Galchenyuk will be one of best 10-15 Cs in league for years to come, and definitely a #1C.
The guy is a great player, and when playing on a team with a coach that gives him some time on C, he'll light up the league and be a 70+points player.
One so-so playoff series for a 21y old player does not mean he's a bust (the guy still got 46points last season on a Habs team that is one of the worst in offensive production).
His advanced stats numbers look really good as well; something Dubas and co are obviously looking at.
- MaximusAurelius

Auston Matthews. Franchise C. Free. Cause we are bad.

Not sure how you figure this ? Because he was not surrounded by great players ??
- bixll

Burke traded a (frank)ing kings ransom for him and Nonis lit a garbage fire ..so yes

Winnik's back for two years. Called that poop when they traded him.
- BetterCallSaul

He ran from the same dressing room as Kessel.

Morning.

Anyone here come up with a good reason why what the Leafs took back was good for them in the long run?
- Colin Dambrauskas

When I look at the boatload of crap the Leafs loaded up on the past few days, I am forced to conclude that they are going to keep all the kids on the Marlies this year.

They've got a bunch of seat warmers on the big club this year.

And Oh My God Bozak is going to suck this year.

So did I, but I told him to Kris Kross it.
- Bigzby

A lot of unhappy fans.. I like it personally. But, that's just me.

When I look at the boatload of crap the Leafs loaded up on the past few days, I am forced to conclude that they are going to keep all the kids on the Marlies this year.

They've got a bunch of seat warmers on the big club this year.

And Oh My God Bozak is going to suck this year.
- Atomic Wedgie

Drive for #1 is on my friend.

A lot of unhappy fans.. I like it personally. But, that's just me.
- bixll

The way things have gone the last decade, the more unhappy fans there is the better the trade must of been.

I get the feeling the leafs tried..but Pits was not budging on Pouliot/Maata at all
the return just feels like Shanny said trade him..get the best you can

anyways I really liked Kessel, feel he was unfairly criticized and put in a position to fail by previous management . Glad he gets to play with 2 of the best centers in the world
- senstroll

So true.

Bottom line is the return, in all likelihood, would have been a lot worse had we waited a year.

Summer is probably the only time that you could swing a deal with such large salary numbers - for those that believed we would get more value at the trade deadline.

For what its worth maybe the media will lay off the heavy criticism, even for at least one season.

Auston Matthews. Franchise C. Free. Cause we are bad.
- Bigzby

I agree Matthews would be great.
But even if leafs end up with fewest points in league (which I doubt heavily) then there's only a 20% chance of winning the lottery for #1 pick.
That's quite a big of a gamble.
I'd go for Galchenyuk if the option is really there.

IF..IF Harrington turns into a top 4 and Kapanen into a top 6, then i'd say we made out all right in the trade, and the picks are gravy.

I agree Matthews would be great.
But even if leafs end up with fewest points in league (which I doubt heavily) then there's only a 20% chance of winning the lottery for #1 pick.
That's quite a big of a gamble.
I'd go for Galchenyuk if the option is really there.
- MaximusAurelius

If Montreal wanted to get rid of him, our 1st would likely get it done with this roster, no need to offer sheet and give up more than necessary.

I still dont want him, just saying.

IF..IF Harrington turns into a top 4 and Kapanen into a top 6, then i'd say we made out all right in the trade, and the picks are gravy.
- TonkaPhaneuf

Could be a good player in the future..

When I look at the boatload of crap the Leafs loaded up on the past few days, I am forced to conclude that they are going to keep all the kids on the Marlies this year.

They've got a bunch of seat warmers on the big club this year.

And Oh My God Bozak is going to suck this year.
- Atomic Wedgie

Can you imagine if he actaully has an amazing season of 70+ pts...

*march 2016: "I guess Kessel was just holding me back?..." Bozak.

Whos the guy we drafted who had 71 assists?

Whos the guy we drafted who had 71 assists?
- Bigzby

Marner

Could be a good player in the future..
- bixll

He's already rated a 74 in NHL15 on an NHL club, so there's that...

I get the feeling the leafs tried..but Pits was not budging on Pouliot/Maata at all
the return just feels like Shanny said trade him..get the best you can

anyways I really liked Kessel, feel he was unfairly criticized and put in a position to fail by previous management . Glad he gets to play with 2 of the best centers in the world
- senstroll

I really liked him too.

I felt the media was completely unfair to him many times over.

I thought he looked like a guy who wanted to win but it didn't seem the team/MLSE thought the same as him and they never built a team for the guy.

No excuses now for him. He better hit 40 goals.

He's already rated a 74 in NHL15 on an NHL club, so there's that...
- TonkaPhaneuf

????

What does that mean ?

If Montreal wanted to get rid of him, our 1st would likely get it done with this roster, no need to offer sheet and give up more than necessary.

I still dont want him, just saying.
- Bigzby

They don't.
He wants out of Montreal though (another guy that does not like the coach).
Montreal is definitely not giving up Galchenyuk for a 1st that might end up 5-10 overall.

????

What does that mean ?
- bixll

On PS4 hockey he has a good rating
EA Sports...It's in the game female doges

So true.

Bottom line is the return, in all likelihood, would have been a lot worse had we waited a year.

Summer is probably the only time that you could swing a deal with such large salary numbers - for those that believed we would get more value at the trade deadline.

For what its worth maybe the media will lay off the heavy criticism, even for at least one season.
- A_Tree

It is what it is. The biggest "return" I think Shanahan wanted was Kessel off the team.

Most trades that are similar to this usually have really bad returns. Look at Hossa when he went from Atlanta to the Pens. Leafs did alright considering the circumstances.

The Leafs will respect him and not trade him. After being traded, the fact that he returned shows he wants to play here. The Leafs need guys like that. Guys who WANT to play for the Leafs and not just collect the Leafs paycheque.
- twiztedmike

I think they signed him to move him...if there's a pick at the TDL for this guy..he's gone. IMO

I agree Matthews would be great.
But even if leafs end up with fewest points in league (which I doubt heavily) then there's only a 20% chance of winning the lottery for #1 pick.
That's quite a big of a gamble.
I'd go for Galchenyuk if the option is really there.
- MaximusAurelius

Oh noes! Second overall?! Whatever will we do with that pick?! You're saying it like he's a bust already.

Auston Matthews. Franchise C. Free. Cause we are bad.
- Bigzby

Chychrun

Sign Stamkos UFA

Boom.

When I look at the boatload of crap the Leafs loaded up on the past few days, I am forced to conclude that they are going to keep all the kids on the Marlies this year.

They've got a bunch of seat warmers on the big club this year.

And Oh My God Bozak is going to suck this year.
- Atomic Wedgie

36 points is my guess.