Confirmed with Link: Leafs acquire Dzingel, Lyubushkin from ARI for Ritchie, c.2nd... Dzingel on waivers &claimed

[Leafsfan74]

We are not getting 40-point Dzingel. We are getting a much different player, one that is likely sent down before usurping a role on the Leafs.

If they aren't going to give him a shot, they should just waive him then and try and reap the cap space.

He doesn't need to be a 40 point guy if he is willing to play a meaner, more tenacious game than some of our players. The function of such play alone can lead to playoff offense with the cast of Leaf players we have. Consider Galchenyuks play with Kerfoot last playoffs. A little drive can go a long way if teammates can get you the puck.

 

[Leafsfan74]

Nice to see Dubas admit defeat with Ritchie though im not sure if either of these guys will see much ice time barring injury.

Not terrible but paying to dump a UFA you signed the same seasons is never ideal.

He had other offers in the offseason, Leafs were not alone.

It is sometimes a numbers game. On paper, this was a good pickup. In reality, he was what Bruins fans said he was. It's perplexing to me that some players don't care, a little pride is important in all aspects of life, but it is what it is.

 

[4thline]

They didn't pick up Ritchie when he was available for free though.

He wasn't for free though. To a team that can barely pay their bills, claiming Ritchie came at a cost of ~950k combined wages and waiver fee. Doing it this way is a net cash savings for them. (~470k to Lyub, 390 to Dzingel vs. 600k to Ritchie = 260).

Even if you account for both of them likely being traded at the deadline (removing roughly half of their remaining cash cost) this way they're only adding Ritchie for 170k this season

 

[Fonzieleaf]

People saying Lyubushkin is better than Chiarot? Someone care to explain because I have never heard/seen this guy play.

 

[Leafsfan74]

I like this from Dubas. If you are not contributing to the team then you are taking space and capspace away; you are not going to be a Leaf long.

Savage move but had to be done!

Dubas has become a more sober GM as he realizes how stragglers don't just impact the team and organization, but also the jobs of those around the team.

Commit yourself to winning, whatever that entails, or find a new team. These are not outlandish expectations from an employer paying you very well to play a kids game.

It's why I have defended at times coaches like Babcock and Torts, within reason of course. It should always be about team and you can't just coast if you expect to win. A little heat from the coach (in a professional manner) is needed sometimes.

 

[Kshahdoo]

It's him vs Barabanov btw...

 

[kevsh]

I'd go the other way. Leave Holl with Muzzin, but lighten their load, use Lyub to give Sandin a more physical partner below the dots

I have no problem with that assuming no further moves are made on the blue line. Just not at all comfortable with Holl in a top 4 role but is the best option the Leafs have unless Lyubkshkin is given a chance and runs with it.

Liljegren just cannot be in the top 4 in the playoffs for this team. For me any one of Sandin, Lyub, Dermott is a better option until Timothy improves his game.

 

[Nylander88]

This may not be popular with some, but for me, Engvall and/or even Mikheyev would be replaced if they can find the right replacements. Dzingel might already be one such player.

It appears that Keefe is high on Engvall and I can see why, beyond his familiarity with him (which is very important when making such decisions). Mik can create and had flashes of strong finish. Playoffs are a different animal and this is "we can't fail again" postseason of all postseasons and I see them as players who might be upgraded (Engvall mig.

I admire their defensive commitment, this is what has me torn because such team builds can win, it's just that usually such players with a bit more jam. Mik can kill penalties and is more valuable overall certainly, but still expendable.

Scoring gets tougher in the playoffs, so if you aren't scoring, what are you doing? Are you taking the body, making life difficult in the neutral zone, wearing down opponents?

If not, it is a tougher climb when you need all hands on deck.

Totally agree. Big reason I feel Dzingel could be a fit here. He's a good skater, can PK, and isn't afraid of the dirty areas. When things get chippy, he'll answer for himself or for a teammate. Mikheyev and Engvall are certainly useful, but when the going gets tough, they get far too passive. Dzingel can provide just as much, if not more offense than either one of those guys. Could be a bargain. If I'm Dubas, I now look to try and trade Holl & Mikheyev for a D-man who can pair with Muzzin

 

[ULF_55]

I called it a long time ago this would happen. Ritchie and a pick for Dzingel...added Lyub is a bonus.

Excellent deal.

If they have unloaded Ritchie for 3rd. round pick?

Maybe there is a place for Ritchie in Arizona?

 

[francis246]

 

[Leafsfan74]

People saying Lyubushkin is better than Chiarot? Someone care to explain because I have never heard/seen this guy play.

I reckon is begins and end with him playing in Arizona. Quite possibly the team I watch the least of (I watch various teams from time to time).

