Cool article for sports collectors:

https://www.mlb.com/news/...lb-authentication-program

I think this is where the difference of opinion starts. You should say:

"The Leafs are using Kerfoot as an utility player due to his versatility".

Kerfoot is a nice 2LW who can take draws and grind down low. He can also slot in at 3C or 3LW as needed.

As far as Kase goes, who cares. MAYBE, a found wallet for 20 games.

Bunting is interesting to me. Worse case 3LW best case a Gallagher type for 2LW.

Ritchie is exactly what's needed on the 1LW. He'll be playing a bit over his skill level but his jam and net front is what will be the difference maker on that line.

If it were me:

Ritchie, Matthews, Nylander
Kerfoot/Bunting, JT, Marner
Bunting/Kerfoot, Engvall, Micheyev
Simmonds, Kampf, Spezza
Gabriel

D is going to end up like this:

Rielly, Brodie
Muzz, Holl
Sandin/Dermott, Biega
Dermott/Sandin
- underhill14

I sincerely doubt Gabriel plays for the Leafs. I, like everyone else, expect Kase to end up hurt. I still think he could be beneficial as a top-6 forward, but I'm not against Kerfoot - I just don't like him that much; he's soft, gets absolutely creamed at least once every two games and then plays softer; he's speedy and a decent passer. Even in the regular season Kerfoot-Tavares-Nylander were better than average last year.

Kampf is a shut-down centre. If you're playing Kampf it's to roll out his line in d-zone situations and tight games. You don't want that line to feature Spezza and Simmonds. You'll want that line to have at least one of Engvall/Mikheyev and probably a Kerfoot or Kase. Both of these guys have shown an ability to play sensibly and have more takeaways than giveaways, even though they offer little in the physicality department.

I can't speak to Bunting because I've seen him park net front and I've seen his shot, but I don't know how physical or effective his defensive play is. I will say that the number say he had more than hits than games played (28 in 21), which makes him a magical unicorn on the Leafs, and he had more takeaways than giveaways, which suggests he may not be a liability - but it's a 21 game sample.

A lot will shake out in camp - if Bunting really is a net front guy who is resilient, he may earn a top-6 spot.

You ever met an athlete who asks for less ice time during a game?
- Atomic Wedgie

It’s a guess nothing more

Something about that guy strikes me as the type who would, don’t even know why

I can appreciate that he showed up in the playoffs when most didn't, I just won't look at a handful of games to form my opinion on what he can do long term.

He's been here long enough, aside from that handful of games he's been largely irrelevant. For the most part what he's brought has been very much replaceable and his money is better used elsewhere.
- joel878

He was primarily top 6 in Colorado hence his 80+ points in two years

He’s already proven he’s at that skill level. Just take a look back.

The Leafs would not have bothered signing him if they truly believed he had 20 games left in his career. I'm thinking the Leafs braintrust isn't simply swinging for the fences and wishing upon a lucky star that he can play more than a quarter of the season.

He's currently not injured and we'll see how he does in training camp. Maybe he doesn't work out. I dunno. If healthy, there is no doubt in my mind that he belongs in the Top 6 above Kerf.

And, once again, no one is arguing that Kerfoot isn't a lock to play on this team. He is decidedly NOT a lock to play Top 6 minutes based on his recent playoff success. He's a versatile guy who can bounce around the lineup. Cool beans. He ain't a solution in the Top 6 though even if Kase and Bunting fail.
- mjones242

Jesus. Don't let fifty_missions see you post this - he'll kill you!

The Leafs would not have bothered signing him if they truly believed he had 20 games left in his career. I'm thinking the Leafs braintrust isn't simply swinging for the fences and wishing upon a lucky star that he can play more than a quarter of the season.

He's currently not injured and we'll see how he does in training camp. Maybe he doesn't work out. I dunno. If healthy, there is no doubt in my mind that he belongs in the Top 6 above Kerf.

And, once again, no one is arguing that Kerfoot isn't a lock to play on this team. He is decidedly NOT a lock to play Top 6 minutes based on his recent playoff success. He's a versatile guy who can bounce around the lineup. Cool beans. He ain't a solution in the Top 6 though even if Kase and Bunting fail.
- mjones242

He was fine there. It looks like there are others who can play top 6. If that’s the case, he can play where we have another need he can address - 3rd line winger. That has nothing to do with earning poop. That has to do with allocating talent against need.

The Leafs would not have bothered signing him if they truly believed he had 20 games left in his career. I'm thinking the Leafs braintrust isn't simply swinging for the fences and wishing upon a lucky star that he can play more than a quarter of the season.

He's currently not injured and we'll see how he does in training camp. Maybe he doesn't work out. I dunno. If healthy, there is no doubt in my mind that he belongs in the Top 6 above Kerf.

