That's been debunked; don't recall where, but somebody did a write-up.

I don't consider him elite either, but there's very few I do. Fact remains that if we move Dion, we have a big hole on defense that's not going to be filled by Gardiner or Rielly any time soon. Plus there's no way Burke moves Dion for Getzlaf, not when he just moved Schenn who was, at one point, supposed to be the "future captain", which it was rumoured to be in part because he didn't get along with Dion.
- gravyface

For some bizarre reason, I'm going to be optimistic here.

People mock Wilson for saying that Dion was the best player in the league, but for the first 20 games or so, that was actually debatable. The guy was playing at an extremely high level.

And then, like everything else, it came back to earth.

But at least we know the guy can do that. It is possible.

Probable? Hmmmmm......

But it is possible.

That's been debunked; don't recall where, but somebody did a write-up.

I don't consider him elite either, but there's very few I do. Fact remains that if we move Dion, we have a big hole on defense that's not going to be filled by Gardiner or Rielly any time soon. Plus there's no way Burke moves Dion for Getzlaf, not when he just moved Schenn who was, at one point, supposed to be the "future captain", which it was rumoured to be in part because he didn't get along with Dion.
- gravyface

You trade your current captain Phaneuf for your new captain Getzlaf, simple as that...

And if Phaneuf and Schenn didn't get along - in this way creating bad athmosphere in the team? - I would see the Leafs moving both of them (while I understand why people wouldn't get along with DJ Dion).

You no like?
- Flyfreaky

It was more the agreeing to it being a good thought and you taking advantage of him.

Gardiner is a Campbell-like defensemen, not a minute crunching #1. Reilly mayyyybe but still not quite his skill set. At least to what you consider what a #1 defensemen actually is. To me, personally, Pronger/Lidstrom/Weber/Chara is the prototypical style of a #1. Big, shuts opponents down, dangerous offensively, plays 25-30 hard minutes against top opposition all game. Can be used in any scenario of the game. And frankly Phaneuf does that. If he had a coach who knew how to use him I think you'll see him in all star games again. Hate the guy. But won't deny his abilities.

Gravyface, or egg-on-your-face?

Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound van Riemsdyk had experience playing centre before he got to the NHL, at the University of New Hampshire and with the U.S. under-18 program.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam.../2012/07/05/19956881.html

Not so tough now, are you, tough guy?

I can bench 385 lbs.

And you know that isn't a lie, because it's 385 - not 350 or 375.
- Atomic Wedgie

What did you prove me wrong, that he was drafted as a center? All it says it that he has "experience" playing center. Didn't say anything about him being drafted as a center. I'm not saying I'm right either, the only thing I've seen was that wikipedia article that had him listed as being drafted as a LW.

Point is, he's been playing the wing his entire professional career and he has 10 draws to his name at the NHL level. If he pans out, awesome, but my bet is we'll see Bozak centering the top line this year until something better comes along.

For some bizarre reason, I'm going to be optimistic here.

People mock Wilson for saying that Dion was the best player in the league, but for the first 20 games or so, that was actually debatable. The guy was playing at an extremely high level.

And then, like everything else, it came back to earth.

But at least we know the guy can do that. It is possible.

Probable? Hmmmmm......

But it is possible.
- Atomic Wedgie

Almost Stajan like...

It was more the agreeing to it being a good thought and you taking advantage of him.

Gardiner is a Campbell-like defensemen, not a minute crunching #1. Reilly mayyyybe but still not quite his skill set. At least to what you consider what a #1 defensemen actually is. To me, personally, Pronger/Lidstrom/Weber/Chara is the prototypical style of a #1. Big, shuts opponents down, dangerous offensively, plays 25-30 hard minutes against top opposition all game. Can be used in any scenario of the game. And frankly Phaneuf does that. If he had a coach who knew how to use him I think you'll see him in all star games again. Hate the guy. But won't deny his abilities.
- Boosinicka

Yeah, he's pretty much an bumhole, but I agree with your logic...

I might have gotten somewhat carried away...I was thinking about the Monster...
- Flyfreaky

Yeah, I really regret letting him get away.

I mean, sure he was 6-13-2 last year, with .890 sv% and 3.29 GAA, but it's easy to overlook that when you consider the guy has an awesome nickname.

That nickname is enough to make him a good goalie.

You trade your current captain Phaneuf for your new captain Getzlaf, simple as that...

And if Phaneuf and Schenn didn't get along - in this way creating bad athmosphere in the team? - I would see the Leafs moving both of them (while I understand why people wouldn't get along with DJ Dion).
- MaximusAurelius

Again, big hole at defense = more assets required to get a replacement; we're not going to pull that same kind of deal that got us Phaneuf in the first place.

And ANA are going to want a bluechip prospect (and picks and roster player): it's the going rate for star players.

That's been debunked; don't recall where, but somebody did a write-up.

I don't consider him elite either, but there's very few I do. Fact remains that if we move Dion, we have a big hole on defense that's not going to be filled by Gardiner or Rielly any time soon. Plus there's no way Burke moves Dion for Getzlaf, not when he just moved Schenn who was, at one point, supposed to be the "future captain", which it was rumoured to be in part because he didn't get along with Dion.
- gravyface

Don't need UG stats to tell me about Dion's accuracy....I watch every game and notice his inconsistancies.......It would leave a hole on defense for sure, but There is a bigger hole up the middle and really lets be honest.....Dion the Captain, the Saviour led this team to where exactly?? oh ya........25th place.....The Leafs have enough Defensive depth to get by...I would much rather have Getzlaf than Phaneuf.........and as for who would be the next Captain????..........how about Getzlaf!

