2014 Free Agency drags on ...

[namttebih]

Well then I'd just switch the roles Holzer and MacWilliam were in then, depending on what it is. Granberg should stay in the AHL as the top pairing defenseman so he can play quality minutes as a top 3 defenseman. I feel he's almost a carbon copy of Korbinian Holzer from 4 years ago when Holzer was 21 and everyone thought he was ready. Personally I thought he was too, but then they rushed him and he looked terrible. I'd rather see 1 good year on the top pairing as the top AHL defenseman (or even like a good half year) before I see Granberg in the NHL. Besides, with Holzer and MacWilliam, we don't have to rush him into the NHL until at least until next season.

Korby wasn't rushed. He didn't play significant minutes in he NHL until he was 24. That was the problem. He played significant minutes in the top four, including top pair minutes. He has a bottom pairing skill set and should have been given sheltered minutes there. He was forced into a situation where he was destined to fail.

I'm not disagreeing that we shouldn't rush Granberg. He should however get every opportunity to make the bottom pairing in camp if warranted.

 

[rdawg1234]

July(after the first week) and august are just the worst for Leafs and hockey news.

and sports in general, just nothing to watch on tv sports wise during the week!

The arguments get ridiculous too, this week people in this forum have been arguing about weight gain from Nylander

 

[Budsfan]

I'm not opposed to having Franson back, at least for another year but if he still continues to play, the way he did this past year, then deal him.

We tend to focus on what happened this past season but he wasn't the only player to struggle, Kadri, Phanuef and a lot of the team did too, in the prior shortened season, he was a pretty good player and if you look at Kadri and Phanuef, they also had the same pretty good seasons, what happened?

I blame Carlyle for the crash and I still think he should be gone but if Horachek can institute a good system, or some other system is adopted, that gives the team more flow and back checking responsibility, then lets see how everyone responds, to a better system, dealing Franson immediately, seems like we are "throwing out the baby with the bath water" and it might be better to wait and see what happens.

 

[BeerLeaguePro]

Sign Carlo Colaiacovo for third pairing D

How does everyone feel about plugging in Carlo Colaiacovo for our third D pairing to play with former Blues defense partner Roman Polak.

With Franson on the way out we need a versatile veteran on the cheap to play minutes with Polak in a shutdown role as the rookies looking for his spot come into their own with the big club. Ultimately I see Andrew MacWilliam and Peter Granberg on a 4th pair together (leafs need to dress 8 D again this year) as AHL studs its time for them to move up.

I had my eye on Raphael Diaz for Polaks partner but Carlo is a former leaf and already has chemistry with our shiney new Polak...

"He's (Carlo) talking a lot on the ice," Polak said. "This year, he knows his role and he's been really patient. I think he's doing a great job, especially when you don't play that much and then you're in the game right away."​

Sounds like a fit to me and we could nab him for under 1mil or even a PTO and shelter the rookies.

Here is what Shattenkirk said about his play in March

"I don't think anything is different with him," Shattenkirk said. "He's feeling comfortable, he's playing really well. He's been around the block. He's been on different teams, he's played with different players, he treats it all like a great professional.

"When he gets his opportunity to play, he takes advantage of it. That's a great mindset to have when you have a core like ours, where people are coming in and coming out. He's just proven that he can be there and play a great steady game."​

Yes he is brittle but alot of that was due to style of play and poor luck. He is 31 and still a fantastic skater. He was a leaf draft pick. He will not play 82 games leaving lots of room for youth development.

Roster found here http://capgeek.com/armchair-gm/roster/37713

 

[Teeder9]

No thanks. At least when glass breaks at my house there is an actual reason it happened. Doesn't just up and break itself

 

[BeerLeaguePro]

No thanks. At least when glass breaks at my house there is an actual reason it happened. Doesn't just up and break itself

Thats funny.

More from Hitch about his play last year

"He was good, moved the puck," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "I thought that pair was very good." He played alongside Roman Polak in the contest and could dress again in Friday's meeting at Anaheim. and "He's been ready for a week," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "He's a great puck distributor, he's smart, he plays sneaky good minutes. He's a real complementary player. He can play minutes killing penalties, he can play on the power play ... he can add to the group."

Carlo also dressed as a winger for a few games due to the Blues defensive depth with little impact. He was not dressed for any of the Blues playoff contests this spring (qualifies for Blue and White disease) and he has not been injured (albeit with light duties) since 2013 playoffs with the Wings.

 

[dominicmoore19]

Ummm when did we ever dress 8 D last year? And I'd rather not have guy who gets hurt just walking to the ice. Yes he's a good player but it's not worth the 40 games he'll miss. Also, Franson JUST got signed, so how is he on his way out? Yes a trade is possible but let's wait and see.

 

[ark]

Obligatory:

 

[TootooTrain]

He's the kind of guy you sign when 3 of your starting 6 get injured. Not the one you hand a bottom pairing gig to.

 

[SourGrapes]

I don't know why we'd want another bottom-pairing defenseman on the wrong side of thirty. Let the kids play out the season, get a feel for the game.

Also, I'd rather not bring back bad memories.

