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Forums :: My HockeyBuzz :: Leafs Trade Reality
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mfreedman
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Thornhill, ON
Joined: 10.04.2010

Oct 11 @ 12:58 PM ET
The reality of trading for the Leafs as it stands seems to be bleak.

As it has been stated, we are in need for a top line centre that can provide some much needed support to sniper Phil Kessel, in order to hopefully get rid of the “Streaky” title that has been prefixed to his name. The question is how are we going to come across this player? Trade? Draft? Free-Agency?

This is just my humble opinion, but my answer is none above. Wait, what?

Let’s face reality fans. We are not finishing in the bottom 5 of the league, so the possibility of getting a true #1 centre through the draft probably will not happen. Other people, and some Leaf fans, feel we MUST tank in order to finally get the player they believe we so desperately need. In order to tank, we would need to scrap the team that Burke has spent 3 years assembling. Why would he do this? He wouldn’t, so let’s move on.

Now we move to trade. Not many people seem to agree with me on this, but I for one would not move Grabovski, Kulemin, or Macarthur. Why would we want to touch a line that performed so well last year? We would essentially be ruining our 2nd line in order to fix our first line. Pointless. We also won’t be moving the following D: Phaneuf, Schenn, Aulie. I assume this much, as Burke has made it clear how much he values these players, and would probably value them far too high to reach an agreement in a trade.

So that leaves Kessel, Connolly, Lombardi, Bozak, Lupul, Armstrong, 4th line, Kadri, Liles, Franson, Gardiner, Komisarek, Gunnerson. Out of these, Kessel, Connolly, Lombardi, Armstrong, Liles, Lupul, and Komisarek aren’t going anywhere, whether it be because of their contract, their injury list, or their low or underrated value.

So using the pieces we have left in Kadri, Gunnerson, Gardiner, Bozak, and any prospects we have in the minors, along with 1st round picks, let’s see what we could acquire. By no means are any of these players “plugs” like most non-leaf fans tend to suggest, however, none of these are top quality players at the moment, or proven NHLers. Unfortunately, there is not a team in the league that will trade a star centre to a team for solely prospects, unproven NHL players, and draft pick. If you need evidence of this, tell me, would you trade Stamkos (if we had him) to Edmonton for Petry, Omark, Hartikanen, and a 1st? I’m guessing no, but that’s just me (and those are pretty valuable prospects).

So down to free agency. This one is quick, Burke won’t offer the highest money or term, so no star player will come here unless we become a serious contender, or they have a love affair with Burke or Wilson (and no one loves Wilson).

So what is left? Perhaps development. While Lupul and Kessel seem to have found chemistry together, we still need that pivot in a centre to keep that chemistry consistent. Last year Bozak tried his best, but it is unfair to have asked so much out of the young centre. So far this year, because of the additions of Lombardi and Connolly, Bozak has been given the duties of 3rd line centre, lessening the expectations on him. However, with Connolly’s injury, Bozak has had to step into the same role from last year. This time with no expectation and far less pressure. How has he done? More than admirably so far. His game has looked far more consistent, and it appears that all he may need is some more time to find his offensive game. He could prove to be the missing piece Burke has been searching for, but not just yet. Maybe in time.

So if he fails, what then? 3 names come to mind. Colborne, Connolly, and Kadri. While Connolly seems like a stop-gap, what if he returns to his near PPG pace from a few seasons back? If he can manage to stay healthy, we could get a solid 5 years out of this man. He seems like he could have all the pieces to stay as a first line centre if he can stay healthy, but that is a huge IF, and most likely not a very realistic expectation.

So onto Kadri. It appears that he may be more suited for the wing, but he is still young. If he develops his defensive game more and is given some time to adjust to the role again at centre, he could prove to be a viable option. Again, there is no need to rush Kadri as we have enough options available right now without him to still be competitive. Give him some time in the AHL if needed, and he can be called upon to get a chance at the spot down the road when Connolly goes down.

Those who have seen Colborne play can tell that he has the pieces to become a top 6 centre, but clearly needs more time. Time is something we have for Colborne, as the plethora of centres we have at the moment will keep Colborne in the AHL, and getting top line minutes. This is exactly where he needs to be, and hopefully will give him all the ability to develop into what we hope he can be.

