Of course you like it. It makes absolutely zero sense for Vancouver to do that. Garland is a valuable player to any team in the league. He isn't a liability.
- jfkst1

So valuable they want to dump his contract

God bless you......how many on this board were complaining THIS year about sucking to get a top pick? You are telling me most fans are intelligent? I wish.

I'd love to see them slow play Bedard but I fear the mob will rule and once that ball starts rolling....hard to stop it.

This is just step 1. They have zero supporting cast around him LT....

Reichel is trending as a positive
Raddysh maybe becomes a nice depth player
Jones will be here because of his money
The rest are just fill ins/baby sitters until a prospect is ready to take their spot.

Long ways to go to do this right.... but I won't trust another Cubs exec after McDonough coming over here.
- SteveRain

I'm in the play it slow camp. Don't know if that makes me one of the smart one or dumb ones. LOL. We'll see what happens.

So valuable they want to dump his contract
- BetweenTheDots

Yes, but they aren't trading him as a liability. Garland is a solid all around player that has a reasonable cap hit and no contract restrictions. Vancouver could definitely at least get net value on a trade for him. So why would they package an asset and trade him at a loss? Maybe if Benning or another retard like Hextall were there.

I am lost in your reasoning.

So how do you want this built? Bedard.....who will cost huge money over the course of his career assuming that he sniffs his ceiling.

You're just going to assume we are going to win every draft, develop a never ending supply of top end talent...and what about winning? IF they win they drop slots in the draft.

I dont' get this small market reasoning. Find me a team in the last 10 years who won with a small payroll.

Kings, Hawks, Lightning, Penguins all won multiple cups all with MULTIPLE big AAVs.......it's not a shocker. Good/great players are expensive.


- SteveRain

And you want to spend it all right now? Makes zero sense to me FFS let the team develop so we know what we got

Yes, but they aren't trading him as a liability. Garland is a solid all around player that has a reasonable cap hit and no contract restrictions. Vancouver could definitely at least get net value on a trade for him. So why would they package an asset and trade it at a loss? Maybe if Benning or another retard like Hextall were there.
- jfkst1

Honestly don't care we are in the position of take it or leave it

Honestly don't care we are in the position of take it or leave it
- BetweenTheDots

Should be targeting Myers or Boeser. That'll likely be moved as liabilities where Chicago can weaponize their cap space.

I'm in the play it slow camp. Don't know if that makes me one of the smart one or dumb ones. LOL. We'll see what happens.
- boilermaker100

Same...

Should be targeting Myers or Boeser. That'll likely be moved as liabilities where Chicago can weaponize their cap space.
- jfkst1

I'm good with that as well

IMO


1. The Canadian media would rather piss all over him than Marner or Tavares. Id take Matthews over BOTH and not think back.

2. He has 5 GWG in 48 games....the other 2 (16/88) have 4 combined. How is that not raising his game?

3. The issue the leafs have is they don't have the complete player. THey don't have the Toews or hossa to balance him out....same exact problem the Oilers have with McDavid. So people will nit pick his game.....like they do Kane. Oh he doesn't back check or do this.....I get it and it's valid at some time, but do they blast the hell out of these other guys when they aren't scoring in the playoff time? No...because they "do all the other things"

44 points in 48 career playoff games and 22 goals is 2 less than what Marner and Nylander have combined!!! The anger should 100% be on Marner. He has 9. 9 goals in 48 games. ANd he's getting 700K less than Matthews. That's by far a joke and how overpaid is he? Sure Marner plays better D, but for 10.9 you better score.

I'll be shocked if Matthews resigns up there. If they don't somehow beat Florida 4 straight games, and don't trade 34 16 88 or 91 at least 1 of them.......Dubas and that clown Shanahan are dumber than I thought....and that's saying a ton because I think both are by far the most overrated executives in the game and if they weren't in Toronto they'd be long gone.

