Am I alone in thinking Dubas has a plan to add to the D. Still 3 roster spots to fill. Cap space may look plentiful but astute observers will realize where it's going. They aren't seriously going to attempt to outscore everyone all season? Maybe I am alone thinking that it is time to upgrade the backend. There are sill a couple of quality ufa's that would add to the depth without breaking the bank.
- Hardbalz

I think Dubas is taking the patient approach, theyre gonna build from within, unless a fair deal springs up for a stud D and its most likely Willie that will be outtie. I used to think that it is defense that wins championships but the more I look into that reasoning, at least in todays game, Im finding fault within it.. But no matter what its finally gonna be a GREAT season boys!!!

Am I alone in thinking Dubas has a plan to add to the D. Still 3 roster spots to fill. Cap space may look plentiful but astute observers will realize where it's going. They aren't seriously going to attempt to outscore everyone all season? Maybe I am alone thinking that it is time to upgrade the backend. There are sill a couple of quality ufa's that would add to the depth without breaking the bank.
- Hardbalz

I hope they try to outscore everyone because it'll be fun, then add D at the deadline for playoffs. But yeah, the forward group is gonna be dropping bombs on teams yeah female doges

Am I alone in thinking Dubas has a plan to add to the D. Still 3 roster spots to fill. Cap space may look plentiful but astute observers will realize where it's going. They aren't seriously going to attempt to outscore everyone all season? Maybe I am alone thinking that it is time to upgrade the backend. There are sill a couple of quality ufa's that would add to the depth without breaking the bank.
- Hardbalz

First time I heard it brought up.

It's the reverse Kessel effect

Remember when Kessel was the most overrated player in the league with whom you couldn't win any cups?

Until he got traded.
- UsernameUnknown

Remember? I was the guy who started it! Probably.

I think Dubas is taking the patient approach, theyre gonna build from within, unless a fair deal springs up for a stud D and its most likely Willie that will be outtie. I used to think that it is defense that wins championships but the more I look into that reasoning, at least in todays game, Im finding fault within it.. But no matter what its finally gonna be a GREAT season boys!!!

- moneyballs

Leafs have a lot of fringe NHL dmen.. I think they're hoping a couple of those guys pan out. Rielly is a #1, anyone who says he isnt is an idiot. Gards and Zaitsev are also very capable defenders. Dermott will be a top 4 guy if he's not already.. So that leaves Orzighanov, Borgman, Rosen, Holl to battle for one spot. Tbh if Dubas does anything before the beginning of the season i could see him trading a guy like Carrick. I think if theres two spots open it'll be a little less pressure to perform in camp.

Leafs have a lot of fringe NHL dmen.. I think they're hoping a couple of those guys pan out. Rielly is a #1, anyone who says he isnt is an idiot. Gards and Zaitsev are also very capable defenders. Dermott will be a top 4 guy if he's not already.. So that leaves Orzighanov, Borgman, Rosen, Holl to battle for one spot. Tbh if Dubas does anything before the beginning of the season i could see him trading a guy like Carrick. I think if theres two spots open it'll be a little less pressure to perform in camp.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

If Letang is a #1, so is Rielly.

Leafs have a lot of fringe NHL dmen.. I think they're hoping a couple of those guys pan out. Rielly is a #1, anyone who says he isnt is an idiot. Gards and Zaitsev are also very capable defenders. Dermott will be a top 4 guy if he's not already.. So that leaves Orzighanov, Borgman, Rosen, Holl to battle for one spot. Tbh if Dubas does anything before the beginning of the season i could see him trading a guy like Carrick. I think if theres two spots open it'll be a little less pressure to perform in camp.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

I really like Borgman to make the team. He brings toughness the rest of the group lacks, but also doesn't bring suckage a la Polak. Carrick is garbage but he can stay as a 7th D I guess because at least we know what we have in him.
I don't think Holl is NHL material. I've been surprised people have been bringing his name up so often to fight for a spot.

Remember? I was the guy who started it! Probably.
- Unholy_Goalchie

Well it certainly caught on

But to be fair, he didn't instantly stop sucking as soon as he was traded, apparently.

https://thehockeynews.com...-according-to-player-poll

I really like Borgman to make the team. He brings toughness the rest of the group lacks, but also doesn't bring suckage a la Polak. Carrick is garbage but he can stay as a 7th D I guess because at least we know what we have in him.
I don't think Holl is NHL material. I've been surprised people have been bringing his name up so often to fight for a spot.
- UsernameUnknown

I want Borgman too.. But if the rumours are true, and that he's a whiner, then my borgman chub is quickly dissipating...

I sorta agree with Carrick, but i want him gone. next please.

A few things about Holl. Dude was an ECHL'er who rose through the ranks and established himself as a decent AHL player. Dubas likes him, and he scored two goals in first game and didn't at all look out of place.

HB makes passing Castle Frank station more humorous.

I want Borgman too.. But if the rumours are true, and that he's a whiner, then my borgman chub is quickly dissipating...

I sorta agree with Carrick, but i want him gone. next please.

A few things about Holl. Dude was an ECHL'er who rose through the ranks and established himself as a decent AHL player. Dubas likes him, and he scored two goals in first game and didn't at all look out of place.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

What rumours?

