The Leafs aren't a playoff team with Bernier in net.
- ErectileReptile

Do you think with an improved defense he may be more valuable than thought?

I only say this because Rask is getting shat on in Boston for posting the numbers he did with a defense that doesn't even have a #2 dman IMO. And I think he's a great goalie.

Besides Lupul (who could be marooned on Robidas Island), there's Bozak and Bernier that need to go. Both do not have much term left, so I don't see them as being an issue.
- gravyface

Exactly. Tear down isn't completed. Those 3, Laich, Greening, Hunwick et all will most likely take roster spots next year. Maybe more prominent roles as to receive draft picks for them.

There's been so many team's fans that always think they've turned a corner only to be a year too soon. Lots of rookies next year and still some junk left on the roster. Let it play out, get draft picks, give the kids an insulated year and start the 2017-18 season off on the upswing

YEAHHH THE TANGER!!!

The Leafs aren't a playoff team with Bernier in net.
- ErectileReptile

I think the tear down is pretty much done. Lupus and Robidas are probably staying off the books, and we may see some moves involving JVR or Bozak, but they're not necessary at the moment. Next year will be fun to watch, I believe. Same drive as last season, with more talent. Younger talent too which adds to the excitement either as a positive or negative.

Do you think with an improved defense he may be more valuable than thought?

I only say this because Rask is getting shat on in Boston for posting the numbers he did with a defense that doesn't even have a #2 dman IMO.
- RickJames77

Too many momentum crushing softies. Not to mention letting in the first shot of the season and the first shot of various other games. That's a mental / skill thing. Not a result of the D in front of you.

YEAHHH THE TANGER!!!
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Doesn't our draft pick get worse if the Pens win? Or are we locked in?

The greatest joke of all!
- Steven_Seagull

But he led all in scoring.

Do you think with an improved defense he may be more valuable than thought?

I only say this because Rask is getting shat on in Boston for posting the numbers he did with a defense that doesn't even have a #2 dman IMO. And I think he's a great goalie.
- RickJames77

Its definitly a big reason why he sucked..

Doesn't our draft pick get worse if the Pens win? Or are we locked in?
- walshyleafsfan

I believe it gets worse, but at this point the difference between 27-30 is like blindly throwing a dart at a the board.

That's been questioned? I thought it was common knowledge.
- BetterCallSaul

It was brought down the mountain by Moses

He may not have much of a choice. Obviously he's a bright man and knows what needs to be done. We haven't even finished the tear down yet (imo). I don't think the upswing happens this next year (obviously not 30th but not too much better)
- walshyleafsfan

Buffalo absolutely shiit the bed in 2015. Tanking was refined to an art form. They traded away every goal that had a save percentage above .700. They added a few pieces, some trades a couple of free agents and a top end centre as the Leafs are expected to do. What happened - they are still out of the playoffs. BUT they went from 54 points to 81 points a 27 point improvement. Is a 27 point improvement possible for the leafs if they upgrade in goal? I'm not sure. If they did improve by this margin, Leafs would finish with 96 points - playoffs. A goalie, Stamkos would be more than Buffalo did.

Doesn't our draft pick get worse if the Pens win? Or are we locked in?
- walshyleafsfan

Who gives a (frank)?

Kessel4Cup!!

Doesn't our draft pick get worse if the Pens win? Or are we locked in?
- walshyleafsfan

The pick can only move a couple of spots now, it doesn't really matter. I'm cheering for the Pens for the sake of Phil and my twenty dollars.

Dzierkels vs. Marner in 30 minutes.


Not that it's a fair competition.

But he led all in scoring.
- burn

And in ice time. After all, he was their #1 d-man.

Dzierkels vs. Marner in 30 minutes.


Not that it's a fair competition.
- BetterCallSaul

I may have to switch to that from the Pittsburgh / Tampa game.

Who gives a (frank)?

Kessel4Cup!!
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Gotcha. I'm still hoping for the 27th pick or 28th.

Who gives a (frank)?

Kessel4Cup!!
- Arctic_AARDVARK

If Kessel gets the Cup, so does Crosby. Go Bolts!

Dzierkels vs. Marner in 30 minutes.


Not that it's a fair competition.
- BetterCallSaul

Thought it was Perron

Thought it was Perron
- systemtool

No one can compare to Perron.

Buffalo absolutely shiit the bed in 2015. Tanking was refined to an art form. They traded away every goal that had a save percentage above .700. They added a few pieces, some trades a couple of free agents and a top end centre as the Leafs are expected to do. What happened - they are still out of the playoffs. BUT they went from 54 points to 81 points a 27 point improvement. Is a 27 point improvement possible for the leafs if they upgrade in goal? I'm not sure. If they did improve by this margin, Leafs would finish with 96 points - playoffs. A goalie, Stamkos would be more than Buffalo did.
- winsix

If the Leafs get Stamkos and they stay healthy, they're making the playoffs...

I might be the only one here brave enough to say it... but whatever.

Buffalo absolutely shiit the bed in 2015. Tanking was refined to an art form. They traded away every goal that had a save percentage above .700. They added a few pieces, some trades a couple of free agents and a top end centre as the Leafs are expected to do. What happened - they are still out of the playoffs. BUT they went from 54 points to 81 points a 27 point improvement. Is a 27 point improvement possible for the leafs if they upgrade in goal? I'm not sure. If they did improve by this margin, Leafs would finish with 96 points - playoffs. A goalie, Stamkos would be more than Buffalo did.
- winsix

I didn't realize it was Buffalo jumped by 27 points, that's crazy.

To add to the last couple of pages, I can't imagine the Leafs go into the season with a Bernier/Sparks/Bibeau depth chart. Not with the shiny new toys being trotted out in the centennial, the outdoor game, etc. They don't want to demoralize the whole team that way. Just my feels.

Thought it was Perron m
- systemtool

Same team, but the Sens prospect so clearly outshines either of the Leafs that I didn't want to mention his name.

Ever heard of Timo Meier? Pretty good prospect. Takes a back seat to Perron.

Do you think with an improved defense he may be more valuable than thought?

I only say this because Rask is getting shat on in Boston for posting the numbers he did with a defense that doesn't even have a #2 dman IMO. And I think he's a great goalie.
- RickJames77

The defense wasn't that weak really. Other goalies didn't have a problem, he just flat out sucked balls.


If he had subpar numbers but didn't let in at least one weak one a game, softies on the first skit every game I think more would be more receptive to a second chance.

Gotcha. I'm still hoping for the 27th pick or 28th.
- walshyleafsfan

The Bruins own the Sharks pick and I'm hoping for the same, but too be honest when it gets that late in the round it's so granular I think it's difficult to distinguish between one pick and another. I know you all think highly of Hunter, but there are so many variables that make passing on a player that goes at 27 that goes 30th such a crapshoot.