Almost Stajan like...
- KABLOOEY

The owner of the Wild said "Signing Parise and Suter has changed the team's identity."...

Yeah, he's pretty much an bumhole, but I agree with your logic...
- Flyfreaky

For shame trying to steal him away than

Yeah, I really regret letting him get away.

I mean, sure he was 6-13-2 last year, with .890 sv% and 3.29 GAA, but it's easy to overlook that when you consider the guy has an awesome nickname.

That nickname is enough to make him a good goalie.
- Atomic Wedgie

It was more the agreeing to it being a good thought and you taking advantage of him.

Gardiner is a Campbell-like defensemen, not a minute crunching #1. Reilly mayyyybe but still not quite his skill set. At least to what you consider what a #1 defensemen actually is. To me, personally, Pronger/Lidstrom/Weber/Chara is the prototypical style of a #1. Big, shuts opponents down, dangerous offensively, plays 25-30 hard minutes against top opposition all game. Can be used in any scenario of the game. And frankly Phaneuf does that. If he had a coach who knew how to use him I think you'll see him in all star games again. Hate the guy. But won't deny his abilities.
- Boosinicka

Phaneuf does NOT shut opponents down

What did you prove me wrong, that he was drafted as a center? All it says it that he has "experience" playing center. Didn't say anything about him being drafted as a center. I'm not saying I'm right either, the only thing I've seen was that wikipedia article that had him listed as being drafted as a LW.

Point is, he's been playing the wing his entire professional career and he has 10 draws to his name at the NHL level. If he pans out, awesome, but my bet is we'll see Bozak centering the top line this year until something better comes along.
- gravyface

It's Friday. A bazillion degrees. Not a cloud in the sky.

Why you gotta be peeing on my daisies like that?

For shame trying to steal him away than
- Boosinicka

Well, I had no idea he didn't get along with Schenn, so much for trying to steal him...I'll stick with Gunner...

How are ya stud?
- KABLOOEY

speaking of the rodeo...you should go and round up the rest of the calgarians back onto this site and get some good ol' fashion...rope tyin....tobacco spittin....large hat and belt buckle wearin.....convos!!

For some bizarre reason, I'm going to be optimistic here.

People mock Wilson for saying that Dion was the best player in the league, but for the first 20 games or so, that was actually debatable. The guy was playing at an extremely high level.

And then, like everything else, it came back to earth.

But at least we know the guy can do that. It is possible.

Probable? Hmmmmm......

But it is possible.
- Atomic Wedgie

Dion can't seem to play at that level for more than 30 games a year. Same when he came back from his knee injury and he played great but had stunk it up before.

It's Friday. A bazillion degrees. Not a cloud in the sky.

Why you gotta be peeing on my daisies like that?
- Atomic Wedgie

10am and it's 90 f'n degrees...

speaking of the rodeo...you should go and round up the rest of the calgarians back onto this site and get some good ol' fashion...rope tyin....tobacco spittin....large hat and belt buckle wearin.....convos!!
- noename09

It was more the agreeing to it being a good thought and you taking advantage of him.

Gardiner is a Campbell-like defensemen, not a minute crunching #1. Reilly mayyyybe but still not quite his skill set. At least to what you consider what a #1 defensemen actually is. To me, personally, Pronger/Lidstrom/Weber/Chara is the prototypical style of a #1. Big, shuts opponents down, dangerous offensively, plays 25-30 hard minutes against top opposition all game. Can be used in any scenario of the game. And frankly Phaneuf does that. If he had a coach who knew how to use him I think you'll see him in all star games again. Hate the guy. But won't deny his abilities.
- Boosinicka

Yup and along with team defense, goaltending (you know, the weakest link on our team) would do wonders on everyone's defensive statistics on this team.

10am and it's 90 f'n degrees...
- Flyfreaky

you meant 32 degrees, right!?

Don't need UG stats to tell me about Dion's accuracy....I watch every game and notice his inconsistancies.......It would leave a hole on defense for sure, but There is a bigger hole up the middle and really lets be honest.....Dion the Captain, the Saviour led this team to where exactly?? oh ya........25th place.....The Leafs have enough Defensive depth to get by...I would much rather have Getzlaf than Phaneuf.........and as for who would be the next Captain????..........how about Getzlaf!
- billyberg10

yeahhhh ummm Sundin is better than Getzlaf. And we never really had a #1 behind him since.. McCabe? That sure worked out well. And I don't know about you but the last #1 defensemen that was available just went for 98 million... What's easier to fill exactly?

speaking of the rodeo...you should go and round up the rest of the calgarians back onto this site and get some good ol' fashion...rope tyin....tobacco spittin....large hat and belt buckle wearin.....convos!!
- noename09

Bob Barker hates Kablooey.

you meant 32 degrees, right!?
- noename09

Don't need UG stats to tell me about Dion's accuracy....I watch every game and notice his inconsistancies.......It would leave a hole on defense for sure, but There is a bigger hole up the middle and really lets be honest.....Dion the Captain, the Saviour led this team to where exactly?? oh ya........25th place.....The Leafs have enough Defensive depth to get by...I would much rather have Getzlaf than Phaneuf.........and as for who would be the next Captain????..........how about Getzlaf!
- billyberg10

See my post directly above this one.