Carrick is fine, he's earned his chance. He hasn't complained about not playing

That 6-7 spot will be determined through camp

I want Borgman too.. But if the rumours are true, and that he's a whiner, then my borgman chub is quickly dissipating...

I sorta agree with Carrick, but i want him gone. next please.

A few things about Holl. Dude was an ECHL'er who rose through the ranks and established himself as a decent AHL player. Dubas likes him, and he scored two goals in first game and didn't at all look out of place.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Luckily I don't overly trust rumours. If they persist, then maybe, but I'm not worried about his personal problems just yet. Just start hitting people and poop
Carrick can go and I wouldn't cry, but I'm not sure who would play out at 7D at that point.
Also expecting a bounce back year from Z

What rumours?

Carrick is fine, he's earned his chance. He hasn't complained about not playing

That 6-7 spot will be determined through camp
- burn

Leivo is a shoo-in




Poor bastard

What rumours?

Carrick is fine, he's earned his chance. He hasn't complained about not playing

That 6-7 spot will be determined through camp
- burn

After Borgman was sent down apparently he "pouted", and Babs wasn't all too pleased. I think i heard this on the SDP.

If the Leafs want to improve on defense they need to move on from guys who are "fine" or "okay".. Starting with Carrick and Hainsey. If Zaits doesnt rebound this season then throw him in that category too.

After Borgman was sent down apparently he "pouted", and Babs wasn't all too pleased. I think i heard this on the SDP.

If the Leafs want to improve on defense they need to move on from guys who are "fine" or "okay".. Starting with Carrick and Hainsey. If Zaits doesnt rebound this season then throw him in that category too.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

I didn't hear anything about Borgman complaining after getting sent down.

No reason to move on from carrick. He's a player. If you can improve then so be it, but who is better that is available that makes less than avg? He's better than a lot of people seem to give him credit for

Luckily I don't overly trust rumours. If they persist, then maybe, but I'm not worried about his personal problems just yet. Just start hitting people and poop
Carrick can go and I wouldn't cry, but I'm not sure who would play out at 7D at that point.
Also expecting a bounce back year from Z
- UsernameUnknown

I'd like to see something like this.

Rielly Zaitsev
Gardiner Dermott
Borgman Orzhiganov
Rosen

I'd like to see something like this.

Rielly Zaitsev
Gardiner Dermott
Borgman Orzhiganov
Rosen
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Not sure how I feel about Nikkyboii on top pairing, but it is what it is.
The rest I like. Dermott might honestly be the smartest defenseman we have. Pairing him to counteract our dumbest is forward thinking.

Did Hainsey die?

Not sure how I feel about Nikkyboii on top pairing, but it is what it is.

Did Hainsey die?
- UsernameUnknown

I think he's a good player who got injured and had a hard time jumping back in late in the season. Maybe he was still injured, idk..

As for Hainsey.. He's dead to me. I'm racist towards older hockey players. I'll probably turn on Marleau mid season

I think he's a good player who got injured and had a hard time jumping back in late in the season. Maybe he was still injured, idk..

As for Hainsey.. He's dead to me. I'm racist towards older hockey players. I'll probably turn on Marleau mid season
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Nah. Marleau will be playing fantastic with Matthews then and everyone, except Tanner, will love him.

I think he's a good player who got injured and had a hard time jumping back in late in the season. Maybe he was still injured, idk..

As for Hainsey.. He's dead to me. I'm racist towards older hockey players. I'll probably turn on Marleau mid season
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Zaitsev is definitely better that what we saw last year. First pairing might be a stretch but I'd try it. What the (frank), right. Just look at those forwards.

Ozhiganov I would sub for Hainsey despite your ageist views. Babcock will veto that poop so hard.

Nah. Marleau will be playing fantastic with Matthews then and everyone, except Tanner, will love him.
- GreatGigInTheSky

I hope so.

This goal was pretty sweet. Matthews seems genuinely honored to play with Patty.

Zaitsev is definitely better that what we saw last year. First pairing might be a stretch but I'd try it. What the (frank), right. Just look at those forwards.

Ozhiganov I would sub for Hainsey despite your ageist views. Babcock will veto that poop so hard.
- UsernameUnknown

Leafs fans have got to quit saying that Zaitsev will be better this year.

It's what we all hope.

But it's a huge question mark.

My last dog dove off a dock exactly twice in her entire life.

Took the new pooch to friends' cottage this weekend. She launches herself off the dock every time - goes for height and distance.

#winning

Zaitsev is definitely better that what we saw last year. First pairing might be a stretch but I'd try it. What the (frank), right. Just look at those forwards.

Ozhiganov I would sub for Hainsey despite your ageist views. Babcock will veto that poop so hard.
- UsernameUnknown

I think its safe to say Zaits will settle in.

Lol.. the forwards are straight ballin'!!

If Hainsey is the best option then whatever.. But then he should play like 10 minutes a game until playoffs.

My last dog dove off a dock exactly twice in her entire life.

Took the new pooch to friends' cottage this weekend. She launches herself off the dock every time - goes for height and distance.

#winning
- Atomic Wedgie

lab?