a guy who can make a perfect first pass, or skate the puck into the zone on the PP all by himself.

If you think we can wait another three years without a guy like Gardiner back there, then I suggest you pack a lunch, or put a pot of coffee on.

Afternoon Guys, I dont have the time to read the last few pages, but does anyone else think that the Leafs should Bite on Joe Thorton????
- Jimmy_wiener

I don't see him as a good fit especially considering what we might have to give up.

It would be fun having him against the Bruins though.