IMO, the solution to fixing the d isn't trading Gardiner. I think him and Zaitsev have been very good together, a solid #3 and #4. His numbers this year speak for themselves.

The problem is finding a guy to play with Reilly.

I accept that many of you hate Gardiner, but I assure you, you remove him there will be an even bigger hole.
- mykokes

Not if you trade him for a quality young D.
You dont move Gardiner for a forward, goalie or prospect.

I agree, its a not our first priority.....but Im not against it.
If he stays... meh, if he goes...meh.

I heard he deserves some Norris consideration
- robin_steele264

Yes, Chuck Norris needs to teach him defense.

...and many of the other leafs defenders will be replaced.
Carrick would make a good 5th/6th dman...where he belongs.
Keep Rielly, Z and Carrick...find better replacements for the rest.
- Fakepartofme

Use the forward depth in a year to get a defender. Be it Nylander, Kapanen, JVR, Kadri or whomever.

...and many of the other leafs defenders will be replaced.
Carrick would make a good 5th/6th dman...where he belongs.
Keep Rielly, Z and Carrick...find better replacements for the rest.
- Fakepartofme

And thats the thing Fake, what are you replacing Gardiner with? Because guess what, this year he's 24th in the NHL among d-men in points, 25th in goals, 32nd in Assists, 66th in ATOI, 8th in +/-......and his numbers are comparable to many top pairing d-men.

I'd even venture to say the same way that adding Marner, Matthews, Nylander has guys like Kadri and Bozak putting up career seasons, if you get another difference maker on d, Gardiner could be even better.

Adding one top 4 dman would make the other 3 that much better.

Use the forward depth in a year to get a defender. Be it Nylander, Kapanen, JVR, Kadri or whomever.
- AdamFrench

they should do that too.

JVR or Kap would be good considerations.

It would be Kap plus.

I'm still hopeful Dermott will make the jump next season.

And thats the thing Fake, what are you replacing Gardiner with? Because guess what, this year he's 24th in the NHL among d-men in points, 25th in goals, 32nd in Assists, 66th in ATOI, 8th in +/-......and his numbers are comparable to many top pairing d-men.

I'd even venture to say the same way that adding Marner, Matthews, Nylander has guys like Kadri and Bozak putting up career seasons, if you get another difference maker on d, Gardiner could be even better.

Adding one top 4 dman would make the other 3 that much better.
- mykokes

Kokes...you on the drafting Brannstrom bandwagon?

I'm still hopeful Dermott will make the jump next season.
- mykokes

Or Nielsen

And thats the thing Fake, what are you replacing Gardiner with? Because guess what, this year he's 24th in the NHL among d-men in points, 25th in goals, 32nd in Assists, 66th in ATOI, 8th in +/-......and his numbers are comparable to many top pairing d-men.

I'd even venture to say the same way that adding Marner, Matthews, Nylander has guys like Kadri and Bozak putting up career seasons, if you get another difference maker on d, Gardiner could be even better.

Adding one top 4 dman would make the other 3 that much better.
- mykokes

No I know. He has good numbers.
But fack he drives me nuts...no hockey sense.
Hey, Im up for getting a 3/4 dman to help him first, for sure.

Use the forward depth in a year to get a defender. Be it Nylander, Kapanen, JVR, Kadri or whomever.
- AdamFrench

That plan never works!!!

I'm still hopeful Dermott will make the jump next season.
- mykokes

I honestly feel him and Neilson are another year away. Specially with Babs philosophy of letting the kids earn their stripes in the AHL for a while.

But if Dermott impresses defensively in preseason, then play him.

We need D who are defensively smart as a priority, not just for putting up numbers.

Just hanged my habs jersey in my new office at my new job! Ready for the playoffs!


There was that weird looking guy that came along who looked at me funny though.... I feel like I may be in danger.

That plan never works!!!



- robin_steele264

- AdamFrench

Omfg you traded a skilled winger for a solid D!!!


Loser!

Just hanged my habs jersey in my new office at my new job! Ready for the playoffs!


There was that weird looking guy that came along who looked at me funny though.... I feel like I may be in danger.
- Scabeh

if he had some kitty litter than yes be very afraid.

Just hanged my habs jersey in my new office at my new job! Ready for the playoffs!


There was that weird looking guy that came along who looked at me funny though.... I feel like I may be in danger and my chair smells like farts
- Scabeh

Fixed

Omfg you traded a skilled winger for a solid D!!!


Loser!
- robin_steele264

How are you guys feeling about the playoffs in Oil-land? Obviously pumped for getting there but in terms of potential matchups?

Kokes...you on the drafting Brannstrom bandwagon?
- AdamFrench

If you think he's as good as Rasmus Actually he does look like a boom or bust d. ie. the type that's going to actually make it and then everyone is like how did he go so low.

Seriously though, why is there no love for the Hague? Now Hague is slotted in the 25-30 hole?

I honestly feel him and Neilson are another year away. Specially with Babs philosophy of letting the kids earn their stripes in the AHL for a while.

But if Dermott impresses defensively in preseason, then play him.

We need D who are defensively smart as a priority, not just for putting up numbers.
- Fakepartofme

Agreed.

How are you guys feeling about the playoffs in Oil-land? Obviously pumped for getting there but in terms of potential matchups?
- markmark

I don't know what to do with myself


The team is good... it's real!!! It's really happening!!!!

I went down to a part of my office that I don't usually and there was a new guy who is hanging a Habs jersey over his desk. What's the best way to dispose of a body?
- markmark

I don't know about what to do with the body, but put the jersey in the urinal most likely to be used by the new guy while he's out for lunch.

If you think he's as good as Rasmus Actually he does look like a boom or bust d. ie. the type that's going to actually make it and then everyone is like how did he go so low.

Seriously though, why is there no love for the Hague? Now Hague is slotted in the 25-30 hole?
- mykokes

From what I've seen and heard it's because he doesn't generate a lot of offense himself and is a slow skater. Relies on others to get him the puck to shoot, especially on the PP and that he isn't the type of guy you would expect to be on your main PP.

I don't know what to do with myself


The team is good... it's real!!! It's really happening!!!!



- robin_steele264

Dont seem to be missing Hall.
Hows the D been?

From what I've seen and heard it's because he doesn't generate a lot of offense himself and is a slow skater. Relies on others to get him the puck to shoot, especially on the PP and that he isn't the type of guy you would expect to be on your main PP.
- AdamFrench

So he's Jared Cowen? Ok, lets gamble on the fast swede then for sure. But Cherry ain't gonna like it. Probably means Brannstrom is the right move

Fixed
- markmark

Well when you gotta fart.....