Thanks to you sir
- Jsaquella

this is so unlike me, I feel dirty being helpful

My only concern is that I think both Raffl and Umberger look better on the left side. I'm fairly curious about how Umberger plays next season. I know he can play the right side, but when I watched Columbus play, I always thought his game would look better on the left
- AllInForFlyers

Not a bad point. I haven't really tried to guess lines for awhile, more looking at two man combos.

this is so unlike me, I feel dirty being helpful
- watsonnostaw

Your "stoic" avatar says it all.

this is so unlike me, I feel dirty being helpful
- watsonnostaw

You could poison some of your meat

Not a bad point. I haven't really tried to guess lines for awhile, more looking at two man combos.
- Jsaquella

No worries; it was just my opinion based on a small sample size, anyway...just hoping Umberger has some tread left on the tire

No worries; it was just my opinion based on a small sample size, anyway...just hoping Umberger has some tread left on the tire
- AllInForFlyers

It'd be great if he can just come in and be solid.

It'd be great if he can just come in and be solid.
- Jsaquella

In many ways, we're already net neutral -- he'll take fewer penalties and he can kill them, so he has value.

But still, at some point, somebody is gonna have to score goals. I saw Umberger enough to see that goals weren't coming easily for him, but he still has 18...if he can still do that for even just this year, that would be tremendous

he said it on TSN, thats hockey segment
- watsonnostaw

Just a feeling but I'm thinking maybe there is a possible deal to a team off the radar like Calgary that VL has to think about waiving his no trade.

Downie took too many dumb penalties and had health issues, I'd take Ott at say 2-2.5 over Downie at any price.

In many ways, we're already net neutral -- he'll take fewer penalties and he can kill them, so he has value.

But still, at some point, somebody is gonna have to score goals. I saw Umberger enough to see that goals weren't coming easily for him, but he still has 18...if he can still do that for even just this year, that would be tremendous
- AllInForFlyers

I see the deal, when you factor in everything(cash, term, penalties, etc), as a fairly lateral one.

I'm hoping in Umberger's case, that a change of scenery helps him. His offensive production dip has occurred pretty much over the same time frame that Todd Richards has coached the team, so perhaps Umberger just didn't work under his coaching.

Just a feeling but I'm thinking maybe there is a possible deal to a team off the radar like Calgary that VL has to think about waiving his no trade.
- sulshawn

I feel for the guy -- he's a human being, with a wife and kids. He played in one place for a long time and he definitely isn't used to being one the move, potentially, twice in 12, 13 months.

But I would hope that he wouldn't think too hard, because at some point, going somewhere where they want you is something to aspire to

Ahh, perfect. I asked them if it was a TV or radio spot and was waiting on an answer
- Jsaquella

do you realistically think he'll be traded?

Not sure if it came up but Simmonds did a 15 minute segment on Leafs Lunch today. Podcast is available. Expect a Santa Claus groan moment.

I feel for the guy -- he's a human being, with a wife and kids. He played in one place for a long time and he definitely isn't used to being one the move, potentially, twice in 12, 13 months.

But I would hope that he wouldn't think too hard, because at some point, going somewhere where they want you is something to aspire to
- AllInForFlyers

Agreed. Lecavalier has been a pro about it, too. He made a few critical comments, but nothing harsh about the situation. You know he's frustrated and working hard, but everything last season was just off. Injuries, linemates, usage...just a nightmare year for him.

do you realistically think he'll be traded?
- 2Real

I'd say it's still 75-80% he will.

do you realistically think he'll be traded?
- 2Real

Know you didn't ask me specifically, but I always thought it was going to be a heavy lift and always told myself at least once a day that he was gonna be here come fall

Downie took too many dumb penalties and had health issues, I'd take Ott at say 2-2.5 over Downie at any price.
- Consequence

have we discussed gambling on peter mueller?

have we discussed gambling on peter mueller?
- moylander

I'd roll the dice on a player with his skill set -- he's one of those guys who I think could play with Vinny, too, by the way

have we discussed gambling on peter mueller?
- moylander

Not tonight, but his name has come up before. Absolutely a guy Id roll the dice on.

good, its lightning out
- watsonnostaw

Not tonight, but his name has come up before. Absolutely a guy Id roll the dice on.
- Jsaquella

can play multiple positions - has some wheels - and has been pretty healthy for a year or so. kinda hope they take a chance there.

Agreed. Lecavalier has been a pro about it, too. He made a few critical comments, but nothing harsh about the situation. You know he's frustrated and working hard, but everything last season was just off. Injuries, linemates, usage...just a nightmare year for him.
- Jsaquella

I think the only player on the roster he can play with at even strength are Voracek and Giroux -- and I'm only projecting Giroux, tbh.

I think Umberger's game, if he is good to go, might work, too.

Just...damn. The fit just isn't obvious, and he just doesn't give you many options because he just doesn't show any signs of transitioning into a good defensive player like Yzerman and Dave Andreychuk did

I think the only player on the roster he can play with at even strength are Voracek and Giroux -- and I'm only projecting Giroux, tbh.

I think Umberger's game, if he is good to go, might work, too.

Just...damn. The fit just isn't obvious, and he just doesn't give you many options because he just doesn't show any signs of transitioning into a good defensive player like Yzerman and Dave Andreychuk did
- AllInForFlyers

That's kind of why I like trying him on RW with Giroux.

can play multiple positions - has some wheels - and has been pretty healthy for a year or so. kinda hope they take a chance there.
- moylander

If we're locked in on Steve Ott -- and boy, it sure smells like it -- and wouldn't even consider Mueller...that would be unfortunate.

That's kind of why I like trying him on RW with Giroux.
- Jsaquella

if they have to keep him i think this makes the most sense. i think any loss in 1st line prod will be offset by jake picking up the second line......vl may be back to close to 100% s well so he may not be washed up jusst yet