Location: Somewhere over the rainbow since I’m way up high Joined: 09.15.2010
Jun 16 @ 5:59 PM ET
Next year or you mean long term?
It could be a stretch for next year.... - PhilMcCracken
Thing is, the leafs really only have 2 true top 6 forwards on the roster in JVR and Kadri
It will be a long season... Likely no playoffs, but developing those players together could be an approach the leafs take... Nice balance of vets with rookies.. And Matthews already has played pro as well.
Komarov will be replaced in time... But only with another nasty guy who will work his ass off along the boards
Thing is, the leafs really only have 2 true top 6 forwards on the roster in JVR and Kadri
It will be a long season... Likely no playoffs, but developing those players together could be an approach the leafs take... Nice balance of vets with rookies.. And Matthews already has played pro as well.
Komarov will be replaced in time... But only with another nasty guy who will work his ass off along the boards - Dozzer
I would hope we could give Nylander sheltered minutes. Don't think he is ready for the #1 line. Matthews I would think would either C the 2nd or 3rd line depending on Bozak. If Bozak is still here, I would think they would shelter Matthews on the third line and when TDL comes, Bozak is traded as a #2 C and Matthews moves up. Who really knows, but I'm not sold on Nylander being on the top line without seeing how he does with some sheltered minutes.
Is it possible to sign a 1-2 year deal to an aging Top 6 UFA in case the kids don't develop as fast as we would like?
Edit: We still have Lupul. He will do. He's ok when he is healthy and I think it's ridiculous people want him bought out. Two more years, still a serviceable player, albeit a hefty contract. Ride it out...
Once again.... People focus too much on the player and not enough on a potential line.
Take a puck distributor like Marner and pair him with a big bodied C who can skate and goes to the net.... Jesus (frank)ing Christ that combo has the potential to be dominate in a couple years... Especially if the other winger is strong along the boards.
Watch out. That possibility is very real... - Dozzer
Matthews can definitely bury the puck from pretty much anywhere. I see more highlights of him scoring than making nice passing plays, so I agree that partnering him with a Marner type of player would be an ideal situation for him. But I think the side of Matthews game that doesn't get mentioned all that much is how defensively aware he is.
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow since I’m way up high Joined: 09.15.2010
Jun 16 @ 6:07 PM ET
I would hope we could give Nylander sheltered minutes. Don't think he is ready for the #1 line. Matthews I would think would either C the 2nd or 3rd line depending on Bozak. If Bozak is still here, I would think they would shelter Matthews on the third line and when TDL comes, Bozak is traded as a #2 C and Matthews moves up. Who really knows, but I'm not sold on Nylander being on the top line without seeing how he does with some sheltered minutes.
Is it possible to sign a 1-2 year deal to an aging Top 6 UFA in case the kids don't develop as fast as we would like? - PhilMcCracken
I think you're 100% right about sheltered minutes... To start the season anyways.... If they show they can handle things I expect the kids to take on more prominent roles as the season progresses
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow since I’m way up high Joined: 09.15.2010
Jun 16 @ 6:09 PM ET
Matthews can definitely bury the puck from pretty much anywhere. I see more highlights of him scoring than making nice passing plays, so I agree that partnering him with a Marner type of player would be an ideal situation for him. But I think the side of Matthews game that doesn't get mentioned all that much is how defensively aware he is. - Salami_Tsunami
Oh yeah... He plays a complete game for sure... But he is a shooter... So you want a top notch puck distributor on the wing.... I think marner and Matthews should be put together right off the hop and let them develop into a dominant line together.
Oh yeah... He plays a complete game for sure... But he is a shooter... So you want a top notch puck distributor on the wing.... I think marner and Matthews should be put together right off the hop and let them develop into a dominant line together. - Dozzer
Location: I think Loov is going to become another Lidstrom- matt1337 Joined: 09.12.2009
Jun 16 @ 6:29 PM ET
Matthews can definitely bury the puck from pretty much anywhere. I see more highlights of him scoring than making nice passing plays, so I agree that partnering him with a Marner type of player would be an ideal situation for him. But I think the side of Matthews game that doesn't get mentioned all that much is how defensively aware he is. - Salami_Tsunami
Ive seen a few nice set ups, no look pass to TChuck. Lasers . His passing is crisp
Location: Henry Hudson's Fairchild 24 South Porcupine Joined: 04.03.2016
Jun 16 @ 6:36 PM ET
Thing is, the leafs really only have 2 true top 6 forwards on the roster in JVR and Kadri
It will be a long season... Likely no playoffs, but developing those players together could be an approach the leafs take... Nice balance of vets with rookies.. And Matthews already has played pro as well.
Komarov will be replaced in time... But only with another nasty guy who will work his ass off along the boards - Dozzer
It will consist of 41 road and 41 home games - same as last year.
Playoffs are no certainty, will depend strongly on moves that require addressing such as an NHL caliber number one goalie that the team has lacked for probably over a decade. This fact is hard to dispute unless you think Giguere was in top form when he was a Leaf.
Another area of concern - has been the absence of a top flight center. As exciting as it is to have the #1 pick and the opportunity to select Matthews, it would be a huge team strengthening move to pick up Stamkos.
Don't forget one thing, uncle Lou has a lot of currency, prospects and picks.
We're richer than you think
We will fight for a wildcard if some trades and moves fall in place and it's not over the top wishful thinking. Montreal has made the playoffs several times with an excellent goalie and a poop team.