I like Andersson but he seems to have a problem staying healthy when he’s needed. I also believe losing Kadri is going to hurt them even with their center depth. Would’ve liked him.
- Cptmjl

Yea kadri would have been great

What if we ask nicely? I agree that if not this year, sometime soon the Leafs need to swap out some forwards for defenders. I hope for a trade like the Raptors made that kind of comes out of the blue. There haven’t been many massive shocking trades in the NHL for a couple seasons.
- stonehead

I know Kadri is taking some heat for getting suspended again but I think losing him for a little bit of an upgrade on the back end may hurt a little? Maybe or maybe not who knows not but I would’ve liked to have had Kadri here. Could have used him and a legit winger.

If they don't address 3c I think casey moves up and fritz starts at 4c. Koivula is close but I think he starts in the bridge
- Upstate_isles

Martin and Clutterbuck(if he even starts the season) have done nothing but prove how worthless they are when not playing with cizikas. With him they are at times effective without not so much.

I gotta think Koivula makes this team. He's been a beast
- kindlyrick

I think that’s quite an assumption but I hope you’re right.

What if we ask nicely? I agree that if not this year, sometime soon the Leafs need to swap out some forwards for defenders. I hope for a trade like the Raptors made that kind of comes out of the blue. There haven’t been many massive shocking trades in the NHL for a couple seasons.
- stonehead

No doubt. I don’t know a ton about your d, but most guys seem to be more offensive - other than Muzzin? Maybe Gardiner. Not saying I’d want to move Mayfield or Pelech but those are solid D men for us that play for under or close to $2M/yr. Those are the type of players that can really solidify a D core and Dubas should look for.

I know Kadri is taking some heat for getting suspended again but I think losing him for a little bit of an upgrade on the back end may hurt a little? Maybe or maybe not who knows not but I would’ve liked to have had Kadri here. Could have used him and a legit winger.
- Cptmjl

He would have the perfect 2/3 C for us.

Martin and Clutterbuck(if he even starts the season) have done nothing but prove how worthless they are when not playing with cizikas. With him they are at times effective without not so much.
- Cptmjl

I should have been more clear, if casey is the 3c then that line would just be the third line and fritz and his linemates would play similar minutes

He would have the perfect 2/3 C for us.
- TogaIsles

For sure. I really wanted him.

I should have been more clear, if casey is the 3c then that line would just be the third line and fritz and his linemates would play similar minutes
- Upstate_isles

You think so? I’d have thought Beau or MDC is the LW on that line.

You think so? I’d have thought Beau or MDC is the LW on that line.
- TogaIsles

Mdc was a good checker last year and beau is good but he also can be used in that role. Call the mcc line 3 or 4 but they play a ton chip in and more importantly shut down other teams top lines. Komorov fritz and mdc is a 4th line to me

Too many high end contracts does make it hard, tampa drafted headman so that's huge for them. Losing kadri weakened them at center and their goalie isnt a world beater either
- Upstate_isles

COL fans have said that Jost is really good defensively, so he may thrive with a change. Still young but dont know much about his offensive ability, havent watched many Avs games to notice

I should have been more clear, if casey is the 3c then that line would just be the third line and fritz and his linemates would play similar minutes
- Upstate_isles

As long as they’re a third line that gets less minutes than the fourth and second line.😂

As long as they’re a third line that gets less minutes than the fourth and second line.😂
- Cptmjl

shat signings on that line too

shat signings on that line too
- Upstate_isles

Over abundance of fourth liners. Topic that’s been beat to death and Casey can’t be moved off a line with clutterbuck and Martin because they become completely ineffective without him. It’s a problem especially without Flippula(who I liked but didn’t want resigned admittadely). There’s no issue letting guys walk or not signing any FA’s as long as adequate players are acquired somehow. If they’re not that’s when you take a step back. If Fritz is our third line center or even our fourth line becomes our third line that is in no way a good thing.

We’ve got quite a few holes when you think about it.

If the rumors are true that Marner only wants a three year deal then i don’t love the risk/reward in that. I do however agree that now is the time to sheet a player.
- kindlyrick

Compromise. He wants a three year deal, isles would presumably want a 7 year deal. Meet in middle for 5

Compromise. He wants a three year deal, isles would presumably want a 7 year deal. Meet in middle for 5
- Jethro09

The marner thing is not happening we should be looking for trades

Why give up 4 firsts and 10+ mill when theres

Hoffman, Zucker, marchessault, little, Nugent's Hopkins, larkins,

Theres top 6 to be had if your talking leddy a 1st and a prospect....under contract for under 10mil

Jets, Bolts, Vegas and Leaf RFA's are what Isles need to do to keep up with what Devils and Rangers are doing.

I know Kadri is taking some heat for getting suspended again but I think losing him for a little bit of an upgrade on the back end may hurt a little? Maybe or maybe not who knows not but I would’ve liked to have had Kadri here. Could have used him and a legit winger.
- Cptmjl

You did not even bother mentioning Klerfor, who is a million cheaper, almost 5 years younger, and his stats were almost as good last season with less TOI.

Barrie is a huge upgrade.

You did not even bother mentioning Klerfor, who is a million cheaper, almost 5 years younger, and his stats were almost as good last season with less TOI.

Barrie is a huge upgrade.
- RogerRoeper

Keep the faith man.

You did not even bother mentioning Klerfor, who is a million cheaper, almost 5 years younger, and his stats were almost as good last season with less TOI.

Barrie is a huge upgrade.
- RogerRoeper

I give u credit for keeping positive as u should be. Kerfoot is a nice player and yeah team got younger and cheaper bc of other reasons, but your D of Barrie & Ceci are NOT stellar on the defensive side and that could be the biggest issue still going into next year. Be thankful Kap & Joho signed cheaply

I give u credit for keeping positive as u should be. Kerfoot is a nice player and yeah team got younger and cheaper bc of other reasons, but your D of Barrie & Ceci are NOT stellar on the defensive side and that could be the biggest issue still going into next year. Be thankful Kap & Joho signed cheaply
- Hell_Bent

Rielly, Barrie, Muzzin are an excellent top 3. Much better than last season.

Keep the faith man.
- Cptmjl

Gotcha. Since July 1st mysteriously Barrie became the worst defensive D in the entire NHL.

Is Ron Hainsey incredible now? LOL

Rielly, Barrie, Muzzin are an excellent top 3. Much better than last season.
- RogerRoeper

Reilly is great, Muzzin is good but got exposed during PO's, to me Zaitsev is better than Barrie defensively but Barrie is better offensively.

So on that, yeah top 3 better then last year but have to see how it plays out, remember your coach did NOT play his top players when needed.

Reilly is great, Muzzin is good but got exposed during PO's, to me Zaitsev is better than Barrie defensively but Barrie is better offensively.

So on that, yeah top 3 better then last year but have to see how it plays out, remember your coach did NOT play his top players when needed.
- Hell_Bent

The Zaitsev stuff is ridiculous. They are not in the same universe and you know it.

Barrie is a stud top-pairing D. Zaitsev isn't even a proven top 4 D.

Your point about Babcock was 100% bang on though. He's the Leafs biggest issue, not the D.

Having Hainsey and Marleau gone will be huge. Their usage was ridiculous.

Leafs are loaded but never put out their best lineup.

Gotcha. Since July 1st mysteriously Barrie became the worst defensive D in the entire NHL.

Is Ron Hainsey incredible now? LOL
- RogerRoeper

Never said that. You’re most likely losing Gardiner unless of course you don’t sign Marner which is a problem in itself. Two steps forward three steps back.