The thing I find crazy is people saying kapanen will need to get "paid" next year. How much do people expect him to get? He will have 1 full season under his belt putting up similar numbers to Connor Brown did before his contract. I expect his contract to be similar to his or Hymans.

Same with Johnsson. Reason he probably took his qualifying offer was so that he didn't get locked in long term at under 2 mil. A full season with kadri and kapanen will probably get him a similar Brown/Hyman deal as well, which isn't bad for a 3rd liner. We don't need to move either of those guys.

As for our defense, like a lot of people have mentioned, we will probably look at a rental come deadline time, not costing anyone on our roster. Probably picks or depth marlie guys. Come the following season, liljegren looks like he will be capable to playing in the pros if he continues to develop how he has. He might even get a call up this year like Dermott did half way through the season.

There's absolutely no reason for the leafs to trade Nylander for a RD when we just have to ride out 1 more year of not having one.

The thing I find crazy is people saying kapanen will need to get "paid" next year. How much do people expect him to get? He will have 1 full season under his belt putting up similar numbers to Connor Brown did before his contract. I expect his contract to be similar to his or Hymans.

Same with Johnsson. Reason he probably took his qualifying offer was so that he didn't get locked in long term at under 2 mil. A full season with kadri and kapanen will probably get him a similar Brown/Hyman deal as well, which isn't bad for a 3rd liner. We don't need to move either of those guys.

As for our defense, like a lot of people have mentioned, we will probably look at a rental come deadline time, not costing anyone on our roster. Probably picks or depth marlie guys. Come the following season, liljegren looks like he will be capable to playing in the pros if he continues to develop how he has. He might even get a call up this year like Dermott did half way through the season.

There's absolutely no reason for the leafs to trade Nylander for a RD when we just have to ride out 1 more year of not having one.
- matt1337

Idk, the Leafs do need a Defensemen.

If the right trade comes along I think they would be very interested

Idk, the Leafs do need a Defensemen.

If the right trade comes along I think they would be very interested
- Santo_44

If they're patient they could keep their forward group in tact, have a defence that includes Lillybust and Sandin on ELCs (or very close to money wise), and then have about a decade of being able to compete for a cup year in year out. All they have to do is hold on a little while longer.


Alternatively, they could trade Nylander and then have Brown or Kapanen as a 1st line winger for Matthews.

Wonder which route Dubas prefers?

If they're patient they could keep their forward group in tact, have a defence that includes Lillybust and Sandin on ELCs (or very close to money wise), and then have about a decade of being able to compete for a cup year in year out. All they have to do is hold on a little while longer.


Alternatively, they could trade Nylander and then have Brown or Kapanen as a 1st line winger for Matthews.

Wonder which route Dubas prefers?
- walshyleafsfan

It’s a fantastic forward group regardless if Nylander is on the team.

If an elite defensemen comes back the other way then it’s a no brainer.

It’s obvious they have been trying the last two years. Hamonic, Mcdonaugh were close according to valid sources.

Faulk, Barrie, Tanev have always been connected to the Leafs in rumours. They are trying...and if the right deal comes along they will strike.

It’s a fantastic forward group regardless if Nylander is on the team.

If an elite defensemen comes back the other way then it’s a no brainer.

It’s obvious they have been trying the last two years. Hamonic, Mcdonaugh were close according to valid sources.

Faulk, Barrie, Tanev have always been connected to the Leafs in rumours. They are trying...and if the right deal comes along they will strike.
- Santo_44

I don't see the Leafs being interested in those 3 defenceman. Faulk and Barrie are as good defensively as our supposed defensively inept defencemen.

Tanev just doesn't play enough games to help the team.

So many 14 year old hockey geniuses on EKs blog.

They hear Leafs and they come running from the hills.

They dont have a (frank)ing clue.

I don't see the Leafs being interested in those 3 defenceman. Faulk and Barrie are a good defensively as our supposed defensively inept defencemen.

Tanev just doesn't play enough games to help the team.
- walshyleafsfan

yeah faulk and barrie defensively aren't really an improvement over the #3 and #4 guys here. toronto needs someone better if they want to noticeably improve.

I don't see the Leafs being interested in those 3 defenceman. Faulk and Barrie are as good defensively as our supposed defensively inept defencemen.

Tanev just doesn't play enough games to help the team.
- walshyleafsfan

It’s a different game now, the Leafs want puck movers.

It’s a different game now, the Leafs want puck movers.
- Santo_44

They have a fantastic one in Liljegren on an ELC that will be ready 6 months from now.

They also have Sandin that should be ready in a couple of years. Same with possibly Durzi. They already have Rielly, Gardiner, Dermott and even Carrick, Holl and Zaitsev, who can all move the puck. Moving the puck shouldn't be an issue for this team going forward from the backend. In my opinion, the organization should absolutely not use any asset of value for yet another puck moving defenceman who is poor in their own end.

There's lots of internal options for puck moving defencemen. Something, fortunately, that the Leafs management identified years ago as the way the game is going.

Idk, the Leafs do need a Defensemen.

If the right trade comes along I think they would be very interested
- Santo_44

I agree, but I don't see them paying these high prices that people expect. I think they'll explore the rental route rather than trading their depth from the NHL roster.

