IMO helm is a downgrade from bozak.
- Lucas.Neilson

I consider him a different-grade. Better defensively but weaker offensively. Babcock would know best but I don't see them adding a 3rd line centre for big dollars and term. Bozak, Laich, Holland and Froese all in the system now and on short contracts.

his next window will be after the deadline day when teams who failed to sign their targeted free agents look at their plan B
- Dozzer

yeah exactly, I have faith we improve the roster somewhat before opening night, whether that be stamkos or an upgrade over marincin on top pairing.

I consider him a different-grade. Better defensively but weaker offensively. Babcock would know best but I don't see them adding a 3rd line centre for big dollars and term. Bozak, Laich, Holland and Froese all in the system now and on short contracts.
- The Law

helm has a ton of speed, great on the PK.

bozak is also good on the PK, decent on the draw and surprisingly really strong in the shootout. I'd rather bozie and I rarely say that !

Personally, I don't think Lou is done yet.
- Lucas.Neilson

Well we know they're going to try to land a certain 'big fish'. And we can assume that they'll speak to Vesey in August. I wonder whether their is anything else out there they might consider on July 1.

Does anyone know what it is about Detroit that makes them such a contender for Stamkos? Is it solely based on their desire to sign him, or is there some back story about Detroit having some sort of inside track?

He's # 91, so I assume maybe Yzerman or Fedorov were faves of his growing up...he obviously had his fill of Yzerman in TB...I'm just not sure why everyone is so convinced Detroit is a big player here...there are more than a few teams that can offer the $.

Well we know they're going to try to land a certain 'big fish'. And we can assume that they'll speak to Vesey in August. I wonder whether their is anything else out there they might consider on July 1.
- The Law

if we can move around some bodies I'd take a look at a 4th liner in Matt Martin.

I know some may think that's not what we need but..

Does anyone know what it is about Detroit that makes them such a contender for Stamkos? Is it solely based on their desire to sign him, or is there some back story about Detroit having some sort of inside track?

He's # 91, so I assume maybe Yzerman or Fedorov were faves of his growing up...he obviously had his fill of Yzerman in TB...I'm just not sure why everyone is so convinced Detroit is a big player here...there are more than a few teams that can offer the $.
- Deeps27

original 6
close to TO
instant #1C on a team decently established team

but I just cant see him leaving tbay to join Detroit or buffalo instead of Toronto

40 tbay
45 Toronto
10 Detroit
5 buffalo

one can hope

Read a couple posts on here today comparing Ricky Romero and Marcus Stroman and comparing the letter's recent bad stretch with Romero's...knee injuries aside, here is the reason his head got messed up:


Miss Universe contestant...his decline started the season after their break up. Understandable.

new logo to click on looks sharp Mike

original 6
close to TO
instant #1C on a team decently established team

but I just cant see him leaving tbay to join Detroit or buffalo instead of Toronto

40 tbay
45 Toronto
10 Detroit
5 buffalo

one can hope
- Lucas.Neilson

I keep seeing places that BOS is on his list and that it has been narrowed down to TBL, TOR, and BOS. If that's the case it's a two horse race. I don't see how we can maneuver enough to make the room/pitch him on our (seemingly no existent) strategy.

He's going to Toronto. I really think it's done.

original 6
close to TO
instant #1C on a team decently established team

but I just cant see him leaving tbay to join Detroit or buffalo instead of Toronto

40 tbay
45 Toronto
10 Detroit
5 buffalo

one can hope
- Lucas.Neilson

Yeah - here's hoping...if the Leafs can sign him Friday (if he goes to UFA) I think that is the catalyst for management really accelerating the plan (positively). Not just because they get Stamkos, but because then you can look at moving Bozak, and if you feel there is a realistic shot at signing Vesey, JVR for some D help...it's (dare I say) a domino?

I keep seeing places that BOS is on his list and that it has been narrowed down to TBL, TOR, and BOS. If that's the case it's a two horse race. I don't see how we can maneuver enough to make the room/pitch him on our (seemingly no existent) strategy.

He's going to Toronto. I really think it's done.
- RickJames77

agreed

I keep seeing places that BOS is on his list and that it has been narrowed down to TBL, TOR, and BOS. If that's the case it's a two horse race. I don't see how we can maneuver enough to make the room/pitch him on our (seemingly no existent) strategy.