Great you beat a beat up, depleted Lightning team in 6......throw yourselves a party....oh wait you did. Nice leadership. Happy to be there. hawks were all business when they beat Calgary in 2009.
- SteveRain

Rainman, your opinion is 100% misguided. I follow the NHL pretty closely and have never heard anything negative about Auston Mathews related to place of birth, passport or citizenship. The guy has TV commercials running daily - Royal Bank of Canada and Bet 365 are two of them. There is probably no other city in the NHL where a hockey player could make more $ with side hustle endorsement deals. He is considered a star and respected accordingly.

I happen to think #34 is banged up right now but that never matters to beat writers and podcast experts who need to fill the internet and newspapers with speculation and stories. And they are all extremely butt hurt right now because they wanted and expected the vaunted Maple Leaf machine to run over the Panthers. Unfortunately, ex-Leaf coach Maurice has figured out a way to blunt the $40 million/year foursome with tough physical play, forechecking and excellent goaltending.

Would I pay Mathews more than McDavid - no. Realistically I don't think he should make more than Sidney Crosby as a comparable but thats not relevant. And I would certainly keep him ahead of Nylander and Marner.

So lets put a full stop to the anti American sentiment Auston Matherws conspiracy theory.

Why would a rebuilding/retoolling Vancouver team give up a decent player AND a higher pick for a lower pick to clear cap room? I'd agree with you if the pick the Hawks got was a 2nd and they gave back say....a 3rd or 4th.
- SteveRain

Because the Hawks got a 2 for taking on Tyler Johnson at similar term.

The cost of moving up from 19/20 to 11 would be a similar cost (1st + 2nd). Heck, maybe the Hawks throw in a 4th.

The Canucks need the cap space, have too many wingers, and already have a similar player in Hoglander to fill the void.

Garland is a good enough player that he’s a net positive, but moving players with term without taking salary back is expensive in this league.

And you want to spend it all right now? Makes zero sense to me FFS let the team develop so we know what we got
- BetweenTheDots

again, I never said at any time to spend it all right now.

I suggested contacting Kane's agent and if it makes sense signing him for 2 years with Domi to play with Bedard.

I am in favor IF, and it's a big IF, Matthews hits UFA in 2 years as a 27 yr old....yes I would sign him. A consistent 40 goals a year to play with Bedard. Could do a helluva lot worse.

I am 100% against signing Meier. Talk about ZERO leadership and everything Paul was preaching. he's exhibit 1A. Sadly what the Devils gave up for him they almost have to sign him.

Outside of that.....do not trade up and waste capital unless it's 100% "if this kid doens't hit you fire me" pick by Davidson. Otherwise load up and let the kids show you are they ready.....

Rainman, your opinion is 100% misguided. I follow the NHL pretty closely and have never heard anything negative about Auston Mathews related to place of birth, passport or citizenship. The guy has TV commercials running daily - Royal Bank of Canada and Bet 365 are two of them. There is probably no other city in the NHL where a hockey player could make more $ with side hustle endorsement deals. He is considered a star and respected accordingly.

I happen to think #34 is banged up right now but that never matters to beat writers and podcast experts who need to fill the internet and newspapers with speculation and stories. And they are all extremely butt hurt right now because they wanted and expected the vaunted Maple Leaf machine to run over the Panthers. Unfortunately, ex-Leaf coach Maurice has figured out a way to blunt the $40 million/year foursome with tough physical play, forechecking and excellent goaltending.

Would I pay Mathews more than McDavid - no. Realistically I don't think he should make more than Sidney Crosby as a comparable but thats not relevant. And I would certainly keep him ahead of Nylander and Marner.

So lets put a full stop to the anti American sentiment Auston Matherws conspiracy theory.
- RickJ

Rick that's not what I see on twitter from canadian media members, leafs fans. I hope the kid gets the hell out of there as it's a loser franchise.

I respect your opinion and dont' have Canadian TV so not doubting your take, just telling you what I see on social media and that kid gets torched......FAR MORE than any other leaf with Nylander being a distant 2nd.

