Toronto Maple Leafs - 2016/17 Season

[superstar_88]

You've figured that out 17 games into his NHL career?
Mmmkay.

Well, who would you rather have on the Leafs? Kessel or Marner? I'd choose Marner. He's 19 and just starting his career so he'll be even better. Kessel is supposedly at his peak. Kessel has a better shot. A better offensive player overall but have you ever seen him block a shot? That's part of hockey as well and helps the team. Or hussle back to break up plays. You probably think P. Larouche was a good player as well.

Hurricanes defensive game is very impressive. Right down to their penalty killing.

 

[glamphotographer]

Managing expectations, Leafs are not making the playoffs. The rookies provide some excitement and optimism. Leafs looking at a top 5 or 6 pick at the 2017 draft.

 

[glamphotographer]

Hockey injuries happens but the blood clot is genetic (bad genes).

Yes it does but when keeps happening to the same guys??? Anyways I picked TB to win the cup this year and they probably can do it without Stamkos.

 

[Insidious Von]

Question...since this is what I wanted at the time.

Considering how rejuvenated Cam Ward looks, how well the Canes are playing - should the Leafs have drafted Noah Hanifin?

 

[smuddan]

Question...since this is what I wanted at the time.

Considering how rejuvenated Cam Ward looks, how well the Canes are playing - should the Leafs have drafted Noah Hanifin?

IMO No, I wouldn't even consider trading Marner for Hanifin today.

I must say I haven't watched much of Hanifin but here are his stats in the NHL :

GP G. A. P +/- PI
2016-2017 19 1 7 8 -8 10

NHL Career 98 5 25 30 -22 32

From all accounts he's going to be a very good two way defenceman with size and will be a core piece in the Hurricanes rebuild; but Marner has shown that he has the potential to be a very special player and many hav compared him to Kane. His upside is much higher than Hanifin, at least that's what looks to me now.

We both agree that the Leafs need defence and goaltending. Using Chicago as a model I would trade anyone on the team including picks other than Marner, Matthews and Rielly for a young stud like Trouba or Hanifin so they can all develop together. Chicago's success is based on a core of Kane, Toews, Keith and Seabrook. The Leafs potentially have the front end to match but nowhere near in the back end.

 

[kyleb899]

The leafs need better defense and goaltending. The leafs are still losers since 1967 lol

 

[Insidious Von]

I had to look up one of LJJ's players: Petr Sykora.

He won the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2000, but lost to them while playing for the Ducks in 2003 under Mike Babcock. He was not with the Ducks when they won the Cup in 07, he was with the Edmonton Oilers.

I had to look up another player Valeri Vasiliev, I'm shocked that he's not in the HHOF! He was better defensively than Fetisov making Tretiak's life in net much easier, both are in the HHOF. Perhaps it's because he reached his peak during the tournaments the NHL would like to forget: 1978 Challenge Cup and the 1981 Canada Cup. After he retired, the Soviet Union would not win another tournament against NHL players.

 

[dirkd101]

Mitch Marner is proving his worth. The future does indeed look bright.

 

[smuddan]

Interesting west coast trip starting tonight. Maybe Kadri will be a target in both the Oilers and Canucks games ?

 

[kyleb899]

seen when is Kadri is a superstar player, he just a average player.

 

[gcostanza]

seen when is Kadri is a superstar player, he just a average player.

What?

 

[shack]

seen when is Kadri is a superstar player, he just a average player.

I have seen opinions about how he has matured.

Please provide the links to where people say he is a superstar. Guaranteed you cannot provide even one.

 

[gcostanza]

I have seen opinions about how he has matured.

LouLam & the rest of the Leafs brass seem to think he's matured.
$27,000,000/6 years. He's an above average NHL player, a solid #2 centre.

 

[shack]

LouLam & the rest of the Leafs brass seem to think he's matured.
$27,000,000/6 years. He's an above average NHL player, a solid #2 centre.

But never any claims of superstar as k899 implies.

 

[smuddan]

LouLam & the rest of the Leafs brass seem to think he's matured.
$27,000,000/6 years. He's an above average NHL player, a solid #2 centre.

A solid #2 is an integral part of any successful team. In certain situations, like when defending a one goal lead in late games, you may want that shut down centre on the ice instead of your No.1

 

[gcostanza]

But never any claims of superstar as k899 implies.

Absolutely not.

 

[maurice93]

I can't say I watch the Leafs closely enough to confirm what Craig Button said tonight, but I will take Button at his word that he is playing great defensive hockey this year.

While Kadri may never have an offfensive season like he did in the strike year, a good defensive centre with 50-60 points, is definetely worth 6/27, If he is a good defensive player, he is probably comparable to Tomas Plekanec of Montreal. and Montreal had to pay more than 4.5.

 

[Insidious Von]

Last season Babcock didn't have a plan, he was assessing what he had. He's gotten through to Kadri, he's demanding smart two-way hockey and to stop being a dumb prick. Kadri has responded. Nylander's outlet pass for the first goal impressed the hell out of me, he can thread the needle like Adam Oates.

I have new found appreciation for Oilers fans - they've suffered so much. After Kadri scored the third goal they gave him a robust Bronx Cheer. In an opposition rink that's a sign of respect.

If Bernier (where is he) was watching it must have made him squirm:

 

[Insidious Von]

I'm hosting a Mexican themed Christmas party. I've copied a picture of Richard Peddie - he's going to be the pinata.

 

[kyleb899]

I have seen opinions about how he has matured.

Please provide the links to where people say he is a superstar. Guaranteed you cannot provide even one.

Smuddan said Interesting west coast trip starting tonight. Maybe Kadri will be a target in both the Oilers and Canucks games ?