If you could control the Leafs, what would you do?

[Captain Crunch]

I don't think that personally.

If you think you can win a cup by just crashing the net you are mistaken. You need your skill guys to be willing to buy into more than just the skill game. As of now, our most notable players have not. But remember it was not too long ago that we prioritized character, crash and bang, good forechecking players (Brad Ross, Tyler Biggs, Freddy Gauthier, Kenny Ryan, Luke Schenn...etc)

I'd much rather a GM that prioritizes skill in the draft and then acquires these roles via free agency. Which is kind of Dubas to a tee. Kase, Kampf, Ritchie, Bunting and Simmonds are all players that fit the mold you are referring too. If you are looking for that level of tenacity in the top 6, just remember that Tkchuk style players typically dont find themselves later in the first round, or later rounds. So if character/crash and bang type players are what you're seeking in those draft positions more often than not you will be left with a Tyler Biggs, and not a Jamie Benn. Everyone wants big strong forwards who crash and bang and go to the net hard. Including Dubas. We take best player available, with no predetermined requirements. Which may be hard for some to understand why we wouldn't have a height and weight minimum, but then you look at a Debrincat who was passed over for no logical reason and then you realize you can actually get value later in drafts with undersized skill.

Which is why you see guys like Ovchinikov, Miettenin, Voit, Robertson, Abrusezze, Koster, Neimela, Hirvonen... all fall into our laps late in drafts

I really don't think that Dubas has a preference for soft skill. He has a preference for skill in general.

I’m not so sure I agree with you on Dubas and his drafting. I believe he’s fixated on smaller, skilled players. But that’s just my opinion.
The problem with the guys he’s drafting, is that management rushed through the rebuild and the team is in win now mode. And they only have 5 1st round exits to show for it. Have we really seen growth occurring? At the end of each season there has always been the need to look for players to balance out not just a few trouble spots, but ALL 4 lines. How many serious Cup contenders are doing that continuously?
Brodie, and especially Muzzin, have both taken a step back this season. If Muzzin is fighting through an injury, would it not make more sense to take him out of the lineup and have him get healthy, so that maybe he won’t break down in the playoffs (assuming we make them)? And since towards the end of last season, the playoffs, and the start of this season, doesn’t it look like a terrible decision to have protected Holl?

 

[TMLAM34]

To Toronto: Adrian Kempe
To Los Angeles: Justin Holl


To Toronto: Jakob Chychrun
To Arizona: Travis Dermott, Nic Robertson, Alex Kerfoot



Kempe - Matthews - Nylander
Bunting - Tavares - Marner
Mikheyev - Engvall - Kase
Ritchie - Kampf - Simmonds/Spezza

Rielly - Brodie
Chychrun - Sandin
Muzzin - Liljegren

Mrazek - Campbell

 

[Metroid]

Let the real rowdy fans sit lower bowl and those business meeting client suits can sit in the upper bowl where it's quite and not watch hockey talk business. I'd start there. Oh and change the goal song. More organ less top 40 pop music...

 

[griffon1]

I'd give myself season tickets

 

[HamiltonNHL]

The core took money over winning.

I would have traded all 3.

And I wouldn’t have rushed the rebuild with Tavares.

 

[Griffin76]

It's sad that it's gotten to this point really. Should've had things fixed going into last season and before the ED.

Hyman should've been re-signed before the season began or part way in as with Rielly this year. Probably could've gotten him signed for 4.5 x 6.

They should've exposed Muzzin, Holl, Kerfoot and Engvall in the ED. Whoever the Kraken took, you move on from and use the cap space to improve on that spot. That would also allow other teams to see who might be available. Ideally all 4 would have been moved on from.

McCann should've been protected. Bunting and Kampf signed. And Foegle or Crouse?acquired. A defensive Dman (someone like Tanev) signed or acquired with Muzzin's cap hit or even less.

This could have been an interesting lineup.

Bunting Matthews Nylander
Hyman Tavares Marner
Foegle McCann XXX
Simmonds Kampf Spezza

Rielly Brodie/YYY
Dermott YYY/Brodie
Sandin Liljegren

Campbell
ZZZ

XXX Kase?
YYY top RHD or even LHD moving Dermott to the right side.
ZZZ someone cheaper than Mrazek if he doesn't fit under the cap.