I think when teams take short cuts it only hurts them in the long run.

Personal opinion, no short cuts, no trading futures for a player we don't need today, let this group get experience, sign for short term FAs to set examples for these kids.

When the time is right a great player will be available, they always are in today's NHL.
- BetweenTheDots

When do you consider the time is right?

I am seeing a guy in a no win situation who I hope gets the hell out of Toronto as quickly as he can.

Again....nit picking. I don't have time but for all the playoff stats he has put up.....I am guessing he led them to a win or two or three. Maybe his supporting cast is worse than I thought? I mean Nylander is likely the best value on the team and I think he's Kris Versteeg on roids. Hard pass.

People said the same thing about Ovechkin for years....and then retooled around him and he won a cup. IF the leafs are smart, and they are NOT, they would do the same but they'll hold on to Marner and will never win a cup for the foreseeable future. I can't wait. But the excuses will fly...."yeah but he does all the small things"....sure he does.

Has anyone on that Leafs team answered what you ask?
- SteveRain

Steve, do you see anything in Matthews that suggests he’s worth $15M a season long term? Remember by giving that up limits depth and rewarding other players done the road. I personally think it’s a huge risk because he hasn’t shown he’s a big time player

Rick that's not what I see on twitter from canadian media members, leafs fans. I hope the kid gets the hell out of there as it's a loser franchise.

I respect your opinion and dont' have Canadian TV so not doubting your take, just telling you what I see on social media and that kid gets torched......FAR MORE than any other leaf with Nylander being a distant 2nd.
- SteveRain

Trust me Steve, maple leaf media love or hate based on wins and losses. Canadians get poop on just as bad as everyone else. And who are the media always trying to run out of town? A Canadian and a Toronto boy, Mitch Marner. Am I to assume all Americans hate Canadians based on a few Americans?

again, I never said at any time to spend it all right now.

I suggested contacting Kane's agent and if it makes sense signing him for 2 years with Domi to play with Bedard.

I am in favor IF, and it's a big IF, Matthews hits UFA in 2 years as a 27 yr old....yes I would sign him. A consistent 40 goals a year to play with Bedard. Could do a helluva lot worse.

I am 100% against signing Meier. Talk about ZERO leadership and everything Paul was preaching. he's exhibit 1A. Sadly what the Devils gave up for him they almost have to sign him.

Outside of that.....do not trade up and waste capital unless it's 100% "if this kid doens't hit you fire me" pick by Davidson. Otherwise load up and let the kids show you are they ready.....
- SteveRain

Honestly i have no issue with Kane, in my head being against the cap will happen quickly once many of the players filter through the system, FA for me is to fill holes. Kind of like Ryan Poles did, traded away Roquan Smith, then signed 2 LBs for almost the same money and got a 2nd round pick that ended up being a CB i think. To me that was brilliant basically a 3 player deal for 1. And Edwards is probably better LB. To me that's what FA is for. Filing holes, let's see what we got first.

When do you consider the time is right?
- LAHawk

I personally think playoff experience is important, the Hossa deal was brilliant because he had playoff experience and so did the young Blackhawks team, it may not work out that way but for sure if Bedard reaches 23-24 the team will have to start making moves and play salary cap gymnastics.

I think you'll start seeing Buffalo after this draft being more aggressive in the trade market, that team is in a really good spot.

If anyone wants to read or hear what Colby Cohen says on the Hawk rebuild now that they have Bedard, see attached link. Spoiler alert - He says the Hawks shouldn't rush things.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....of-the-chicago-blackhawks

He and Frank Seravalli are in the embedded video discussing the Hawks for about the first 12 minutes.

Rick that's not what I see on twitter from canadian media members, leafs fans. I hope the kid gets the hell out of there as it's a loser franchise.

