I though Free Agency always started July 1st????????????????????
- GCHonda

July 5 this year.

Dude. Learn how to read the numbers. It's based on games. Kessel with Connolly even started great then faded fast.

Bottom line has Kessel had career numbers with Bozak as his center? Simple question.
- honesthockey

Kessel has done well with Bozak as center, yes. He's done well with everyone, and may (probably) do even better with a real #1C.

If you believe Bozak is a true #1C then I don't know what to say.

Bozak is a first line centre. Anyone who says different doesn't watch hockey.
- marklaprise

I'd say he isn't but since the Leafs don't have one he's been the best fit with Kessel

July 5 this year.
- honesthockey

YIKES, 4 more days for Lou to find a way to keep Clarkson. You can't give a genius like Lou an extra 4 days.

Kessel has done well with Bozak as center, yes. He's done well with everyone, and may (probably) would do even better with a real #1C.

If you believe Bozak is a true #1C then I don't know what to say.
- daeth

He hasn't done well with everyone or Bozak would have been replaced. Not sure why people don't get this simple point.

With no center? Is it a fact? Kessel has had career years with Bozak as his center?
- honesthockey

thats kind of an unfair assessment, because kessel was entering him prime coming to toronto, and bozak was slotted in the #1 spot. you can't say it was primarily bozak's doing for kessel's career years. don't get me wrong, bozak is effective at what he is capable of doing (ie. winning faceoffs and being the defensive forward on the line) but an upgrade in the offensive department would be nice.

With no center? Is it a fact? Kessel has had career years with Bozak as his center?
- honesthockey

Don't ignore me, lover boy. You cant disregard my statement and continue on blabbling your nonsense.

Give me three first liners playing right now who had their career years in the very first season they played.

He hasn't done well with everyone or Bozak would have been replaced. Not sure why people don't get this simple point.
- honesthockey

http://stats.hockeyanalys...ue&season=2009-13&sit=5v5

Kessel since 2009 with Bozak (on-ice ES stats)

Goals for per 20 minutes: 0.895
Goals against per 20 minutes: 0.975

Kessel since 2009 without Bozak (on-ice ES stats)

Goals for per 20 minutes: 1.043
Goals against per 20 minutes: 0.977

Kessel has done well with Bozak as center, yes. He's done well with everyone, and may (probably) would do even better with a real #1C.

If you believe Bozak is a true #1C then I don't know what to say.
- daeth

I'd say he's a perfect substitute till we find a true #1 center. I have no problem with him & Kadri as out top 2 centers next year. As long as Grabbo is long gone.

thats kind of an unfair assessment, because kessel was entering him prime coming to toronto, and bozak was slotted in the #1 spot. you can't say it was primarily bozak's doing for kessel's career years. don't get me wrong, bozak is effective at what he is capable of doing (ie. winning faceoffs and being the defensive forward on the line) but an upgrade in the offensive department would be nice.
- matt1337

I agree 100%. My point all along is until someone proves they can keep Kessels production up you gotta keep Bozak there.

I'd say he's a perfect substitute till we find a true #1 center. I have no problem with him & Kadri as out top 2 centers next year. As long as Grabbo is long gone.
- GCHonda

Agreed.

http://stats.hockeyanalys...ue&season=2009-13&sit=5v5

Kessel since 2009 with Bozak (on-ice stats)

Goals for per 20 minutes: 0.895
Goals against per 20 minutes: 0.975

Kessel since 2009 without Bozak (on-ice stats)

Goals for per 20 minutes: 1.043
Goals against per 20 minutes: 0.977
- daeth

Yeah so what? Like I said it's always short term. If this were a true basis for a coaches analysis why would he keep Bozak and Kessel together? Not rocket science.

He hasn't done well with everyone or Bozak would have been replaced. Not sure why people don't get this simple point.
- honesthockey

Sign him for 4 X 3.75 and he can continue being our #1C for his 4th consecutive year then ...but that means extending kessel

I'd say he's a perfect substitute till we find a true #1 center. I have no problem with him & Kadri as out top 2 centers next year. As long as Grabbo is long gone.
- GCHonda

At what cost though? That's what this all depends on. I'd rather take a chance with Kadri as the #1 than overpay like they did with Grabo to keep him.

Bozak is a first line centre. Anyone who says different doesn't watch hockey.
- marklaprise

Jesus Christ.

He hasn't done well with everyone or Bozak would have been replaced. Not sure why people don't get this simple point.
- honesthockey

Which means...... You contradict everyone ? Or agree to agree on disagreeing ?

He IS a #1. Only Leafs fans know this.

Jesus Christ.
- burn

Nope he wore 99 and 66

Sign him for 4 X 3.75 and he can continue being our #1C for his 4th consecutive year then ...but that means extending kessel
- JIMI-JAMES

The numbers mean zilch to me. Pay him a buck just to keep Kesels production up.

Which means...... You contradict everyone ? Or agree to agree on disagreeing ?

He IS a #1. Only Leafs fans know this.
- marklaprise

I agree he isn't a number 1 thats the thing. But know one admits that the line works. And well.

The numbers mean zilch to me. Pay him a buck just to keep Kesels production up.
- honesthockey

would you pay bozak 5 in order to extend kessel for 7?

I agree he isn't a number 1 thats the thing. But know one admits that the line works. And well.
- honesthockey

Kessel works, thus the line works. Who wouldn't admit that?

Which means...... You contradict everyone ? Or agree to agree on disagreeing ?

He IS a #1. Only Leafs fans know this.
- marklaprise

....

.........

would you pay bozak 5 in order to extend kessel for 7?
- JIMI-JAMES

No Bozak at $4.25-$4.5 max. Million less then Grabovski is huge value.

Agreed.
- honesthockey

if we are able to find a more capable two way center, who plays well at both ends of the ice, then he should replace bozak. saying kadri can replace him really isn't the smartest idea. sure he is better offensively, but that doesn't compare to how much worse he is defensively and on the faceoffs. kadri needs more seasoning before he can play with kessel.

say we were to get vinny, his faceoffs are equivalent to bozak, his offensive production is greater, but his defensive play is lacking. if carlyle can change that aspect of his game, pairing him with kessel will be fine.

someone who i think would replace bozak easily, and might not be to expensive to get, is pavelski. sure, you wouldnt consider him a true #1, but his offense is better then bozak, his faceoffs equivalent, and he plays defensively.

Kessel works, thus the line works. Who wouldn't admit that?
- daeth

Like every line in the NHL. Crosby works thus the line works.