"The Most Important Off-Season in Toronto Maple Leafs History"

Sadly true.
- the_voice

it is what it is, but nice to be watching it all unfold.

I was referring more to the quality of the player than the specifics of the signing etc.
- Farva

Sort of agree. Wheeler was developed slowly and allowed to grow, Schultz got thrown to the wolves and forced to be something he's not and imploded.

Sort of agree. Wheeler was developed slowly and allowed to grow, Schultz got thrown to the wolves and forced to be something he's not and imploded.
- AdamFrench

Oh Edmonton, never change.

But if you ruin McDavid I will kick in you all in the soul.

I don't want to improve the goalie position this year. Nothing wrong with another top 5 pick next year. Maybe we get lucky again and get top pick. I hope they keep all their picks and draft a goalie early (2nd round) and another one in the later rounds. Only way I would trade for a goalie is if we trade a player like Bozak or Kadri for one .... assuming Stamkos signs with us of course.

I don't want to improve the goalie position this year. Nothing wrong with another top 5 pick next year. Maybe we get lucky again and get top pick. I hope they keep all their picks and draft a goalie early (2nd round) and another one in the later rounds. Only way I would trade for a goalie is if we trade a player like Bozak or Kadri for one .... assuming Stamkos signs with us of course.
- Matthews_Auston

Great idea, when we draft top 5 will you be registering a new account?

Great idea, when we draft top 5 will you be registering a new account?
- twiztedmike

Great blog...

If they sign Stamkos, they go for a goalie this year n not take chance next year. Perhaps They go for Crawford Hawks in Cap hell
- HamiltonHawk

for Washington's 2nd rounder or two 3rd in 2016.

Great idea, when we draft top 5 will you be registering a new account?
- twiztedmike

Nope

for Washington's 2nd rounder or two 3rd in 2016.
- zazzle

The 3rd rounders won't be traded. Don't forget we owe both NJ and Detroit a 3rd by the 2018 draft.

Once Again Lucas, well done. Another entertaining and interesting blog!

Like I said, I could be wrong. Just feels a little Bozak'ey to me.
- Farva

This is not a bad thing.

Bozak on a team with no talent or depth = a guy playing 1st line C by default when he's likely a 3 that can pinch hit for 2nd line if need be

If Vesey ends up as another Bozak at an ELC value, that's well worth it IMO

Farva, get the coffee.
- BetterCallSaul

and don't forget the case of beer.

I don't want to improve the goalie position this year. Nothing wrong with another top 5 pick next year. Maybe we get lucky again and get top pick. I hope they keep all their picks and draft a goalie early (2nd round) and another one in the later rounds. Only way I would trade for a goalie is if we trade a player like Bozak or Kadri for one .... assuming Stamkos signs with us of course.
- Matthews_Auston

If Leafs sign Stamkos, no way they finish bottom 5.
No way they make the playoffs with that defense and goaltender but will not finish in bottom 5......

This is not a bad thing.

Bozak on a team with no talent or depth = a guy playing 1st line C by default when he's likely a 3 that can pinch hit for 2nd line if need be

If Vesey ends up as another Bozak at an ELC value, that's well worth it IMO
- WingmanWillie

Again, good point. Not intended as a slag on Bozak. But the potential dynamic of the Babcock/Lou era Leafs is different than the previous iteration. I'm not at all against the idea of signing Vesey, just surprised that he is so highly sought after in so many fans minds. The often stated dream goal for this off season has been Matthews-Stamkos- Vesey... just seems one of these things is not like the others.

Anyways, I feel like I'm arguing a point I wasn't really trying to make. If Vesey signs in TO, than welcome aboard buddy.

If Leafs sign Stamkos, no way they finish bottom 5.
No way they make the playoffs with that defense and goaltender but will not finish in bottom 5......
- Cooshie

Agreed. With Stammer in tow this teams firmly enters the next stage of the rebuild. Getting better but not there yet. I think it's a little lofty to expect Matthews, Nylander and Marner to walk in to the league and tear it up. Loads of potential, perhaps the most we've ever had, but development is still to be expected.

http://www.letsgoleafs.co...s-to-toronto-a-done-deal/

http://www.letsgoleafs.com/2016/05/02/stamkos-to-toronto-a-done-deal/
- southpaww82

that s stands for stamkos

I don't want to improve the goalie position this year. Nothing wrong with another top 5 pick next year. Maybe we get lucky again and get top pick. I hope they keep all their picks and draft a goalie early (2nd round) and another one in the later rounds. Only way I would trade for a goalie is if we trade a player like Bozak or Kadri for one .... assuming Stamkos signs with us of course.
- Matthews_Auston

Yes there is.

12 picks this year, 12 picks next. There are going to be a ton of prospects flying around the next few years

We need a goalie, badly. It's time to take a step forward, not just coast a la Edmonton.

Maybe I'm alone here, but I don't get the hard on people have for Vesey. How many college standouts really translate to NHL success. Not saying he won't, just surprised at the demand for him.
- Farva

He's free with lots of potential. Just like Zaitsev. If they kickass, that's amazing --- the staff look like gods. If they're busts, nothing to talk because you didn't lose anything to get them.

He's free with lots of potential. Just like Zaitsev. If they kickass, that's amazing --- the staff look like gods. If they're busts, nothing to talk because you didn't lose anything to get them.


- Delryk

Soshnikov
Kontiola

http://www.letsgoleafs.com/2016/05/02/stamkos-to-toronto-a-done-deal/
- southpaww82

I'll take with a huge chunk of salt, but sweet

Great idea, when we draft top 5 will you be registering a new account?
- twiztedmike

Who was he ?

I don't want to improve the goalie position this year. Nothing wrong with another top 5 pick next year. Maybe we get lucky again and get top pick. I hope they keep all their picks and draft a goalie early (2nd round) and another one in the later rounds. Only way I would trade for a goalie is if we trade a player like Bozak or Kadri for one .... assuming Stamkos signs with us of course.
- Matthews_Auston

Welp.

http://www.letsgoleafs.com/2016/05/02/stamkos-to-toronto-a-done-deal/
- southpaww82

I listen to 91.9 all day at work and Laraque never said it was a done deal.... He only said that getting the 1st pick only solidifies *his opinion* that Stamkos will sign with the Leafs.

He also said the Leafs (even without Stamkos) are closer to the Habs on winning the Cup.