Unfortunately I believe it's going to be Nylander that will be moved because of his valuable contract. And it's too bad because I think Matthews will want out after his contract is up.

 

[Dragao6]

Look for a trade for mrazek and get a cheap backup
Chris tanev or josh mason to play with Reilly
Holl can go
Cheaper faster Muzzin? For Muzzin lol (chychrun)

Trade parts for picks?
mikharlev types
Get clever to get forsberg and rackell

 

[souL]

I would trade:

Ritchie ($2,500,000)
Hall ($2,000,000)
Dermott ($1,500,000)
Engvall ($1,250,000)
Marner ($10,903,000)
Nylander ($6,962,366)
Muzzin ($5,625,000)
Mikheyev ($1,645,000)
Kämpf ($1,500,000)
Kerfoot ($3,500,000)

Total players = 10
Total Cap Hits = $37,385,366

 

[TheGroceryStick]

Kinda want these lines now

Nylander (shot) - Tavares (cycle) - Marner (setup)
Bunting(hardwork) - Matthews (all) - Kase(opportunity)
Engvall - Kampf - Kerfoot (shutdown)
Ritchie- Spezza - Simmonds (get goin guys!)

 

[Dreakmur]

To Toronto: Adrian Kempe
To Los Angeles: Justin Holl


To Toronto: Jakob Chychrun
To Arizona: Travis Dermott, Nic Robertson, Alex Kerfoot



Kempe - Matthews - Nylander
Bunting - Tavares - Marner
Mikheyev - Engvall - Kase
Ritchie - Kampf - Simmonds/Spezza

Rielly - Brodie
Chychrun - Sandin
Muzzin - Liljegren

Mrazek - Campbell

So we’re taking hostages to force teams to make trades now…

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

At the end of each season there has always been the need to look for players to balance out not just a few trouble spots, but ALL 4 lines. How many serious Cup contenders are doing that continuously?

This is a big issue IMO. Dubas looked at the cup winners and saw the stars making a big difference in the playoffs without paying attention to the role players surrounding them. He just assumed they would be able to do what Crosby had done with Kunitz and the revolving list of players they put on his line that he makes look good. You can't really just parachute in guys who 'care' and will go through a wall for you.

 

[TMLAM34]

So we’re taking hostages to force teams to make trades now…

Gotta do what you gotta do….. Lol

 

[Stephen]

This is a big issue IMO. Dubas looked at the cup winners and saw the stars making a big difference in the playoffs without paying attention to the role players surrounding them. He just assumed they would be able to do what Crosby had done with Kunitz and the revolving list of players they put on his line that he makes look good. You can't really just parachute in guys who 'care' and will go through a wall for you.

I like this recent interview with Mark Messier.

Opinion | Hockey legend Mark Messier authors a bit of advice for Auston Matthews and the Leafs: Embrace the ‘outside noise’

I think our core guys should ideally embrace all the buzz in the city and use the drama and expectations to find their Crosby gear and drag up those interchangeable pieces who come through year after year. We're a big stage and traditionally teams come to Toronto to play their A Game and show up the Leafs. How many times do you see a GTA guy come in, whether it's Connor McDavid or even a random minor pro like Michael Pezzetta come in and put on a show?

It's time for Leafs players to flip that script. You come onto the big stage and we kick your ass in front of a national audience. They should have fun playing the games, but they should also enjoy beating the wheels off of other teams.

 

[mydnyte]

So if you were the GM of the team with a stud D, you’d trade him for Marner PLUS a forward prospect? If I have the stud D, I’m not trading him unless I get at least two significant pieces, maybe more, back, not the other way around.

Rangers got Fox for a 2nd and a conditional 3rd ...he was only an NHL ready d-man at the time, but, he was a sure fire NHL defender at worse case scenario though.

i think Marner should be able to get an NHL ready or not yet established (with stud potential) d-man pretty easily, as long as the team dealing needs one of the leagues youngest/best offensive players (realistically, who doesnt)
i.e. take Dobson for example, the Isles dont have any cap space, and i dont know that Marner would be a great fit, and Marner would demand more back in return that only Dobson. But, Dobson is a young, unproven defender that 'may' be worth a gamble ...i'm sure there are plenty of others out there that may even have a higher ceiling, but, this should point you in the direction at least.

