i got john tavares
- systemtool

Good job man!

I was giving Dubas and JT's bedsheets all the creditbefore this, but now I realize it was all your doing. Thanks for letting me know!

So by that logic, the Miami Heat weren't contenders when King James & Chris Bosh decided to join Dwayne Wade? Or when James decided to join the Cavs for a second time?

You're so FACTUALLY incorrect in that statement it's laughable.
- Pen15

I was backreading a bit and saw this in the last blog. This is exactly what I was trying to suggest to UG. You explained perfectly.

I was backreading a bit and saw this in the last blog. This is exactly what I was trying to suggest to UG. You explained perfectly.
- Thecakeisalie

This is just so wrong. The Cavaliers and Heat are not the Leafs

This is just so wrong. The Cavaliers and Heat are not the Leafs
- PatC80

Not even the same sport.

This is just so wrong. The Cavaliers and Heat are not the Leafs
- PatC80

I'd like to add something witty, but I'm kinda drunk. But yeah. If a team upgrades in the offseason, you can re-evaluate that team during the offseason, rather than needing to actually see them succeed literally before calling them a success.

That is all I was arguing, yet UG female doged about the Leafs for over a day while I unsuccessfully tried to tell him I didn't care.

Is Karlsson a Lightning yet?

Seriously though, why are the Leafs sitting on their hands with Karlsson?

The John Tavares signing was a thing of beauty for many reasons but one of the biggest reasons was the fact that both the Lightning and the Bruins wanted Tavares and the Leafs got him. Not only did they add a very good player but they also prevented their opponents from getting stronger.

Why not do the same with Karlsson?

Obviously, Karlsson came to an agreement with Tampa Bay on an extension and the problem Tampa Bay is having is dumping Callahan in New York. Dallas is said to be in on Karlsson too but are unwilling to move Heiskanen.

How about the Leafs swoop in and steal Karlsson?

Obviously, trading within the division isn't a problem anymore if the Senators are willing to deal Karlsson to Tampa Bay, it should be just a matter of what the cost will be. The Leafs definitely need an upgrade on defense and definitely on the right side too. The question is, what's the price and what are the Leafs willing to do to improve their team?

To Ottawa: Nylander, Gardiner, Leafs 1st in 2019

To Toronto: Karlsson with 7 year extension at 10 million a year agreed upon and medically green lit by the Leafs doctors that his ankle isn't permanently (frank)ed.

Is it worth it? Yes, it is. And here's why.

Karlsson, if healthy, should speak for himself. Granted, his defensive game isn't the best but his ability to drive the play and create offense is second to no blueliner in the NHL. Flat out, he'll outscore Nylander from the blueline. He's a RHD, he's won the Norris more than once and he's in the prime of his career. He almost beat the 2017 Penguins by himself on one good foot.

In return, the Senators get two roster players, one with a bright future and a 1st round pick. Gardiner can eat up the majority of the minutes on the blueline and bring in at least 50% of the offense Karlsson brings and would cost their penny pincher owner much less to re-sign than Karlsson.

If not, offer the same package to St. Louis for Pietrangelo, minus the 1st round pick.

In the past 30 years, I'm pretty sure every single Norris winning defenseman has won a Stanley Cup in their career, except Karlsson, Burns, Subban and Hedman. Burns, Subban and Hedman have all gone to the Finals not too long ago. You could safely bet that where Karlsson lands, a Stanley Cup chance will follow. Better here than in Tampa Bay.

Is Karlsson a Lightning yet?

Seriously though, why are the Leafs sitting on their hands with Karlsson?

The John Tavares signing was a thing of beauty for many reasons but one of the biggest reasons was the fact that both the Lightning and the Bruins wanted Tavares and the Leafs got him. Not only did they add a very good player but they also prevented their opponents from getting stronger.

Why not do the same with Karlsson?

Obviously, Karlsson came to an agreement with Tampa Bay on an extension and the problem Tampa Bay is having is dumping Callahan in New York. Dallas is said to be in on Karlsson too but are unwilling to move Heiskanen.

How about the Leafs swoop in and steal Karlsson?

Obviously, trading within the division isn't a problem anymore if the Senators are willing to deal Karlsson to Tampa Bay, it should be just a matter of what the cost will be. The Leafs definitely need an upgrade on defense and definitely on the right side too. The question is, what's the price and what are the Leafs willing to do to improve their team?