Consider the astute pickup of Bunting. Dubas saw commitment and tenacity, figured he would do well on a more talented team.

 

[Holls Blackmail]

Agreed but muzz needs to regain his brain

He's still shell-shocked from having to carry Holl all this time.

 

[francis246]

Excellent deal.

If they have unloaded Ritchie for 3rd. round pick?

Maybe there is a place for Ritchie in Arizona?

well it’s gonna be a 2nd most likely

 

[zeke]

He wasn't for free though. To a team that can barely pay their bills, claiming Ritchie came at a cost of ~950k combined wages and waiver fee. Doing it this way is a net cash savings for them. (~470k to Lyub, 390 to Dzingel vs. 600k to Ritchie = 260).

Even if you account for both of them likely being traded at the deadline (removing roughly half of their remaining cash cost) this way they're only adding Ritchie for 170k this season

But surely they could have traded lyubushkin and dzingel away for something after picking up Ritchie for free.

 

[Holls Blackmail]

That has to be the worst play by play ever.

No wonder hockey isn't popular in Arizona with such bush league PBP.

 

[zeke]

 

[Nylander88]

Dzingel at this point profiles as a pretty useful utility winger.
Not bad depth in case someone gets hurt on the 3/4 lines, can probably hang with the top lines for a game or two here and there.

He's 29 years old and has been bounced around. Playing on teams like Ottawa, Columbus, Arizona (only good team was Carolina in the last while if I'm not mistaken). He brings good speed, PK ability, fiesty play, and C/W versatility if need be. I'm not sold on writing him off as a Coyotes throw in. I'm not ready to dream big and say maybe he can be a top 6 winger and give us that Bunting type fit (that'd be great if it happens)...but I think a new fourth line of Dzingel-Spezza-Simmonds could be plenty useful. Dzingel is a guy Spezza could really use imo. And Dzingel with Simmonds could help bring some good energy shifts

 

[The Podium]

Lyubushkin should be a solid partner for Sandin and really shore up that #6 spot.

Dzingel probably shares the role of a 13th forward and comes in and out of the lineup in place of Simmonds/Spezza. Hopefully he can regain some of his Ottawa form.

Good haul for a cap dump. Give us some cap flexibility too if either of them don’t perform.

 

[ULF_55]

well it’s gonna be a 2nd most likely

Could be a 2nd. in 3 years yes.

Do we really care at this point about a 2nd. round pick in 2025 when the Matthews and Nylander are UFA? That's 4 playoffs away.

 

[francis246]

Could be a 2nd. in 3 years yes.

Do we really care at this point about a 2nd. round pick in 2025 when the Matthews and Nylander are UFA? That's 4 playoffs away.

nope, not at all! I’m all for moving futures if it helps us in our current window

 

[showtime8]

Could be a 2nd. in 3 years yes.

Do we really care at this point about a 2nd. round pick in 2025 when the Matthews and Nylander are UFA? That's 4 playoffs away.

Yeah, that's a good point. Dubas might not even be here in 2025.

Also, who's going to be the GM in Arizona at that point. Sure it's smart to choose a 2nd round pick over a 3rd, but that GM might not be there either in 2025.

 

[saltming]

He's still shell-shocked from having to carry Holl all this time.

 

[4thline]

But surely they could have traded lyubushkin and dzingel away for something after picking up Ritchie for free.

Maybe, but who knows how tight their week to week cashflow is, how long could "after" wait? What are you going to get in a rush deal in January? They're in an entirely different reality than us in terms of financial flexibility.

In any, case for whatever reason, it's pretty clear that this deal had some more complex motivations than "3rd rounder to dump Ritchie, a couple of bums for free"

 

[ULF_55]

He wasn't for free though. To a team that can barely pay their bills, claiming Ritchie came at a cost of ~950k combined wages and waiver fee. Doing it this way is a net cash savings for them. (~470k to Lyub, 390 to Dzingel vs. 600k to Ritchie = 260).

Even if you account for both of them likely being traded at the deadline (removing roughly half of their remaining cash cost) this way they're only adding Ritchie for 170k this season

Funny, that the cash scrapped team goes after a player that has a salary that doubles next year.

 

[CupcakeSprinkles]

I think it's a solid deal personally. We dump Ritchie and gain two solid depth players. Dzingel has been playing on an atrocious Arizona team.. reality is Dzingel is a complimentary player that needs good players around him. Lyubushkin fills a role we've been trying to fill since Bogosian left. If anything it opens up another trade to happen with Dermott + forward for another usable piece.

The picks are irrelevant IMO. We get a stay at home D & a useful player that can play in the bottom 6 at the least.