Ian Esplen: Poll Thoughts Poll Thoughts

Ive decided that the stupidest thing I have ever read on this blog (and their have been MANY) is Ek even suggesting the idea of a team offer sheeting Pietrangelo 20 year 200 million dollar offer sheet

So we made the playoffs with luu.. Then we lose in the first round? Then what? Was that really worth it when the "team" is not ready for playoffs?

Lu and Raymond for Bjudstad and Upshaw/Kopecky

Ian Esplen: Poll Thoughts
Poll Thoughts
- IanEsplen

I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Yes Lou had a very good season and I put him as one of the main reasons you were presidents cup winners last year. With the lack of secondary scoring down the stretch, goaltending played a huge part in Vancouver's success.

As for the Leafs. If it wasn't for Reimers concussion last year, I dont think they would even be contemplating taking Lou. I think they will wait and see what his time to heal and off-season have done for him. If they start poorly, they'll make the move.

As for Florida, I dont see why they would want him. Theodore has a NTC and has said he will not move. That would mean they would need to move Clemenson back to Vancouver. They would then have Lou, Theodore and Markstrom waiting in the wings for his shot. I dont see them doing it.

So where does that leave? Not too many places that Lou will move to, so the value drops significantly.

I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Yes Lou had a very good season and I put him as one of the main reasons you were presidents cup winners last year. With the lack of secondary scoring down the stretch, goaltending played a huge part in Vancouver's success.

As for the Leafs. If it wasn't for Reimers concussion last year, I dont think they would even be contemplating taking Lou. I think they will wait and see what his time to heal and off-season have done for him. If they start poorly, they'll make the move.

As for Florida, I dont see why they would want him. Theodore has a NTC and has said he will not move. That would mean they would need to move Clemenson back to Vancouver. They would then have Lou, Theodore and Markstrom waiting in the wings for his shot. I dont see them doing it.

So where does that leave? Not too many places that Lou will move to, so the value drops significantly.
- Iggysbff

Jonas was outplaying him...and he was clear to play by doctors? How can heal more?

There has been rumours that Gillis wants Ballard in any deal for Luongo, if that is true then thats a lot of salary to take back for most teams (Leafs).

As a die hard Leafs fan I would love to see Luongo in TO, but it just does not make sense to give away the very little young talent we have. Our franchise has been run into the ground for the last 7 years and we are just now starting to see some decent players in the system.

If the Nucks would be willing to do a deal like:

MacArthur, Blacker, 2nd Rnd Pick I would be all for it. But if that deal was available I'm sure Burke would jump all over it. We need to keep our 1st rnd pick as chances are Lu will not even be enough to get us in the playoffs.

Ive decided that the stupidest thing I have ever read on this blog (and their have been MANY) is Ek even suggesting the idea of a team offer sheeting Pietrangelo 20 year 200 million dollar offer sheet
- kneughter

I agree. Not only have the rumor blogs disappeared, they're now replaced by opinion pieces such as that gem you noted on Pietrangelo. If I'm an owner and my GM approached me with that sort of idea, I'd fire him on the spot. Come on people.

given the fact...Burke has a tiny chance...i see scrivens..making the best of his op...for the number 1 job...burkes risking his job...he needs a experienced Keeper, missing out on LUO...may come back to haunt him....like Yzerman....stevie y...missed out as well....linbachs not a starter

Good blog Ian. I like the way you present the ongoing debate about Lu's value in this blog.

Toronto is looking for lottery picks still if they don't make a move on a tried tested and true starter. The Panthers on the otherhand can wait it out and see what their GT's do in the preseason or early season even before they look to trades. Markstrom has a lot of upside and Theodore has proven that he can be competative in the past. The Leafs? They've proven the opposite...

Ian Esplen: Poll Thoughts
Poll Thoughts
- IanEsplen

Ian:

Here's the flaw in your thinking:

Yes, Luongo would help the Leafs this year. And the year after that.

After that, there is a real possibility of his skills diminishing.

But a GM's job is to build a team for the present and future.