I agree, but I don't see them paying these high prices that people expect. I think they'll explore the rental route rather than trading their depth from the NHL roster.
- matt1337

Yep. I can definitely see them looking into the rental market at the deadline. The Leafs are guaranteed to make the playoffs, so they have 6 months to identify a rental player that can help them.

Meh. Boeser is greedy as (frank) and one dimensional. Couldn't even list the 3 zones that kid. You'll never win with a guy like him on your team.
- walshyleafsfan

This is wrong on so many levels.

Boeser slows the play down when he gets the puck, unlike any forward I have seen before. And his shooting angles are just....different. He is not entirely one dimensional either.

I do have a feeling you are just trying to take the piss out of somebody...right?

They have a fantastic one in Liljegren on an ELC that will be ready 6 months from now.

They also have Sandin that should be ready in a couple of years. Same with possibly Durzi. They already have Rielly, Gardiner, Dermott and even Carrick, Holl and Zaitsev, who can all move the puck. Moving the puck shouldn't be an issue for this team going forward from the backend. In my opinion, the organization should absolutely not use any asset of value for yet another puck moving defenceman who is poor in their own end.

There's lots of internal options for puck moving defencemen. Something, fortunately, that the Leafs management identified years ago as the way the game is going.
- walshyleafsfan

The defensive defensmen is just a term for a player who is stuck in their end all the time. The closest you get is a Trouba or Tanev. They can still move the puck out.

There is no guarantee with prospects. Having a player to play in the top 4 for the next few years and have Liljegren play in sheltered mins is the way to go to develop him properly.

The fact is Liljegren won’t be impactful for 2-3 years. Sandin even longer.

This is wrong on so many levels.

Boeser slows the play down when he gets the puck, unlike any forward I have seen before. And his shooting angles are just....different. He is not entirely one dimensional either.

I do have a feeling you are just trying to take the piss out of somebody...right?
- Dollars2Donuts

Yes Sir. Just the droves and droves of fans we've heard from regarding Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Kessel, JVR, Tavares now, and any other current/ex Leaf that shows a bit of offensive ability.

The defensive defensmen is just a term for a player who is stuck in their end all the time. The closest you get is a Trouba or Tanev. They can still move the puck out.

There is no guarantee with prospects. Having a player to play in the top 4 for the next few years and have Liljegren play in sheltered mins is the way to go to develop him properly.

The fact is Liljegren won’t be impactful for 2-3 years. Sandin even longer.
- Santo_44

And that's were the patience comes into it. Means you can come out the other side a better team. There's no guarantee with prospects are correct. However, Liljegren is legit and I have faith that teams other than Nashville and Anaheim can develop good dmen.

Anywho, you certainly don't move anything of value for those 3 dmen. Of the Leafs were so included, they could've done the trade any time over the last 3 seasons. As you mentioned, the Leafs have been linked to them for years now. They've been rumoured to be available for over 2 years as well. Doesn't look like anyone is biting on those guys. Tyson Barrie is utter useless while not on the PP. On the PP he is dynamite. Always a fantasy favourite of mine.

Anywho, it's really a mute point. Dubas doesn't look interested in trading for a top 4 dman.

And that's were the patience comes into it. Means you can come out the other side a better team. There's no guarantee with prospects are correct. However, Liljegren is legit and I have faith that teams other than Nashville and Anaheim can develop good dmen.

Anywho, you certainly don't move anything of value for tLhose 3 dmen. Of the Leafs were so included, they could've done the trade any time over the last 3 seasons. As you mentioned, the Leafs have been linked to them for years now. They've been rumoured to be available for over 2 years as well. Doesn't look like anyone is biting on those guys. Tyson Barrie is utter useless while not on the PP. On the PP he is dynamite. Always a fantasy favourite of mine.

Anywho, it's really a mute point. Dubas doesn't look interested in trading for a top 4 dman.
- walshyleafsfan

Nor should he. There is plenty of defensive talent in the system, the Leafs can afford to add significantly at the deadline this year. (frank) overpaying for middle of the road d-men.

Whichever team wins the 2020 draft lottery is gonna be (frank)ing stoked.

Whichever team wins the 2020 draft lottery is gonna be (frank)ing stoked.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Oilers or Sabres

Oilers or Sabres
- walshyleafsfan

Avs via the Sens

Through 11 games Vald Jr. is hitting .441 and now has 4 straight games with a homerun.

The Jays also called up Jansen and Reid-Foley. They're starting tomorrows game.

Oilers or Sabres
- walshyleafsfan

Through 11 games Vald Jr. is hitting .441 and now has 4 straight games with a homerun.

The Jays also called up Jansen and Reid-Foley. They're starting tomorrows game.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Jays might actually be able to pull off a "Canucks rebuild"

How can you have Durzi so low? I was assured at the draft that he would be a first round pick if he didn't have any excuse under the Dubas Sun.

How can you have Durzi so low? I was assured at the draft that he would be a first round pick if he didn't have any excuse under the Dubas Sun.
- AdamFrench

I don't think I've ever seen Durzi in any mock drafts (1st round). Saw a lot of Stotts in the 2nd mind you.

How can you have Durzi so low? I was assured at the draft that he would be a first round pick if he didn't have any excuse under the Dubas Sun.
- AdamFrench

Didn't he have mono?