His playoff games were after he had an injury, I'm actually surprised they let him play with a concussion, or a perceived concussion, to even begin with.

His +/- is horrible, but he did handle top minutes against top lines, while Gardiner did not, until the very end of the season. Not to mention limited PP time. Reilly having the same thing.

What you guys forget is that he has KHL offers in the same neighborhood for money, and is also a Russian national team player, which means there's not that many like him just laying around.

The 7 years is because he wants to settle his family down in Toronto. Saw an interview in regards to that, comparing Russia living conditions to Canada's.

You're also forgetting, not signing him, doesnt present you with another option. There's no other top 4, young defenseman, just waiting for his chance to play with the Leafs.

Leafs currently have 2 defenseman, "really". Reilly and Gardner. Nothing else.

Carrick is a small guy and an AHL plug, Marincin and Marchenko are 7th and 8th on the list respectively. Polak and Hunwick are free agents.

Not sure playing hard ball with Zaitsev will help the Leafs at all.

On top of that. 4.5 mil now is expensive. The same money in 3 years time, might end up being very cheap (look at JvR deal back at the start vs his value now)

7 years is an insurance for the team as well as the player. If it doesnt work out, a 4.5 mil contract can be swallowed in a trade to another team fairly easily, assuming the worst. Also, he can fk off to the KHL, and Toronto doesnt have to do anything.

Win-win in my opinion for both the player and the team.
- Buggy166

all good points thanks

Hey guys I'm starting a $100 fantasy keeper league and looking for bodies. PM me if interested
- QuickSCF

I sent you a PM on where you can send me the $100 to join

I sent you a PM on where you can send me the $100 to join
- senstroll

I would like to see the Leafs target Zemgus Girgensons this off season.

The problem is that there are all kinds of teams saying the exact same thing as us....."Now we just need to grab a top 4 D!"....and nobody is giving those away on the cheap. Buffalo, Chicago, Montreal, Florida, Toronto, Detroit, New Jersey....the list goes on.

I agree JVR is the ticket to quickly gaining that top D....just hope we do not trade him AND the moon for whoever that D is.
- bullethead7

I agree with this so why target an experienced D? If the market for an established D is nuts which it appears to be that way given supply and demand then (frank) it go younger for a grade A prospect, surly a package with JVR + could yield that.

Surly Hunter/Dubas have a list of young D in the AHL/OHL which they project will be pretty good once in the NHL - its a gamble but welcome to the NHL.

the scary conversation is the $ and the term being linked to Zaitsev...his +/- is brutal...not sure he has shown he is worth a long term commitment yet
- bazookajo

I thought he played well for most of the season, after the concussion he clearly wasn't the same, but for a guy 25 jumping into the NHL he did his job and was assigned tough min throughout the season just like Rielly, good experience for them both this season.

I would like to see the Leafs target Zemgus Girgensons this off season.
- AdamFrench

I think there's enough bottom 6 depth in the Leafs system that they don't need to go out and try to acquire cumgus garglesons

I think there's enough bottom 6 depth in the Leafs system that they don't need to go out and try to acquire cumgus garglesons
- TheMussel

I think he'd be a good option for a buy low and decent reward. Bylsma seemed to take the wind out of his sails. If you can get him for a 3rd, I think he'd be a good option over Boyle, who might get overpaid. Leafs don't have a lot of centre prospect depth and unless they trade/lose Bozak, I honestly can't see Nylander nor Marner actually moving to the centre. Especially with how Nylander plays with Matthews.

I think he'd be a good option for a buy low and decent reward. Bylsma seemed to take the wind out of his sails. If you can get him for a 3rd, I think he'd be a good option over Boyle, who might get overpaid. Leafs don't have a lot of centre prospect depth and unless they trade/lose Bozak, I honestly can't see Nylander nor Marner actually moving to the centre. Especially with how Nylander plays with Matthews.
- AdamFrench

Fair enough. That being said, Zemgus barely played in the C spot this season as far as I know... last line combos had him on the wing on the 4th line.

With all the other prospects looking to make a mark in training camp, he could just as well end up with the Marlies.

I think there's enough bottom 6 depth in the Leafs system that they don't need to go out and try to acquire cumgus garglesons
- TheMussel

I would like to see the Leafs target Zemgus Girgensons this off season.
- AdamFrench

Pass.

I think he'd be a good option for a buy low and decent reward. Bylsma seemed to take the wind out of his sails. If you can get him for a 3rd, I think he'd be a good option over Boyle, who might get overpaid. Leafs don't have a lot of centre prospect depth and unless they trade/lose Bozak, I honestly can't see Nylander nor Marner actually moving to the centre. Especially with how Nylander plays with Matthews.
- AdamFrench

Please deliberate on this.
Hasn't been very effective imo.