Luongo's contract puts a significant risk upon any team's future success.

That's why his trade value right now is Komisarek, D'Amigo and a 3rd.

In my humble opinion, of course.

And to answer your next question, yes, I'd like to see him in a Leafs sweater.

I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Yes Lou had a very good season and I put him as one of the main reasons you were presidents cup winners last year. With the lack of secondary scoring down the stretch, goaltending played a huge part in Vancouver's success.

As for the Leafs. If it wasn't for Reimers concussion last year, I dont think they would even be contemplating taking Lou. I think they will wait and see what his time to heal and off-season have done for him. If they start poorly, they'll make the move.

As for Florida, I dont see why they would want him. Theodore has a NTC and has said he will not move. That would mean they would need to move Clemenson back to Vancouver. They would then have Lou, Theodore and Markstrom waiting in the wings for his shot. I dont see them doing it.

So where does that leave? Not too many places that Lou will move to, so the value drops significantly.
- Iggysbff

Just curious what Toronto's plan is if they start slow and want a goalie. So the chat with Van about Lu, Schneider pulls a groin, and now Lu isn't available.

What then?

I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Yes Lou had a very good season and I put him as one of the main reasons you were presidents cup winners last year. With the lack of secondary scoring down the stretch, goaltending played a huge part in Vancouver's success.

As for the Leafs. If it wasn't for Reimers concussion last year, I dont think they would even be contemplating taking Lou. I think they will wait and see what his time to heal and off-season have done for him. If they start poorly, they'll make the move.

As for Florida, I dont see why they would want him. Theodore has a NTC and has said he will not move. That would mean they would need to move Clemenson back to Vancouver. They would then have Lou, Theodore and Markstrom waiting in the wings for his shot. I dont see them doing it.

So where does that leave? Not too many places that Lou will move to, so the value drops significantly.
- Iggysbff

I think this bit here actually does make some sense. Lu/Theo tandem could be great this season, and Theo becomes UFA at the end of the year giving Markstrom one more year in the AHL to develop and then a year or two of tutelage with Lu. Clemmensen also gives Vancouver a reliable backup to play with Schneider.

As for the blog, the problem with the 15+ teams Ian mentions as possible destinations for an upgrade is that they all have goalies under contract and would have to move someone in order to take on Luongo. The salary cap makes completing a trade exceedingly difficult, so fans being pissed that their GM didn't address a problem is just silly.

There has been rumours that Gillis wants Ballard in any deal for Luongo, if that is true then thats a lot of salary to take back for most teams (Leafs).

As a die hard Leafs fan I would love to see Luongo in TO, but it just does not make sense to give away the very little young talent we have. Our franchise has been run into the ground for the last 7 years and we are just now starting to see some decent players in the system.

If the Nucks would be willing to do a deal like:

MacArthur, Blacker, 2nd Rnd Pick I would be all for it. But if that deal was available I'm sure Burke would jump all over it. We need to keep our 1st rnd pick as chances are Lu will not even be enough to get us in the playoffs.
- Pagelite

I have heard the Ballard rumor as well. As for your offer I say no way. Honestly I not sure if I would claim Mac off waivers at his cap hit. Sure he's big with hands but he's lazy, he gives up all the time, has no hockey sense and won't back check. There is a reason 2 teams basically gave him away.
Gunnersson, Bozak and Ashton for Lu

Just curious what Toronto's plan is if they start slow and want a goalie. So the chat with Van about Lu, Schneider pulls a groin, and now Lu isn't available.

What then?
- IanEsplen

Then we draft top 5 again, not a horrible place to be. But I would personally prefer fighting for a playoff spot.

What do you think it would take to get Luo on TO?

Ian:

Here's the flaw in your thinking:

Yes, Luongo would help the Leafs this year. And the year after that.

After that, there is a real possibility of his skills diminishing.

But a GM's job is to build a team for the present and future.

Luongo's contract puts a significant risk upon any team's future success.

That's why his trade value right now is Komisarek, D'Amigo and a 3rd.

In my humble opinion, of course.

