Toronto Maple Leafs off season Summer 2014

[superstar_88]

Phaneuf is also a can't miss. He is proven. It's like buying stocks or GIC's.

 

[gcostanza]

Nice Read

Let’s break down and analyze the trade.

Phaneuf’s name has surfaced on a number of occasions since Brendan Shanahan became president of the Leafs, Apr. 11. Given the decision to retain coach Randy Carlyle and the extreme unlikelihood that Phil Kessel will be traded, Phaneuf provides the Blue and White its lone opportunity to alter a failed nucleus. Leafs would accomplish this by trading Phaneuf to Florida, where he would suit up alongside veteran Brian Campbell; young stalwart Erik Gudbranson and fellow defensemen/prospects Dmitry Kulikov, Colby Robak and Alex Petrovic. In a best-case scenario, the Panthers would have a good mix of experience, size and mobility on the blue line. Phaneuf has limited movement restriction in the contract he signed with Maple Leafs in late-December, though he might have enough authority to require approval for a trade to Florida. My NHL contacts don’t believe that would be much of an issue. They feel Phaneuf would likely welcome a change of scenery and a leadership role in a far-less-maniacal hockey market.

Sadly for the Maple Leafs, Kadri and Carlyle mix like gasoline and fire. It’s a player/coach relationship with very limited upside. Given that only Buffalo scored fewer goals than Florida this season, Kadri would help boost a flagging offense. And, the Panthers would still get a good prospect with the No. 8 selection in the draft. Though there is risk in trading a young, gifted player, the Maple Leafs do have enough firepower to relinquish Kadri, who might blossom under new direction. And while Campbell carries a $7.15-million cap hit for the next two seasons, Florida is swimming in space ($30,234,625 according to Capgeek.com). Tallon could easily absorb Phaneuf’s $7 million hit, thus helping his team to reach the projected cap floor of $52 million.

The Leafs have a more complicated cap situation with a number of players to contend with. Dave Bolland, Jay McClement, Nikolai Kulemin, Mason Raymond Troy Bodie, Cody Franson, Jake Gardiner, Paul Ranger and James Reimer were all deployed by the club this past season and are all either restricted or unrestricted free agents. No. 1 goalie Jonathan Bernier has one year left on his paltry $2.9-million contract and if he continues to progress as a legitimate starter, he’ll command a hefty raise. The rumored deal with Florida would slash nearly $2.9 million from the Leafs’ cap figure – that being the difference between Phaneuf and Jovanovski. Turning 38 at the end of this month, Jovanovski has one year left on his $4.125-million contract and is not certain about coming back for an 18th NHL season. He appeared in 37 games for the Panthers after undergoing nearly a complete hip replacement and would like to play again – should his body cooperate. If that were to happen, the first overall draft pick in 1994 would lend size, savvy and experience to the young, developing Leafs on the blue-line. He would assume a portion of Phaneuf’s considerable ice time while Rielly ascends into the role. If Jovanovski retires, Leafs are off the hook for his salary and would still have the first selection in this year’s draft.

To summarize, this is a deal that could help both teams. In Phaneuf, Florida would add another horse on defense and a player with a refreshed outlook. Kadri would entertain fans in Sunrise and generate much-needed offense for the Panthers. By trading Phaneuf, Leafs would form a new identity and partially dissolve the blundering Carlyle-Phaneuf-Kessel triumvirate. Toronto would add yet another terrific prospect on the blue-line. As always, a trade rumor has to be considered for what it is – pure speculation. But, this one makes a bit of sense.

Where is this from, raptorized?

 

[saxon]

Phaneuf is also a can't miss. He is proven. It's like buying stocks or GIC's.

Phaneuf is a cant miss if you want a $7 million a year defenseman who consistently gave up the puck and played terrible in his own end and has no leadership skills at all.

 

[elmo]

Phaneuf is also a can't miss. He is proven. It's like buying stocks or GIC's.

The only thing he's proven is that he is an average player with an exorbitant salary.

 

[mynameisearl11]

I know I know its way too early to make a prediction on the Leafs upcoming season. But, you hear this from me first that the Leafs could probably mirror the Jays performance this season. That's it the Leafs will go from last to first in the '14-'15 season:eyebrows:

 

[smuddan]

I know I know its way too early to make a prediction on the Leafs upcoming season. But, you hear this from me first that the Leafs could probably mirror the Jays performance this season. That's it the Leafs will go from last to first in the '14-'15 season:eyebrows:

Reasons for your optimism ?

