Mike Augello: Exam Week-Defense(Part III); Marlies Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Heat

Mike Augello: Exam Week-Defense(Part III); Marlies Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Heat
- mikeinbuffalo

The only defenseman that got a LeafMan passing grade was Gardiner, and only four other players received it.

The only defenseman that got a LeafMan passing grade was Gardiner, and only four other players received it.
- LeafMan

Gunnarsson wasn't bad either. Don't think he exceeded expectations but wasn't absolutely horrible either, considering the circumstances.

Cody Franson – D Franson was acquired in early July along with Matthew Lombardi from the Predators in a salary dump deal for Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney. He was expected to be a top four defenseman, based on his play with defensively-deep Nashville, but he became the main victim of Gardiner making the club, as he was sat out for 14 of the first 18 games by Ron Wilson and on numerous occasions after Randy Carlyle took over.


- mikeinbuffalo

Only by Kool-aid drinkers in Toronto.

In spite of the 24 year old’s 6’5” frame, the physical side of the game has never been his strong suit. His aptitude as an offensive defenseman was apparent, as he scored five goals and 16 assists in just 57 games, but his defensive zone play needs work. Only 24 years old, he is an RFA on July 1st and will be looking for a significant increase in his $800,000 salary. With Phaneuf, Gardiner, Gunnarsson and Liles all gifted or adequate offensively, Franson’s skill set would likely fit better with another club.

Grade: C

Projection: Top four defenseman with another NHL club

- mikeinbuffalo

So a guy is a healthy scratch 25 times for one of the worst teams in the league, but that still warrants a "C?"

And that still projects as a top four defenseman with another NHL club?

Really, Mike in Buffalo?

Really?

Gunnarsson wasn't bad either. Don't think he exceeded expectations but wasn't absolutely horrible either, considering the circumstances.
- Unholy_Goalie

Borderline on my list just like Bozak was but very close, I was being a hardass with my grades, lol.

Borderline on my list just like Bozak was but very close, I was being a hardass with my grades, lol.
- LeafMan

Tough, but fair.

Borderline on my list just like Bozak was but very close, I was being a hardass with my grades, lol.
- LeafMan

I expected Bozak to get about 15 goals and 40 points this year but that was only because I knew he'd end up with 1st line minutes because Connolly would either be hurt, suck or both.

I still see him as a good 3rd line center, if he and the team decide that's where he belongs. He's no Peter Zezel but it's a start.

If hell freezes over and the stars align and what not and we land Parise.

Id be cool with:

Lupul-Parise-Kessel
Kuli-Grabo-Mac
Frattin-Bozak-Kadri
Brown-Steckel-Armstrong/Connolly

Get rid of Lombardi via Marlies. (Im probably missing one or two others arent I?)

I expected Bozak to get about 15 goals and 40 points this year but that was only because I knew he'd end up with 1st line minutes because Connolly would either be hurt, suck or both.

I still see him as a good 3rd line center, if he and the team decide that's where he belongs. He's no Peter Zezel but it's a start.
- Unholy_Goalie

Always said he belongs as the third line centre, can move up in case of injury, I really like him and hope he stays, I see a solid player we have in him.

Only by Kool-aid drinkers in Toronto.

- Atomic Wedgie

no Franson was always pretty highly touted

no Franson was always pretty highly touted
- Nastradamus

Only seemed that way because of the large number of Kool-Aid drinkers. He was a bottom pairing defender in Nashville and that didn't change here.

If hell freezes over and the stars align and what not and we land Parise.

Id be cool with:

Lupul-Parise-Kessel

- markmark

You would need hell to thaw, then freeze over again, knock the stars out of alignment and then align them again to have Parise play center.

Zach Parise is not a center. Neither is Rick Nash for the next guy that suggests we get Nash and put him at center because he's big or something.

If hell freezes over and the stars align and what not and we land Parise.

Id be cool with:

Lupul-Parise-Kessel
Kuli-Grabo-Mac
Frattin-Bozak-Kadri
Brown-Steckel-Armstrong/Connolly

Get rid of Lombardi via Marlies. (Im probably missing one or two others arent I?)
- markmark

parise doesnt play center
edit: UG beat me to it

Only seemed that way because of the large number of Kool-Aid drinkers. He was a bottom pairing defender in Nashville and that didn't change here.
- Unholy_Goalie

i followed him before he came to Toronto though, I do feel he'll always be a perpetual underachiever

parise doesnt play center
edit: UG beat me to it
- Phil_kessel81

To be more accurate, apparently he did in his younger days, but he is on record as saying he hates it, and wants to stay at wing.

i followed him before he came to Toronto though, I do feel he'll always be a perpetual underachiever
- Nastradamus

one positive side to his game is he can hit the net, (frank)ing gunnarson, i cant stand the guy

Exam Week-Defense(Part III); Marlies Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Heat



LOL NICE PUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only defenseman that got a LeafMan passing grade was Gardiner, and only four other players received it.
- LeafMan

Kessel, Lupul, Gardiner and Grabovski?

one positive side to his game is he can hit the net, (frank)ing gunnarson, i cant stand the guy
- Phil_kessel81

phaneuf has a boom of a shot, so do I, if I ignore accuracy

parise doesnt play center
edit: UG beat me to it
- Phil_kessel81

I know he is NOT a centreman. But watching him play this season I think he could be a good option for it. Or even swap him and Lupul.

Mike Augello: Exam Week-Defense(Part III); Marlies Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Heat
- mikeinbuffalo

Anyone watch the Marlies game last night?

There were about nine spectators in the arena.

but he is on record as saying he hates it, and wants to stay at wing.
- Atomic Wedgie

Ok I didnt know that.

The only defenseman that got a LeafMan passing grade was Gardiner, and only four other players received it.
- LeafMan

You know what?

Liles earned a passing grade.

Anyone watch the Marlies game last night?

There were about nine spectators in the arena.
- Atomic Wedgie

Still more than Phoenix.

If hell freezes over and the stars align and what not and we land Parise.

Id be cool with:

Lupul-Parise-Kessel
Kuli-Grabo-Mac
Frattin-Bozak-Kadri
Brown-Steckel-Armstrong/Connolly

Get rid of Lombardi via Marlies. (Im probably missing one or two others arent I?)
- markmark

Why the (frank) would parise want to come to Toronto this team is a mess... We need a goalie a 1 line centre and a power forward ..... Parise is none of those things