Most are talking about the Leafs free agent focus being understandably placed on Stamkos; and most figure it will cost them a cap hit of between 9-11 million over 7 years. Most are also saying that we are about to draft the franchise cornerstone centre we have been craving since Mats' departure.

With the above in mind, would losing out on Stamkos actually be a bad thing when that $9-11 million could be re-allocated? I realise this is ambitious and that I am pipe-dreaming but why not shift the Stamkos focus to guys like Okposo and/or Lucic? Could you get them both for a combined $11-12 million cap hit (Lucic is asking LA for 6)?
- gamedaytix

Yes it would be a bad thing. Have always believed in quality over quantity. First of all, Stamkos is an elite talent - a top ten goal scorer and former number one pick in a draft that included Doughty, Eric Karlsson, Pietrangelo, Eberle, John Carlson and Jake Gardiner - pretty good bunch. The game is gearing much more to speed and skill, Stamkos - is superior by a wide margin in these areas. I would venture, that with nearly a point a game - which was inflated because he played with Tavares, Okposo will get about $6 million - and he is not a center. Lucic is slow and in big time decline. Heavy hitting has taken its toll. He is a rough and tumble player which the Leafs do not really have, but the NHL game has moved away from this type of player. The teams with the best fighters will not win the cup this year. He is not a top line forward by any stretch while Stamkos would be a number one center on almost any team in the NHL. Do you pay $6 million for Lucic - not a good investment. Let Burke get him and improve their truculence - let's stick with skill.

- Garnie

nice

Yeah agreed that some team put too much emphasis on size and don't worry about the skill.

I think someone will take brown higher than they should for the exact reasons you said.
- burn

Boston will take him

Probably trade up to do it

cant be afraid to take the guy you want with that late first, no matter where he is ranked. did you see "The Draft" with Kevin Costner? He took his guy with the first overall even though everyone said no and at the end of the movie they made seem like it was going to work out great!! Lets all be a little more like Costner!!

I can really see max Jones with the second #1 pick., then a goalie or 2 within the 2-4th rounds.

But the leafs will be sure to make some deals on draft day. The one I can really see is for kinkaid in NJ. Kid is really good, and Lou likes this kid....not sure what would go the other way....but it's no surprise NJ is looking for scoring.
- Kinggilmour

Can't cost much to aquire kinkaid.

I'd start with leivo and sparks..

cant be afraid to take the guy you want with that late first, no matter where he is ranked. did you see "The Draft" with Kevin Costner? He took his guy with the first overall even though everyone said no and at the end of the movie they made seem like it was going to work out great!! Lets all be a little more like Costner!!
- Ross77

ok how about you guys pass on Laine, then??

Better to have 1guy that is better than 2 guys combined.
- burn

Crazy to think otherwise

He trains at the Kyle Wellwood School For Exceptionally Fat People That Also Want To Be Athletes Too
- AdamFrench

My alma mater.

Leafs should have interest in Goligoski?

He's LHD so maybe not..
- Lucas.Neilson

Kinda old.

Demers for $4m?

cant be afraid to take the guy you want with that late first, no matter where he is ranked. did you see "The Draft" with Kevin Costner? He took his guy with the first overall even though everyone said no and at the end of the movie they made seem like it was going to work out great!! Lets all be a little more like Costner!!
- Ross77

logical..

nope I was pondering what FA D men are available - not a ton that appeal to me
- Lucas.Neilson

Both Brent Burns and Hedman next year unless they re-sign. They might wait it out to get a big payday.

Can't cost much to aquire kinkaid.

I'd start with leivo and sparks..
- Tumbleweed

He's an underrated goalie. Could be a great backup or a stopgap starter until we get a real one. Unless he pulls of a miracle and is the next Tim Thomas

Who are you? Pat Quinn??
- fifty__missions

Nope. I wouldn't be giving up any draft picks to get those guys......

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.
- Fruitcakenipple

RIP - Mister Hockey

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.
- Fruitcakenipple

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.
- Fruitcakenipple

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.
- Fruitcakenipple

yup he died.
88 years old
Had good life.
Rest in peace.

- Garnie

Sweet.
where did you find that?

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.
- Fruitcakenipple

Howe?


















Too soon?

Cam Cole @rcamcole
Managing editor of DetroitRedWings.com is reporting that Gordie has died.
- Fruitcakenipple

Wow. R.I.P.

Most are talking about the Leafs free agent focus being understandably placed on Stamkos; and most figure it will cost them a cap hit of between 9-11 million over 7 years. Most are also saying that we are about to draft the franchise cornerstone centre we have been craving since Mats' departure.

With the above in mind, would losing out on Stamkos actually be a bad thing when that $9-11 million could be re-allocated? I realise this is ambitious and that I am pipe-dreaming but why not shift the Stamkos focus to guys like Okposo and/or Lucic? Could you get them both for a combined $11-12 million cap hit (Lucic is asking LA for 6)?
- gamedaytix

Forget Lucic and we dont need Okposo...top end centers we need.

Howe?


















Too soon?
- AdamFrench

88 years old

Howe?


















Too soon?
- AdamFrench

Nope...

Yes pick the radish. What a great veggie.