So with this in mind, what do we suggest Burke do? My opinion? Nothing on the forward front. Burke has already provided a ton of options for us. My hope, is that one of these options ends up clicking and becomes another line similar to the Grabo line. No Elite talent, but some solid players that, all together, can put up 80+ goals on the season. We can then use the options that don’t work out for us, as deadline bait in order to grab some draft picks to help keep our prospect pool deep. I know this doesn’t seem like the best option to some fans who are craving their very own Stamkos/Crosby/Ovechkin, but a team that has 3 lines that can contribute, IMO, is far better off than having to rely on one elite player to carry everyone.

Pikey
Boston Bruins
Location: Public transportation is for j
Joined: 08.15.2009

Oct 11 @ 7:56 PM ET
What'd they get for reality?
rmiethaner
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Buffalo, NY
Joined: 10.04.2006

Oct 11 @ 9:02 PM ET
What'd they get for reality?
- Pikey



Delusion and a prospect called Hope...
Pikey
Boston Bruins
Location: Public transportation is for j
Joined: 08.15.2009

Oct 11 @ 9:18 PM ET
Delusion and a prospect called Hope...
- rmiethaner


Hope Summers? If so, they're going to win.
rmiethaner
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Buffalo, NY
Joined: 10.04.2006

Oct 11 @ 9:31 PM ET
Hope Summers? If so, they're going to win.
- Pikey



A Google search reveals that I set that right up for you.

Yes, with that acquisition, the best player in the trade goes the other way...
nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 16 @ 6:36 PM ET
What'd they get for reality?
- Pikey

Ty sir for savingme this post.

Also would've taken: Didn't the Leafs already trade reality fir future considerations a few seasons ago?
Schenn-Sational!
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Sorry you don't understand...Y
Joined: 10.08.2008

Oct 16 @ 11:24 PM ET
Ty sir for savingme this post.

Also would've taken: Didn't the Leafs already trade reality fir future considerations a few seasons ago?

- nfph

Troll!
nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 16 @ 11:25 PM ET
Troll!
- Schenn-Sational!

Personal attack!
Schenn-Sational!
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Sorry you don't understand...Y
Joined: 10.08.2008

Oct 16 @ 11:36 PM ET
Personal attack!
- nfph

Defamation!
nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 16 @ 11:40 PM ET
Defamation!
- Schenn-Sational!

Why exactly would you bother to actually report that post? Snitches get stitches, Schenny.

Schenn-Sational!
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Sorry you don't understand...Y
Joined: 10.08.2008

Oct 16 @ 11:41 PM ET
Why exactly would you bother to actually report that post? Snitches get stitches, Schenny.


- nfph

Just to bug you
nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 16 @ 11:45 PM ET
Just to bug you
- Schenn-Sational!

Just don't do it on a real fake thread, plz. I don't always check and it's leaving the backdoor open.

Seriously on this thread, 'cause it was a decent post... you pretty much cannot trade for a top-5 center, or at least not often enough to actually wait around for it. They must be drafted or, more rarely, you pick up one with some tread still on the tires through UFA.

Sabres have been looking at this for 4 years now, in that time 0 top 5 centers have been traded, and arguably one has been signed in free agency.
Schenn-Sational!
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Sorry you don't understand...Y
Joined: 10.08.2008

Oct 16 @ 11:47 PM ET
Just don't do it on a real fake thread, plz. I don't always check and it's leaving the backdoor open.

Seriously on this thread, 'cause it was a decent post... you pretty much cannot trade for a top-5 center, or at least not often enough to actually wait around for it. They must be drafted or, more rarely, you pick up one with some tread still on the tires through UFA.

Sabres have been looking at this for 4 years now, in that time 0 top 5 centers have been traded, and arguably one has been signed in free agency.

- nfph

I was honestly just trying to get a laugh outta you
Schenn-Sational!
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Sorry you don't understand...Y
Joined: 10.08.2008

Oct 16 @ 11:48 PM ET
I was honestly just trying to get a laugh outta you
- Schenn-Sational!

LAUGH, DAMN YOU, LAUGH
nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 16 @ 11:52 PM ET
LAUGH, DAMN YOU, LAUGH
- Schenn-Sational!

pity lulz.










nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 16 @ 11:52 PM ET
LAUGH, DAMN YOU, LAUGH
- Schenn-Sational!

pity lulz.










mfreedman
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Thornhill, ON
Joined: 10.04.2010

Oct 17 @ 9:41 AM ET
Just don't do it on a real fake thread, plz. I don't always check and it's leaving the backdoor open.

