The problem with Gauthier is his skating is suspect. Having a really badly broken leg that need 6 months recovery time does not help. And the Leafs drafted Adam Brooks, who scored 130 points in 66 games with Regina Pats last year, who is a centre with great speed and hands. Kind of fits the team better than Gauthier.
- winsix

All true statements, but Brooks won't be a 4C if he makes the Leafs. Gauthier will. Comparing the two directly is a little bit of apples/oranges.

I am not sure that he will ever fill a meaningful role on the Leafs. A shame, because he has good size. The only plus for Gauthier is the lack of depth at centre in the minors. Adam Brooks looks to be the only other current NHL candidate, I guess there is a reason for them to draft overage players - hoping the learning curve is short.

Question for you - Leafs let Desrocher walk this year, is it possible that he is worse than Marancin and Marchenko? Kid is big, 6'4" and scored 51 points in 65 games with the Frontenacs. I know he scored mostly on the PP, but still?
- winsix

They signed the Swedes and that made Desrocher expendable. Especially since he was a very good, but not dominant 21 year old defender in the OHL. The guys at 21 with his record making a difference can be counted on two hands.

I'm sure they offered him an AHL deal and he declined, somebody hard up for prospects will give him the min entry level deal.

That's my guess.

Brian Boyle trade was far from a F. With a touch of luck we get to the 2nd round or further....and he played a pretty good part of it. Sucks he didnt resign...that's the chances you take.

- annoyed

From what i understand, he wasn't even made an offer from the Leafs

All true statements, but Brooks won't be a 4C if he makes the Leafs. Gauthier will. Comparing the two directly is a little bit of apples/oranges.
- W_1

On this Leafs team, talent will rule, not size. The truculence experiment didn't work and its over. Don't mind a guy with size that can play, skate etc, but won't hold it against Marner that he's small either. The whole notion of the power forward is nice if you have that type of player, but Gauthier is not a power forward by any stretch - he's gentle and plays a relatively meek game. Have to let go of the notion of bottom six being plugs that run the clock. Load up with as much talent as possible. Score seven a night.

They signed the Swedes and that made Desrocher expendable. Especially since he was a very good, but not dominant 21 year old defender in the OHL. The guys at 21 with his record making a difference can be counted on two hands.

I'm sure they offered him an AHL deal and he declined, somebody hard up for prospects will give him the min entry level deal.

That's my guess.
- AdamFrench

Thanks - I think you are correct, he might be perfect for vegas if they didn't have so many garbage d-men.

On this Leafs team, talent will rule, not size. The truculence experiment didn't work and its over. Don't mind a guy with size that can play, skate etc, but won't hold it against Marner that he's small either. The whole notion of the power forward is nice if you have that type of player, but Gauthier is not a power forward by any stretch - he's gentle and plays a relatively meek game. Have to let go of the notion of bottom six being plugs that run the clock. Load up with as much talent as possible. Score seven a night.
- winsix

Not once did I mention anything about truculence, power forward, or bottom six plugs

Gauthier is cheap, serviceable for 8 mins/night, and won't push for a spot ahead of him. Kind of the perfect 4C in a short-term way.

Brooks...in theory...would push up for minutes as a scoring forward.

Thanks - I think you are correct, he might be perfect for vegas if they didn't have so many garbage d-men.
- winsix

Need to fill that AHL squad.

From what i understand, he wasn't even made an offer from the Leafs
- Garth_Mctavish

Makes perfect sense. Money was a factor, Leafs thought they could fill 4C with $1 million, why pay $3 for somenthing that is not much different. Bigger - yes, Moore was better at faceoffs (54.6% in 82 games with Boston), Boyle (52.2% with Leafs and Tampa in 75 games). They both scored 25 points last year. Boyle wasn't going to sign for $1 million so why offer?

Need to fill that AHL squad.
- AdamFrench

Nope - sharing with the blues.

Nope - sharing with the blues.
- Tumbleweed

That's some sneaky poop

Not once did I mention anything about truculence, power forward, or bottom six plugs

Gauthier is cheap, serviceable for 8 mins/night, and won't push for a spot ahead of him. Kind of the perfect 4C in a short-term way.

Brooks...in theory...would push up for minutes as a scoring forward.
- W_1

Every professional organization should feel comfortable and secure, hiring the best available workers. Why not have a scoring centre on the fourth line? He can push the guy playing on line 3. Just like any company you want guys with fire in their belly that can make a difference - not "serviceable" or adequate or average or plugs.

that's a very nice Ek blog today

Every professional organization should feel comfortable and secure, hiring the best available workers. Why not have a scoring centre on the fourth line? He can push the guy playing on line 3. Just like any company you want guys with fire in their belly that can make a difference - not "serviceable" or adequate or average or plugs.
- winsix

I can agree with that.

Money is a factor when we have to pay a talented group of players a lot of $$ though. So having a few cheap plugs is probably a necessary evil at times.

that's a very nice Ek blog today
- twiztedmike

U MUST B AMERICAN

that's a very nice Ek blog today
- twiztedmike

Yeah, if you are a stupit LAFFS fan. 1967, moran.

Future Blog:

On Feb.28, 2018 the Leafs traded their 2018 1st round pick (31st overall), JVR and Bozak to VAN for D & H Sedin.

A++

U MUST Big In AMERICA
- markmark

Did you say Big in America?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe7lMMnLWz8

Turn up the volume

Future Blog:

On Feb.28, 2018 the Leafs traded their 2018 1st round pick (31st overall), JVR and Bozak to VAN for D & H Sedin.

A++
- cracka

the leafs won't get the 31st by downgrading their offense...

Yeah, if you are a stupit LAFFS fan. 1967, moran.
- Aetherial

Mitch Marner

2016-2017 77 19 42 61
2017-2018 82 32 65 97

Mitch Marner

2016-2017 77 19 42 61
2017-2018 82 32 65 97


- MaximusAurelius

aggressive. i think marner is much more of a playmaker than goalscorer...he just isn't a high-end shooter.

Mitch Marner

2016-2017 77 19 42 61
2017-2018 82 32 65 97


- MaximusAurelius

That.
Would.
Be.
Insane.


No way this happens if Jagr is stealing some of Mitch's minutes though. So which is it?

Mitch Marner

2016-2017 77 19 42 61
2017-2018 82 32 65 97


- MaximusAurelius

Is that with Yawngr on the left wing?

Is that with Yawngr on the left wing?
- underhill14

trade nylander for picks to make room for jagr

trade nylander for picks to make room for jagr--MaxA
- Tumbleweed

Fixed!