5 years eats into when we want to be a contender. A little long for my taste.
- RogerRoeper

I like the way you think!

thing is, they'd have to trade other players. Can't trade a guy for 12 months if they match an offer sheet.

it forces them into a decision of giving up a guy like connolly for less than market, or trading another roster player.

Given boston will likely have to trade a player or 2 to keep Hamilton, they may not be inclined to lose other roster players just to keep a guy like connolly.
- Tumbleweed

I agree 100%. It seems like a great opportunity to push the envelope. The Leafs seem to be open to doing things a different way. Maybe this too?

I agree but it might be necessary for LA fit Kessel's salary. I might prefer Richards 5.25 or whatever for 5 years over Semin's 7 for 3 years.
- Phenom

Id take Semin. Shorter burden plus they have a pick worth more than anything LA would be willing big to give up.

thing is, they'd have to trade other players. Can't trade a guy for 12 months if they match an offer sheet.

it forces them into a decision of giving up a guy like connolly for less than market, or trading another roster player.

Given boston will likely have to trade a player or 2 to keep Hamilton, they may not be inclined to lose other roster players just to keep a guy like connolly.
- Tumbleweed

Someway, somehow, they need to cut 6-8 million this year. Any team with cap space and future assets to spare should be prepared to low ball them. With all the NMC's they have pretty sure everyone else can be had for a song, much like Boychuck was.

5 years eats into when we want to be a contender. A little long for my taste.
- RogerRoeper

You expect this team to be a contender in five years?

semin is lazy
richards is fat and lazy

semin>richards

You expect this team to be a contender in five years?
- BetterCallSaul

You noticed that too?

Id take Semin. Shorter burden plus they have a pick worth more than anything LA would be willing big to give up.
- systemtool

I bet u would... .............

semin is lazy
richards is fat and lazy

semin>richards
- Sammich

I'm sure Richards can throw a proper punch though.

Richards>Semin.

You expect this team to be a contender in five years?
- BetterCallSaul

God I hope so!

You expect this team to be a contender in five years?
- BetterCallSaul

Yes I do. 5 years is a long time.

God I hope so!
- John6644

Oh

Oh
- Fruitcakenipple

Oh

Yes I do. 5 years is a long time.
- RogerRoeper

You're more optimistic than I am. Perennial playoff contender in five years, sure. Stanley Cup contender? Don't think so.

I agree 100%. It seems like a great opportunity to push the envelope. The Leafs seem to be open to doing things a different way. Maybe this too?
- John6644

anytime you can acquire a guy that can be a good fit for the team for less than market value, i think you should look into it.

You're more optimistic than I am. Perennial playoff contender in five years, sure. Stanley Cup contender? Don't think so.
- BetterCallSaul

They already will have some good starting pieces at the end of the draft.

Oh
- ClarksonDavid

Agreed

Gabby is an injury away from retirement or just completely falli BFF apart IMO. Kings have good enough young pieces where Kessel would make them more competitive for longer than Gabor will, but of course the money doesn't make sense.for LA
- systemtool

If Williams and Stoll bolt as UFAs and we take Richards, I think they could work it out.

Someway, somehow, they need to cut 6-8 million this year. Any team with cap space and future assets to spare should be prepared to low ball them. With all the NMC's they have pretty sure everyone else can be had for a song, much like Boychuck was.
- Jeropotato

Maybe the Leafs could try extending an olive branch to the Bruins and offering to help ease the burden at the price of a few draft picks.

You're more optimistic than I am. Perennial playoff contender in five years, sure. Stanley Cup contender? Don't think so.
- BetterCallSaul

Well we don't know for sure of course, but I'm hoping they are a little better than just a playoff contender by then. Otherwise it means they are still sitting around the 7 through 10 spot and we've spent too many years doing that. If that's all the progress we make in 5 years we'll be blowing it up again.

Well we don't know for sure of course, but I'm hoping they are a little better than just a playoff contender by then. Otherwise it means they are still sitting around the 7 through 10 spot and we've spent too many years doing that. If that's all the progress we make in 5 years we'll be blowing it up again.
- John6644

In 2yrs the Leafs will be trading picks and hoping to "win now"...

Well we don't know for sure of course, but I'm hoping they are a little better than just a playoff contender by then. Otherwise it means they are still sitting around the 7 through 10 spot and we've spent too many years doing that. If that's all the progress we make in 5 years we'll be blowing it up again.
- John6644

5 years eats into when we want to be a contender. A little long for my taste.
- RogerRoeper

For how long, a year? Wouldn't make much of a difference.

Ah. Nothing like riling up the Oilers thread with a little Phaneuf talk. I kinda what him dealt there just so I can watch all of their heads explode!

Ah. Nothing like riling up the Oilers thread with a little Phaneuf talk. I kinda what him dealt there just so I can watch all of their heads explode!
- H8terade

Just like if Hodgson signs with the Leafs. Same thing.