To Ottawa: Nylander, Gardiner, Leafs 1st in 2019

To Toronto: Karlsson with 7 year extension at 10 million a year agreed upon and medically green lit by the Leafs doctors that his ankle isn't permanently (frank)ed.

Is it worth it? Yes, it is. And here's why.

Karlsson, if healthy, should speak for himself. Granted, his defensive game isn't the best but his ability to drive the play and create offense is second to no blueliner in the NHL. Flat out, he'll outscore Nylander from the blueline. He's a RHD, he's won the Norris more than once and he's in the prime of his career. He almost beat the 2017 Penguins by himself on one good foot.

In return, the Senators get two roster players, one with a bright future and a 1st round pick. Gardiner can eat up the majority of the minutes on the blueline and bring in at least 50% of the offense Karlsson brings and would cost their penny pincher owner much less to re-sign than Karlsson.

If not, offer the same package to St. Louis for Pietrangelo, minus the 1st round pick.
- Unholy_Goalie

crickets

Is Karlsson a Lightning yet?

Seriously though, why are the Leafs sitting on their hands with Karlsson?

The John Tavares signing was a thing of beauty for many reasons but one of the biggest reasons was the fact that both the Lightning and the Bruins wanted Tavares and the Leafs got him. Not only did they add a very good player but they also prevented their opponents from getting stronger.

Why not do the same with Karlsson?

Obviously, Karlsson came to an agreement with Tampa Bay on an extension and the problem Tampa Bay is having is dumping Callahan in New York. Dallas is said to be in on Karlsson too but are unwilling to move Heiskanen.

How about the Leafs swoop in and steal Karlsson?

Obviously, trading within the division isn't a problem anymore if the Senators are willing to deal Karlsson to Tampa Bay, it should be just a matter of what the cost will be. The Leafs definitely need an upgrade on defense and definitely on the right side too. The question is, what's the price and what are the Leafs willing to do to improve their team?

To Ottawa: Nylander, Gardiner, Leafs 1st in 2019

To Toronto: Karlsson with 7 year extension at 10 million a year agreed upon and medically green lit by the Leafs doctors that his ankle isn't permanently (frank)ed.

Is it worth it? Yes, it is. And here's why.

Karlsson, if healthy, should speak for himself. Granted, his defensive game isn't the best but his ability to drive the play and create offense is second to no blueliner in the NHL. Flat out, he'll outscore Nylander from the blueline. He's a RHD, he's won the Norris more than once and he's in the prime of his career. He almost beat the 2017 Penguins by himself on one good foot.

In return, the Senators get two roster players, one with a bright future and a 1st round pick. Gardiner can eat up the majority of the minutes on the blueline and bring in at least 50% of the offense Karlsson brings and would cost their penny pincher owner much less to re-sign than Karlsson.

If not, offer the same package to St. Louis for Pietrangelo, minus the 1st round pick.

In the past 30 years, I'm pretty sure every single Norris winning defenseman has won a Stanley Cup in their career, except Karlsson and Subban and Subban went to the Finals not too long ago. You could safely bet that where Karlsson lands, a Stanley Cup will follow. Better here than in Tampa Bay.
- Unholy_Goalie

It's an interesting proposal. I really like Nylander, and I think Gardiner is better than most (often including myself) give him credit for.

But for Karlsson it might be worth it. The main reason it wouldn't be worth it, is that we might still not win the cup, and I bet he'd go to FA and probably sign elsewhere, so we're giving up a lot for 1 year of Karlsson and a chance, not a guarantee, at a cup.

Fist it HOHO
- Steven_Seagull

Take it out of your mouth first (frank)face!

Works for me.
- TrashPanda

(frank) him!

#irrelevant

It's an interesting proposal. I really like Nylander, and I think Gardiner is better than most (often including myself) give him credit for.

But for Karlsson it might be worth it. The main reason it wouldn't be worth it, is that we might still not win the cup, and I bet he'd go to FA and probably sign elsewhere, so we're giving up a lot for 1 year of Karlsson and a chance, not a guarantee, at a cup.
- Thecakeisalie

No deal with Karlsson should be made including Nylander without two things perfectly guaranteed.

1. His health. If his ankle is (frank)ed, you can still acquire him but exclude Nylander. Brown, Liljegren, 1st in 2019. Something like that.

