Yeah, I agree. Plus I see Clarkson getting the start on the second line and not the third so it kind of all makes sense.

Even though they play different positions....disregard that statement

Still early
- RickJames77

i don't know if it's necessarily the best idea to start Clarkson in a top-6 role. you're expected to produce in a top-6 role. that kind of pressure might not be ideal. he'd probably be better off tucked away down the lineup where he can build his confidence. it will likely be low to start the season so if he's on a top-2 line and then doesn't pop a few early... could be a slippery slope.

Disregarded.
- SolidGoldBricks

I posted that and was like wait a tick...

booth will start the year with santorelli

they've played a ton together
- Dozzer

Kontiola komarov
Booth Santa

Prolly end up together on 3 and 4. Makes total sense.

i don't know if it's necessarily the best idea to start Clarkson in a top-6 role. you're expected to produce in a top-6 role. that kind of pressure might not be ideal. he'd probably be better off tucked away down the lineup where he can build his confidence. it will likely be low to start the season so if he's on a top-2 line and then doesn't pop a few early... could be a slippery slope.
- DoubleDown

I understand your point and would tend to agree with it, but I don't see too much secondary scoring from the bottom 6 to bolster his confidence. Not saying the Leafs bottom six won't chip in, just that it won't help him regain his confidence. I think he just needs a good camp and a fresh start in the top 6 at the beginning of the season to see what happens.

Somebody called Booth signing dumb cause it pushes Frattin or Ashton to the press box.

As if that's a bad thing...
- Big_Lightnin

that should help aston with his breathing since his nose will not get in the way of another player fist.

i don't know if it's necessarily the best idea to start Clarkson in a top-6 role. you're expected to produce in a top-6 role. that kind of pressure might not be ideal. he'd probably be better off tucked away down the lineup where he can build his confidence. it will likely be low to start the season so if he's on a top-2 line and then doesn't pop a few early... could be a slippery slope.
- DoubleDown

But the opposite is true: play sheltered minutes with better players in the top 6, garner the support of the coach by choosing you over others to play on the top two lines.

I think, regardless of the "accountability/compete" noise, Clarkson will start playing with Lupul and Kadri.

I'd actually like to see Lupul up with Kessel and put JVR on a line with Kadri to take on some of the tougher defensive assignments and leave LBK as the sheltered scoring line.

I posted that and was like wait a tick...
- RickJames77

But the opposite is true: play sheltered minutes with better players in the top 6, garner the support of the coach by choosing you over others to play on the top two lines.

I think, regardless of the "accountability/compete" noise, Clarkson will start playing with Lupul and Kadri.

I'd actually like to see Lupul up with Kessel and put JVR on a line with Kadri to take on some of the tougher defensive assignments and leave LBK as the sheltered scoring line.
- gravyface

i don't think that's a bad idea at all. i don't like the idea of having a loaded top line if you can avoid it.

A lot think Booth will be Raymondesque but better, others don't like Marlie players who have earned the chance being told basically, you have no shot as they keep signing players to one year deals.

Also, haven't heard Jackie Blue song in a long time, catchy tune!
- LeafMan

I think the 1 year 1 million type deals are done with the foresight of "if a marlie player earns a spot they can have it"

But the opposite is true: play sheltered minutes with better players in the top 6, garner the support of the coach by choosing you over others to play on the top two lines.

I think, regardless of the "accountability/compete" noise, Clarkson will start playing with Lupul and Kadri.

I'd actually like to see Lupul up with Kessel and put JVR on a line with Kadri to take on some of the tougher defensive assignments and leave LBK as the sheltered scoring line.
- gravyface

This...pretty much what I was saying above and I 100% agree.

i don't know if it's necessarily the best idea to start Clarkson in a top-6 role. you're expected to produce in a top-6 role. that kind of pressure might not be ideal. he'd probably be better off tucked away down the lineup where he can build his confidence. it will likely be low to start the season so if he's on a top-2 line and then doesn't pop a few early... could be a slippery slope.
- DoubleDown

Fish or cut bait. If he struggles again, sit him on his ass then buy the (frank)er out and move on.

Especially sunny is that we got Komarov back.

I didn't want to see him end up Back in the USSR...
- lumlums

Guess we need the leafs to sign someone named Jude to keep this game going

Fish or cut bait. If he struggles again, sit him on his ass then buy the (frank)er out and move on.
- Woderwick

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can buy him out

I just got back from the MasterCard Centre:

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can buy him out
- RickJames77

next year

i don't know if it's necessarily the best idea to start Clarkson in a top-6 role. you're expected to produce in a top-6 role. that kind of pressure might not be ideal. he'd probably be better off tucked away down the lineup where he can build his confidence. it will likely be low to start the season so if he's on a top-2 line and then doesn't pop a few early... could be a slippery slope.
- DoubleDown

You are a pretty good poster.... good insight.... seems impossible given you are a Habs fan... wouldn't believe it if i didn't see it with my own eyes

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can buy him out
- RickJames77

We can, but the cap hit counts against us and with all those bonuses, it would be a huge cap burden for years to come:

EXT CAP HIT BREAKDOWN (for copying and pasting)
David Clarkson buyout from CapGeek.com
2015-16: $4,716,667
2016-17: $3,716,667
2017-18: $3,716,667
2018-19: $4,716,667
2019-20: $4,716,667
2020-21: $466,667
2021-22: $466,667
2022-23: $466,667
2023-24: $466,667
2024-25: $466,667

You are a pretty good poster.... good insight.... seems impossible given you are a Habs fan... wouldn't believe it if i didn't see it with my own eyes
- jribout

I think MTL1 and him are closet Leafs fans.

I just got back from the MasterCard Centre:


- Atomic Wedgie

School of Dozzer art?

It is Lums,, he is the spark that ignites us all into punnery. Blame him.


Could be worse, we could be cursing at each other constantly..
- bixll

I'm just as bad at work

I just got back from the MasterCard Centre:


- Atomic Wedgie

Hands down, worst photoshop hack job I've seen in years.

You're my favourite playa
- lumlums

next year
- Woderwick

Do you know what the rules are with regard to the buyouts? I think I have a misunderstanding of them for some reason

But the opposite is true: play sheltered minutes with better players in the top 6, garner the support of the coach by choosing you over others to play on the top two lines.

I think, regardless of the "accountability/compete" noise, Clarkson will start playing with Lupul and Kadri.

I'd actually like to see Lupul up with Kessel and put JVR on a line with Kadri to take on some of the tougher defensive assignments and leave LBK as the sheltered scoring line.
- gravyface

thats how they started last year and kadri JVR had ZERO chemistry

kadri had no chemistry with JVR when bozak was hurt as well.. they do not compliment each other well

I think the 1 year 1 million type deals are done with the foresight of "if a marlie player earns a spot they can have it"
- jribout

Pretty much, yeah. Put those 1M guys on waivers, good chance somebody takes a flyer on them, and the cap hit buried with the Marlies is less than 500K for all those guys.