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The Panthers are just dummying the Canes again tonight. If only Willy and Knies could have scored in overtime, in game 3 against the Panhandlers, then we could have been dummying the Canes. Now there’s a team that needs a retool. I guess losing in 7 against this team doesn’t look as bad, after seeing the Canes and Bolts getting destroyed by the Panthers.
The Leafs scored goals in spite of Rielly, not because of him. His goals were mostly flukes. He has been so horrid in offensive situations, he’s been removed from the PP1 and replaced by a forward. His defensive errors, were as numerous and as obvious as they ever have been. He played the most ice time, he gets paid the most money, he can’t be that bad and expect success. He is a passenger at this point. He can still provide value to a team like Vancouver or Seattle, trying to salvage a wild card spot, but he’s not winning anybody a Cup making 7.5 AAV. Not going to happen.
Of all of the Leafs contracts, this one needs to be moved. Even for a 3rd rounder, if possible. Ekblad would be the player that I’d target for that money in the off season.
Was Mark Hunter in charge of the entire draft without question? No, he wasn’t. There were always conflicting voices in the room that muddies the waters to whom he actually picked and whom dumbass Dubas wanted. Or Shanahan. Or Lou. His work with the London Knights speaks for itself. He always builds a competitive team. London Knights players usually compete for and win Cups when they make the NHL for a reason.
After watching Easton Cowan and the Hunter Brothers London Knights, they deserve an NHL look. That OHL franchise has been one of the best run franchises for over a decade. If they really want to make a difference, bring the Brothers in and put them into upper management. A winning pedigree is just that. The Leafs need more winners, not has-beens. To beat the Panthers, you have to be as tough as the Panthers. It looks like they’re going to roll into the finals and probably win it again.
If Shanny ends up on the Island, maybe we can cut a deal to send Marner for his 8th year for a pick or a much larger trade with multiple pieces on the move.
Willy seems to be skating by with little or no examination. Maybe he needs a little bit of the Marner/Matthews treatment. He is top 3 in salary, so scrutinizing him isn’t a bad thing. Leafs need a true #2 centre to replace Tavares. Rielly should be the first out the door and replaced with a UFA. Another righty is required for the 2nd pair to play with OEL.
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Cush n dozzer would never ban me for my timeless hb idiom????????♂️????Welcome to your new home. The key is under the Mitch Marner doormat, whenever you want to come in.
Good analysis. I agree with at least 80% of it. My biggest issue is paying two right wingers $12M each per season. It doesn’t work. Centre, Defense and Goaltending should come before Wingers. It would be all well and good if there were no Cap, but there is. One has to go. Either move Willy, or Mitch will have to sign elsewhere, if he won’t sign for similar money than Willy. I’m not totally sold on McMann either. He did show some decent play in the regular season, but did little in the playoffs. It’s not like he’s under 25, unlike Knies, who really does deserve a long term extension.
The band is almost back together. HHS Gain is HB’s loss. It’s like watching a suicide in real time happening over there. The discussions in here are a breath of fresh air, without the nonsense and harping going on. It’s actually fun again. Slowly, but surely, all of the best Bloggers from over there are now coming here. A few more tweaks, and this site will be ready to soar. Just have to get some of the smaller market threads to come over. Hablanders haven’t migrated as fast as I’d like to have seen quite yet. It’s only month 1 and all seems grand.
This team does not work, due to the imbalance of the payroll. You can’t have two right wingers making over $11M each, on long term deals. Matthews is also slightly overpaid, but a year ago, he scored 69 goals. Who’s been even close to this in over 25 years. Also being a centre, he’s worth more than a winger. Tavares is almost spent as an elite player. Yes, he had a good year, but it was a contract year. Is he really still a number 2 centre? His defensive game isn’t stellar. He does win faceoffs, but wouldn’t he be better slotted at 3C? The answer probably would be yes, but then who do we get for a #2? Many questions to be answered this summer. Leaf cannot go forward with both Marner and Nylander at this price point. Leafs are still a good hockey club, but adjustments need to be made.
Marner just had his first 100 point season. Matthews has a Calder, a number of Rocket’s and a Hart Trophy. And Marner has won what trophy, since he came to the NHL? And he wants Matthews money? I think not. He’s too small for playoff style hockey and disappears. He’s known to get primary assists on the opponents goals by puck giveaways and he wants what? Matthews money? No F’n way! If he wants Nylander money, then he signs the identical contract. He won’t. The soap opera will continue. His papa Paul will start giving executive orders to Leafs management, once free agency hits. Marner should go and take the Johnny Gaudreau retirement contract and play in Cannonball City Ohio, or the Great Mormon Tabernacle in Sault Lake City. He needs a good humbling.
Rielly out
Marner outEkblad in
Boeser in
Ehlers inJT either signs for $5M or less, or he can walk.
If Sam Bennett comes in under $7M per, you take him instead.
The rest of the defense stays.
Matthews stays, he’s one of the best goalscorers in the league.
Sign Knies long term. He’s the real deal.
Tinker with the 3rd and 4th lines.
The Goaltending is solid.
Get rid of the dead wood.Kampf gone.
Reaves gone….Robidas Island.
Domi stays.Hope for Easton Cowan to make the jump next year.
Maybe Paramount+ will buy the rights to this Soap Opera. My jersey is already folded up and in my suitcase. At least I’m up a bit at the tables. $165. plus a comped room, plus a cheap buffet. The prime rib was delicious. I did eat at least 30oz of this delicacy. Stuffed now!!
