One of the brilliant minds. Really?

He inherited a team with stars. Name me one he drafted or signed that makes an impact.

He let Mike Smith go.

He let Steve Downie go (huge error).

He let Bergenheim go (huge error).

He has very little experience and in Detroit would have been far down the depth chart in management.

You won't find a bigger fan of Yzerman the hockey player but as an executive he's a rookie and is unproven.

I guess Feaster is a genius b/c he won a cup. Ask Flames fans if they wish he had not made any changes.
- therealagent

He put together a gold medal team for Canada?

And most goalies who go to poop markets succeed and when they go to pressure markets they $hit the bed. Not saying Smith isn't a good goalie but he wasn't getting the job done in Tampa nor did he show any signs of being anything decent. Bryzgalov was amazing in Phoenix and went to Philly and has sucked a$$ all year.

yes Stevey is not a veteran GM but you can't cut him down cause he got rid of Downie and Smith. Roll players like Downie usually are up and down throughout their careers.

He said he doesn't want to be tied up in a ten year long contract with a goalie. In my opinion, that is a smart decision. He already has to deal with Malone and Lecavillier. Doesn't need a trifecta

Well we'd only offer Komiserek and a second rounder so you are right on that. You aren't missing out on too much. We'll keep our youth and you guys can keep your mid 30's goalie. Everybody wins

Odd situation. Be a comical situation at a garage sale. A person bragging up how great their merchandise is and how impossible it is to live without it and how the other person must take it and the buyer saying god no, I do not want that thing. All the makings of an SNL skit :lol:
- Sheppy99

You are right the garage sale owner can say they have watched tv for the last 9 years on their old Sony and can continue to watch for another 9years as the potential buyer wants to buy an new tv in 3 years ,and misses out . Great skit.

Definitely an abundance of riches you have in goal......... I'd say your best bet would be to sign quick and give Bernier one more year to show his stuff and up his trade value even more and take a kings ransom next year for him.

Be a lot of teams that would want Bernier with Tampa Bay being #1 on that list........
- Sheppy99

like the toronto maple leafs as well? id take a chance on bernier and roll with both bernier and reimer

You are right the garage sale owner can say they have watched tv for the last 9 years on their old Sony and can continue to watch for another 9years as the potential buyer wants to buy an new tv in 3 years ,and misses out . Great skit.
- VANTEL

I"m confused, I'm assuming the old sony is old Luongo?............

like the toronto maple leafs as well? id take a chance on bernier and roll with both bernier and reimer
- Mapleleafs_91

I would too depending on what we would have to give up. Not saying Bernier isn't worth quality players, just saying we aren't really in a position to be giving away a ton of talent for a goaltender when we potentially may have a starter in our system anyways......

Now if we had to give up prospects for something we don't have or have no hope of getting anytime soon like a #1 centerman or power forward. Different story.....

beauty of the world. We are all entitled to our opinions. Fact is he's young and he's playing fantastic. You're right, he may not be the best goalie in the ahl. But winning in pressure situations in convincing style means a lot as a young goalie.

Definitely it's still a roll of the dice one way or another as everything is in the NHL but I'll take my chances on two young promising goalies in Reimer and Scrivens before I take on a ten year commitment is all I'm saying.

If we had 0 goaltending prospects and our team was farther along in our development and goaltending was our achilles heal. Than I'd potentially consider taking a bad contract. But thankfully that isn't the case
- Sheppy99

I didn't mean to trash on the kid. Just didn't agree with you dubbing him the AHL goalie MVP. TO should definitely be optimistic about Scrivens. Don't think he's ready to take the reigns yet in the NHL, though.

I would too depending on what we would have to give up. Not saying Bernier isn't worth quality players, just saying we aren't really in a position to be giving away a ton of talent for a goaltender when we potentially may have a starter in our system anyways......

Now if we had to give up prospects for something we don't have or have no hope of getting anytime soon like a #1 centerman or power forward. Different story.....
- Sheppy99

Im sure if quick resigns, bernier wont cost us that much, he has not proved anything yet and is at a value that is questionable. Depending on what LA needs next summer could be what they could acquire for him.

