The Star: A need for speed drives Leafs captain John Tavares in summer workouts

[Niagara Bill]

Don't see how speed helps JT if it costs loss of bulk. Most of his points come from within 10 ft of the net. If he loses weight and strength in that part of his game it may hurt. Maybe Dubas should find digging wingers who get the puck to the front of the net instead of guys like Willie and Miky who do not compliment JT. Like A certain winger who played in Calgary and now in Florida.

 

[Nineteen67]

Don't see how speed helps JT if it costs loss of bulk. Most of his points come from within 10 ft of the net. If he loses weight and strength in that part of his game it may hurt. Maybe Dubas should find digging wingers who get the puck to the front of the net instead of guys like Willie and Miky who do not compliment JT. Like A certain winger who played in Calgary and now in Florida.

He will actually get stronger, which I think he needs to do anyway.

 

[therealkoho]

I thought other NHL teams complained about Leafs training at Leaf facilities in the offseason and the NHL banned it? Or was that only certain amenities?

The players can train there, they just can't have any Leafs coach's, trainers, instructors hired by the club etc in the facility at the same time.

The NHL rule is also in an embedded tweet included in the article;

Report: NHL teams complained that Leafs let players use facilities during offseason

The Maple Leafs are willing to spend, and that's apparently a problem for the rest of the league.

ca.sports.yahoo.com

If you didn’t think the NHL had sufficient time to really dig into the finer details while ironing out the framework on the collective bargaining agreement, think again.

For instance, included in the new policy is the apparent eradication of fully-operational team facilities during the summer months.

Why? Evidently, it’s because the Toronto Maple Leafs were having success developing their players with it.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, a collection of teams had raised the issue with the league, claiming that it was an unfair practice. The NHL insider said in an interview with the FAN590 on Friday morning: "Toronto was a team that, a lot of their prospects, or a number of them, would come to Toronto in the summer and they'd work out at the practice facility and they really improved as players. And teams were like we don't like that."

First of all, what a concept — that players and prospects could benefit from training in a professional environment. And if that wasn’t obvious already, the appropriate response to these findings should have been to simply cut a cheque in order to keep their training facilities open as well.

Instead, it seems the Leafs, who have always played a major role in propping up the rest of the league from a financial perspective, will have to forfeit another competitive advantage, and another one borne simply out of the willingness to spend.

This means that moving forward, prospects will have to train on their own and established veterans can’t live in the team facilities to rehabilitate major injuries.

That begs the question: would Zach Hyman have had the same season without it?

The NHL will always work to even the playing field, something that will always come to the detriment of the Maple Leafs.

But actively trying to lower the bar? There’s no reason for the league to ever agree to that.

From the CBA:

(b) Prohibited Off-Season Activities. Clubs are not permitted to have Club Coaching or Hockey Operations personnel (e.g., coaches, skating instructors, other Club employees, contracted service providers, etc.) participate in any on-ice sessions with Players. Clubs are not permitted to request or encourage Players to come to the Club’s home city during the off-season to utilize the Club’s arena/training/practice facility(ies) and/or to train with Club Coaching or Hockey Operations personnel.

Clubs are not permitted to pay for Players’ travel costs, per diems or housing for Players who choose to stay in or come to the Club’s home city during the off-season to utilize the Club’s arena/training/practice facility(ies) and/or to train with Club Coaching or Hockey Operations personnel.

In all instances, if Players choose to stay in or return to the Club’s home city to train over the summer, it must be on a Player-initiated basis only, and all associated costs must be borne by the Player. Clubs are not permitted to use electronic or computerized programs to track or monitor a Player’s offseason activity or conditioning.

Clubs are not permitted to facilitate or pay for Players to receive training/conditioning services during the off-season from: (i) Club Strength and Conditioning Coaches who may own separate businesses and provide off-site/off-season services (even where Players may want to utilize such services during the off-season); or (ii) third-party services providers that may provide training and conditioning services to Players inside or outside of the Club’s home city (e.g., Gary Roberts, Adam Oates, etc.)

(c) Monitoring and Enforcement. The NHL and the NHLPA agree to establish effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure each Club’s compliance with the requirements in this Section 15.11, so as to ensure a level playing surface as among all Clubs in the League and the competitive integrity of NHL competition, among other things. These provisions will therefore be monitored (including by unannounced “spot checks” during the course of the off-season) and strictly enforced.

Violations of these provisions will lead to significant penalties, including Club fines in an amount not less than $50,000 and individual fines in an amount not less than $10,000, as well as the potential forfeiture of Club Draft Picks, as determined to be appropriate by the Commissioner or his designee, in consultation with the Executive Director of the NHLPA.

 

[Shooter2x]

Don't see how speed helps JT if it costs loss of bulk. Most of his points come from within 10 ft of the net. If he loses weight and strength in that part of his game it may hurt. Maybe Dubas should find digging wingers who get the puck to the front of the net instead of guys like Willie and Miky who do not compliment JT. Like A certain winger who played in Calgary and now in Florida.

