If Bozak wasn't so poop defensively, he'd be a 3rd line center. His scoring ability isn't impressive and he's on the wrong side of 30. But speaking of being on the wrong side of 30, Thornton is 39 in July. And he's missed almost half the season this year. And he's costing the Sharks 8 million dollars. That's the complete opposite of what the Leafs need right now. It was stupid enough to sign Marleau and blow the money required to keep JVR, more money spent on a grey beard is just a waste of cap space.

Tavares, probably a huge long shot, would be worth going after if he tests the market because it allows the Leafs a tremendous amount of flexibility. It allows you to make Kadri the 3rd line center (perfect depth situation) and it allows you to trade Nylander to get a legit #1 D.

But, chances are Tavares is staying in Long Island which means the Leafs need to move either Nylander or Marner to C and find two-top six wingers to replace JVR and Nylander or Marner's spot on the RW.

So basically:

Plan A: Tavares, trade Nylander+ for #1 D (a young one) - Not happening.
Plan B: Move Nylander or Marner to C. Find two top-six wingers - More likely.
Plan C: Sign a defensive 3rd line C to a 1 year deal (Vermette?) - Very likely.
Plan D: Re-sign Bozak for 3 million or less because he's familiar - Hope not.

Plan Z: Old players for too much money.
- Unholy_Goalie

Thornton was just an example since someone else threw it out there. He wouldn't be a problem if it was just a one year deal though, which is maybe slightly possible considering he just signed a one year deal this year. It's only a waste of cap space if you have someone else to spend that money on instead, and we won't be really desperate until Matthews and Marner need new deals, in 2 years.

While I like Marleau and kind of understand why they may have got him, I agree that if he is the reason we lose JVR, it was probably a mistake.

I'm not really sure which of your options I like best lol.
Tavares would be great, but I'm not getting my hopes up that he'll come to Toronto. I also still have some doubts at how good Willy can be as a center. I rather like him as Matthews' winger and then Magic Mitch on Kadri's line.
I also doubt Bozak will sign a cheap enough deal I'd want us to keep him.
So I think the best thing out of those options listed imo is to find a guy from within (seems unlikely with our current prospects) or sign/trade for someone.

Yeah, I dunno. Hopefully either Willy really can turn into a good center or Lou has a rabbit in his hat and can acquire us another decent, cheap center. Jesus, maybe we'll actually have to keep Bozak.

Thornton was just an example since someone else threw it out there. He wouldn't be a problem if it was just a one year deal though, which is maybe slightly possible considering he just signed a one year deal this year. It's only a waste of cap space if you have someone else to spend that money on instead, and we won't be really desperate until Matthews and Marner need new deals, in 2 years.

While I like Marleau and kind of understand why they may have got him, I agree that if he is the reason we lose JVR, it was probably a mistake.

I'm not really sure which of your options I like best lol.
Tavares would be great, but I'm not getting my hopes up that he'll come to Toronto. I also still have some doubts at how good Willy can be as a center. I rather like him as Matthews' winger and then Magic Mitch on Kadri's line.
I also doubt Bozak will sign a cheap enough deal I'd want us to keep him.
So I think the best thing out of those options listed imo is to find a guy from within (seems unlikely with our current prospects) or sign/trade for someone.

Yeah, I dunno. Hopefully either Willy really can turn into a good center or Lou has a rabbit in his hat and can acquire us another decent, cheap center. Jesus, maybe we'll actually have to keep Bozak.
- Thecakeisalie

Thornton (or any other old, short term, 2nd line C) for 1 year is a waste of time. He comes, he plays, he retires (or leaves) and the Leafs are right back in the same situation having to sign a 3rd line C or move one of Nylander or Marner to C. That would just make the transition from RW to C take one year longer. Rather just get it done with as early as possible.

If Bozak wasn't so poop defensively, he'd be a 3rd line center. His scoring ability isn't impressive and he's on the wrong side of 30. But speaking of being on the wrong side of 30, Thornton is 39 in July. And he's missed almost half the season this year. And he's costing the Sharks 8 million dollars. That's the complete opposite of what the Leafs need right now. It was stupid enough to sign Marleau and blow the money required to keep JVR, more money spent on a grey beard is just a waste of cap space.

Tavares, probably a huge long shot, would be worth going after if he tests the market because it allows the Leafs a tremendous amount of flexibility. It allows you to make Kadri the 3rd line center (perfect depth situation) and it allows you to trade Nylander to get a legit #1 D.

