We need to tank to get a #1 Centre... Other than that, we are pretty set. Goalies will develop, D will develop, and more than enough offensive support. Mackinnon or McDavid would be a really nice addition - mfreedman
I really do think this team is just a #1 C and a #1G(could already have that, don't know) away from being a threat.
Our depth is great, the only problem is relying on some depth guys for key positions.
Elite regular season goaltending would probably put them in the playoffs. It'd put a lot of teams in the playoffs. Wouldn't help much once they got in though.
hopefully they really struggle with the transition this year.
I really wouldn't mind trading away whoever can net a 1st(outside of Kessel, unless it's clear he won't re-sign, and Rielly).
Lupul, Grabo, MacArthur, Kadri, Gunnar, Phaneuf... dump em all. So much skill in this draft. - Feeling Glucky?
I don't think after missing the playoffs for so many years that management and owners are willing to go to a full rebuild. That ship has passed and they will need some smart moves to become a contender and not just a run of the mill playoff team.
I don't think after missing the playoffs for so many years that management and owners are willing to go to a full rebuild. That ship has passed and they will need some smart moves to become a contender and not just a run of the mill playoff team. - sens rock
But there's so much skill. And say they trade Lupul(which, if they don't have a contract ready to sign by now, they probably should)... they could try re-signing him in the summer.
I'd trade him, hope for a mid-1st pick, draft Domi.
Grabbing one of the top centers from this draft, and Domi would be huge for the Leafs down the middle.
Monahan-Domi-Grabo down the middle is pretty damn good.
LOL, 1 player will not take you guys from 5th worst to a playoff team....
You also don't get a #1C without giving up significant assets to offset it. - gretzky
Also, not talking about a 1 player change.
We're talking about a new coach, a new top-6 forward in JVR, playing skilled youngsters like Kadri and Frattin over slouches like Connolly and Lombardi, either having our goalies turn into consistent #1 guys, or acquiring a #1 goalie, AND acquiring a #1 C.
Not including progression of youngsters(mainly because for every guy that progresses, there's an equal chance somebody regresses)
Exactly. But I am not so sure Leaf ownership will tolerate another losing year. Even if you draft a future #1C you will have to wait a few years for them to develop into that player. I can't see Leaf fans/management/ownership being patient enough to go 3-4 more years without a #1C.
Exactly. But I am not so sure Leaf ownership will tolerate another losing year. Even if you draft a future #1C you will have to wait a few years for them to develop into that player. I can't see Leaf fans/management/ownership being patient enough to go 3-4 more years without a #1C.
Just my .02 - gretzky
Get a guy like McKinnon, he could step into the #1 spot beside Kessel, no problem.
Get a guy like McKinnon, he could step into the #1 spot beside Kessel, no problem. - Feeling Glucky?
VERY low odds even with a tank job of getting him. He is also probably the only one that comes close to making a major impact on an NHL roster right away (Maybe Jones too).
And honestly after watching several 1st overalls closely I can tell you that even Mackinnon will not step into being a legit top line C.
His offense will be on par with a 1C likely, but it takes a centre 2-3 years in the bigs before they really turn a corner with their overall game and play away from the puck (which is needed for a strong #1C)
Kessel to CBJ for 2013 1st, 2013 2nd, Mason - mfreedman
Smart trade IMO. Should be a top 10 pick in what appears like a deep draft. Combine that with a top 10 pick of your own, Rielly and Gardiner, and you have yourself a core to build around. 1 more tank year following wouldn't hurt, but at least your core would be young and give you proper time to build around them.
If Kessel would be willing to re-sign it would make no sense trading him for a draft pick like that. There'd at best be a chance that the player drafted would turn out as good as Kessel.
This whole draft pick > proven player thing that happens on here is nuts.
If Kessel would be willing to re-sign it would make no sense trading him for a draft pick like that. There'd at best be a chance that the player drafted would turn out as good as Kessel.
This whole draft pick > proven player thing that happens on here is nuts.
- daeth
Age is key.
Building around an 18 year old>>Building around a 25 year old.
MUCH larger window.
Window is key when trying to move from 5th last up. It takes time.
If Kessel would be willing to re-sign it would make no sense trading him for a draft pick like that. There'd at best be a chance that the player drafted would turn out as good as Kessel.
This whole draft pick > proven player thing that happens on here is nuts.
- daeth
That's why I said if he wasn't signing.
Gotta get a good sense of it this year. This draft could be better than 2003.
I'd trade Grabo and Lupul no problem. Both should be able to get 1sts from contenders.
Maybe even Liles if he steps up.
Lots of centers in the 1st round described as powerforwards.
Building around an 18 year old>>Building around a 25 year old.
MUCH larger window.
Window is key when trying to move from 5th last up. It takes time. - gretzky
I'll take a 25 year old 30/30 player over a 10th overall pick who may or may not even turn out as good as Kadri. When dealing with draft picks, especially if it's early in a season, you have no idea where they will end up or how decent the player will be. It'd be like selling your car and using the money to buy lottery tickets hoping you'll win big and be able to afford a Bugatti Veyron.
I'll take a 25 year old 30/30 player over a 10th overall pick who may or may not even turn out as good as Kadri. - daeth
If you had a fire sale to rebuild properly which means trading Kessel and Lupul you would easily finish with a top 5 pick. Your team wouldn't mysteriously get better losing it's best players.
Top 5 pick in a deep draft (18 year old player)>>Kessel (25 year old player) who may or may not sign in 1.5 years or walk for nothing.
If you had a fire sale to rebuild properly which means trading Kessel and Lupul you would easily finish with a top 5 pick. Your team wouldn't mysteriously get better losing it's best players.
Top 5 pick in a deep draft (18 year old player)>>Kessel (25 year old player) who may or may not sign in 1.5 years or walk for nothing. - gretzky
The only way an 18 year old player > Kessel is if he's as good or better than Kessel. Just being 18 and having a lot of potential doesn't make them better. Basically outside of the top 3 picks this year the odds of that happening are slim to non.
The only way an 18 year old player > Kessel is if he's as good or better than Kessel. Just being 18 and having a lot of potential doesn't make them better. Basically outside of the top 3 picks this year the odds of that happening are slim to non. - daeth
I meant going forward. A lottery team building around a 25 year old with 1.5 years to UFA is very short sighted IMO
, but what can I do) - Liles (1/2 aint bad)