He doesn't require this current weight for his current strength so what's the point of carrying it around?

 

[ULF_55]

The players can train there, they just can't have any Leafs coach's, trainers, instructors hired by the club etc in the facility at the same time.

The NHL rule is also in an embedded tweet included in the article;

Report: NHL teams complained that Leafs let players use facilities during offseason

The Maple Leafs are willing to spend, and that's apparently a problem for the rest of the league.

ca.sports.yahoo.com

From the CBA:

Really does seem like what is needed is a super-league without Jacobs and Bettman in charge.

 

[TheProspector]

Tavares, after completing his 5th straight point per game season: gonna come back better. Yeah boy. This is my team, and he's my captain

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

Don't see how speed helps JT if it costs loss of bulk. Most of his points come from within 10 ft of the net. If he loses weight and strength in that part of his game it may hurt. Maybe Dubas should find digging wingers who get the puck to the front of the net instead of guys like Willie and Miky who do not compliment JT. Like A certain winger who played in Calgary and now in Florida.

Not sure it works like that. I'm a pretty big guy (currently 6'3", 215lbs but I've played hockey heavier). Guys that are strong on their skates, no matter what their size, can toss plugs like me around like I'm the little guy. Sure there are legitimate heavy bodies like Tom Wilson but for the most part, guys way smaller than him like Kadri are the ones impossible to move off the puck because of balance and overall skating ability. Tavares will be fine. Matthews actually got more physical after shedding a few pounds.

 

[Niagara Bill]

He doesn't require this current weight for his current strength so what's the point of carrying it around?

Not sure what you mean, but some bulk can have a positive effect in close. JT uses his butt to block checkers.
So here's to hope what he is doing is good for him and Leafs...

 

[Shooter2x]

Not sure what you mean, but some bulk can have a positive effect in close. JT uses his butt to block checkers.
So here's to hope what he is doing is good for him and Leafs...

What I meant is he's never needed last years weight to do what you want efficiently, so it's better if he sheds the weight if it can increase some speed at zero cost for everything else.

 

[notDatsyuk]

The second line needs a skilled 2 way player. Defensively, it is atrocious when both JT & Willy are together. JT is ok in the D-zone but is too slow when transitioning. Willy loves to blow the zone in the d-end and has no one to play with on the rush.

I really think those two should be on separate lines, and I wouldn't mind trying Willy at C. Which is 2C and which is 3C depends on what wingers they get and how well they work with them. I can see a 2A and 2B situation.

 

[Niagara Bill]

What I meant is he's never needed last years weight to do what you want efficiently, so it's better if he sheds the weight if it can increase some speed at zero cost for everything else.

And you know he didn't need last years weight? Only time will tell

 

[Shooter2x]

And you know he didn't need last years weight? Only time will tell

I mean we have his entire career prior to go off of, and last year isn't really a year to pick out as vintage Tavares. It's almost closer to fact than it is opinion that JT can do all the things you want him to do at a lower weight.

 

[Dayjobdave]

I’m really looking forward to seeing Jarnkrok get a trial with Willie and JT

good shot, defensive acumen

 

[notDatsyuk]

Tavares, after completing his 5th straight point per game season: gonna come back better. Yeah boy. This is my team, and he's my captain

Funny, but I just finished a long conversation in another thread with a poster who insisted that even 80 points in 81 games isn't "ppg", and that if a player can't maintain a true ppg then he shouldn't be paid even $10M (we were talking about a different player).

Just different points of view.

 

[ULF_55]

Funny, but I just finished a long conversation in another thread with a poster who insisted that even 80 points in 81 games isn't "ppg", and that if a player can't maintain a true ppg then he shouldn't be paid even $10M (we were talking about a different player).

Just different points of view.

Well we know 0.9876543209876543 <> 1

=================================

Jarnkrok I'm sure will get an opportunity.
As will Engvall and everyone else, including the guy they bring in when guyx is traded.

 

[Da Cool Rula]

The players can train there, they just can't have any Leafs coach's, trainers, instructors hired by the club etc in the facility at the same time.

The NHL rule is also in an embedded tweet included in the article;

Report: NHL teams complained that Leafs let players use facilities during offseason

The Maple Leafs are willing to spend, and that's apparently a problem for the rest of the league.

ca.sports.yahoo.com

From the CBA:

Am I wrong to suggest that Maybe the League should also look into leveling the playing field when it comes to taxes and the salary cap. For example How a Florida team can sign a player for 2 million less against the salary cap then the Canadian teams who have to pay more due to higher taxes?

I know it would never happen but considering this nonsense it made me think about it.

 

[Niagara Bill]

Am I wrong to suggest that Maybe the League should also look into leveling the playing field when it comes to taxes and the salary cap. For example How a Florida team can sign a player for 2 million less against the salary cap then the Canadian teams who have to pay more due to higher taxes?