But, chances are Tavares is staying in Long Island which means the Leafs need to move either Nylander or Marner to C and find two-top six wingers to replace JVR and Nylander or Marner's spot on the RW.

So basically:

Plan A: Tavares, trade Nylander+ for #1 D (a young one) - Not happening.
Plan B: Move Nylander or Marner to C. Find two top-six wingers - More likely.
Plan C: Sign a defensive 3rd line C to a 1 year deal (Vermette?) - Very likely.
Plan D: Re-sign Bozak for 3 million or less because he's familiar - Hope not.

Plan Z: Old players for too much money.
- Unholy_Goalie

I'll bet whatever you consider a paycheque Bozak signs anywheres for over 3 mil per annum. 3 to 1 payout odds.

I'll bet whatever you consider a paycheque Bozak signs anywheres for over 3 mil per annum. 3 to 1 payout odds.
- Blazed

There's little to no doubt he will but that's all he's worth to the Leafs. Any more than that, he can take a hike.

Carrick makes Polak look like an all-star.
- BlowMonkey

why don't we trade Polak, MArleau and Komarov for Connor McDavid???

make it happen Lou!!!!

also we could maybe trade our 2nd and Gardiner for Doughty!!

woo go LEafs can't wait to win the Stanley Cup for10 years in a row!!!

When they make the trades Tavares will take ahome town discount to play with his favourite team the Leafs!!

This is a very subtle way of asking him what he's wearing.
- Thecakeisalie

True. But also asking if it's a good costume.

So glad Andersen didn't finish the game

Those 16 shots he didn't have to face will make him much less tired
- Santo_44

So tired. The time saved will totes help him come playoff time. Nevermind being out of wack and not in a grove. Time off = time well spent. /sarcasm

It's not like he's proved he's gotten better as he gets more in-tune with his play. More playing time = a better Andersen.

Probably, if they don't get Tavares I'm sure Babs will push hard for Thornton. and sounds like Lou might not be the GM by then...a senior advisor...so the beard can stay
- Santo_44

"Apparently", Lou doesen't enforce the no beard rule anymore. Players just keep it going out of respect, now.

- Garnie

Not a Polak compliment.

Not a Polak compliment.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Garnie will take any compliment directed towards Polak he can get, even backhanded ones.

- Steven_Seagull

Thanks for not believing in the Leafs you stupid bird.


Morning.

Thanks for not believing in the Leafs you stupid bird.


Morning.
- Steven_Seagull

That's right. Leafs win!!!

Surprise mother(frank)er!

That's right. Leafs win!!!

Surprise mother(frank)er!




- Thecakeisalie

I stopped watching after Dallas scored their 4th. I was tired so I said (frank) it, I’m going to bed...

...I guess I won’t watch tonight, either...guaranteed win...ha ha...

Thanks for not believing in the Leafs you stupid bird.


Morning.
- Steven_Seagull

You did good, Gull. Enjoy your snack

Thornton (or any other old, short term, 2nd line C) for 1 year is a waste of time. He comes, he plays, he retires (or leaves) and the Leafs are right back in the same situation having to sign a 3rd line C or move one of Nylander or Marner to C. That would just make the transition from RW to C take one year longer. Rather just get it done with as early as possible.
- Unholy_Goalie

Signing a stop-gap guy just helps make that transition smoother, gives them someone to learn from.

You did good, Gull. Enjoy your snack

- 21peter

(frank) you seal.

Did the guy behind Babs in the crowd last night have crab hands? I randomly just remembered I thought I seen that

Signing a stop-gap guy just helps make that transition smoother, gives them someone to learn from.
- Feeling Glucky?

Thank you for being the voice of reason

Remember those leaf fans who said we wouldn't miss Jvr.....ya funny.

Good job polak.....throw people into your goalie....smart.

Can't believe radulov got a penalty for that

Signing a stop-gap guy just helps make that transition smoother, gives them someone to learn from.
- Feeling Glucky?

Fack thornton
Why are we back on the "let's get almost 40 year olds" train again?

Are (frank)ing kidding me?

Play like a poop and get two points.
- LeafMan

i dont think Dallas played great, so yeah a coin flip game basically

expected goals all situations was 3.5-2.75 for the leafs, so they had the better overall chances.

and if Polak is the reason Andersen was hurt fire that guy into the sun

man what a game last night.

I though the Leafs were cooked after the 4th goal the Stars got.

man what a game last night.

I though the Leafs were cooked after the 4th goal the Stars got.
- zazzle

when a team has Auston Matthews JVR you are never out of it

Oh hi.