He's going to Toronto. I really think it's done.
- RickJames77

Not sure if you're familiar with Bob McCown (fairly well respected, long time TO sports radio guy...really dialed in to the management types) tweeted yesterday that he believes MLSE has $3.5M in endorsements lined up outside of his SPC that will be a part of their pitch to him this week, assuming they didn't already meet. Will be interesting, but very "Lou".

EDIT: Here's the post:

https://twitter.com/Fadoo...status/746759404968513536

Does anyone know what it is about Detroit that makes them such a contender for Stamkos? Is it solely based on their desire to sign him, or is there some back story about Detroit having some sort of inside track?

He's # 91, so I assume maybe Yzerman or Fedorov were faves of his growing up...he obviously had his fill of Yzerman in TB...I'm just not sure why everyone is so convinced Detroit is a big player here...there are more than a few teams that can offer the $.
- Deeps27

Its just media hype. DET will have to retool or rebuild soon. They are a fringe playoff team and soon will be on the outside looking in.

Well we know they're going to try to land a certain 'big fish'. And we can assume that they'll speak to Vesey in August. I wonder whether their is anything else out there they might consider on July 1.
- The Law

I dont feel they will go after Vesey in August.
Might not have a spot.

Its just media hype. DET will have to retool or rebuild soon. They are a fringe playoff team and soon will be on the outside looking in.
- ShayneCorsi

That's my thinking too...I didn't get it. Hard to question their string of postseason appearances, but eventually that has to give.

I dont feel they will go after Vesey in August.
Might not have a spot.
- Fakepartofme

True, especially now that they signed Rychel. I expect he will be challenging for a spot in the top 6. along with Matthews, JVR, Marner, Nylander and Kadri

original 6
close to TO
instant #1C on a team decently established team

but I just cant see him leaving tbay to join Detroit or buffalo instead of Toronto

40 tbay
45 Toronto
10 Detroit
5 buffalo

one can hope
- Lucas.Neilson

Honestly no clue.
I feel a New York team may snag him.

I may be wrong but, does anyone here think that Lou didn't make any deals involving roster players this weekend because they're waiting to see what goes down July 1st? I get the impression that the proverbial "dominoes" are delaying the deals and that Lou has already found partners for those players deemed expendable.
- reefguy69

Yes,

Waiting to see what happens July 1 with Stamkos

Waiting to see how the trade market looks for the teams that lost out on FA after the dust settles.

Does anyone know what it is about Detroit that makes them such a contender for Stamkos? Is it solely based on their desire to sign him, or is there some back story about Detroit having some sort of inside track?

He's # 91, so I assume maybe Yzerman or Fedorov were faves of his growing up...he obviously had his fill of Yzerman in TB...I'm just not sure why everyone is so convinced Detroit is a big player here...there are more than a few teams that can offer the $.
- Deeps27

I've said it before too ....I don't get the attraction to Detroit. Larkin is sexy ....Zetterburg is old and Datsyuk is gonzo. Aren't they kind of trending down?

That's my thinking too...I didn't get it. Hard to question their string of postseason appearances, but eventually that has to give.
- Deeps27

With Dats off the books.....I expect Detroit will make a huge push for him

I think we're starting to see the nasty side of Leafs fans towards Nylander... 6 months ago he was called the top prospect not playing in the NHL... and now because apparently he didnt backcheck for a few shifts in the AHL playoffs the fans are suggesting he doesnt care.. Poor kid.. he might be our Backstrom
- Arctic_AARDVARK

No, not poor kid.

If he wasn't injured (who knows?) and he decided to mail it in during the playoffs, then he isn't ready for the kind of team I would like to see iced.

Sorry, I don't want another Kessel-like work ethic on the team, regardless of talent.

his next window will be after the deadline day when teams who failed to sign their targeted free agents look at their plan B
- Dozzer

exactly

More like Toronto Gayple Queafs

*fart noise*
- Streit2ThePoint

Yes,

Waiting to see what happens July 1 with Stamkos

Waiting to see how the trade market looks for the teams that lost out on FA after the dust settles.
- Aetherial

Ya, I have to think this "let's chat" week probably cools a lot of heels as well. Everybody gets a week to talk and map things out before the July 1 shenanigans.