And to answer your next question, yes, I'd like to see him in a Leafs sweater.
- Atomic Wedgie

I would rather waive him and let clb have him

" I know that contract is so/so "

SO/SO ? Really ?

Not to mention shlttling the bed and losing the starting job in the playoffs !

Get off the glue

There has been rumours that Gillis wants Ballard in any deal for Luongo, if that is true then thats a lot of salary to take back for most teams (Leafs).

As a die hard Leafs fan I would love to see Luongo in TO, but it just does not make sense to give away the very little young talent we have. Our franchise has been run into the ground for the last 7 years and we are just now starting to see some decent players in the system.

If the Nucks would be willing to do a deal like:

MacArthur, Blacker, 2nd Rnd Pick I would be all for it. But if that deal was available I'm sure Burke would jump all over it. We need to keep our 1st rnd pick as chances are Lu will not even be enough to get us in the playoffs.
- Pagelite

As a Leafs fan, I'm going to oppose this deal, strictly on principle.

No effing way do I ever want a Ballard back in the Leafs organization.

Period.

I have heard the Ballard rumor as well. As for your offer I say no way. Honestly I not sure if I would claim Mac off waivers at his cap hit. Sure he's big with hands but he's lazy, he gives up all the time, has no hockey sense and won't back check. There is a reason 2 teams basically gave him away.
Gunnersson, Bozak and Ashton for Lu
- Bieksa#3

I know MacA is not a superstar, but I don't think he is as bad you say. He will score at the min 20 goals and put up 40+ points. You stick him on the ice with more talent and I think he is a 30 goal guy. His contract is not that bad when you look at some of the crazy contract handed out over the last 2 seasons. 3.25 mil per season is very good, and he is a UFA after this season.

As a Leafs fan, I'm going to oppose this deal, strictly on principle.

No effing way do I ever want a Ballard back in the Leafs organization.

Period.
- Atomic Wedgie

We could not take on Ballard unless we are sending him down to be a Marlie like finger.

I have heard the Ballard rumor as well. As for your offer I say no way. Honestly I not sure if I would claim Mac off waivers at his cap hit. Sure he's big with hands but he's lazy, he gives up all the time, has no hockey sense and won't back check. There is a reason 2 teams basically gave him away.
Gunnersson, Bozak and Ashton for Lu
- Bieksa#3

$3.25 million in the final year of a contract?

He scored 20-23-43 last year in 73 games, playing with Kulemin anchored to his leg.

The year before he put up 21-41-62.

That's some solid hockey analysis right there.

you van fans are insane. Every GM is laughing with content knowing that you are stuck with Bobby Lou. To Chicago , Bobby, to Van Frolik , Olesh, bag of pucks.

So we made the playoffs with luu.. Then we lose in the first round? Then what? Was that really worth it when the "team" is not ready for playoffs?
- Mapleleafs_91

LOL this isnt NHL 12. NHL GMs have owners to answer to Burke will have to explain how in the world does he go five years and a leafs as an organization what 9 years without playoff money? Millions and millions and millons of dollars being lost. Just because owners have a lot of money doesn't mean they like to just toss it around and lose it. They got there money because there WEJ's about it.

$3.25 million in the final year of a contract?

He scored 20-23-43 last year in 73 games, playing with Kulemin anchored to his leg.

The year before he put up 21-41-62.

That's some solid hockey analysis right there.
- Atomic Wedgie

Read the rest of the post. Terrible all around hockey player. Buffalo and atl gave up on him for a reason. He may score 25 but be to blame for 40 against

The thing about Brian Burke, is he gets better with time. It took him 5 years to turn the Canucks into annual competitors. 3 years to turn the ducks into cup winners. It only took him 1 year to turn the leafs into the best hockey team in NHL history.


Some people say the 56-57 canadiens were the best, Some say the 86-87 oilers, some say the 72 bruins...hell some might even argue the 74 Flyers were the best at playing the game it was meant to be played. But I think we could agree that all those morons were wrong because everyone knows that the 08-12 Leafs are the best hockey teams to ever grace the NHL with their presence