He was 34 years old in his rookie year.
- BINGO!

A true Grigorenko problem.

A true Grigorenko problem.
- AdamFrench

Freakorenko cannot fail.

Freakorenko cannot fail.
- Scabeh

Ha ha ha ha ha - stoopid Sabres.

2012 draft was a disastrous first round for them.

Busty McBusterson.

Know what I mean, my Habs fan friend?

I was hoping that Amber Alert was for a Holl trade.

Damn.

I was hoping that Amber Alert was for a Holl trade.

Damn.
- Atomic Wedgie

I’m guessing that they keep him and move Kerfoot. I’m not sure there’s someone better they can bring in and still get the cap savings from his trade and I don’t know that they think Benn or Mete are capable. They’ve got plenty of forwards and more options to replace Kerfoot.

I was hoping that Amber Alert was for a Holl trade.

Damn.
- Atomic Wedgie

shooting in Milton and Mississauga by the same guy

I’m guessing that they keep him and move Kerfoot. I’m not sure there’s someone better they can bring in and still get the cap savings from his trade and I don’t know that they think Benn or Mete are capable. They’ve got plenty of forwards and more options to replace Kerfoot.
- Canada Cup

They could improve the team if they move Kerfoot, Holl and Sandin this summer and acquire a LW for Tavares and RD for Muzzin. (opens up $7m+ to spend on both)

Bunting, Matthews, Marner
($3-4M), Tavares, Nylander
Engvall, Kampf, Jarnkrok
ZAR, Gaudette, Aube-Kubel

Rielly, Brodie
Muzzin, $3-4M
Gio, Liljigren
Benn

Murray
Samsonov

Who would make this team better next season???

LW:
Motte
Heinen

RD
Can't think of anyone...maybe a RD RFA swap of equal value to Sandin???
Subban???


Let's hear some suggestions, for realzz. Who is out there or could be acquired in a trade with the aforementioned players?

If they move Kerfoot, Holl and Sandin this summer and acquire a LW for Tavares and RD for Muzzin. (opens up $7m+ to spend on both)

Bunting, Matthews, Marner
($3-4M), Tavares, Nylander
Engvall, Kampf, Jarnkrok
ZAR, Gaudette, Aube-Kubel

Rielly, Brodie
Muzzin, $3-4M
Gio, Liljigren
Benn

Murray
Samsonov

Who would make this team better next season???

LW:
Motte
Heinen

RD
Can't think of anyone...maybe a RD RFA swap of equal value to Sandin???
Subban???


Let's hear some suggestions, for realzz. Who is out there or could be acquired in a trade with the aforementioned players?
- underhill14

Pretty sure adding a top winger is dead right now.

If anything Robertson or someone impresses enough so they can move Kerfoot so they can accumulate space and add a good winger at the TDL.

I swear Mike waits until I'm posting to put up a new blog. Since I typed it, I'll move it here:



I believe strongly that a young defenseman will prosper when paired with a stabilizing partner. When Muzzin was healthy, it benefitted Holl to the point where he has been considered a legitimate top-4 option. When Muzzin was healthy, Holl was. When Muzzin was not able to lead that pairing or faltered in his play, Holl was not sufficient enough to compensate for those failings and was, as expected, exposed.

In this past season, Liljegren and Sandin paired together relatively effectively. They had an xG% of 65% and were +5 in 242 minutes of ice together.

Sandin was also paired with Dermott (218 minutes; +4) and Holl (132 minutes; +4).

Liljegren was paired with Giordano (181 minutes; +4), Rielly (145 minutes; +4), Muzzin (119 minutes; even) and Dermott (119 minutes; +1)

It wasn't until Liljegren was paired with Giordano that he really started to accelerate his game and improve his play. He is a year older, but had more development time because there was no real push to accelerate his development.

BTW, for the above, I excluded any pairings that played less than 60 minutes together - so Sandin's poor showing with Rielly or his flailing right-side experiments weren't considered.

My point here is that I don't think it's as simple as "Liljegren over Sandin all day every day". I think Sandin will likely be better than Liljegren, but he needs the opportunity and the partner to help him do so.
- Monkeypunk

Respectfully disagree. Liljegren was likely a top 5 pick in his draft year if he doesn't get mono. Both are young and prone to make mistakes, Liljegren is a far better skater and has a much better shot and to top it off is a RHD. Hard to say he doesn't have significantly more upside than Sandin.

Respectfully disagree. Liljegren was likely a top 5 pick in his draft year if he doesn't get mono. Both are young and prone to make mistakes, Liljegren is a far better skater and has a much better shot and to top it off is a RHD. Hard to say he doesn't have significantly more upside than Sandin.
- winsix

Liljregren is a year older.

I like Lil a lot but I can't see why one could think one is obviously better than the other.