I know it would never happen but considering this nonsense it made me think about it.

In Florida they need the extra money for guns, security details and sun screen.

 

[Torontonian]

You have to think a season of training instead of recovering will help Tavares out.

 

[DuklaNation]

Am I wrong to suggest that Maybe the League should also look into leveling the playing field when it comes to taxes and the salary cap. For example How a Florida team can sign a player for 2 million less against the salary cap then the Canadian teams who have to pay more due to higher taxes?

I know it would never happen but considering this nonsense it made me think about it.

You're not wrong. As you pointed out, certain US teams essentially have a higher cap by getting players at slight discounts. While in Canada, we must pay the full rate. Therefore, its not a fixed salary cap across the league. Adjustments should be made. On the main board, they believe taxes are not a major factor in player decisions. This is erroneous. Canadian cup drought is at 30 yrs. That's a trend. Salary cap era has hurt the Leafs probably more than any other franchise. Certainly has helped these US teams though.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

The Tavares years are over.
Kadri is more effective than him now.

It didnt work out.

 

[therealkoho]

The Tavares years are over.
Kadri is more effective than him now.

It didnt work out.

I would've loved to have kept Kadri but jeebuzz man our captain put up a point per game last year....again!

He did all that while playing with the "not ready for primetime" Kerf, the flash, dash and the too often cement hands of Mikkie, and the oft flaccid Willie!

what is it exactly you'd like from him?

meanwhile Kadri playing in the #1 slot for a good part of the season because of injuries to Colorados top 6 practically doubled his normal output from 0.65 to 1.2, for the first time ever!

it's not like you to be disingenuous, they moved Kadri because not only did they have big contracts coming up, but shortsighted LeaFlanders(what's new) had turned against him, not because of JT, you and I both know that.

 

[Notsince67]

I would've loved to have kept Kadri but jeebuzz man our captain put up a point per game last year....again!

He did all that while playing with the "not ready for primetime" Kerf, the flash, dash and the too often cement hands of Mikkie, and the oft flaccid Willie!

what is it exactly you'd like from him?

meanwhile Kadri playing in the #1 slot for a good part of the season because of injuries to Colorados top 6 practically doubled his normal output from 0.65 to 1.2, for the first time ever!

it's not like you to be disingenuous, they moved Kadri because not only did they have big contracts coming up, but shortsighted LeaFlanders(what's new) had turned against him, not because of JT, you and I both know that.

love Kadri but I would be astounded if he comes anywhere close to replicating this season.

 

[TheProspector]

Funny, but I just finished a long conversation in another thread with a poster who insisted that even 80 points in 81 games isn't "ppg", and that if a player can't maintain a true ppg then he shouldn't be paid even $10M (we were talking about a different player).

Just different points of view.

John Tavares is a ppg player that came back from a horrific injury that looked like it ended his career in the playoffs last year. Saying anything else about the guy is just silly at this point.

It will be interesting to see how well Tavares follows the traditional aging curves. He'll still be an OK player towards the end of his contract.... which, shockingly, is already where we are...last 3 years of a 7 year deal. Guy has been money in the bank for the TML.

love Kadri but I would be astounded if he comes anywhere close to replicating this season.

And no-one is going to pay him like he will. Matt Barnaby said it's 100% likely that he's waiting for cap clearing to sign a deal, though... Kadri knows exactly where he's going and for how much.

Too bad for Montreal that they paid Nick Suzuki and Josh Anderson $13.375mm and have zero cap hahah

 

[PromisedLand]

Wow just seeing this thread. Better late than never I guess.

Crosby identified "speed of the game" is an issue as he was aging so most of his focus in the offseason is on speed. And that is why Sid is Sid i.e. one of top players in the league. While JT is JT; one of the good players not necessarily the top players IMO (but of course he can change that if he wants).

If anyone is interested in Sid's interview:

1) Short NHL article

Crosby Opens Up in Podcast Appearance | Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby recently joined his former teammates Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette for a candid interview on the podcast Spittin' Chiclets. During the appearance, which lasted for over an hour, Crosby opened up on a variety of topics and shared a lot of great stories. Here are a

www.nhl.com

2) Full interview with Sid (worth it IMO, if you have time) = at around 36:00 mark he talks about skating speed and being a center I think

 

[Cap'n Flavour]

People really need to stop whining about the decline of this guy. Say what you want about him but the guy's a gud pro and I'll wager to say that there is not one player on our team who wants to win the cup next season more than him.

Atta boy JT, keep setting that good example like a captain should!

What a bizarre reaction to a generic, fluffy "best shape of his life" summer filler article. Who cares about the desire to win if you can't actually do it?

Also, for all those commenting on his point production being fine (it's still a disappointment given his salary), the bigger problem is that he's a liability defensively and needs to be putting up well over a PPG to compensate. He should take some pointers from Matthews on two-way play.