 

[mydnyte]

I would trade:

Ritchie ($2,500,000)
Hall ($2,000,000)
Dermott ($1,500,000)
Engvall ($1,250,000)
Marner ($10,903,000)
Nylander ($6,962,366)
Muzzin ($5,625,000)
Mikheyev ($1,645,000)
Kämpf ($1,500,000)
Kerfoot ($3,500,000)

Total players = 10
Total Cap Hits = $37,385,366

you would also be fired.

 

[Fogelhund]

Continue to ignore mostly irrational fans. Have some patience, and see where this team is at the quarter post. Decide and explore if there are ways to improve the team, dependent on the direction at that point. Further evaluate as the trade deadline approaches. Chances are the team will be competitive for the playoffs at that point, and the trolling angry posters will be back in hibernation.

Big week for the Leafs though, Vegas, Tampa Boston. Four or more points will be a move in the right direction.

 

[Racer88]

Continue to ignore mostly irrational fans. Have some patience, and see where this team is at the quarter post. Decide and explore if there are ways to improve the team, dependent on the direction at that point. Further evaluate as the trade deadline approaches. Chances are the team will be competitive for the playoffs at that point, and the trolling angry posters will be back in hibernation.

Big week for the Leafs though, Vegas, Tampa Boston. Four or more points will be a move in the right direction.

This all sounds sensible but isn’t something that management should have been doing along the last few years……..but here we are……

 

[Fogelhund]

This all sounds sensible but isn’t something that management should have been doing along the last few years……..but here we are……

Yes, here we are , a young talented core locked up, top five team in points over the last five years. The shortcomings are well known, but people keep forgetting this has been a very good team, with the exception being playoff success. But here we are, a fanbase losing it's mind...

 

[hockeynorth]

why is the power play so hard to figure out, just go:

x-Bunting-x
Nylander-Spezza-Matthews
x-Rielly-x

x-Ritchie-x
Kerfoot-Tavares-Marner
x-Sandin-x

Or swap Kerfoot for Spezza

Also, the power play was best last year when Simmonds was net front, could put him in Ritchies place, and Kase is a weapon that could be utilized.

All our players but Kampf excel on the power play

 

[sittler rules!!!]

It is obvious that Dubey is not going to make a trade of any of the big 4 (MM). Maybe shake up the leadership foundation a bit. Strip 91 of the C abd give it to 44. Should have done this in the first place. Strip the A from 16 and 34. Obviously not ready at the time nor mature enough, even now. Spezza gets an A, and to be quite truthful, I have trouble with who else deserves an A. Willie, he has been a good soldier, Muzzin maybe. I think TJ Brodie

 

[ACC1224]

It is obvious that Dubey is not going to make a trade of any of the big 4 (MM). Maybe shake up the leadership foundation a bit. Strip 91 of the C abd give it to 44. Should have done this in the first place. Strip the A from 16 and 34. Obviously not ready at the time nor mature enough, even now. Spezza gets an A, and to be quite truthful, I have trouble with who else deserves an A. Willie, he has been a good soldier, Muzzin maybe. I think TJ Brodie

Yes more drama is obviously needed.

 

[Notsince67]

Yes more drama is obviously needed.

Stripping A's will definitely get the team going.
How about something original like trying to trade Matthews for 5 1st round unprotected picks to Arizona who clearly covets him.
Can get a good chance at Shane Wright so the group has a fresh face to bash in the future.

 

[kb]

Stripping A's will definitely get the team going.
How about something original like trying to trade Matthews for 5 1st round unprotected picks to Arizona who clearly covets him.
Can get a good chance at Shane Wright so the group has a fresh face to bash in the future.

Truth!

And the beat goes on......

 

[RunItBackAgain]

Get them in some form of physical think tank, completely isolate them from the real world and life and demand a cup to be released.

 

[al secord]

The core took money over winning.

I would have traded all 3.

And I wouldn’t have rushed the rebuild with Tavares.

You're just assuming that there's a Lee Stempniak or Andrew Raycroft out there to trade our elite young talent for.