Two different defenders though that's for sure, and they probably compliment each other some day.

He was 34 years old in his rookie year.
- BINGO!

They could improve the team if they move Kerfoot, Holl and Sandin this summer and acquire a LW for Tavares and RD for Muzzin. (opens up $7m+ to spend on both)

Bunting, Matthews, Marner
($3-4M), Tavares, Nylander
Engvall, Kampf, Jarnkrok
ZAR, Gaudette, Aube-Kubel

Rielly, Brodie
Muzzin, $3-4M
Gio, Liljigren
Benn

Murray
Samsonov

Who would make this team better next season???

LW:
Motte
Heinen

RD
Can't think of anyone...maybe a RD RFA swap of equal value to Sandin???
Subban???


Let's hear some suggestions, for realzz. Who is out there or could be acquired in a trade with the aforementioned players?
- underhill14

I think we’re a little late for big moves. They’re more likely to move money out and see where they sit at the deadline. I would be really surprised if Muzzin was moved this late in the off-season. If anyone goes it’s Kerfoot and they try to use what they’ve got for the regular season.

shooting in Milton and Mississauga by the same guy
- Santo_44

I’m safe fella’s. One person here in Milton not so fortunate. Other shooting was right near our warehouse in Meadowvale.

They could improve the team if they move Kerfoot, Holl and Sandin this summer and acquire a LW for Tavares and RD for Muzzin. (opens up $7m+ to spend on both)

Bunting, Matthews, Marner
($3-4M), Tavares, Nylander
Engvall, Kampf, Jarnkrok
ZAR, Gaudette, Aube-Kubel

Rielly, Brodie
Muzzin, $3-4M
Gio, Liljigren
Benn

Murray
Samsonov

Who would make this team better next season???

LW:
Motte
Heinen

RD
Can't think of anyone...maybe a RD RFA swap of equal value to Sandin???
Subban???


Let's hear some suggestions, for realzz. Who is out there or could be acquired in a trade with the aforementioned players?
- underhill14

I don't think a big move will happen before the deadline (coming in, I mean). Kerfoot out for CAP space and a pick that can be used at deadline time. Robertson gets a legit look. Knies likely given a look at the end of the season, whether it's on JT's wing or elsewhere.

Holl obviously and easily out. The 6th D-man doesn't need a lot of icetime, since Gio and Liljegren should be easily 2nd pair. So Sandin (if he's forced onto the right side) or one of the guys signed in the off-season can fill the spot until deadline and the Leafs trade for Chychrun.

Does anyone have a list of D-men with only one year left on their contracts? Guys that are likely deadline trade bait?

I don't think a big move will happen before the deadline (coming in, I mean). Kerfoot out for CAP space and a pick that can be used at deadline time. Robertson gets a legit look. Knies likely given a look at the end of the season, whether it's on JT's wing or elsewhere.

Holl obviously and easily out. The 6th D-man doesn't need a lot of icetime, since Gio and Liljegren should be easily 2nd pair. So Sandin (if he's forced onto the right side) or one of the guys signed in the off-season can fill the spot until deadline and the Leafs trade for Chychrun.

Does anyone have a list of D-men with only one year left on their contracts? Guys that are likely deadline trade bait?
- GreatGigInTheSky

Matt Dumba and Damon Severson are both in the final year of their deals. Both RHD. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't back up the truck for either one.

In my opinion - by no means should Kerfoot ever be moved out unless a replacement is there. He is leagues above anyone they could plug in there at the moment. The Top 6 will be seriously suffering if that happens. He’s a 50pt player who can play on either wing, centre, PK, and if need to fill PP2. Much worse off without him unless someone comes in.

With Mete and maybe (not so much) Benn - a dman should be moved not a forward that plays where Kerfoot does in the lineup.

Robertson needs to be in top 6 or he’s of no use and I personally feel he will not be an impact guy in the nhl. Just my view.

Matt Dumba and Damon Severson are both in the final year of their deals. Both RHD. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't back up the truck for either one.
- winsix

Next year is be very careful year. A bunch of guys come off the books. Bunting and Kampf might be the most need be to re-signed and things need to be set up for Matthews and Willie

In my opinion - by no means should Kerfoot ever be moved out unless a replacement is there. He is leagues above anyone they could plug in there at the moment. The Top 6 will be seriously suffering if that happens. He’s a 50pt player who can play on either wing, centre, PK, and if need to fill PP2. Much worse off without him unless someone comes in.

With Mete and maybe (not so much) Benn - a dman should be moved not a forward that plays where Kerfoot does in the lineup.