2. His signature to a long term extension. Same as above, if he's a rental, the price drops dramatically.

Like I said, Karlsson, by himself, can outscore Nylander. Karlsson won two Norris trophies with 70-80 point performances. And he didn't have Matthews, Marner and Tavares to pass to either. I like Nylander but the fact that the Leafs have Tavares should allow the Leafs to move Nylander and improve the defense. But if you get Karlsson, the offense is still going to be there, albeit from the blueline which makes the Leafs even more balanced and dangerous.

Like I said before, every Norris winner of the past 30 years has won a Stanley Cup except Karlsson, Burns and Subban. Hedman just won one and he's been to the Finals before too. So has Subban. So has Burns. Wouldn't surprise me to see both Nashville and Tampa Bay win a Cup in the next five years either.

And every multiple time Norris winner has won a Cup, except Karlsson. You can bet, whomever gets Karlsson is getting a Stanley Cup shot in the near future. Better the Leafs than Tampa Bay.

crickets
- shack67

BANNED.

No deal with Karlsson should be made including Nylander without two things perfectly guaranteed.

1. His health. If his ankle is (frank)ed, you can still acquire him but exclude Nylander. Brown, Liljegren, 1st in 2019. Something like that.

2. His signature to a long term extension. Same as above, if he's a rental, the price drops dramatically.

Like I said, Karlsson, by himself, can outscore Nylander. Karlsson won two Norris trophies with 70-80 point performances. And he didn't have Matthews, Marner and Tavares to pass to either. I like Nylander but the fact that the Leafs have Tavares should allow the Leafs to move Nylander and improve the defense. But if you get Karlsson, the offense is still going to be there, albeit from the blueline which makes the Leafs even more balanced and dangerous.

Like I said before, every Norris winner of the past 30 years has won a Stanley Cup except Karlsson, Burns and Subban. Hedman just won one and he's been to the Finals before too. So has Subban. So has Burns. Wouldn't surprise me to see both Nashville and Tampa Bay win a Cup in the next five years either.

And every multiple time Norris winner has won a Cup, except Karlsson. You can bet, whomever gets Karlsson is getting a Stanley Cup shot in the near future. Better the Leafs than Tampa Bay.
- Unholy_Goalie

OK, those things guaranteed he's probably worth it. Although I don't think anyone can "guarantee" the health of an athlete. That said, if all parties concerned are convinced he's back to his old health, then he's a franchise player.

I guess it all depends on what it would cost (other than Nylander) to get Karlsson. If all the rumours of how Tampa was going to get him have any substance, Nylander + would more than beat those proposals. The only other concern would be how much Karlsson would want out of our cap compared to Willy and if we could manage it moving forward past just the next year.

BANNED.
- .HOHO.

A lot of you guys need to chill out.
UG isn't that bad.

Him and I argue and frustrate each other all the time, but I keep talkng to him because I generally enjoy it. Even if I don't always agree, I do respect his knowledge, which is generally portrayed in his posts. Maybe I don't agree with all of his conclusions, but he does generally know what he's talking about.

He is also a Leafs fan, even if a negative one. I do believe this. If you don't like his posts, ignore them.

OK, those things guaranteed he's probably worth it. Although I don't think anyone can "guarantee" the health of an athlete. That said, if all parties concerned are convinced he's back to his old health, then he's a franchise player.

I guess it all depends on what it would cost (other than Nylander) to get Karlsson. If all the rumours of how Tampa was going to get him have any substance, Nylander + would more than beat those proposals. The only other concern would be how much Karlsson would want out of our cap compared to Willy and if we could manage it moving forward past just the next year.
- Thecakeisalie

You have him evaluated by the medical staff and even a third party. If any of the doctors hired are doing their job, they'll know whether or not he can continue to be the explosive skater he always has been for the next five or six years or beyond.

If Nylander is involved, it's a lot closer to a fair deal than what most other teams might be offering. Including both Nylander and Gardiner also allows them to play their way out of a lottery pick which makes the pick they gave to Colorado turn out to be less damaging. Moving Nylander also makes it possible to pay Karlsson as well as retain Matthews and Marner at a comfortable price.

At 6.5 million, Karlsson fits no problem for this coming year. Even at 10 or 11 million on his extension, he would fit rather easily, taking up whatever Nylander would have made plus whatever Gardiner's absense would open up. If he's still the Norris calibre defenseman he's been in the past, he's definitely worth the cap space.