In my opinion, luongo is a great goalie and all, but he needs to go to a team with money and open cap space available, toronto is tight with money at the moment, even if we gave up, oh lets say, komisarek+ for luongo, komi has 2 years left on his contract, luongo will be good for about 4-5 more years, we need a long term goalie, not a short term when we are not even playoff ready yet

The CBJ and EDM trade rumors will depend alot on the Nash sweepstakes this summer. Whatever CBJ gets for Nash, CBJ will evaluate how much they can throw together to offer EDM can't refuse to give up the 1st round pick. Otherwise I can only see John Moore + 2nd pick for EDM first.

I can't see Luongo going to TOR if Burke is the ultimate hate of super long term contracts. It will be another goalie.

Bernier has one more year left until RFA and Quick will be an UFA. LAK will keep both I say for insurance policy. LAK may let Bernier play more next season to build him up and ask for a ransom in return. Asset management by teams and GM like VAN did with Hodgson.

The CBJ and EDM trade rumors will depend alot on the Nash sweepstakes this summer. Whatever CBJ gets for Nash, CBJ will evaluate how much they can throw together to offer EDM can't refuse to give up the 1st round pick. Otherwise I can only see John Moore + 2nd pick for EDM first.

I can't see Luongo going to TOR if Burke is the ultimate hate of super long term contracts. It will be another goalie.

Bernier has one more year left until RFA and Quick will be an UFA. LAK will keep both I say for insurance policy. LAK may let Bernier play more next season to build him up and ask for a ransom in return. Asset management by teams and GM like VAN did with Hodgson.
- deks1

John Moore+Ryan Johansen+Brassard for Yakopov+MPS+2nd Rounder


Edmonton:

1st line: Eberle Nuge Hall

2nd line: Brassard Johansen Gagner


Columbus:

1st line: Yakopov Galchenyuk MPS

I didn't mean to trash on the kid. Just didn't agree with you dubbing him the AHL goalie MVP. TO should definitely be optimistic about Scrivens. Don't think he's ready to take the reigns yet in the NHL, though.
- Fosco

Trust me, there's no players on the LEafs that is read to take the reigns in any position on that team

John Moore+Ryan Johansen+Brassard for Yakopov+MPS+2nd Rounder


Edmonton:

1st line: Eberle Nuge Hall

2nd line: Brassard Johansen Gagner


Columbus:

1st line: Yakopov Galchenyuk MPS
- Mapleleafs_91

Based on that trade I can see EDM trading Gagner for another d-man and keeping Hemsky as 2RW. Moore may not be enough to cover all the d-man holes in EDM, so instead of Brassard, EDM may want Nikitin, and not sure Nikitin or Brassard is more valuable, but I would not suggest EDM give up MPS and 1st overall for Moore, Johansen, and Nikitin. CBJ would have to overpay to pry 1st pick off EDM and keep their 2nd pick. Again, all depends what CBJ gets for Nash and then possibly use those assets to trade to EDM for the 1st pick.

In my opinion, luongo is a great goalie and all, but he needs to go to a team with money and open cap space available, toronto is tight with money at the moment, even if we gave up, oh lets say, komisarek+ for luongo, komi has 2 years left on his contract, luongo will be good for about 4-5 more years, we need a long term goalie, not a short term when we are not even playoff ready yet
- Mapleleafs_91

opinions please

condra, butler, smith Plus 23 for the year
Steckel, Lombardi, Crabb, MINUS 32

Does anybody else think that spells why one team made the playoffs and one team didn't cause UG is trying to convince me that doesn't make a difference. Bottom six is of no matter.