Robertson needs to be in top 6 or he’s of no use and I personally feel he will not be an impact guy in the nhl. Just my view.
- Big23Questions

Maybe but it depends on whether they think they can upgrade at the deadline with his cap space and have some flexibility though the season. I don’t think we see the top 6 the way we saw them last year anyway. Willie and JT get split up at a minimum. Maybe Jarnrok moves up. Maybe little Nickie’s time has come. I also think they like Holl more than we do

Matt Dumba and Damon Severson are both in the final year of their deals. Both RHD. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't back up the truck for either one.
- winsix

Yeah, I wouldn't pay them a bunch, either.

I meant more along the lines of deadline rental acquisition, though.

In my opinion - by no means should Kerfoot ever be moved out unless a replacement is there. He is leagues above anyone they could plug in there at the moment. The Top 6 will be seriously suffering if that happens. He’s a 50pt player who can play on either wing, centre, PK, and if need to fill PP2. Much worse off without him unless someone comes in.

With Mete and maybe (not so much) Benn - a dman should be moved not a forward that plays where Kerfoot does in the lineup.

Robertson needs to be in top 6 or he’s of no use and I personally feel he will not be an impact guy in the nhl. Just my view.
- Big23Questions

I mean, he already plays at least half the time not even in the top 6.

Maybe but it depends on whether they think they can upgrade at the deadline with his cap space and have some flexibility though the season. I don’t think we see the top 6 the way we saw them last year anyway. Willie and JT get split up at a minimum. Maybe Jarnrok moves up. Maybe little Nickie’s time has come. I also think they like Holl more than we do
- Canada Cup

Oh for sure - if the plan is to hold until deadline then just having the guns they have in 34 88 91 16 is good enough to hold it down then make an acquisition. I was just talking interns of what it provides or doesn’t in the immediate cause I have no clue what the heck The Dubas will do down the road.

I was saying that to friends that are Leaf’s fans - Jarnkrok has the potential to be a good fit on L2 with JT in middle. He’s not an offensive juggernaut at all but has skill is real steady defensively and can allow the other 2 offensive guys more rope with the puck. He would fit very well.

Matthews will score with anyone. Has since he played with Kapenen and Johnson (Ha) and anyone else. JT needs Marner. Together they drive the line.

…it will never be Little Nicky’s time.

Holl is good when he’s not needing to adjust and play with pace. That’s where he fails. That’s why he’s effective as a PK dman. Slower pace. He gets in trouble in his own end when they get cycled and hemmed. He’s got a good stick and is a big body blocking.

I think we’re a little late for big moves. They’re more likely to move money out and see where they sit at the deadline. I would be really surprised if Muzzin was moved this late in the off-season. If anyone goes it’s Kerfoot and they try to use what they’ve got for the regular season.
- Canada Cup

You're probably right in that it's too late....wishful thinking I guess. I guess if they yeet Holl into the sun maybe improvement by subtraction?

I just don't think this team improved any this off-season, with the goalie position up in the air the team might even be a little worse.

I guess the trade deadline is more critical for Dubas & Co.

In my opinion - by no means should Kerfoot ever be moved out unless a replacement is there. He is leagues above anyone they could plug in there at the moment. The Top 6 will be seriously suffering if that happens. He’s a 50pt player who can play on either wing, centre, PK, and if need to fill PP2. Much worse off without him unless someone comes in.

With Mete and maybe (not so much) Benn - a dman should be moved not a forward that plays where Kerfoot does in the lineup.

Robertson needs to be in top 6 or he’s of no use and I personally feel he will not be an impact guy in the nhl. Just my view.
- Big23Questions

I'm a fan of Kerfoot, like him a lot, he's just not a 2nd LW talent wise and Kampf has 3C on lock so he's kinda the odd man out.

Would love a big bodied winger with some snarl on JT and Willie's left side.

I'm a fan of Kerfoot, like him a lot, he's just not a 2nd LW talent wise and Kampf has 3C on lock so he's kinda the odd man out.

Would love a big bodied winger with some snarl on JT and Willie's left side.
- underhill14

Agree fully. Problem is that there isn’t a player able to fill that role unless you move up Jarnkrok which was suggested.

That’s why in my eyes Dubas really needed to add to the middle 6 of his lineup - specifically a player for JT/Willy that played a different game…skill with grit and physicality.
The odd men out to me is Sandin/Holl. With Sandin the left side is jammed and Leafs are win now. Holl isn’t much shed cap wise but still a bit and Mete or Benn can swing in. I would personally do that and keep Kerfoot until deadline and use him then to upgrade along with Robertson and Picks - that would get a return that moves the needle

You're probably right in that it's too late....wishful thinking I guess. I guess if they yeet Holl into the sun maybe improvement by subtraction?

I just don't think this team improved any this off-season, with the goalie position up in the air the team might even be a little worse.

I guess the trade deadline is more critical for Dubas & Co.
- underhill14

100% undeniably yes, it would be.