To take that a step further, in a couple of years…..

Lupul – Kadri – Kessel
JVR – Strome – Frattin?
Kulemin – Grabovski –
Komarov – McClement – Orr?
McClaren?

Rielly – Franson
Phaneuf (assuming he’s re-signed) – Gunnarson
Fraser – Liles

Doug Murray? Percy, Finn? I don’t know. It shouldn’t be too difficult to fill in the holes when you’ve got that much youth in the lineup.

Reimer.


And most of that youth will be around for at least 4 or 5 years.

1st round: Draft Rychel, 2nd Round: Draft Subban
Trade Grabovski+ Mckegg + Blacker for Strome+Dipietro
-
JVR- Strome-Kessel
Rychel-Kadri-Lupul
Leivo-Colborne-Frattin
Broll-Rupert-Biggs
-
Rielly-Franson
Phaneuf-Subban
Gardiner-Granberg
Percy-Nilsson
Finn
-
Reimer
Sparks
-
Man that'd be a dope future.

I asked this in the Ottawa thread but no one answered. Can anyone who knows the city of Ottawa tell me if there are any batting cages around?
Thanks.

1st round: Draft Rychel, 2nd Round: Draft Subban
Trade Grabovski+ Mckegg + Blacker for Strome+Dipietro
-
JVR- Strome-Kessel
Rychel-Kadri-Lupul
Leivo-Colborne-Frattin
Broll-Rupert-Biggs
-
Rielly-Franson
Phaneuf-Subban
Gardiner-Granberg
Percy-Nilsson
Finn
-
Reimer
Sparks
-
Man that'd be a dope future.
- Rysko81

I have to say I think Biggs and Finn have much higher ceilings than what you give them credit for.

I asked this in the Ottawa thread but no one answered. Can anyone who knows the city of Ottawa tell me if there are any batting cages around?
Thanks.
- BetterCallSaul

http://www.proleaguesinc.com/battingcage

I have to say I think Biggs and Finn have much higher ceilings than what you give them credit for.
- BetterCallSaul

In that lineup, neither of them surpass any of the players labeled above them. That has nothing to do with me not thinking they're capable, its just me putting them where they lay in the depth amongst those players according to where they fit. Biggs, doesn't find himself on the 3rd in that lineup unless Frattin is moved, Granberg is in that lineup because he can lower the boom and plays a sound defensive game and is right handed. Finn is spelled out because he's a lefty, and he's not beating out Rielly, Phaneuf, or Gardiner just based on their priority within the organization.

I have to say I think Biggs and Finn have much higher ceilings than what you give them credit for.
- BetterCallSaul

Not to mention, where did i place a ceiling? And where do you assume i give ceilings? Ceilings and labels are for arrogant people who don't understand that the potential within all is infinite, its the realization and abidance and belief in that potential that unlocks it. At this point in time, those players are, where i see they fit. That has nothing to do with a ceiling. What is a ceiling in a sport where you get the chance to prove yourself everyday?

I have to say I think Biggs and Finn have much higher ceilings than what you give them credit for.
- BetterCallSaul

So next year biggs is 1st line?... this was for next year...where he will spend most of if not all his time in the AHL.

Kadri didn’t really do more as an 18 year old. Keep in mind one falls a week after the cutoff for drafting, the other a couple of months before. 2 years draft difference, almost 3 years difference in age. 10 more points in 10 more games as an 18 year old. And Strome had 1 more point in 3 less games as a 19 year old. They have remarkably similar career paths, points wise. While I don’t think there is a big gap, I do think that Strome’s game, size, etc, translates better to the NHL. I think had they been drafted at the same time, Strome would be the better prospect. Not by a lot, but he would.

And if you’re going to bring that up, start to compare that to Gardiner as an 18/19 year old….. Gardiner for Strome would be an interesting idea, straight up. I think I’d actually do it. I don’t think it’s going to take Strome another 3 years to hit the NHL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing second line centre next year, actually. Grabovski, Kadri, Strome up the middle would look mighty nice to me. And Gardiner is replaced by Rielly in a couple of years anyway, I’d imagine. And there is plenty of D help in the pipes. Guys with first line centre potential? Not so much.
- Dirte

I'm not going to compare a defenseman in the NCAA to a forward in the O because that is a huge can of worms to open. Watched Strome live several times, I don't see a star caliber player, and definitely not a substantial upgrade on Kadri. So is it worth moving a kid who put up respectable numbers in his first season and didn't look out of place against a cup contender? absolutely not, I can buy trading assets for potential. I can't however justify trading both for a player who wont blow the doors off and only has 10 pro games under his belt.

So next year biggs is 1st line?... this was for next year...where he will spend most of if not all his time in the AHL.
- Lee Denault

Huh. No, the lineup i posted was based futuristically. I put all the lefties on defense to the left though, and thus have players like Percy and Finn below Granberg. Plus, Granbergs style of play is much better suited for third pairing, the dude is a beast. Finn isn't as developed as Percy which is why i have him below, and Biggs is playing on the 4th line with Broll because they're friggin beasts that can chuck fists and own the corners similar to Bostons (Having super pest Rupert on that line only makes it more enjoyable as well). That doesn't mean i see Biggs playing the 4th line ever, as i think the hopes of the club are to have him tweener the 2nd and 3rd lines, but just for the sake of making the lineup look prettier i included him in it.

I asked this in the Ottawa thread but no one answered. Can anyone who knows the city of Ottawa tell me if there are any batting cages around?
Thanks.
- BetterCallSaul

did you check the water park? there is glow in the dark/ outdoor mini golf on Merivale, and a top cart place in Gateneau. those are all I can really think of, if your in south keys ask around at hockey life If you can't find one there are a couple good rock climbing gyms I would suggest, Vertical Reality in Ottawa and there is a great one in Quebec about 5 mins over the bridge but I forget the name.

