Agreed, since when did we need to win it all this year.
- BKups

Acquiring a top 4 defenseman means they need to win it all now?

Good lord, the hyperbole is (frank)ing astonishing in here

Really - did you know he also plays C? I'm curious how you would replace a top line forward so easily when this one required a year of sucking to draft in the top 10.
- 1979AD

I agree Tony. Good point.

You don't go from 30th place straight into the playoffs. Those that do always relapse.
- mykokes

If the Leafs were killing it this year, I would be worried about a Calgary/Denver situation.

Slow/steady progression is the way to go. No need to force anything for 2+ years - see how Neilsen/Dermott develop and wait for a prime opportunity to trade for D.

it's now or NEVER!

Acquiring a top 4 defenseman means they need to win it all now?

Good lord, the hyperbole is (frank)ing astonishing in here
- WingmanWillie

Are you literally astonished, or just more hyperbole?

You don't go from 30th place straight into the playoffs. Those that do always relapse. And they have shown improvement....they're in the playoff race as it stands with a bunch of kids.
- mykokes

You're right. I don't expect playoffs till next year anyway.

But they need to upgrade the D, because it is a tire fire

It's simple economics, you have a position of strength (at the forward position), and trade from that surplus to address a position of weakness (at the defense position).

Hey, if Hunwick, Polak or Marincin turn into the next Giordano, I'll personally take you out for beers and steaks and tell you I was dead wrong.

I don't think I am though
- WingmanWillie

Why would Hunwick and Polak turn into the next Giordano? They're not the ones I want to see get a cup of coffee at the pro level. They're 30 yo vets hanging on. lol.

And with Marinicin...well, we've seen him play, and now we know he shouldn't be part of any plan. But that wouldn't have happened if he didn't get the opportunity.

Are you literally astonished, or just more hyperbole?
- 1979AD

No I'm flabbergasted, bamboozled, and catatonic!

Sounds like a good time - where are you thinking of going out to eat/what kind of places?
- RickJames77

It's our friends' first time to Boston, so we'll probably hit Union Oyster House at some point - probably just for a drink. Also wander around the streets around Canal before/after the game.

Other than that, probably spend most of our eating time in South End. B+G Oyster House is probably our favourite, but you really can't go wrong in that neighbourhood.

Any recommendations?

You're right. I don't expect playoffs till next year anyway.

But they need to upgrade the D, because it is a tire fire

It's simple economics, you have a position of strength (at the forward position), and trade from that surplus to address a position of weakness (at the defense position).
- WingmanWillie

Ok, simple economics, do you want to cash out on stock while its $20/share...and get a $20/share d-man or do you want to cash out when its $50/share and get a $50/share d-man.

Why would Hunwick and Polak turn into the next Giordano? They're not the ones I want to see get a cup of coffee at the pro level. They're 30 yo vets hanging on. lol.

And with Marinicin...well, we've seen him play, and now we know he shouldn't be part of any plan. But that wouldn't have happened if he didn't get the opportunity.
- mykokes

Those were the 5-6-7 scrubs I was referring to.

Loov could be OK, he was up for a bit last season and didn't look awful.

Valiev looked horrific at the rookie tournament and training camp. Pass.

Holl is an AHL lifer. Hate it, no thanks

The d sucks today yes. I like competing for a wild card spot, but I don't want to do something stupid just to make the playoffs. Nylander's 20 yo....Kadri was still (frank)ing around in the AHL at that age......Steen was still in Europe. If those guys became 50 point players, I imagine Nylander could be even better. You'll get a lot more for him in two years time too. Unless you're chirelli.
- mykokes

I get that.
Possibly true...or he could just be a 40 pt guy and you miss out. it could go either way.
But we need young quality D. Not always available.
Again, not a fan of trading him for Hamilton....but if it happens it happens.

Ok, simple economics, do you want to cash out on stock while its $20/share...and get a $20/share d-man or do you want to cash out when its $50/share and get a $50/share d-man.
- mykokes

But then you be like daaamn these $50 stocks be paying out some primo dividends, yo! I be cray to trade them now.

Ok, simple economics, do you want to cash out on stock while its $20/share...and get a $20/share d-man or do you want to cash out when its $50/share and get a $50/share d-man.
- mykokes

you can see into the future to ensure those stocks are guaranteed to go up?
Cause your simple economics are based the stock being guaranteed to double in value.
Nothing is a guarantee.

You're right. I don't expect playoffs till next year anyway.

But they need to upgrade the D, because it is a tire fire

It's simple economics, you have a position of strength (at the forward position), and trade from that surplus to address a position of weakness (at the defense position).
- WingmanWillie

Especially since Joe Thornton Brad Richards Steven Stamkos John Tavares is coming to Toronto (and willing to play here for less money).

I get that.
Possibly true...or he could just be a 40 pt guy and you miss out. it could go either way.
But we need young quality D. Not always available.
Again, not a fan of trading him for Hamilton....but if it happens it happens.
- Fakepartofme

Something better will likely come around. And to me, Nylander is already at least a 40 pt guy. 28 points in 42 gp is a great start to a career, especially at the age of 20.

Ok, simple economics, do you want to cash out on stock while its $20/share...and get a $20/share d-man or do you want to cash out when its $50/share and get a $50/share d-man.
- mykokes

I'll bite with the stock analogy.

You realize that Nylander went from rookie of the month to being split from Matthews and is now on the 4th line right?

It's equally as plausible that the stock drops instead of going up

Well not really.
We need quality D.
He's a big quality D man.

You can find scoring wingers.
- Fakepartofme

He's a centre

It's our friends' first time to Boston, so we'll probably hit Union Oyster House at some point - probably just for a drink. Also wander around the streets around Canal before/after the game.

Other than that, probably spend most of our eating time in South End. B+G Oyster House is probably our favourite, but you really can't go wrong in that neighbourhood.

Any recommendations?
- Atomic Wedgie

I would stick with your favorite but if you're looking for (possibly?) a new good spot I really like Abe & Louie's on Boylston

you can see into the future to ensure those stocks are guaranteed to go up?
Cause your simple economics are based the stock being guaranteed to double in value.
Nothing is a guarantee.
- Fakepartofme

There's a lot more to indicate Nylander's stock will go up then Hamilton's.

you can see into the future to ensure those stocks are guaranteed to go up?
Cause your simple economics are based the stock being guaranteed to double in value.
Nothing is a guarantee.
- Fakepartofme

And you are going to get murdered on the service fees of the $50 stocks, not to mention the increased capital gains tax.

I'd rather cash out now and put the money into real estate.

I'll bite with the stock analogy.

You realize that Nylander went from rookie of the month to being split from Matthews and is now on the 4th line right?

It's equally as plausible that the stock drops instead of going up
- WingmanWillie

Yeah, it's call holding a young player (20 year old) accountable. He's not the first young emerging player to get punished, it's part of development.

Removing Marner and Matthews, how many 20 year olds have the Leafs had that put up 15 points in 20 gp?

There's a lot more to indicate Nylander's stock will go up then Hamilton's.
- mykokes

At least neither Nylander or Hamilton hurt their team by body-checking their opponents.

There's a lot more to indicate Nylander's stock will go up then Hamilton's.
- mykokes

then who after?

I would stick with your favorite but if you're looking for (possibly?) a new good spot I really like Abe & Louie's on Boylston
- RickJames77

is that near the Dunkin Donuts?