Yeah I think it's really holding the Oilers back that they can't acquire Toews, Letang, Lucic and Quick in exchange for Omark, because it really would be a poopshow for Edmonton.

But seriously, ACTUALLY landing (and then extending) Thornton isn't worth some serious consideration?
- Morris

I realize my response is 17 hours late, but here goes:

No, it's not worth serious consideration.

We are no longer interested in giving up the future for a rapidly aging present.

You'll have to trust me as a Leafs fan; that plan doesn't work.

Domi did get exposed some what at the Memorial Cup. You could certainly tell the difference between a top 3 pick (MacKinnon, Drouin, Jones) and a player ranked 10-25 (Domi, Horvat, Petan, Zadorov, Fucale). But with that being said, MacKinnon, Drouin and Jones are special players, and guys like Domi and Horvat didn't look far behind them. Lets keep in mind they're 17 years old. Domi an Horvat have played in two Memorial cups an will both likely play on Team Canada next season. Also developing in London is huge, as that organization spits out top end NHL talent on a yearly bases.
- Hockey61

Petan, Zadorov and Horvat (outside of two games) were excellent though. Petan in particular. That shorty bringing them back in the game was sick.

Just to touch on what's being said throughout the thread...

Ryan Strome to the Leafs for them eating DiPetro's contract.. not going to happen. He is one of the best young player's not currently in the NHL. However, I could see the Islanders moving a guy like Josh Bailey, to get rid of DiPetro's contract. It would also free up a roster spot for Strome, because lets face it, if Strome is to play in the NHL he needs to be in the top 6 to make an impact as well as improve and develop. Playing 6-9 minutes on the fourth line with Eric Boulton is not going to help or make sense. With that being said I don't think Bailey is worth taking on DiPetro's contract. Nino Niederreiter wants out of Long Island, and in my opinion he would be worth eating the contract, however the Leafs are pretty well set on the Wings. Brock Nelson a former 1st Rounder put up great numbers as a rookie in the AHL with Bridgeport, he would be my target ultimately if I where to take on DiPetro's contract. He is a 21 year old, 6'3, 205 pound center who put up 25 goals and 27 assists for 52 points in 66 games as a rookie in the AHL. He has a psychical side to his game an was an even plus minus player. He also put up 47 points in 42 games as a sophomore at North Dakota before turning pro this past season. Throw in a B level prospect like Toronto native Corey Trivino or Mitchell Theoret an I think there is a deal to be had.

On Joe Thornton...

Thornton although getting up there in age is still a top of the line center iceman. If the Leafs could some how get him at the 4mil to 4.5mil per season range for say 2 or 3 years, I'm all for it. I think Thornton has 3 more solid years in him before he hits his wall. He is an obvious upgrade over Tyler Bozak an seeing how Bozak is asking for 5 million a season the money side of replacing Bozak with Thornton makes sense already. Thornton would bring a veteran presence and playoff experience to the table, as well as a load of play making ability that would only improve Phil Kessel's game. I realize we'd have to make a deal for him, an its tough to say what make sense as he could walk away at seasons end. San Jose's depth and prospect pool is really thin, where as the Leafs depth and prospect pool is fairly deep an stocked. Gardiner, Reilly, Colborne, Frattin, Kadri, Finn and Scrivens for my money should be off the table completely, as should the Leafs 1st rounder's in upcoming seasons. To me Stuart Percy, a 2nd rounder in 2014 and a depth guy makes sense and nothing more.

As for free agents. I like Bryan Bickell, but with his current playoff success his price has surely risen. Clarkson would be a great fit but we can't over pay, an I think 4 million a season would be the max. I think Nathan Horton would be the best overall fit an he could come at a bargain do to his injury history.

Draft wise, I'd love to see Max Domi in Toronto, not just because of the name, but because of his game. He may be undersized, but he has great character, determination, skill, strength, skating and scoring ability. Bo Horvat would be another great pick.
- Hockey61

And why would San Jose do that deal?

And why would San Jose do that deal?
- Atomic Wedgie

Because we have the owners daughter.

And why would San Jose do that deal?
- Atomic Wedgie

cause the leafs will toss one of these bad boys in

I realize my response is 17 hours late, but here goes:

No, it's not worth serious consideration.

We are no longer interested in giving up the future for a rapidly aging present.

You'll have to trust me as a Leafs fan; that plan doesn't work.
- Atomic Wedgie

crazy how the leafs had a little success this season and its right back to old habits.. trade for old.

the focus should be on acquiring the #1 center for the next 10 years not Thornton for the next 1 year.

How about Komisarek for Deipetro and Strome

crazy how the leafs had a little success this season and its right back to old habits.. trade for old.

the focus should be on acquiring the #1 center for the next 10 years not Thornton for the next 1 year.

How about Komisarek for Deipetro and Strome
- senstroll

crazy how the leafs had a little success this season and its right back to old habits.. trade for old.

the focus should be on acquiring the #1 center for the next 10 years not Thornton for the next 1 year.

How about Komisarek for Deipetro and Strome
- senstroll

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that MLSE had to pay that much money and only get some prospect in return.

It'll take Tavares to make it worth while.

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that MLSE had to pay that much money and only get some prospect in return.

It'll take Tavares to make it worth while.
- robin_steele264

especially with the Polish PMD going their way

What's happened to that dude? He's really poop the bed last couple of years.
- gravyface

Should remind Leaf fans of Felix Potvin.

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that MLSE had to pay that much money and only get some prospect in return.

It'll take Tavares to make it worth while.
- robin_steele264

FINALLY YOU UNDERSTAND!

