I think that's the disciplined, and correct, way to go about it. Keep in mind though that it looks like Arizona's GM just got fired for doing exactly that, so ultimately, it all depends on how patient the ownership group is.
- The Shrike

The difference is, we can spend to the cap, where Arizona had an internal budget. Arizona survives on Revenue Sharing money.

agreed. marner is a bust.
- Tumbleweed

Marner is a damned good hockey player....he was probably, the 4th best player in the draft. If we had been in the top 3, it would have been one of the 3 centre's.

Marner is a damned good hockey player....he was probably, the 4th best player in the draft. If we had been in the top 3, it would have been one of the 3 centre's.
- PrinceLH

so what's the concern with drafting another player from london?

I have a feeling 7 years 9.1 million per, front loaded as possible.
- ky678468

I would not pay more then 8 million per, for 7 years. His health issues should be where the discount is applied.

The difference is, we can spend to the cap, where Arizona had an internal budget. Arizona survives on Revenue Sharing money.
- PrinceLH

The firing of the GM indicates that they might be willing to make some big moves.. like doing whatever it takes to aquire Matthews..

Im open to trading the first i the Leafs get it.. but only if ARI overpays majorly...

so what's the concern with drafting another player from london?
- Tumbleweed

None....if we pick 4th. I'd rather pick one or two and take either Matthews or Liane.

Marner is a damned good hockey player....he was probably, the 4th best player in the draft. If we had been in the top 3, it would have been one of the 3 centre's.
- PrinceLH

You think Hunter would have wanted Strome over Marner?

The firing of the GM indicates that they might be willing to make some big moves.. like doing whatever it takes to aquire Matthews..

Im open to trading the first i the Leafs get it.. but only if ARI overpays majorly...
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Totally agree! If they want to cough up Strome, Domi and their first, then I can see doing it!

You think Hunter would have wanted Strome over Marner?
- Arctic_AARDVARK

I would rather have had Strome over Marner. A number 1 centre with size is more valuable then a smaller winger. Of course we don't have the ability to use our hindsight, when the draft happened.

The firing of the GM indicates that they might be willing to make some big moves.. like doing whatever it takes to aquire Matthews..

Im open to trading the first i the Leafs get it.. but only if ARI overpays majorly...
- Arctic_AARDVARK

doubtful.

if AZ's ownership is looking for an analytics based GM, mathews being a hometown boy will have no impact on decision making.

an 80-100% chance of signing a guy that almost every team in the league will have interest in? seems a little optimistic don't you think?
- daeth

Ya probably but he's a Markham boy!!!

I would rather have had Strome over Marner. A number 1 centre with size is more valuable then a smaller winger. Of course we don't have the ability to use our hindsight, when the draft happened.
- PrinceLH

I think they are pretty even.. both have pros and cons.. you gotta think Strome puts up the points he does in the O because hes so much bigger.. he doesnt rely on skill as much.. but with the speed difference in the NHL skill might translate into a more valuable asset than size.

I would rather have had Strome over Marner. A number 1 centre with size is more valuable then a smaller winger. Of course we don't have the ability to use our hindsight, when the draft happened.
- PrinceLH

I think that was the consensus, which is why he went ahead of Marner in the draft.

Yea that single pick trend is very worrying.
- Feeling Glucky?

Piccinich too

doubtful.

if AZ's ownership is looking for an analytics based GM, mathews being a hometown boy will have no impact on decision making.
- Tumbleweed

It'll still matter obviously.. just from a pure financial standpoint.

No one would fill the stands in ARI like Matthews excpet for Crosby or maybe Eichel..

I think that was the consensus, which is why he went ahead of Marner in the draft.
- gravyface

I'm really interested to see which player will be "better" down the line.
I also think it will be hard to detirmine because of their different playing styles.

It'll still matter obviously.. just from a pure financial standpoint.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

that shipped has sailed. maloney failed to tank properly and give themselves a good opportunity to get mathews. probably another reason he got fired.

overpaying for mathews now will be counterproductive in the long-term. the novelty of a hometown boy will wear off. gutting the team to acquire him ensures a losing team for several more years.

a winning team will do more to get people to buy tickets long-term than having a hometown boy on the roster.

ARI is smoking banana peels... or more likely coyote..
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Fixed

I'm really interested to see which player will be "better" down the line.
I also think it will be hard to detirmine because of their different playing styles.
- UsernameUnknown

Marner's got the magic factor, Strome is more of a North/South prototypical #1 center, so yeah, hard to say.

Marner's got the magic factor, Strome is more of a North/South prototypical #1 center, so yeah, hard to say.
- gravyface

Speaking of the magic factor...

that shipped has sailed. maloney failed to tank properly and give themselves a good opportunity to get mathews. probably another reason he got fired.

overpaying for mathews now will be counterproductive in the long-term. the novelty of a hometown boy will wear off. gutting the team to acquire him ensures a losing team for several more years.

a winning team will do more to get people to buy tickets long-term than having a hometown boy on the roster.
- Tumbleweed

I dont know if they can afford to not get him though... they are hemmoraging money.. im not saying it would be the best thing for them to do, but its a business first.. they'd sell a poop ton of tickets and jerseys...

I dont know if they can afford to not get him though... they are hemmoraging money.. im not saying it would be the best thing for them to do, but its a business first.. they'd sell a poop ton of tickets and jerseys...
- Arctic_AARDVARK

domi is the face of the franchise right now. they start winning games, jersey sales won't be a problem.

Did Kadri turn down the WC's or was he not invited?

domi is the face of the franchise right now. they start winning games, jersey sales won't be a problem.
- Tumbleweed

Domi isnt exaclty a powerful marketing tool..

Matthews would be huge.. Tampa marketed the poop outta Stamkos before he even played for them, but they were lucky he panned out to be a superstar.. Domi is good, but not an ideal guy to build your team around.

Speaking of the magic factor...


- Atomic Wedgie

Uh oh, what have you done...