 

[superstar_88]

He's also by far the best defenseman Leafs have. You think Reilly or Gardiner or Gunnarson or Franson can stop the likes of Crosby? He was overtaxed at season's end. What he's paid is Leafs problem for giving him the contract. These are the same people who were bashing McCabe most likely. I suppose you think he was a rotten defenseman as well.

 

[mynameisearl11]

It is easy to think that the Leafs will do well next season. Because they have no where else to go but up,right? Pride and pressure will also serve the Leafs well next season because the other TO teams have done well of late. Raptors and now you are watching the Jays deliver as promised.

 

[lovelatinas]

It is easy to think that the Leafs will do well next season. Because they have no where else to go but up,right? Pride and pressure will also serve the Leafs well next season because the other TO teams have done well of late. Raptors and now you are watching the Jays deliver as promised.

Also TFC have been doing well.

 

[mynameisearl11]

I need the Leafs to make a big splash in the trade market this month so that I can forget about the stupid Bill C-69...oops! I mean bill C-36!
Bring over big Joe he can centred our big gun Kessel anytime!

 

[saxon]

I need the Leafs to make a big splash in the trade market this month so that I can forget about the stupid Bill C-69...oops! I mean bill C-36!
Bring over big Joe he can centred our big gun Kessel anytime!

You have to convince him to waive his no trade clause and then hope he will agree to be part of a team that's not a cup contender.

 

[mynameisearl11]

A cup contender will not want Joe Thornton on their team..lol! You should know big Joe's history when he played in the playoffs!

 

[saxon]

A cup contender will not want Joe Thornton on their team..lol! You should know big Joe's history when he played in the playoffs!

He's not going to accept a trade to a club that's not a legit cup contender. I would think the other veteran names that have been talked about including Spezza and Marleau are in the same boat. But you never know, I never thought Kessel would sign a long term deal with the Leafs and I took a lot of razzing from the Leaf fans on this board. Lol

 

[mynameisearl11]

There's no secret that the Leafs need to be strong in the middle to begin a new campaign next season. Stasny of the Avs might fit the bill if he signed to play here. Dave Bolland would be first order of the day for the Leafs though. Can't wait for the Stanley Cup finals to be over this week so that the trading of players and FA's signings can get started! LOL

 

[gcostanza]

Dave Bolland would be first order of the day for the Leafs though.

Please dear god no. (1 year contract excepted).

 

[Dawgger]

I like Bolland when he is healthy,unfortunately that isn't all that often. I wonder if there is anyway they can trade Clarkson? Big contract and no movement makes it near impossible. He sure didn't do much for the Leafs last year except use up cap space.

 

[mynameisearl11]

Keep pounding on the fact that T.Leiweke had a lot to do with the success of the L.A Kings - the eventual winner of this year's Cup- when he was there. So,I will have my fingers crossed that Leiweke will help bring the Stanley Cup to T.O. during my lifetime! For starter Shanahan will be responsible in a mentoring role to bring Clarkson back to earth this upcoming season.

 

[Ironhead]

Kessel and Phaneuf are dead weight and way overpaid .... What a Laff joke. Getting rid of their salaries alone would be a better bargaining chip in itself. You actually pay to see them play. I get my money's worth from SP's. Do the Laffs provide good service to their loyal following? I wouldn't pay to see them play.

lol

Who did not see this coming ?

 

[Ironhead]

Kessel and Phaneuf are dead weight and way overpaid .... What a Laff joke. Getting rid of their salaries alone would be a better bargaining chip in itself. You actually pay to see them play. I get my money's worth from SP's. Do the Laffs provide good service to their loyal following? I wouldn't pay to see them play.

Son, you certainly are entitled to your opinion, but they are my team.

I really like how you cannot stay out of threads of a team you claim to hate. lol

 

[mynameisearl11]

Still anxiously awaiting Shanahan first move as the man in charge of the Leafs. No disrespect to Nonis though.
One wrong move from the man upstairs we are going to have another looooongggggg winter!!!!!! I would love to see Stasny+Thornton wearing the Leafs jerseys in the fall