(by the way, before all the Nylander lover-boys on here come out to insult me again: my comments are coming from the high potential I as well see in Nylander. However, he has to be more effective in order for Matthews to be more effective. Lots of people crying about Hyman being Matthew's 'anchor' but actually Hyman does more for Matthews than Nylander does for Matthews..)

His playoff games were after he had an injury, I'm actually surprised they let him play with a concussion, or a perceived concussion, to even begin with.

His +/- is horrible, but he did handle top minutes against top lines, while Gardiner did not, until the very end of the season. Not to mention limited PP time. Reilly having the same thing.

What you guys forget is that he has KHL offers in the same neighborhood for money, and is also a Russian national team player, which means there's not that many like him just laying around.

The 7 years is because he wants to settle his family down in Toronto. Saw an interview in regards to that, comparing Russia living conditions to Canada's.

You're also forgetting, not signing him, doesnt present you with another option. There's no other top 4, young defenseman, just waiting for his chance to play with the Leafs.

Leafs currently have 2 defenseman, "really". Reilly and Gardner. Nothing else.

Carrick is a small guy and an AHL plug, Marincin and Marchenko are 7th and 8th on the list respectively. Polak and Hunwick are free agents.

Not sure playing hard ball with Zaitsev will help the Leafs at all.

On top of that. 4.5 mil now is expensive. The same money in 3 years time, might end up being very cheap (look at JvR deal back at the start vs his value now)

7 years is an insurance for the team as well as the player. If it doesnt work out, a 4.5 mil contract can be swallowed in a trade to another team fairly easily, assuming the worst. Also, he can fk off to the KHL, and Toronto doesnt have to do anything.

Win-win in my opinion for both the player and the team.
- Buggy166

A lot of the same things were said about Gardiner when he was signed to term a few years back. I've been a harsh critic of his at times, but he really stepped his play up in the playoffs. Z is one year younger, and could be ready to make the next step, especially after what was his first year on north american ice.

A lot of your take on our back end is accurate. Polak came back as a #7 at the start of the year, but really finished as our #4. I like what he brings in terms of meanness, but he is not a #4 defender. I'll disagree that Carrick is a career AHLer, but he's definitely a 5-6 guy and PP defender who needs a steady, stay at home guy paired with him. The rest of the core could easily be interchanged with a free agent or a Marlie. This summer is going to be interesting

Please deliberate on this.
Hasn't been very effective imo.

(by the way, before all the Nylander lover-boys on here come out to insult me again: my comments are coming from the high potential I as well see in Nylander. However, he has to be more effective in order for Matthews to be more effective. Lots of people crying about Hyman being Matthew's 'anchor' but actually Hyman does more for Matthews than Nylander does for Matthews..)
- MaximusAurelius

Please deliberate on this.
Hasn't been very effective imo.

(by the way, before all the Nylander lover-boys on here come out to insult me again: my comments are coming from the high potential I as well see in Nylander. However, he has to be more effective in order for Matthews to be more effective. Lots of people crying about Hyman being Matthew's 'anchor' but actually Hyman does more for Matthews than Nylander does for Matthews..)
- MaximusAurelius

The only benefit I see in moving Nylander from Matthews' wing, is if the goal is to create 3 scoring lines and have all three, Marner, Nylander and Matthews on separate lines. In order to balance the offensive attack. All three have shown that they can carry the play on their own.

Please deliberate on this.
Hasn't been very effective imo.

(by the way, before all the Nylander lover-boys on here come out to insult me again: my comments are coming from the high potential I as well see in Nylander. However, he has to be more effective in order for Matthews to be more effective. Lots of people crying about Hyman being Matthew's 'anchor' but actually Hyman does more for Matthews than Nylander does for Matthews..)
- MaximusAurelius

Replace Hyman with Leivo or Kapanen and you have a better, more effective line.
Replace Nylander with Leivo or Kapanen and you have a worse, less effective line.

Hyman has an aspect to his game that Nylander doesn't, but let's not assume that this means that Hyman is more effective on that line.

If I am Uncle Lou, the first thing I do once the season is over is call Washington and see what it would take to take Orlov off their hands. Now, if Alzner and Shattenkirk (both UFA's) leave then I have to think they would re-sign him (he is an RFA), regardless of cost.....but if for some reason they re-sign those two then he just might be priced off their team.

He was Zaitsev's partner on the Russian World Cup team.....has a heavy (and low!) shot from the point....I see a fit. If JVR's contract demands for after next season seem to high, he is the guy to move (there would be other components on both side to any deal), but if the Leafs think that they can re-sign him within their budget, then Kapanen may be the cost (I am assuming the Capitals will be looking for speed, given some of the challenges that fast teams have given them the past couple of seasons).

Please deliberate on this.
Hasn't been very effective imo.