Based on that trade I can see EDM trading Gagner for another d-man and keeping Hemsky as 2RW. Moore may not be enough to cover all the d-man holes in EDM, so instead of Brassard, EDM may want Nikitin, and not sure Nikitin or Brassard is more valuable, but I would not suggest EDM give up MPS and 1st overall for Moore, Johansen, and Nikitin. CBJ would have to overpay to pry 1st pick off EDM and keep their 2nd pick. Again, all depends what CBJ gets for Nash and then possibly use those assets to trade to EDM for the 1st pick.
- deks1

Thats true, though hemsky.. im very sketchy about, i still question on why you guys still have him, in my opinion you should of traded him a long time ago for like ryan ellis or someone... you need cap space to pay for the eberles, halls, and nuges in the future.

opinions please

condra, butler, smith Plus 23 for the year
Steckel, Lombardi, Crabb, MINUS 32

Does anybody else think that spells why one team made the playoffs and one team didn't cause UG is trying to convince me that doesn't make a difference. Bottom six is of no matter.
- Sheppy99

in the summer that burke should attempt to at least try:

1) Parise (obvious choice but highly unlikely)
2) Suter( obvious but unlikely)
3) UFA Gaustad (very likely)
4) RFA chris stewart( very likely through a trade)
5) Luongo ( makes no sense at all but burke may have interest if komi involved)
6) Bernier( would take a chance on him, major upside if burke believes in him)
7) Stasny(very likely since we still need a center)
8) Brad stuart, love this guy, tough defender and if available and not resigned a good pick up on D, since we have so much D already and can be dealt for forwards.
9) Then theres Justin schultz, this all falls on jake gardiner if he can convince his good friend to come to toronto, so burke can sign him.

Trust me, there's no players on the LEafs that is read to take the reigns in any position on that team
- Sheppy99

The Leafs have some solid players to build around. IMO, if you guys got better goaltending down the stretch, the Leafs would have finished 7th or 8th.

A goaltender, a #1 centre, another top4 D (stay away from Schultz, he's ours), and some depth in lower roles and the Leafs will not only make the playoffs, but will likely be in the thick of things in the East.

That's assuming guys like Grabovski and Lupul don't see any drop in production, and Kulimen and Schenn can regain the potential they showed previous to this season.

Thats true, though hemsky.. im very sketchy about, i still question on why you guys still have him, in my opinion you should of traded him a long time ago for like ryan ellis or someone... you need cap space to pay for the eberles, halls, and nuges in the future.
- Mapleleafs_91

Current Hemsky isn't going to fetch Ryan Ellis from NSH, I think this trade offer been beat to death. Maybe after this season if he revives to his strong state a few season back he can fetch something big. His contract also won't pose much of an issue at $5M per 2 years. Horcoff is more the chip to rid of and as long as EDM doesn't resign Smyth to $3M+ per over 3 years, Bulin comes off too after next season, EDM should be fine.

The Leafs have some solid players to build around. IMO, if you guys got better goaltending down the stretch, the Leafs would have finished 7th or 8th.

A goaltender, a #1 centre, another top4 D (stay away from Schultz, he's ours), and some depth in lower roles and the Leafs will not only make the playoffs, but will likely be in the thick of things in the East.

That's assuming guys like Grabovski and Lupul don't see any drop in production, and Kulimen and Schenn can regain the potential they showed previous to this season.
- Fosco

In no way was our goaltending consistent this year but was it the reason we didn't make the playoffs? No. Our weak bottom six and weak defense was the reason. Our goalies faced more point blank shots than most in the league and that does make a difference at the end of the day.

More sand paper and responsible bottom six will make a difference on our defense however and yes I agree. a nice veteran top 4 defensive defensemen is what is needed too. A willie mitchell type of guy

Current Hemsky isn't going to fetch Ryan Ellis from NSH, I think this trade offer been beat to death. Maybe after this season if he revives to his strong state a few season back. His contract also won't pose much of an issue at $5M per 2 years. Horcoff is more the chip to rid of and as long as EDM doesn't resign Smyth to $3M+ per over 3 years, Bulin comes off too after next season, EDM should be fine.
- deks1

Well in my books, for the new CBA, you can always dump horcoffs salary in the minors haha, though ryan smyth is a good person to keep around, hes that classic veteran you wanna keep around the team not a guy like horcoff or hemsky.

In no way was our goaltending consistent this year but was it the reason we didn't make the playoffs? No. Our weak bottom six and weak defense was the reason. Our goalies faced more point blank shots than most in the league and that does make a difference at the end of the day.

