I wouldn't call him that, but he's the kind of defenseman that de Haan would be if he were any good. Not really physical but a good active stick, and enough puckmoving ability to get it out trouble.Remember when some analysts had Liljigren penciled in as a top-5 pick early on in the cycle?
Good times.
I think you can argue Toronto has also taken a step back, though.The one thing helping them is the East has gotten considerably weaker. Do I think they beat the panthers - no. But Carolina and Boston have taken a step or two back. Jersey still hasn’t taken that next step. Rangers and panthers are the toughest out. Leafs are probably third best team. Playoffs anything can happen.
Absolutely astonishing to me how many in the media there have the Leafs steamrolling the entire conference. Even with a few teams (Boston) seemingly regressing I just don't see how they can think Toronto is some elite franchise now, but I guess they're all drinking the Berube Kool-Aid.I think you can argue Toronto has also taken a step back, though.
Meh. They've clearly upgraded their goaltending. Their defence has always been trash (not the team defence, but the D-corps) so they just improved that. On forwards, they lost Bertuzzi so they got weaker there but not like he was that good.I think you can argue Toronto has also taken a step back, though.
I think they've further eroded their skill and speed, not by a substantial margin but enough IMO to make a difference. Tanev is good but I don't think he moves the needle nearly enough. Not to mention there's no way Nylander hits the stride he hit in his contract year, and Tavares continues to decline.Meh. They've clearly upgraded their goaltending. Their defence has always been trash (not the team defence, but the D-corps) so they just improved that. On forwards, they lost Bertuzzi so they got weaker there but not like he was that good.
I think they are in a better spot than last year. Does that make them a top contender, hell naw.
I think they've further eroded their skill and speed, not by a substantial margin but enough IMO to make a difference. Tanev is good but I don't think he moves the needle nearly enough. Not to mention there's no way Nylander hits the stride he hit in his contract year, and Tavares continues to decline.
In essence, despite an improvement in goal, they're older, slower, and IMO not as skilled as last season. They still just scream "first round exit" to me.
I'm sure now that I've typed that out they'll have some crazy-ass fluke run in the playoffs and make me regret those words.
Chris Patrick to other GM's: "give me all the players you don't like"they could also have PLD, Strome, Sandin, Chychrun, Vrana and Mangiapane all fall on their face and be bottom 10 again.
Yeah basically... a bunch of misfit toys who somehow are working together. Maybe because this is their last real chance.Chris Patrick to other GM's: "give me all the players you don't like"
Yeah basically... a bunch of misfit toys who somehow are working together. Maybe because this is their last real chance.
Or maybe not at all...Why the f*** would he even waste his money on this, he's gonna wear it like 6 times
Reichel would be interesting for sure .In that main thread about Friedman speculation that we're looking for forward help, someone suggested Lukas Reichel, would he fit our middle six?
I'd also like to circle back to Frost for 3C, when Gabe and Colton come back, Colton looks so much better at wing.
It's sad that we still won't get our actually impressive on paper top 9 though.
Why would Chicago trade him?Reichel would be interesting for sure .
They wouldn’t in all likelihood , but hey stranger things have happened .Why would Chicago trade him?
They shouldnt trade Manson, if they do the defense will be soft like butter.How about a different approach, Manson+rangers 2nd for Rutta+Dellandrea