 

[Pholus]

Why bother signing a player if you know they aren't going to play very much for your team? We already have 1 veteran whose health is questionable in Robidas, so we don't really need another. I would rather give our prospects some time to really see what they can do.

 

[Swervin81]

First of all:

Secondly, I do not want Oh No Carlo back on this team in any capacity. If people think Lupul is injury prone, Cola makes Lupul look like ****ing Iron Man.

 

[BeerLeaguePro]

Obligatory:

Thankyou

 

[BeerLeaguePro]

Ummm when did we ever dress 8 D last year? And I'd rather not have guy who gets hurt just walking to the ice. Yes he's a good player but it's not worth the 40 games he'll miss. Also, Franson JUST got signed, so how is he on his way out? Yes a trade is possible but let's wait and see.

You are right we dressed 7, keep 8 on the active roster and tap the best seven in the warmup...

Franson odds of being a Leaf in training camp not likely as a PP specialist and ancillary right handed shot.

Who would you rather have, Franson at 3.3mil or Carlo at under 1mil plus the assets from the Franson trade?

 

[BeerLeaguePro]

Sure it would have. Would have allowed Phaneuf to focus on offense.

Gorges-Subban worked, so could Gorges-Phaneuf

Gorges thinks Phanny is a goof, thats why he didnt come here.

 

[Rielly4]

I'd like to say we will still trade Franson... People were probably weary of his contract demands, now that hes at 3.3 they will feel okay with him.

Although its a 1 year deal and his value wont be very high.

 

[TMLife*]

Phanuef prefering the right side, may be the reason, that should Franson get awarded a contract, that the Leafs don't want to carry, they will trade him and promote Granberg and Holzer or MacWilliam.

You should look up proper use of the comma.

 

[LaPlante94]

So with Franson signed we can only assume that our D pairings will look like this

Phaneuf-Robidas
Gardiner-Polak
Reilly-Franson

If our forwards can start playing a better possession game I think we'll be fine.

 

[Community]

So with Franson signed we can only assume that our D pairings will look like this

Phaneuf-Robidas
Gardiner-Polak
Reilly-Franson

If our forwards can start playing a better possession game I think we'll be fine.

Much rather:

Gardiner - Phaneuf
Rielly - Robidas
Polak - Franson

Phaneuf plays on his preferred side, one of Polak/Franson plays on their off-side. Not ideal, but it puts an OFD with a TWD/DFD on each pairing.

 

[Rielly4]

Carlyle wants a shutdown line...

I still think we add a d man to play with Dion on the top pair... Doesnt have to be a superstar, maybe just a slight upgrade on Gunner.

 

[Mystifo]

Carlyle wants a shutdown line...

I still think we add a d man to play with Dion on the top pair... Doesnt have to be a superstar, maybe just a slight upgrade on Gunner.

I want a executive position with a oil company but I doubt I am going to get it.


Shutdown lines just can't work now.


Your "Shutdown" line needs to be a "200ft line"

 

[Lifeisnice]

I want a executive position with a oil company but I doubt I am going to get it.


Shutdown lines just can't work now.


Your "Shutdown" line needs to be a "200ft line"

Phaneuf has also shown he plays at his best when paired with a more stay at home type such as Gunnarson or farther back, Regier (sp?) The leafs would be improved a lot if we had a top pairing LD who can cover for Dion when he makes hits or pinches

 

[Lifeisnice]

You are right we dressed 7, keep 8 on the active roster and tap the best seven in the warmup...

Franson odds of being a Leaf in training camp not likely as a PP specialist and ancillary right handed shot.

Who would you rather have, Franson at 3.3mil or Carlo at under 1mil plus the assets from the Franson trade?

I would support this. Mgmt obviously wants a balanced d corps of guys playing on their preferred sides. If Carlo played well with Polak as well, he could split games with Percy or Granberg. Given the large roles Gardiner and Reilly will play, it gives us an extra veteran (who has been called positive in the room) to help insulate them.

Gardiner Phaneuf
Reilly Robidas
Carlo Polak
Percy/Granberg

 

[LaPlante94]

Phaneuf played his best hockey on the left side. I believe he played LD in juniors and on Calgary. Played right side on the PP.

 

[BeerLeaguePro]

Why bother signing a player if you know they aren't going to play very much for your team? We already have 1 veteran whose health is questionable in Robidas, so we don't really need another. I would rather give our prospects some time to really see what they can do.

Because if you need him he can play, if you dont need him he can sit.

Its not likely that he would be preferred over youth if they are playing well (see St Louis) but if one of the left handed D takes a step back you have a strong option that can play up to 15-18 mins a night, is safe, mobile, experienced and cheap. His contract would be for one year at most and would not gouge cap room or trade assets needed for an impact forward and depth in net. Also as a 17th overall Leaf draft pick he knows what sort of mentorship would be helpful to our rookie 1st rounders with the unique challenges presented to them on and off the ice in the Big Smoke.

You know we need another defenseman other than our burgeoning rookie group, Colaiacovo meets this need as well or better than the other remaining UFA defense.

Trust me, I don't get a boner suggesting this either but I do see it as a good plan B type move at this time.