Speculation: Chris Johnston "An atom bomb could drop"

[Nineteen67]

Hi age screwed him, he's been playing vs children, not in the AHL and thats a huge step/difference

If he’s 185lbs now and can get up to to 190+ he should be able to play. Knies isn’t going anywhere so there’s no rush.

 

[Nineteen67]

I don't think you need to wait for a player to be completely ready to play in the NHL, especially when you're on a good solid team.. Teams like Dallas & FLA are good because they are getting & got tremendous value from their first round picks playing on a ELC. Lundell, Johnston, Stankoven, Harley. At such a young age, how did those teams know they were NHL ready with zero experience.

Toronto has gotten that once in the 9 year span and that's from Knies. There would be growing pains with Cowan, & it would be tough, but he doesn't need to playing in 82 games, him playing in 50 games is good for his development.

Instead of signing 30 year olds, Toronto needs to develop their younger 1st round talent into being productive and cheap.

On a team with a few bus drivers you can do that, but Leafs are looking for guys that can sit in that seat. Hopefully Knies and Cowan are able to do it and can build around them.

 

[mydnyte]

I don't think you need to wait for a player to be completely ready to play in the NHL, especially when you're on a good solid team.. Teams like Dallas & FLA are good because they are getting & got tremendous value from their first round picks playing on a ELC. Lundell, Johnston, Stankoven, Harley. At such a young age, how did those teams know they were NHL ready with zero experience.

Toronto has gotten that once in the 9 year span and that's from Knies. There would be growing pains with Cowan, & it would be tough, but he doesn't need to playing in 82 games, him playing in 50 games is good for his development.

Instead of signing 30 year olds, Toronto needs to develop their younger 1st round talent into being productive and cheap.

the way they have misused Robertson is a good example, he puts in a good effort, has possibly the 3rd best shot on the team behind Matthews/Nylander and a real nose for the net, but, got zero chance in the top 6 and then was swapped out for players that couldnt score in the playoffs, and was continually the 1st or only player sat after anything bad, and often not even after something bad.

Marchand and Robertson are the exact same size ...Marchand IS a better player, but, he was given every chance to succeed, Robertson, barely the chance to fail.

Cowen will come in with a lot more hype, he'd possibly get a look on PP2 and PK2 ...but, if he's getting 10-12 mins/night and out every few games, will that help or hurt his development??

 

[kevsh]

I do hope Pelley has someone ready to go in Shanahan's role because the clock is ticking.

JT & Marner have to be addressed, so do those contract talks (if any) get put on hold until the new person is hired? The draft is coming, then re-sign phase & free agency in little over a month.

If a new path is going to be charted, or not, the new President won't have a lot of time to make some very big decisions.

Hopefully, that person comes in with an established & concrete opinion, both on what's wrong in MLSE Land and what it will take to fix it, and just as importantly the autonomy to make it happen.

 

[ACC1224]

I do hope Pelley has someone ready to go in Shanahan's role because the clock is ticking.

JT & Marner have to be addressed, so do those contract talks (if any) get put on hold until the new person is hired? The draft is coming, then re-sign phase & free agency in little over a month.

If a new path is going to be charted, or not, the new President won't have a lot of time to make some very big decisions.

Hopefully, that person comes in with an established & concrete opinion, both on what's wrong in MLSE Land and what it will take to fix it, and just as importantly the autonomy to make it happen.

That's all Treliving's responsibility

 

[Nineteen67]

I do hope Pelley has someone ready to go in Shanahan's role because the clock is ticking.

JT & Marner have to be addressed, so do those contract talks (if any) get put on hold until the new person is hired? The draft is coming, then re-sign phase & free agency in little over a month.

If a new path is going to be charted, or not, the new President won't have a lot of time to make some very big decisions.

Hopefully, that person comes in with an established & concrete opinion, both on what's wrong in MLSE Land and what it will take to fix it, and just as importantly the autonomy to make it happen.

The new President will probably take a year to assess the situation and go from there, but it would be nice if he mandated Tre to starting building the farm system.

 

[Torontonian]

On a team with a few bus drivers you can do that, but Leafs are looking for guys that can sit in that seat. Hopefully Knies and Cowan are able to do it and can build around them.

I'd argue Matthews, Knies, Nylander, Tavares & maybe Marner? Who knows, and whoever is going to be replacing him like a Bennett etc would need to drive the bus & allow for Cowan to develop in a lesser role and hopefully develops into a middle 6 forward. Being on a stronger team allows you to hide his warts in his game as he figures it out. I don't know, I'm just tired of paying 30-35 year old to be useless in that role.

The NHL & the younger players are different now a days, I don't think you need to sit there and let em marinate in the minors like 10-15 years ago.

the way they have misused Robertson is a good example, he puts in a good effort, has possibly the 3rd best shot on the team behind Matthews/Nylander and a real nose for the net, but, got zero chance in the top 6 and then was swapped out for players that couldnt score in the playoffs, and was continually the 1st or only player sat after anything bad, and often not even after something bad.