And, once again, no one is arguing that Kerfoot isn't a lock to play on this team. He is decidedly NOT a lock to play Top 6 minutes based on his recent playoff success. He's a versatile guy who can bounce around the lineup. Cool beans. He ain't a solution in the Top 6 though even if Kase and Bunting fail.
- mjones242

Kase is the 13th offensive player so maybe they do only expect 20 games from him

Yes that’s how I see it

And my last name is Locke so maybe because I say it he IS a lock to play

(I’m so kidding lol)

Jesus. Don't let fifty_missions see you post this - he'll kill you!
- Monkeypunk

Three grrrs and Jones is dead.

I sincerely doubt Gabriel plays for the Leafs. I, like everyone else, expect Kase to end up hurt. I still think he could be beneficial as a top-6 forward, but I'm not against Kerfoot - I just don't like him that much; he's soft, gets absolutely creamed at least once every two games and then plays softer; he's speedy and a decent passer. Even in the regular season Kerfoot-Tavares-Nylander were better than average last year.

Kampf is a shut-down centre. If you're playing Kampf it's to roll out his line in d-zone situations and tight games. You don't want that line to feature Spezza and Simmonds. You'll want that line to have at least one of Engvall/Mikheyev and probably a Kerfoot or Kase. Both of these guys have shown an ability to play sensibly and have more takeaways than giveaways, even though they offer little in the physicality department.

I can't speak to Bunting because I've seen him park net front and I've seen his shot, but I don't know how physical or effective his defensive play is. I will say that the number say he had more than hits than games played (28 in 21), which makes him a magical unicorn on the Leafs, and he had more takeaways than giveaways, which suggests he may not be a liability - but it's a 21 game sample.

A lot will shake out in camp - if Bunting really is a net front guy who is resilient, he may earn a top-6 spot.
- Monkeypunk

Yup - I think the plan is to have two top lines doing their thing and playing all situations and to have two bottom lines that will play in very different situations. Kamph got 75% DZ starts last year ...he's all D all the time ...Kerfoot, Mikky, Engvall and maybe his buddy Kase are all options to play his wing.

The Spezza line can get OZ starts with Simmonds and whichever offensive winger fails to grab onto the top6 spots ....I think Bunting. That line gets to win the faceoff, scrap, dump, chase, and try to create some offense. Then get the (frank) off the ice before the puck gets into the D Zone.

I disagree whole heartedly with the bolded.

I think he’s being wasted playing a defensive role. Like I mentioned, a 3rd line using Mikheyev, Bunting, and Engvall would be just as good and would add the complimentary offensive talent of Kerfoot.

You guys really need to stop dreaming so many of the new guys are going to take roster spots, I guarantee they won’t.
- Dozzer

Kampf and Ritchie on the third line, please.

I sincerely doubt Gabriel plays for the Leafs. I, like everyone else, expect Kase to end up hurt. I still think he could be beneficial as a top-6 forward, but I'm not against Kerfoot - I just don't like him that much; he's soft, gets absolutely creamed at least once every two games and then plays softer; he's speedy and a decent passer. Even in the regular season Kerfoot-Tavares-Nylander were better than average last year.

Kampf is a shut-down centre. If you're playing Kampf it's to roll out his line in d-zone situations and tight games. You don't want that line to feature Spezza and Simmonds. You'll want that line to have at least one of Engvall/Mikheyev and probably a Kerfoot or Kase. Both of these guys have shown an ability to play sensibly and have more takeaways than giveaways, even though they offer little in the physicality department.

I can't speak to Bunting because I've seen him park net front and I've seen his shot, but I don't know how physical or effective his defensive play is. I will say that the number say he had more than hits than games played (28 in 21), which makes him a magical unicorn on the Leafs, and he had more takeaways than giveaways, which suggests he may not be a liability - but it's a 21 game sample.

A lot will shake out in camp - if Bunting really is a net front guy who is resilient, he may earn a top-6 spot.
- Monkeypunk

Every time I post about Bunting he gets better (in my head). I’m going keep at it and turn him into a 25 goal, 30 assist guy.

Kampf and Ritchie on the third line, please.
- fifty__missions

Keep Engvall playing 4th line C then?

Yup - I think the plan is to have two top lines doing their thing and playing all situations and to have two bottom lines that will play in very different situations. Kamph got 75% DZ starts last year ...he's all D all the time ...Kerfoot, Mikky, Engvall and maybe his buddy Kase are all options to play his wing.

The Spezza line can get OZ starts with Simmonds and whichever offensive winger fails to grab onto the top6 spots ....I think Bunting. That line gets to win the faceoff, scrap, dump, chase, and try to create some offense. Then get the (frank) off the ice before the puck gets into the D Zone.
- The Law

Too many D zone starts for Mitchy and Auston last year. Kam0f and gang are supposed to solve that.

Keep Engvall playing 4th line C then?
- Dozzer

Isn’t Ritchie too slow to be useful defensively?

Jesus. Don't let fifty_missions see you post this - he'll kill you!
- Monkeypunk

Throw turds at a wall to see what sticks. That's "roster building" these days in Leafland, apparently.😐

I think this is where the difference of opinion starts. You should say:

"The Leafs are using Kerfoot as an utility player due to his versatility".