I respect your opinion and dont' have Canadian TV so not doubting your take, just telling you what I see on social media and that kid gets torched......FAR MORE than any other leaf with Nylander being a distant 2nd.
- SteveRain

Social media is full of ingrates and keyboard goofs. And then you have some loser broadcaster on ESPN who decided Zach Whitecloud's name was something to make fun of. And then he had to eat his words at great embarassment to himself and his network.If their expertise about the game itself equalled their ability to post garbage about a player or coach I'd accept it, but it never does.

Mario Tirabassi
@Mario_Tirabassi

#Blackhawks announce a two-year, $962,500 AAV extension with goaltender Arvid Söderblom through 2024-25




Nice signing by KD.

If anyone wants to read or hear what Colby Cohen says on the Hawk rebuild now that they have Bedard, see attached link. Spoiler alert - He says the Hawks shouldn't rush things.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....of-the-chicago-blackhawks

He and Frank Seravalli are in the embedded video discussing the Hawks for about the first 12 minutes.
- boilermaker100

Colby Cohen is right. Rangers bet on being competitive too quickly. They rushed their rebuild and now they're already depleting their prospect pipeline. Kravtsov, Kakko, and Lafreniere all look like busts which obviously hurts badly, but they gambled on aging players which is compounding their issues.

Steve, do you see anything in Matthews that suggests he’s worth $15M a season long term? Remember by giving that up limits depth and rewarding other players done the road. I personally think it’s a huge risk because he hasn’t shown he’s a big time player
- paulr

Paulie

I think its relative to where the cap ceiling is at the summer of 2024. Cap Friendly has it 87.5 and then jumping to 92 the following year. They have an EXTREMELY conservative and reliable site for data.

Lets look at this way.....

At that time you will have
Seth Jones at 9.5
Retained money on McCabe 2.0
Connor Murphy at 4.4
Bedard say maxed out on all bonuses.....3.5
Matthews at 15

Puts them at 34.4......

53.1 million to fill in the rest and roll some? You automatically save another 2 million the year after....

3.125 aav to fill in the rest and you save on some and spend on others with ELCs vs next deals.

And if cap goes up following year you get another 6.5 in cap space with McCabe falling off and raise from 87.5 to 92 million.

yeah.....given the reality of cap celing to deal.....it's not the number but the percerntage and 15 million vs 90 is close to what % Toews and Kane took up.

27 yr old, consistent 40 g scorer. SLot him in between Bedard and who cares.

You know Zach when you came aboard last year i thought what a poopty time to be covering the Blackhawks, amazing how all that changed in one night.
- BetweenTheDots

haha right going to be a lot of fun!

Trust me Steve, maple leaf media love or hate based on wins and losses. Canadians get poop on just as bad as everyone else. And who are the media always trying to run out of town? A Canadian and a Toronto boy, Mitch Marner. Am I to assume all Americans hate Canadians based on a few Americans?
- paulr

No you both are right. My sample size is smaller as we don't get any Canadian media down here outside of the clowns on twitter.......can't wait for Toronto to "be rocking" this weekend if they win a game in miami tonight. Or Ft lauderdale. Or Sunrise.

Just get very tired of Pierre Lebrun bias of the world. I get it...very happy for his fellow countrymen but not since Pierre McGuire have a seen a media have such a hard on to pass along poop I don't care about. I dont' care if Claude Giroux is the king of Hearst Ontario. Just like I didn't care about Red Deer hockey that McGuire pimped.

I wish I knew an intelligent Leaf fan...but I am very curious if any mainstream canadian media has the stones to call for a blow up. Leafs operate in insanity and it's a riot to watch. Just need Panthers to win 1 more game..........

Social media is full of ingrates and keyboard goofs. And then you have some loser broadcaster on ESPN who decided Zach Whitecloud's name was something to make fun of. And then he had to eat his words at great embarassment to himself and his network.If their expertise about the game itself equalled their ability to post garbage about a player or coach I'd accept it, but it never does.
- RickJ

Anderson should be fired. The sad thing is if he made a joke about an African American NBA player he would have be gone already.