These opportunities rarely, if ever present themselves. What better moment than now for Dubas to jump in and steal Karlsson from Tampa Bay? If he doesn't and Karlsson ends up in Tampa Bay, you're a lot further away. It's like a four point game in offseason terms. Pay the price, even overpay a touch if you have to; get Karlsson.

If it were feasible to fit him under the cap, I'd even take Bobby Ryan. Call me crazy, but Bobby Ryan at 4-5 million AAV (same as Horton), beside Tavares, might not be that bad if it means getting Karlsson. He's still capable of being a 20 goal scorer and he's scored 30+ playing with the likes of Getzlaf. If Ottawa retains enough salary, taking Bobby Ryan, if necessary, could prove to be worth it if it means getting Karlsson and keeping Karlsson's price lower.

You have him evaluated by the medical staff and even a third party. If any of the doctors hired are doing their job, they'll know whether or not he can continue to be the explosive skater he always has been for the next five or six years or beyond.

If Nylander is involved, it's a lot closer to a fair deal than what most other teams might be offering. Including both Nylander and Gardiner also allows them to play their way out of a lottery pick which makes the pick they gave to Colorado turn out to be less damaging. Moving Nylander also makes it possible to pay Karlsson as well as retain Matthews and Marner at a comfortable price.

At 6.5 million, Karlsson fits no problem for this coming year. Even at 10 or 11 million on his extension, he would fit rather easily, taking up whatever Nylander would have made plus whatever Gardiner's absense would open up. If he's still the Norris calibre defenseman he's been in the past, he's definitely worth the cap space.

These opportunities rarely, if ever present themselves. What better moment than now for Dubas to jump in and steal Karlsson from Tampa Bay? If he doesn't and Karlsson ends up in Tampa Bay, you're a lot further away. It's like a four point game in offseason terms. Pay the price, even overpay a touch if you have to; get Karlsson.

If it were feasible to fit him under the cap, I'd even take Bobby Ryan. Call me crazy, but Bobby Ryan at 4-5 million AAV (same as Horton), beside Tavares, might not be that bad if it means getting Karlsson. He's still capable of being a 20 goal scorer and he's scored 30+ playing with the likes of Getzlaf. If Ottawa retains enough salary, taking Bobby Ryan, if necessary, could prove to be worth it if it means getting Karlsson and keeping Karlsson's price lower.
- Unholy_Goalie

OK, If all these factors worked out, I'd be convinced.

My only real concern would probably be the rumor that he supposedly would only sign an extension with Tampa. If the Leafs can convince him to join us long term, he'd be an amazing pick up.

OK, If all these factors worked out, I'd be convinced.

My only real concern would probably be the rumor that he supposedly would only sign an extension with Tampa. If the Leafs can convince him to join us long term, he'd be an amazing pick up.
- Thecakeisalie

Nothing some negotiations with Salming and Sundin couldn't fix.

Nothing some negotiations with Salming and Sundin couldn't fix.
- Unholy_Goalie

It's Shanahan and Babcock now, maybe with our director of communications (or whatever the (frank) his role is) Wendel Clark, helping.

It's Shanahan and Babcock now, maybe with our director of communications (or whatever the (frank) his role is) Wendel Clark, helping.
- Thecakeisalie

Salming and Sundin can be Senior and Junior Executives of Swedish Signings.

Salming and Sundin can be Senior and Junior Executives of Swedish Signings.
- Unholy_Goalie

I will sign off on this, despite having no legal authority at all.

I will sign off on this, despite having no legal authority at all.
- Thecakeisalie

Well, with that, there's only one thing left to do...

Ryan* / Tavares / Marner
Marleau / Matthews / Kapanen
Hyman / Kadri / Brown
Johnsson / Letestu (1 year) / Ennis
Leivo

*(Max 4 AAV only if absolutely necessary)

Rielly / Karlsson (10 AAV)
Dermott / Zaitsev
Hainsey / Carrick
Borgman

Andersen
Lehtonen (1 year)

You have him evaluated by the medical staff and even a third party. If any of the doctors hired are doing their job, they'll know whether or not he can continue to be the explosive skater he always has been for the next five or six years or beyond.

If Nylander is involved, it's a lot closer to a fair deal than what most other teams might be offering. Including both Nylander and Gardiner also allows them to play their way out of a lottery pick which makes the pick they gave to Colorado turn out to be less damaging. Moving Nylander also makes it possible to pay Karlsson as well as retain Matthews and Marner at a comfortable price.

