Everyone tanked. Players, management, fans, coach driver, vendor workers, scouts, community workers, bloggers and the people making the merchandise.

We were all in on it, but told to keep quiet. Bloody Naz let the whole thing slip.
- walshyleafsfan

Dammit.

TMZ will be all over this.

That's not it at all, they were competitive in most games, the management are the ones who blew up the core.
- LeafMan

I agree. It's just the wording of the quote that makes it seem like the players did.

i think you have to compare Matthews to guys like Barkov, McKinnon, Monahan, Hopkins... for a reasonable comparison... not McDavid... McDavid is a "generational" talent... Matthews is a very good prospect like those other guys I listed...

Comparing him to McDavid is only setting yourself up for future disappointment and give life to Prince's comments from yesterday and the rose coloured glasses. Just an outsider's opinion and thoughts.

No offence is intended for those of you who are more sensitive.
- kaptaan

Yeah this is all fair. I am just happy we have some damn good prospects who will be in the NHL this season. Lets go boys!

Dammit.

TMZ will be all over this.
- Fakepartofme

Big, if true.

Dammit.

TMZ will be all over this.
- Fakepartofme

They have TMZ in Canada?

I agree. It's just the wording of the quote that makes it seem like the players did.
- jmatchett383

He used "we" as the collective.

If that's true, and the players tried to finish in the cellar, then I would say the "players deliberately lost (lose) games."
- jmatchett383

He didn't say that, which is what I said earlier. People who think that quote says that don't know how to read it seems.

He didn't say the players deliberately lost games. He says "we" as in he leafs organization who traded skilled vets for futures didnt try to win last year. That's what he's talking about.

Toesw is overrated imo. I think right now ROR is a solid comp for him, but not the other two. those guys still bring the offense, unlike Toews atm....

I'd say right now Kesler is better than Towes.
- kaptaan

Hmm

I agree. It's just the wording of the quote that makes it seem like the players did.
- jmatchett383

They did. You really think Grabner can't score 1 goal in his 3 breakaways per game?

They threw the games.

They have TMZ in Canada?
- jmatchett383

We pronounce it Tee-Em-Zed

They have TMZ in Canada?
- jmatchett383

Yes.
Its all about the Maple Leafs....and bieber.

I agree. It's just the wording of the quote that makes it seem like the players did.
- jmatchett383

What about the wording? He never specified 'players'...... 'We' is reference to leafs organization.

He didn't say that, which is what I said earlier. People who think that quote says that don't know how to read it seems.

He didn't say the players deliberately lost games. He says "we" as in he leafs organization who traded skilled vets for futures didnt try to win last year. That's what he's talking about.
- burn

Oh so "we" as the management and organization...not "we" as in the players, management and organization.

oh.

Glad you know how to read and can share with everyone.

- Lucas.Neilson

Someone's positive this morning...

- Lucas.Neilson

When will it be up?

Nevermind.

What about the wording? He never specified 'players'...... 'We' is reference to leafs organization.
- burn

Which includes the players.

Now who is reading into this quote too much?

We pronounce it Tee-Em-Zed
- TheMussel

Which includes the players.

Now who is reading into this quote too much?
- Fakepartofme

Oh for Christ sakes

5 years, 25M extension for Lupul
- Symba007

bump

If that's true, and the players tried to finish in the cellar, then I would say the "players deliberately lost (lose) games."
- jmatchett383

Maybe it wasn't the "players" but the timing of how the key trades worked out for the organization.

Phaneuf, the captain and top D, was traded for parts....not a replacement player just a bunch of bad, small contracts.

Kessel, the top scorer, was traded for picks/prospects....nothing that could replace him and his 30g.

Reimer, traded for picks leaving us with one goalie that was struggling.

As a competitive player, when you see this happening around you, of course, your first thought is going to be "this organization doesn't care about winning right now" which would then translate into his statement 6 months later as exactly what he said.

It's not on the players, it's on the team and the organization and the plan was to "rebuild" thru the draft and trading away the "core" for picks and prospects....whenever that could happen whether in season or out of season. Trades were going to be made and the players still on the team had to go out and play hard every night regardless....which is "earning" the pick the hard way for the players.

It's not that complicated to understand between the words.

What about the wording? He never specified 'players'...... 'We' is reference to leafs organization.
- burn

If a player says "we," then yes, he may be referencing the organization, but that would include the players themselves as well, as they are a big part of the organization.

For instance, if Kadri had a quote like, "We didn't play well tonight," he's likely talking about the players and maybe coaches, not the GM and owner.

Again, the intent is clear.

happy hump day

new blog up fellas

When will it be up?

Nevermind.
- LeafMan

If a player says "we," then yes, he may be referencing the organization, but that would include the players themselves as well, as they are a big part of the organization.

For instance, if Kadri had a quote like, "We didn't play well tonight," he's likely talking about the players and maybe coaches, not the GM and owner.

Again, the intent is clear.
- jmatchett383

Meh, dont bother.