I could see that.
I really didn't think JMac was great this year. Last year, on the other hand, I thought he was phenomenal. We really just can't afford to put 2mil into a fourth line center.
I agree. Especially if they plan on signing Bolland.
I sure hope we don't. $5 mil 3rd line centres are never a good idea
Agreed, Bolland can walk. He's not worth nearly 5mil.
Very possible.
Either way, supposedly he's not a fan of certain core players and is sick of he PK. This isn't breaking news or anything but if what this guys says is true, the dressing room is a mess.
(Sorry, I hate to be the unsubstantiated rumour guy)
Which core players?
EDIT: I do want to remind everyone that there were problems in the Colorado dressing room last year too.
Just as a thought:
In: Brown, Stastny
Out:
Lupul, Kadri
JVR - Bozak - Kessel
XXXX - Stastny - Brown
Is a much more well rounded top six, IMO.
Clarkson, Phaneuf I think they should both be moved making the Leafs keep some of each contract, which is brutal considering the length of these contracts but Leafs management deserve this. I think Phaneuf gets moved first though as Clarkson can only get better.
I would like to see Leafs go after MIKE GREEN. I think this is the ideal help at D, he only has 1 ore year on contract and I hear Caps may be cleaning house.
Mike Richards from LA is another that we should wink at. Mike Richards, Stastny or someother C I think would allow us to move Kadri and something good In a dream worlds Kadri-Reimer plus more can bring us Evander Kane).
World championship hopefully raises value of Leafs players lol
Im really stretchign here but Mike Green for me would be an incredibly start by Shannahan (get rid of Nonis).
Hint: it's the two guys that will make the most money next year.
If mclement and bolland both walk would you prefer an over payment for a free agent or do you think we could retool from within ?
Would love to see carrick, gauthier given shots in pre season, theyre exactly what we need in bottom 6, but who knows if theyre ready.
...I love Carrick and we need more players like him in the system...He's 22 and looks ready to me...feisty...hard working...developing offensive game...If he needs another year in the AHL though, so be it...Gauthier...not dominating two levels below the NHL , but improving nicely,is no where ready for NHL action...If mclement and bolland both walk would you prefer an over payment for a free agent or do you think we could retool from within ?
Would love to see carrick, gauthier given shots in pre season, theyre exactly what we need in bottom 6, but who knows if theyre ready.
...The merry go round continues...WE have big time cap problems going forward and we are going to take on Dustin Brown's salary at 600 grand more than Lupul's for 5 years more (til 2022)?...and on top of that sign Stastny for say 7 yr @ 6-7 mil per year?...This stuff has to stop...i really like this top 6. i don't see how we can squeeze brown and stastny under the cap. lupul's salalry gets swapped for brown's but how does stasny's 6.5M+ fit in?
i can't imagine clarkson getting moved? maybe phaneuf?
...The merry go round continues...WE have big time cap problems going forward and we are going to take on Dustin Brown's salary at 600 grand more than Lupul's for 5 years more (til 2022)?...and on top of that sign Stastny for say 7 yr @ 6-7 mil per year?...This stuff has to stop...
A mix of both.
Holland should be a lock.
The other will likely be from outside the organization. Via free agency or trade.
What about Malholtra for a cheap vet stop-gap?
Don't like it. No such thing as stop-gaps when you're not contending. If you're not good enough stop-gaps just lead to mediocrity: finishing 16th to 25th overall. I'd rather give the position to Holland and see what he can do with some actual ice time, and/or Kadri on the 3C assuming we bring in another C. Otherwise, I think there are better options than Malholtra.
I was thinking for the 4th
Bozak
Kadri
Holland
Malholtra
That's a lot of youth at C. Having a vet in the ranks might help. The only problem would be if RC stays. He'd play MM ahead of both of them most nights.
What other cheap free agents are out there this year?