At 6.5 million, Karlsson fits no problem for this coming year. Even at 10 or 11 million on his extension, he would fit rather easily, taking up whatever Nylander would have made plus whatever Gardiner's absense would open up. If he's still the Norris calibre defenseman he's been in the past, he's definitely worth the cap space.

These opportunities rarely, if ever present themselves. What better moment than now for Dubas to jump in and steal Karlsson from Tampa Bay? If he doesn't and Karlsson ends up in Tampa Bay, you're a lot further away. It's like a four point game in offseason terms. Pay the price, even overpay a touch if you have to; get Karlsson.

If it were feasible to fit him under the cap, I'd even take Bobby Ryan. Call me crazy, but Bobby Ryan at 4-5 million AAV (same as Horton), beside Tavares, might not be that bad if it means getting Karlsson. He's still capable of being a 20 goal scorer and he's scored 30+ playing with the likes of Getzlaf. If Ottawa retains enough salary, taking Bobby Ryan, if necessary, could prove to be worth it if it means getting Karlsson and keeping Karlsson's price lower.
- Unholy_Goalie

It's interesting though I'd think it would take more than Nylander, Gardiner and a 1st. As good as Nylander is we're basically talking about the best defenseman in the world. Even if he isn't, the Sens are going to value him that way and won't make a move until they get what they think the best D man in the world is worth. They're also entering a bidding war with some deep pocket teams with major assets to trade, one of those teams being a division rival. Let's be honest, anybody here would do that trade in a heartbeat so it's probably a sign that the Sens would not.

If I'm the Sens trading Karlsson to the Leafs I'd want a franchise player, Marner would be a must have +++. Something like Marner, Brown, Liljegren, a first and a 2nd. As a Leafs fan I think I'd be against that, but I dunno, Karlsson would probably be worth it.

It's interesting though I'd think it would take more than Nylander, Gardiner and a 1st. As good as Nylander is we're basically talking about the best defenseman in the world. Even if he isn't, the Sens are going to value him that way and won't make a move until they get what they think the best D man in the world is worth. They're also entering a bidding war with some deep pocket teams with major assets to trade, one of those teams being a division rival. Let's be honest, anybody here would do that trade in a heartbeat so it's probably a sign that the Sens would not.

If I'm the Sens trading Karlsson to the Leafs I'd want a franchise player, Marner would be a must have +++. Something like Marner, Brown, Liljegren, a first and a 2nd. As a Leafs fan I think I'd be against that, but I dunno, Karlsson would probably be worth it.
- 13sundin13

Karlsson's value is as low as it's ever going to be. His numbers last year weren't great. He's coming off foot surgery. He's got 1 year left on his deal, he hates the owner, he wants out of town and the Senators have little to no leverage.

Karlsson is a very good, prime aged RHD but he's not the best defenseman in the world. That's either Doughty or maybe even Hedman at this point. Karlsson is easily a top tier defenseman but he doesn't do absolutely everything; he does one thing better than anyone and that's score points.

Regardless of what they want, all the Leafs need to do is offer more than the other teams are offering. At this point, taking Bobby Ryan (with at least 2-3 million retained) off their hands too, Nylander, Gardiner and a 1st is actually a good haul for them.

Karlsson's value is as low as it's ever going to be. His numbers last year weren't great. He's coming off foot surgery. He's got 1 year left on his deal, he hates the owner, he wants out of town and the Senators have little to no leverage.

Karlsson is a very good, prime aged RHD but he's not the best defenseman in the world. That's either Doughty or maybe even Hedman at this point. Karlsson is easily a top tier defenseman but he doesn't do absolutely everything; he does one thing better than anyone and that's score points.

Regardless of what they want, all the Leafs need to do is offer more than the other teams are offering. At this point, taking Bobby Ryan (with at least 2-3 million retained) off their hands too, Nylander, Gardiner and a 1st is actually a good haul for them.
- Unholy_Goalie

go to bed

Leafs don't need Karlsson - Leafs powerplay is already great.
Karlsson not being the defensively responsible d-man makes him a luxury to Leafs, not a necessity.
Same goes for Tampa Bay by the way - they won't pick him up (too much of a cost for them).
Karlsson will go to a team which has struggled on PP, and has a good defensive D-man to partner with him; e.g. Dallas, Chicago.