Huh. No, the lineup i posted was based futuristically. I put all the lefties on defense to the left though, and thus have players like Percy and Finn below Granberg. Plus, Granbergs style of play is much better suited for third pairing, the dude is a beast. Finn isn't as developed as Percy which is why i have him below, and Biggs is playing on the 4th line with Broll because they're friggin beasts that can chuck fists and own the corners similar to Bostons (Having super pest Rupert on that line only makes it more enjoyable as well). That doesn't mean i see Biggs playing the 4th line ever, as i think the hopes of the club are to have him tweener the 2nd and 3rd lines, but just for the sake of making the lineup look prettier i included him in it.
- Rysko81

i was responding to the higher ceiling poster. i believe

i was responding to the higher ceiling poster. i believe
- Lee Denault

Guess i just misunderstood what your response was to him was lolll.

1st round: Draft Rychel, 2nd Round: Draft Subban
Trade Grabovski+ Mckegg + Blacker for Strome+Dipietro
-
JVR- Strome-Kessel
Rychel-Kadri-Lupul
Leivo-Colborne-Frattin
Broll-Rupert-Biggs
-
Rielly-Franson
Phaneuf-Subban
Gardiner-Granberg
Percy-Nilsson
Finn
-
Reimer
Sparks
-
Man that'd be a dope future.
- Rysko81

Subban wont last long in the second if he goes that far

I'm not going to compare a defenseman in the NCAA to a forward in the O because that is a huge can of worms to open. Watched Strome live several times, I don't see a star caliber player, and definitely not a substantial upgrade on Kadri. So is it worth moving a kid who put up respectable numbers in his first season and didn't look out of place against a cup contender? absolutely not, I can buy trading assets for potential. I can't however justify trading both for a player who wont blow the doors off and only has 10 pro games under his belt.
- Jay Uller

Who hasn't seen Strome live?

I think you seriously underestimate him. I guess the question is, if you think Strome and Kadri are in the same ballpark, and neither are star caliber, just how screwed are we, in your opinion, at centre going forward?

Who hasn't seen Strome live?

I think you seriously underestimate him. I guess the question is, if you think Strome and Kadri are in the same ballpark, and neither are star caliber, just how screwed are we, in your opinion, at centre going forward?
- Dirte

how screwed were we this year? finished top 5 so not very, Grabbo had a poor year, Bozie did what was asked, Kadri showed flashes of being a brilliant play maker, McClement gave us a solid 3-4 option, Colborne impressed me and could slot in on the third. We made up for not having a star center with good depth and strong wingers. There will be better players that come along, no point picking away at a fairly strong D core unless what your getting is a sure thing.

Also watched live as in at the rink paying attention to every shift. Not on TV

What if we get diperto and he magically regains his o.d self

how screwed were we this year? finished top 5 so not very, Grabbo had a poor year, Bozie did what was asked, Kadri showed flashes of being a brilliant play maker, McClement gave us a solid 3-4 option, Colborne impressed me and could slot in on the third. We made up for not having a star center with good depth and strong wingers. There will be better players that come along, no point picking away at a fairly strong D core unless what your getting is a sure thing.

Also watched live as in at the rink paying attention to every shift. Not on TV
- Jay Uller

Yeah, I've seen him play live (as in, at the rink) a few times too.

Do I think we were "screwed" this year? No. But I think it was a major weakness of the team, that should be corrected if the Leafs want to be better than just top 5. Not only does Bozak not cut it as a first line centre, he may be gone anyway, leaving it an even bigger weakness in the lineup.

I'd be pretty happy with Strome and Kadri being the future of the Leafs up the middle. In a few years, I think it's FAR better than what they have now.

Yeah, I've seen him play live (as in, at the rink) a few times too.

Do I think we were "screwed" this year? No. But I think it was a major weakness of the team, that should be corrected if the Leafs want to be better than just top 5. Not only does Bozak not cut it as a first line centre, he may be gone anyway, leaving it an even bigger weakness in the lineup.

I'd be pretty happy with Strome and Kadri being the future of the Leafs up the middle. In a few years, I think it's FAR better than what they have now.
- Dirte

I think having Gards and Rielly in our top 4 will more beneficial going forward, A center will be easier had when we develop our talent and we have some other solid D prospects we can package. wait for the buyouts to happen, who knows what players become available in the next month. Richards would be a substantial upgrade if that actually happens.

What if we get diperto and he magically regains his o.d self
- Yeti1181

I'll eat my own foot

I think having Gards and Rielly in our top 4 will more beneficial going forward, A center will be easier had when we develop our talent and we have some other solid D prospects we can package. wait for the buyouts to happen, who knows what players become available in the next month. Richards would be a substantial upgrade if that actually happens.
- Jay Uller

I'd be very happy with Richards. But even if it happens, that's a short term fix.

Edmonton deserves a quality guy like Eakins. Would be a perfect fit. He's awesome with young players. If Eakins can't get the Oilers going than something is fundamentally wrong with the players.

I'd be very happy with Richards. But even if it happens, that's a short term fix.
- Dirte

Time is all we need, a deal will come along or a good draft pick. The cupboards will be even better stocked in a year or two, that's when I would reassess and make a move

I heard a rumour that Malkin may want out of Pittsburgh cause he wants to be the #1 guy somewhere else. anyone hear anything about this?

Edmonton deserves a quality guy like Eakins. Would be a perfect fit. He's awesome with young players. If Eakins can't get the Oilers going than something is fundamentally wrong with the players.
- GCHonda

If be pumped to get him.


Not sure if he'd want anything less than head coach. Which Edmonton isn't offering