More sand paper and responsible bottom six will make a difference on our defense however and yes I agree. a nice veteran top 4 defensive defensemen is what is needed too. A willie mitchell type of guy
- Sheppy99

Fair enough, but I caught several Leafs games during the stretch where they fell out of playoff contention, and there is no doubt in my mind a solid veteran goalie would have stolen enough points to get them into 7th or 8th.

By the sounds of it, most Leaf fans don't just want to squeak into 7th or 8th, and are patient enough to find the right pieces to make them a contender, rather than just a lower seed playoff team, and that's totally understandable.

But, the difference between the Leafs being 13th or 7th/8th is a good goalie—the difference between the Leafs being 13th or being a contender is more, as you suggest.

He put together a gold medal team for Canada?

And most goalies who go to poop markets succeed and when they go to pressure markets they $hit the bed. Not saying Smith isn't a good goalie but he wasn't getting the job done in Tampa nor did he show any signs of being anything decent. Bryzgalov was amazing in Phoenix and went to Philly and has sucked a$$ all year.

yes Stevey is not a veteran GM but you can't cut him down cause he got rid of Downie and Smith. Roll players like Downie usually are up and down throughout their careers.

He said he doesn't want to be tied up in a ten year long contract with a goalie. In my opinion, that is a smart decision. He already has to deal with Malone and Lecavillier. Doesn't need a trifecta
- Sheppy99

And what goalie did Yzerman pick to help lead that team to a gold medal?

Yzerman (hockey genius) picks Lu to be on the team... Holland (another hockey genius) agreed... and Babcock (great coach) decided it was best to pull Brodeur and put Luongo in.

I think its safe to say Yzerman would be very happy to have Lu on his team... and some other great hockey minds believe Lu is a top tier elite goalie in this league.

Should I go with what these smart hockey guys think or what some toronto fan behind a computer who sounds like a whiny female dog? What do you think?

He could trade Malone.. I dont think he is going to let Malone get in the way of acquiring a top 10 goalie in the league. If the Gomez deal has taught us anything.. its that no contract is unmovable.

If new york rangers lose this round against the devils, im sure Nash will be going to either san jose or the rangers. Toronto is a no go, LA is a no go, and i say boston is a no go.
- Mapleleafs_91

When the rumors were floating around that Nash was being traded to the rangers the NY media was bashing it so bad. Every fan I know said they could not part with any of their younger guys. I told them that if you have a chance to get a star like him you take it. If they lose this series to the devils its because of the lack of scoring. They have the best goalie in the world and a very solid and a very deep defense. Now look at the team. A horrific PP and cant score more than 2 goals a game. If they got Nash they would cruise to the cup.

When the rumors were floating around that Nash was being traded to the rangers the NY media was bashing it so bad. Every fan I know said they could not part with any of their younger guys. I told them that if you have a chance to get a star like him you take it. If they lose this series to the devils its because of the lack of scoring. They have the best goalie in the world and a very solid and a very deep defense. Now look at the team. A horrific PP and cant score more than 2 goals a game. If they got Nash they would cruise to the cup.
- Dedshark

Thats why i say after they lose, they will go for nash.

And what goalie did Yzerman pick to help lead that team to a gold medal?

Yzerman (hockey genius) picks Lu to be on the team... Holland (another hockey genius) agreed... and Babcock (great coach) decided it was best to pull Brodeur and put Luongo in.

I think its safe to say Yzerman would be very happy to have Lu on his team... and some other great hockey minds believe Lu is a top tier elite goalie in this league.

Should I go with what these smart hockey guys think or what some toronto fan behind a computer who sounds like a whiny female dog? What do you think?

He could trade Malone.. I dont think he is going to let Malone get in the way of acquiring a top 10 goalie in the league. If the Gomez deal has taught us anything.. its that no contract is unmovable.
- kneughter

I over stepped my bounds saying Yzerman is a hockey genius. I'll retort that statement.

In the end we're never gonna agree on Luongo's value so lets just both agree to disagree.

I have a way more perplexing debate going on with UG right now in the leafs forum over him saying bottom six only represents 5 percent of a teams importance that is way more unbelievable.

The luongo debate is tired and old