Seriously on this thread, 'cause it was a decent post... you pretty much cannot trade for a top-5 center, or at least not often enough to actually wait around for it. They must be drafted or, more rarely, you pick up one with some tread still on the tires through UFA.

Sabres have been looking at this for 4 years now, in that time 0 top 5 centers have been traded, and arguably one has been signed in free agency.

- nfph


I obviosuly feel that we won't get one through trade, but occasionally it does happen through trade (Carter, Richards, Cammalleri (at the time), and Gomez ( - sorry, had to))
nfph
Referee
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Schadenfreude, NY
Joined: 09.22.2006

Oct 17 @ 1:22 PM ET
I obviosuly feel that we won't get one through trade, but occasionally it does happen through trade (Carter, Richards, Cammalleri (at the time), and Gomez ( - sorry, had to))
- mfreedman

Thought Cammy was a wing... but yeah. Carter and M Rich are two examples, Carter going on to be the #1 guy in Cbus.

Goat-mess... jeez that guy.
mfreedman
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Thornhill, ON
Joined: 10.04.2010

Oct 17 @ 4:52 PM ET
Thought Cammy was a wing... but yeah. Carter and M Rich are two examples, Carter going on to be the #1 guy in Cbus.

Goat-mess... jeez that guy.

- nfph


Cammy is a wing, but I think he got moved tere in MTL. I'm fairly sure he was a centre back then.

Carter should be thrilled to be in that position. He has an elite goal scorer in Nash, and Prospal, a guy that thrives when there is elite talent around.
Morris
Edmonton Oilers
Location: Hall looks disengaged, NS
Joined: 07.18.2007

Oct 18 @ 1:24 PM ET
Good analysis. My only differing opinion is that MacArthur might not be that untouchable. Sure, he's playing great, but his stock has never been higher and he'd probably fetch a hefty sum and McKegg, Frattin, and Biggs are waiting in the wings and play a similar game to him.

I'd bet you MacArthur + a 2nd could get you at least a 1st and a 3rd at the deadline from an offense-starved team like Nashville. Picking twice in the top 20 could be huge.
Schenn-Sational!
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Sorry you don't understand...Y
Joined: 10.08.2008

Oct 18 @ 6:42 PM ET
Good analysis. My only differing opinion is that MacArthur might not be that untouchable. Sure, he's playing great, but his stock has never been higher and he'd probably fetch a hefty sum and McKegg, Frattin, and Biggs are waiting in the wings and play a similar game to him.

I'd bet you MacArthur + a 2nd could get you at least a 1st and a 3rd at the deadline from an offense-starved team like Nashville. Picking twice in the top 20 could be huge.

- Morris

agreed 100%. MacA is good, but he's not important to the team or that line, he's just a good offensive player playing with two guys that have chemistry. I'd rather see Frattin or Kadri on that wing + get some extra value.
Flyfreaky
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 07.20.2011

Feb 18 @ 10:15 AM ET
The Leafs are going places...
Feeling Glucky?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Tanktown, ON
Joined: 10.08.2008

Feb 18 @ 10:56 AM ET
Good analysis. My only differing opinion is that MacArthur might not be that untouchable. Sure, he's playing great, but his stock has never been higher and he'd probably fetch a hefty sum and McKegg, Frattin, and Biggs are waiting in the wings and play a similar game to him.

I'd bet you MacArthur + a 2nd could get you at least a 1st and a 3rd at the deadline from an offense-starved team like Nashville. Picking twice in the top 20 could be huge.

- Morris

Since this was bumped anyways... This draft is starting to look kinda poopty.
watsonnostaw
Atlanta Thrashers
Location: Dude has all the personality of a lump of concrete. Just a complete lizard.
Joined: 06.26.2006

Jun 9 @ 10:23 PM ET
The Leafs are going places...
- Flyfreaky

sorry to hear about your enema fiasco
Pie
Montreal Canadiens
Location: taking the low road
Joined: 10.14.2006

Jun 11 @ 11:11 PM ET
sorry to hear about your enema fiasco
- watsonnostaw

poop happens