Marchand and Robertson are the exact same size ...Marchand IS a better player, but, he was given every chance to succeed, Robertson, barely the chance to fail.

Cowen will come in with a lot more hype, he'd possibly get a look on PP2 and PK2 ...but, if he's getting 10-12 mins/night and out every few games, will that help or hurt his development??

I think Cowan and Robertson are different players. So it's hard to say, Robertson is kind of a boom or bust kind of prospect, his shot was pretty much his only threat. If he's not getting shots off, he provides next to nothing, can't play in his own end, and can't compete. Everyone in our top six is better then him, and the only spot open in the top six for him, would have been a nightmare to put him beside JT-Nylander.

From what I seen with Cowan last 2 years of pre-season is his motor and compete level is on another level compared to Robertson, kind of like the player you mentioned, Brad Marchand. Which helps you in the NHL. I don't think ever playing in the NHL is going to hinder your development if you are managed correctly. Playing and Practising against NHL players can only help you. Now if you're given an unrealistic expectation like riding beside Matthews & playing against the NHL's very best at a young age, sure.

 

[Martin Skoula]

The new President will probably take a year to assess the situation and go from there, but it would be nice if he mandated Tre to starting building the farm system.

What are you going to learn from a year of assessing that you shouldn’t already know from 9 years of watching very public failure? It’s not like we’re talking about a president for a tech company with a complicated management structure for 10k employees and a bunch of blackboxed tech under NDA.

 

[Nineteen67]

What are you going to learn from a year of assessing that you shouldn’t already know from 9 years of watching very public failure? It’s not like we’re talking about a president for a tech company with a complicated management structure for 10k employees and a bunch of blackboxed tech under NDA.

It’s what they do and how they buy time. Pelley should have done it last year, but he didn’t.

 

[BlueForever75]

There will be no new President to bring in. Pelley will handle the business side and Tre/Pridham will manage the hockey side of things. They are more then capable to do so. Pelley has seen enough over the past couple of seasons and how they ended to make sure he stays out of Tre's way.

They have the funds to change the narrative around the Leafs, they have a coach to help with the change as well. Bringing in the likes of Tanev, OEL, Carlo, Stolarz, Laughton and Lorentz are the start of the vision they are attempting to build. They will continue to add to that and subtract the pieces that do not fit the mold or are "passengers" as some have put it.

 

[Tie Domi Esquire]

What are you going to learn from a year of assessing that you shouldn’t already know from 9 years of watching very public failure? It’s not like we’re talking about a president for a tech company with a complicated management structure for 10k employees and a bunch of blackboxed tech under NDA.

It's hard to keep track of the most popular team in the sport, especially when they've been stagnant and spinning tires for 5+ years. They must streamline (cut costs) before they can make hockey decisions that will actually impact the on ice product. They were very embarrassed you see.

 

[Nineteen67]

I'd argue Matthews, Knies, Nylander, Tavares & maybe Marner? Who knows, and whoever is going to be replacing him like a Bennett etc would need to drive the bus & allow for Cowan to develop in a lesser role and hopefully develops into a middle 6 forward. Being on a stronger team allows you to hide his warts in his game as he figures it out. I don't know, I'm just tired of paying 30-35 year old to be useless in that role.

The NHL & the younger players are different now a days, I don't think you need to sit there and let em marinate in the minors like 10-15 years ago.


I think Cowan and Robertson are different players. So it's hard to say, Robertson is kind of a boom or bust kind of prospect, his shot was pretty much his only threat. If he's not getting shots off, he provides next to nothing, can't play in his own end, and can't compete. Everyone in our top six is better then him, and the only spot open in the top six for him, would have been a nightmare to put him beside JT-Nylander.

From what I seen with Cowan last 2 years of pre-season is his motor and compete level is on another level compared to Robertson, kind of like the player you mentioned, Brad Marchand. Which helps you in the NHL. I don't think ever playing in the NHL is going to hinder your development if you are managed correctly. Playing and Practising against NHL players can only help you. Now if you're given an unrealistic expectation like riding beside Matthews & playing against the NHL's very best at a young age, sure.

They’re not signing Bennett, and they’re not getting out this through free agency.

 

[Torontonian]

They’re not signing Bennett, and they’re not getting out this through free agency.

Maybe not on signing Bennett, but they aren't going to sit on their hands with 28m in cap and not replace Marner & his 100 points and the other holes in the lineup.

There will be no new President to bring in. Pelley will handle the business side and Tre/Pridham will manage the hockey side of things. They are more then capable to do so. Pelley has seen enough over the past couple of seasons and how they ended to make sure he stays out of Tre's way.