Kerfoot is a nice 2LW who can take draws and grind down low. He can also slot in at 3C or 3LW as needed.

As far as Kase goes, who cares. MAYBE, a found wallet for 20 games.

Bunting is interesting to me. Worse case 3LW best case a Gallagher type for 2LW.

Ritchie is exactly what's needed on the 1LW. He'll be playing a bit over his skill level but his jam and net front is what will be the difference maker on that line.

If it were me:

Ritchie, Matthews, Nylander
Kerfoot/Bunting, JT, Marner
Bunting/Kerfoot, Engvall, Micheyev
Simmonds, Kampf, Spezza
Gabriel

D is going to end up like this:

Rielly, Brodie
Muzz, Holl
Sandin/Dermott, Biega
Dermott/Sandin
- underhill14

I said the following: "Kerfoot is a utility player. He will be up and down the lineup because he's so "versatile"."

Not sure why ""the Leafs are using Kerfoot as an utility player due to his versatility" is any different?

We disagree on Kerfoot being a "nice 2LW". He has never been used consistently as a Top 6 forward in his entire career. Not with the Leafs and not when he was with Colorado.

Kerf is a decent third line player who fits best at 3LW. He can play 3C but playing up the middle isn't his strength.

I really like him as a piece that can move up in the lineup in a pinch but I think it's clear, based on his career so far, that no coach is mistaking him for a Top 6 guy.

The problem with his salary is that he's overpaid as a 3F and he doesn't have the talent to truly be a 2F. He's a tweener whose salary makes him an obvious choice to move out come the TDL.

Ritchie-AM34-Marner
Nylander/Bunting-Snake-Kase/Nylander
Kerfoot-Kampf-Soup
(some combo of Spezza, Engvall, Simmonds, Brooks, Joey, etc... I don't want to think too hard about the 4th line)

I think Liljegren gets a bit of a look this year but his waiver exemption means he'll be up and down like a yo-yo unless he shines (unlikely).

Isn’t Ritchie too slow to be useful defensively?
- Canada Cup

I’d prefer him on the top line to do nothing but board work and park his ass in front of the net tbh

Maybe playing a defensive role would be a terrible idea for the guy, could be an excellent argument not to put him there

Jesus. Don't let fifty_missions see you post this - he'll kill you!
- Monkeypunk

I’d prefer him on the top line to do nothing but board work and park his ass in front of the net tbh

Maybe playing a defensive role would be a terrible idea for the guy, could be an excellent argument not to put him there
- Dozzer

Take a look at legit top lines around the league and show me examples of top 3 forwards who are only able to do that. Because that's literally all he could do, and that's not enough in the NHL anymore to be a top line player.

He was primarily top 6 in Colorado hence his 80+ points in two years

He’s already proven he’s at that skill level. Just take a look back.
- Dozzer

He didn't though. As I mentioned in another thread, he was behind Landy and Compher on LW and Mac and cheese Soderberg on C.

IIRC, in his last Avs year, he primarily played 3C and some 2LW when Compher was injured (as he oft is).

Kerfoot did get a lot of ice time on the PP though which helped his numbers (almost half of his points were derived there).

Said by Keefe earlier today:

“Mickey’s certainly one of those guys that wants a larger role,” Keefe said. “That’s a great thing as a coach — they’re hungry for more, they’re looking for more.

“I believe in Mickey greatly.”

Maybe we’re all guessing who is going to be the new second line winger?!

He didn't though. As I mentioned in another thread, he was behind Landy and Compher on LW and Mac and cheese Soderberg on C.

IIRC, in his last Avs year, he primarily played 3C and some 2LW when Compher was injured (as he oft is).

Kerfoot did get a lot of ice time on the PP though which helped his numbers (almost half of his points were derived there).
- mjones242

Fair enough, but I’d say that means in year 5 of his career he’s earned a chance to be played top 6 regularly…. And if he doesn’t play at lease 3/4 as well as he did last post season change things up for sure

Take a look at legit top lines around the league and show me examples of top 3 forwards who are only able to do that. Because that's literally all he could do, and that's not enough in the NHL anymore to be a top line player.
- fifty__missions

Hyman

Not every team has the kind of skill sets the oilers and the leafs have on the top line

Said by Keefe earlier today:

“Mickey’s certainly one of those guys that wants a larger role,” Keefe said. “That’s a great thing as a coach — they’re hungry for more, they’re looking for more.

“I believe in Mickey greatly.”

Maybe we’re all guessing who is going to be the new second line winger?!
- Dozzer

Pavel Gogolev really wants to play on the top line. At least I think that’s what said. That’s what I love as a coach, players who speak other languages.

Patel Gogolev really wants to play on the top line. At least I think that’s what said. That’s what I love as a coach, players who speak other languages.
- Canada Cup

Maybe that’s the plan and that’s why they didn’t let Mikheyev go?