Eh, there are so many young stars on very good teams I don't see how Marner is such a bigger deal than anyone else.
- RogerRoeper

He's a big deal for this leafs team....and a bigger deal than most young stars on other teams.
If he holds out and miss reg games....it could impact wins for the leafs.

Agree. This is what they have done the last couple years.

I don't know why people are writing them off. They have some good young players, very good veterans and a lot more speed and skill than people give them credit for.

I say they finish second behind Tampa. Leafs will battle for the 3/4 spot.
- Aetherial

overall long-season last year. their veterans could be in for a down year with a short summer.

chara was looking slow last year and has the added fun of recovering from jaw surgery.

but overall, most teams are really close with the salary cap. will come down to who gets the best goaltending.

I see another first round loss.

This team is not built for playoff hockey, lots of skill but no grit / compete.
- Torontosensfan

I think the Leafs have a breakout year.

Really like their chances if they sign Marner prior to camp and team has good preseason. Wouldn’t be surprised if they claim a different backup goalie on waivers in October. Like the other roster changes too.

I will miss blaming Gardiner for awful stretch passes and bonehead plays but can’t have everything.

Drop the puck!

Tampa
Florida
Boston
Toronto
Montreal
==
Buffalo
Detroit
Ott


Wsh
Phi
NYR

5 atlantic teams will make playoffs
3 teams from Metro

Toronto Wildcard vs Wsh and will win that series.

There was a time not too long ago when the Vancouver Canucks were the only team consistently scouting Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane hot and heavy.

Lately, the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks have been running scouting sorties into Buffalo to keep tabs on Kane.

Kane is healthy and has been producing at a steady clip.

In his past 21 games, Kane has scored 12 goals and assisted on 5 others.

So, why would Tim Murray trade Kane now while the Sabres are scratching and clawing to earn a wild card berth? Because the Sabres badly, and I mean, badly need to upgrade their speed, skill and smarts on their second and their D pairs. The Sabres have scored first then collapsed to lose their last three road games in Tampa, Raleigh and Toronto. Buffalo's blue line has been a source of pain all season long. If Murray has to trade Evander Kane to get his hands on a difference making top four D-man now, then so be it.

Buffalo has young scoring winger prospects in already Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste and Alex Nylander who champing at the bit to move up from AHL Rochester and take the place of Kane in Buffalo.

Brendan Guhle will be a full time Sabres defender in Buffalo next season. For the time being, Sabres fans continue to hold their collective breath when Cody Franson, Justin Falk and Taylor Fedun are on the ice.
- AdamFrench

shut up....

NHL Network rankings of the top 20 centers in the league has JT at 5th and AM at 6th.
Barkov 4th
Mac
Kid
McJesus.

Tampa
Florida
Boston
Toronto
Montreal
==
Buffalo
Detroit
Ott


Wsh
Phi
NYR

5 atlantic teams will make playoffs
3 teams from Metro

Toronto Wildcard vs Wsh and will win that series.
- MaximusAurelius

kessel was the key kog in pittsburgh.

kessel will karry the koyotes to the kup and kasino success

kessel was the key kog in pittsburgh.

kessel will karry the koyotes to the kup and kasino success
- Tumbleweed

Your krazy

Tampa
Florida
Boston
Toronto
Montreal
==
Buffalo
Detroit
Ott


Wsh
Phi
NYR

5 atlantic teams will make playoffs
3 teams from Metro

Toronto Wildcard vs Wsh and will win that series.
- MaximusAurelius

Hmm, interesting. Looking at the metro independently of the atlantic I'd say

Metro:
Washington - in
Rangers - out
Canes - out
Islanders - on the fence
Devils - on the fence
Cumbus - out
Philly - in
Pitts - on the fence

Could be some interesting WC battles. Starting to look like someone who would probably deserve to make it will be on the outside looking in, barring any really huge disappointments.

I agree.

He's a big deal for this leafs team....and a bigger deal than most young stars on other teams.
If he holds out and miss reg games....it could impact wins for the leafs.
- Fakepartofme

if the Leafs get off to a poor start, due to a potential Marner absence, perhaps an injury to a key player or something like Nylander playing like 2018-2019 Nylander...

I could see the Leafs missing the playoffs.

I fully expect the next articles from Simmons, Cox and Berger will focus on the doomsday scenario... since offer sheets, dominoes and bedlam are now boring

NHL Network rankings of the top 20 centers in the league has JT at 5th and AM at 6th.
Barkov 4th
Mac
Kid
McJesus.
- Fakepartofme

Little early to anoint Jack Hughes wouldn't you say!

Little early to anoint Jack Hughes wouldn't you say!
- AdamFrench

Pretty sure he meant Eichel

Pretty sure he meant Eichel
- systemtool

Not quite a girl not yet a woman.

Your krazy
- bixll

I do think Coyotees can make the playoffs and Pens will miss Kessel.

Not quite a girl not yet a woman.
- AdamFrench

And all kinds of ugly.

I do think Coyotees can make the playoffs
- RogerRoeper

Eh, there are so many young stars on very good teams I don't see how Marner is such a bigger deal than anyone else.
- RogerRoeper

The media only speaks of Marner, probably has a lot to do with it. You'd think Marner was the only unsigned RFA. When Aho is the only RFA who has signed so far and that is only due to the forced offersheet.

I really hope Marner signs by training camp. It's real annoying seeing a 'new' article about him every other day about the same thing.

Hmm, interesting. Looking at the metro independently of the atlantic I'd say

Metro:
Washington - in
Rangers - out
Canes - out
Islanders - on the fence
Devils - on the fence
Cumbus - out
Philly - in
Pitts - on the fence

Could be some interesting WC battles. Starting to look like someone who would probably deserve to make it will be on the outside looking in, barring any really huge disappointments.
- TheMussel

The Metro is a bunch of average teams.

I think every team could realistically make the playoffs except for the Isles.

The Metro is a bunch of average teams.

I think every team could realistically make the playoffs except for the Isles.
- Santo_44

I think the Blue Jackets will struggle. Same with Rangers.

I think the Blue Jackets will struggle. Same with Rangers.
- systemtool

Yeah I could see it.

They don't have any Ottawa or Detroit teams though.

It is impossible for those teams to make it.

Yeah I could see it.

They don't have any Ottawa or Detroit teams though.

It is impossible for those teams to make it.
- Santo_44

True. Those are two awful teams.

I do think Coyotees can make the playoffs and Pens will miss Kessel.
- RogerRoeper

I know you are Crazy

It (frank)ing sucks that Point is going to get less than Marner.

Laine will probably get 2-3 million less on a long term deal.

True. Those are two awful teams.
- systemtool

https://www.dailyfaceoff....nators/line-combinations/

They have one legit top 6 forward and a maybe top 4 in Chabot...It is insane how bad that team will be.