They have the funds to change the narrative around the Leafs, they have a coach to help with the change as well. Bringing in the likes of Tanev, OEL, Carlo, Stolarz, Laughton and Lorentz are the start of the vision they are attempting to build. They will continue to add to that and subtract the pieces that do not fit the mold or are "passengers" as some have put it.

There might be another President, I guess we will find out in the afternoon, but from Pelley message, he directly said a new voice was needed, having two guys that have been here for a couple of years as the GM/AGM now doesn't sound like a new voice & Pelley himself doesn't know hockey to make those decisions.

 

[colchar]

Marchand and Robertson are the exact same size ...Marchand IS a better player, but, he was given every chance to succeed, Robertson, barely the chance to fail.

You cannot possibly be comparing the two.

 

[BlueForever75]

Maybe not on signing Bennett, but they aren't going to sit on their hands with 28m in cap and not replace Marner & his 100 points and the other holes in the lineup.


There might be another President, I guess we will find out in the afternoon, but from Pelley message, he directly said a new voice was needed, having two guys that have been here for a couple of years as the GM/AGM now doesn't sound like a new voice & Pelley himself doesn't know hockey to make those decisions.

All indications are that they want to eliminate that layer from leadership structure according to reputable analysts.

But I wouldnt be against someone else with hockey sense coming in as president. But dont think it will happen.

 

[Trapper]

This core has never had to take the training wheels off. In order to evolve, change is required.
Hope Marner leaving puts some fear into the players and the fans. Maybe the guys left will realize they now have to work harder and the fans will appreciate the harder work.

 

[Torontonian]

All indications are that they want to eliminate that layer from leadership structure according to reputable analysts.

But I wouldnt be against someone else with hockey sense coming in as president. But dont think it will happen.

Ya, we will see.. I always think it's better to have people with different ideas and thoughts around then just one or two guys making the call.. You don't get different perspectives like that.

That was part of the problem with Shanahan & his downfall. if you went against his thinking or what he wanted, he wouldn't listen, it was his idea of the team or it wasn't happening. Dubas wanting to trade a core guy & Shanahan was completely against the idea and nixed it.

 

[Nineteen67]

Maybe not on signing Bennett, but they aren't going to sit on their hands with 28m in cap and not replace Marner & his 100 points and the other holes in the lineup.


There might be another President, I guess we will find out in the afternoon, but from Pelley message, he directly said a new voice was needed, having two guys that have been here for a couple of years as the GM/AGM now doesn't sound like a new voice & Pelley himself doesn't know hockey to make those decisions.

I’m 100% sure they’ll ice a team next year, but they don’t need to be spending money and term on FA that won’t be around if and when they can build a contender.
Find a 25 yo Sam Bennett, Tanev, etc and see if you can pry one of them from a team.

 

[rumman]

This core has never had to take the training wheels off. In order to evolve, change is required.
Hope Marner leaving puts some fear into the players and the fans. Maybe the guys left will realize they now have to work harder and the fans will appreciate the harder work.

Nit a chance they change their stripes, that’s nothing but wishful thinking imo…..

 

[Trapper]

Nit a chance they change their stripes, that’s nothing but wishful thinking imo…..

I know you’re right. I want the whole thing gutted but I know that won’t happen.
So I’ll start with one of core going. That just might accelerate the rest I hope.

 

[Nineteen67]

2 blowout games for Florida against Carolina so far. People still want to laugh at me for wanting to stick with the core that took the likely back-to-back Cup winners to 7 games?

45% of the Cap didn’t work, 48% didn’t work, 53% didn’t work, but just maybe 55% is the magic number.
LETS DO IT…..RUN IT BACK.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

45% of the Cap didn’t work, 48% didn’t work, 53% didn’t work, but just maybe 55% is the magic number.
LETS DO IT…..RUN IT BACK.

Letting Marner walk is on the table for me (even though I think he'd be a huge loss). And Tavares will be half price now at most. There will be money to shore up other needs while keeping most of the core in place (and I would).

 

[Jojalu]

I do hope Pelley has someone ready to go in Shanahan's role because the clock is ticking.

JT & Marner have to be addressed, so do those contract talks (if any) get put on hold until the new person is hired? The draft is coming, then re-sign phase & free agency in little over a month.

If a new path is going to be charted, or not, the new President won't have a lot of time to make some very big decisions.

Hopefully, that person comes in with an established & concrete opinion, both on what's wrong in MLSE Land and what it will take to fix it, and just as importantly the autonomy to make it happen.

It sounds like there will be no president. Brad will report directly to Pelley.

 

[mydnyte]

You cannot possibly be comparing the two.

In stature, YES, they are exactly the same size ...vastly different skill sets, but, size wise, identical

 

[stealth1]

Letting Marner walk is on the table for me (even though I think he'd be a huge loss). And Tavares will be half price now at most. There will be money to shore up other needs while keeping most of the core in place (and I would).

Matthews is the biggest passenger on this team. He needs to go as well. He's not a winner or a leader.