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that MLSE had to pay that much money and only get some prospect in return.

It'll take Tavares to make it worth while.
- robin_steele264

i know its already causing me to lose sleep...

No
- The_Vark

Why not?

why the (frank) am I a Toronto sports fan...they just disappoint..


Toronto 24 wins Payroll 118 Million
Houston 21 wins Payroll 24 million



Leafs poop the bed in the worst way in history after 9 years

cause the leafs will toss one of these bad boys in


- Dozzer

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that MLSE had to pay that much money and only get some prospect in return.

It'll take Tavares to make it worth while.
- robin_steele264

Dude, give it up. We don't care about MLSE giving up the money. We care about what they will do to recover the money. There will be no UFA signings, probably cut some salary and unload a few guys, maybe they don't resign Kessel and/or Phaneuf, maybe they raise ticket and concession prices. Just because they're loaded with money doesn't mean they don't want more. They're a business and in their minds a prospect who may never make the nhl is not worth 25 mill. I don't know why you're still on this anyway because its not happening.

Dude, give it up. We don't care about MLSE giving up the money. We care about what they will do to recover the money. There will be no UFA signings, probably cut some salary and unload a few guys, maybe they don't resign Kessel and/or Phaneuf, maybe they raise ticket and concession prices. Just because they're loaded with money doesn't mean they don't want more. They're a business and in their minds a prospect who may never make the nhl is not worth 25 mill. I don't know why you're still on this anyway because its not happening.
- coolehmon41

Sorry I won't bring up the topic again.

One of the announcers said last night that the Leafs were one Frattin breakaway from being the team to beat this year...


- Flyfreaky

I’m not so sure about that. They’ve got a ways to go before we can start saying things like that. I find it funny though, I told a Sens fan (in response to a shot about the game 7 letdown), that they never would have made it to game 7 against the Bruins, and the Habs would have been an easy series for anyone. With the way the Bruins are dismantling the Pens, and the way the Pens dismantled the Sens, it’s looking like that is dead on. No meltdown, and who knows what would have happened. I do think they would have EASILY wiped out the Sens or the Habs. As in, 5 or 6 game series. But I think the Pens will make this series closer than thought, and I don’t think the Leafs would make it by them either. The Pens and Bruins have always been the class of the conference, so it’s no fluke they are where they are. It’s nice to know that the Leafs are starting to put themselves at the top of the next class of teams in the East though. Hopefully they can continue the momentum next year.

I’m not so sure about that. They’ve got a ways to go before we can start saying things like that. I find it funny though, I told a Sens fan (in response to a shot about the game 7 letdown), that they never would have made it to game 7 against the Bruins, and the Habs would have been an easy series for anyone. With the way the Bruins are dismantling the Pens, and the way the Pens dismantled the Sens, it’s looking like that is dead on. No meltdown, and who knows what would have happened. I do think they would have EASILY wiped out the Sens or the Habs. As in, 5 or 6 game series. But I think the Pens will make this series closer than thought, and I don’t think the Leafs would make it by them either. The Pens and Bruins have always been the class of the conference, so it’s no fluke they are where they are. It’s nice to know that the Leafs are starting to put themselves at the top of the next class of teams in the East though. Hopefully they can continue the momentum next year.
- Dirte

When the Bruins won the Cup the Habs also took them to game 7 overtime.

Dude, give it up. We don't care about MLSE giving up the money. We care about what they will do to recover the money. There will be no UFA signings, probably cut some salary and unload a few guys, maybe they don't resign Kessel and/or Phaneuf, maybe they raise ticket and concession prices. Just because they're loaded with money doesn't mean they don't want more. They're a business and in their minds a prospect who may never make the nhl is not worth 25 mill. I don't know why you're still on this anyway because its not happening.
- coolehmon41

oh its happening alright

Dude, give it up. We don't care about MLSE giving up the money. We care about what they will do to recover the money. There will be no UFA signings, probably cut some salary and unload a few guys, maybe they don't resign Kessel and/or Phaneuf, maybe they raise ticket and concession prices. Just because they're loaded with money doesn't mean they don't want more. They're a business and in their minds a prospect who may never make the nhl is not worth 25 mill. I don't know why you're still on this anyway because its not happening.
- coolehmon41

I think if the leafs could find a way to buy high end prospects instead of drafting them, they would do it. 25 million for a top 10 ranked Center prospect...yes they would

And why would San Jose do that deal?
- Atomic Wedgie

There are some teams out there you could say are in cap trouble, and will have to get creative to fit under. San Jose is about $10M under with 8 guys to sign. One of them is Ryan Clowe. That’s tight, but not really a huge issue, like some other teams are seeing. I can’t see them doing anything too drastic to get under the cap.

When the Bruins won the Cup the Habs also took them to game 7 overtime.
- robin_steele264

Yes, and Habs fans started to claim that they were the second best team in the conference. I think I quite clearly stated I don't believe that, when I said I don't think they'd get by either the Pens or the Bruins. But yes, I do believe they would cruised by the Sens and Habs.

I think just about any team in the conference would have smoked the Habs.

Garth's spreading a disease over on the Sabres boards, it's called "Unrealistic obsession with trading up in the draft". And when he isn't doing that, he's blogging about stuff that isn't even slightly relevant to the Sabres. Ugh someone fire that man please.

I think if the leafs could find a way to buy high end prospects instead of drafting them, they would do it. 25 million for a top 10 ranked Center prospect...yes they would
- senstroll

MLSE will get their money back in scary ways.