(by the way, before all the Nylander lover-boys on here come out to insult me again: my comments are coming from the high potential I as well see in Nylander. However, he has to be more effective in order for Matthews to be more effective. Lots of people crying about Hyman being Matthew's 'anchor' but actually Hyman does more for Matthews than Nylander does for Matthews..)
- MaximusAurelius

Nylander improved Matthews game by taking some of the attention of the opposition while on the ice. They don't contribute directly to one another a lot, but Matthews has more space when Nylander is on the ice. His other regular linemate Connor Brown, is a better version of Hyman. You could drop any other skilled forward in that spot (like Kapanen) and probably have the same effect, personally I liked Nylander more with Kadri.

Please deliberate on this.
Hasn't been very effective imo.

(by the way, before all the Nylander lover-boys on here come out to insult me again: my comments are coming from the high potential I as well see in Nylander. However, he has to be more effective in order for Matthews to be more effective. Lots of people crying about Hyman being Matthew's 'anchor' but actually Hyman does more for Matthews than Nylander does for Matthews..)
- MaximusAurelius

Hyman disrupts the defenders, and digs the puck out, but Nylander is the guy who comes in in support to pick up the pucks that Hyman gets loose, this allows Matthews time to set up. Both Matthews and Nylander are able to do this, and will take turns, but Matthews is better at battling it out in front of the net.

Basically every shift they have in the attacking zone, Nylander is all over the ice, and the first guy on the puck, and then he's got the skill to actually do something with it.

There's no coincidence that Matthews got hot again when Nylander replaced Brown, no slight to Brown.

If I am Uncle Lou, the first thing I do once the season is over is call Washington and see what it would take to take Orlov off their hands. Now, if Alzner and Shattenkirk (both UFA's) leave then I have to think they would re-sign him (he is an RFA), regardless of cost.....but if for some reason they re-sign those two then he just might be priced off their team.

He was Zaitsev's partner on the Russian World Cup team.....has a heavy (and low!) shot from the point....I see a fit. If JVR's contract demands for after next season seem to high, he is the guy to move (there would be other components on both side to any deal), but if the Leafs think that they can re-sign him within their budget, then Kapanen may be the cost (I am assuming the Capitals will be looking for speed, given some of the challenges that fast teams have given them the past couple of seasons).
- bullethead7

Just wish Orlov had more size.. That's why I think more people line Alzner

Matthews + Nylander 4 ever

They are good at passing to each other.

Matthews is good in tight.

Nylander has a hell of a shot.


I don't know what games you guys were watching but the ones I watched where they played together, they combined for a good number of points.

Replace Hyman with Leivo or Kapanen and you have a better, more effective line.
Replace Nylander with Leivo or Kapanen and you have a worse, less effective line.

Hyman has an aspect to his game that Nylander doesn't, but let's not assume that this means that Hyman is more effective on that line.
- lumlums

I am aware that Nylander is >>> Hyman.

I wouldn't be surprised however if Hyman has more primary assists than Nylander on Matthews 5v5 goals.

Babcock seems to like Hyman on Matthews line, so unless Leafs go out and acquire a guy like Landeskog, it seems he's there to stay as his LW.
Nylander with his defensive play still needing some improvement - it will improve for sure - has Matthews sometimes a bit too defense-first minded..

And I thought it was clear that Babcock is looking at Nylander as a future C, so from that perspective, eventually he'll come of his wing. (Rychel - Nylander - Kapanen? or Hyman - Nylander - Kapanen?).

Replace Hyman with Leivo or Kapanen and you have a better, more effective line.
Replace Nylander with Leivo or Kapanen and you have a worse, less effective line.

Hyman has an aspect to his game that Nylander doesn't, but let's not assume that this means that Hyman is more effective on that line.
- lumlums

I (frank)ing hate Tom Wilson and wish he was on the top line in Hyman's spot.

Hyman disrupts the defenders, and digs the puck out, but Nylander is the guy who comes in in support to pick up the pucks that Hyman gets loose, this allows Matthews time to set up. Both Matthews and Nylander are able to do this, and will take turns, but Matthews is better at battling it out in front of the net.

Basically every shift they have in the attacking zone, Nylander is all over the ice, and the first guy on the puck, and then he's got the skill to actually do something with it.

There's no coincidence that Matthews got hot again when Nylander replaced Brown, no slight to Brown.
- Feeling Glucky?

Agreed. The line works well together, Hyman does the dirty work, Nylander has the skill and smarts to either score or draw defenders to him and find Matthews open for a goal.
Also, really like that Nylander is always right behind Hyman in the offensive zone to get to the puck quick..

I (frank)ing hate Tom Wilson and wish he was on the top line in Hyman's spot.
- Feeling Glucky?

Or that stupid dreamy Justin Williams