LeafChief
Matthew Knies Enthusiast
You've probably drank too much as well.
Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign Kurtis Gabriel to 1 year contract (750k)
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I would have taken Chara a few years ago but he is getting slower and slower each year
Dayjobdave
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- Apr 29, 2010
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therealkoho
Him/Leaf/fan
Its not your fault
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- Nov 24, 2016
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therealkoho
Him/Leaf/fan
Gabriel a force in Maple Leafs debut, hopes to stick with team | Toronto Sun
When Kurtis Gabriel’s energetic evening at Scotiabank Arena was reviewed, Sheldon Keefe had a quip in his hip pocket.
“I’m glad he scored so he could come out of his shell,” teased the coach.
Gabriel has been anything but quiet since joining the Leafs this summer. In just 10:21 of ice time in Saturday’s 4-1 pre-season win over Montreal, he led the team with four hits, put Canadiens defender Alexander Romanov into the rink-side analyst’s seat head-first and was an assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick after boxing Brandon Braddock and hustling to strip goalie Michael McNiven for an empty-netter.
“That’s what he does, a physical guy, a vocal guy,” Keefe said of the NHL journeyman’s candidacy for a fourth line role. “When he’s not playing, he’s engaged in the game and getting on his teammates to do that, too.”
That spirit hasn’t been enough for the third-rounder to stick with the Minnesota Wild, who drafted him, New Jersey or his last stop in San Jose. But at the age of 28 and running out of chances, a stint with the Newmarket native’s home team could be perfect timing. These Leafs are more well known for skill than steel.
“It’s crazy how it’s worked out, to be part of this team and the timing of where it’s at,” Gabriel said. “I’ve played against them, but to be part of it (either on the team, the fringe or starting with the Marlies) is such an honour.”
Gabriel was asked if his scrap was just down to being carried away in the moment of his home debut, even if it was just an exhibition game.
“It wasn’t my best, but Saturday night’s all right for fighting, I was listening to that song (in the rink) before the game. I’ve played with Braddock and against him too, but as long as I’m getting guys to come after me, that’s the goal.”
Gabriel, whose linemates were Marlies Semyon Der-Arguchintsev and Rich Clune, is quickly making friends.
“Great to see KG get on the board,” said captain John Tavares. “I know just how much he puts in every day, the pride in his preparation, the intensity he brings and how bad he wants to make a difference.”
When Kurtis Gabriel’s energetic evening at Scotiabank Arena was reviewed, Sheldon Keefe had a quip in his hip pocket.
“I’m glad he scored so he could come out of his shell,” teased the coach.
Gabriel has been anything but quiet since joining the Leafs this summer. In just 10:21 of ice time in Saturday’s 4-1 pre-season win over Montreal, he led the team with four hits, put Canadiens defender Alexander Romanov into the rink-side analyst’s seat head-first and was an assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick after boxing Brandon Braddock and hustling to strip goalie Michael McNiven for an empty-netter.
“That’s what he does, a physical guy, a vocal guy,” Keefe said of the NHL journeyman’s candidacy for a fourth line role. “When he’s not playing, he’s engaged in the game and getting on his teammates to do that, too.”
That spirit hasn’t been enough for the third-rounder to stick with the Minnesota Wild, who drafted him, New Jersey or his last stop in San Jose. But at the age of 28 and running out of chances, a stint with the Newmarket native’s home team could be perfect timing. These Leafs are more well known for skill than steel.
“It’s crazy how it’s worked out, to be part of this team and the timing of where it’s at,” Gabriel said. “I’ve played against them, but to be part of it (either on the team, the fringe or starting with the Marlies) is such an honour.”
Gabriel was asked if his scrap was just down to being carried away in the moment of his home debut, even if it was just an exhibition game.
“It wasn’t my best, but Saturday night’s all right for fighting, I was listening to that song (in the rink) before the game. I’ve played with Braddock and against him too, but as long as I’m getting guys to come after me, that’s the goal.”
Gabriel, whose linemates were Marlies Semyon Der-Arguchintsev and Rich Clune, is quickly making friends.
“Great to see KG get on the board,” said captain John Tavares. “I know just how much he puts in every day, the pride in his preparation, the intensity he brings and how bad he wants to make a difference.”
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Stating style like Lucic.... but you see the value he brings physically. Opposing players know when he's on the ice and they shrink a bit and his effort is contagious. He's not a great player but you wonder if he brings more positive to the team on a daily basis over a guy like Simmonds. He might even spark Simmonds and others to play more physical. It would be tough to be Simmonds and have to take on opposing teams physically all by himself.
ottomaddox
Registered User
There seems to be a faction of Leaf Fans that have their minds made up about Gabriel.
I know he was noticeably gassed out after a bunch of shifts, but I do think he can play in the NHL.
I know he was noticeably gassed out after a bunch of shifts, but I do think he can play in the NHL.
he no no skill besides punching people in the face, a complete waste of a roster spot ...
Considering the only real issue i can see with this team is maybe depth scoring , Gabriel sticking around makes little to no sense.
Also, keeping gabriel will pretty much guarentee brooks hits waivers. im sorry but 1 guy is clearly more valuable than the other.
Considering the only real issue i can see with this team is maybe depth scoring , Gabriel sticking around makes little to no sense.
Also, keeping gabriel will pretty much guarentee brooks hits waivers. im sorry but 1 guy is clearly more valuable than the other.
therealkoho
Him/Leaf/fan
Muston Atthews
Bunch of Bangerz
Lol this guy will be playing games for the Leafs this year. People will cry. Coach and locker room seem to like him.
Been a while since we had a guy who made opposition look over their shoulders. Hope it lights a fire under Simmonds too
Been a while since we had a guy who made opposition look over their shoulders. Hope it lights a fire under Simmonds too
justashadowof
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- Aug 15, 2020
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Unless he clear waivers to go down and be called up for injury (maybe) than I highly doubt it. He simply doesn’t offer enough to overcome his atrocious skating
RIP EdI don't like spunk
Lots of skill on that ice Saturday which was completely useless .. and I mean totally useless .. Gabriel scored bottom line
WTFMAN99
Registered User
- Jun 17, 2009
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I've seen far worse skaters in this league play.
I don't think he would dress in the playoffs but he could definitely give Simmonds a few nights off during the year.
Wafflewhipper
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- Jan 18, 2014
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Idk he’s really bad and skating is as important as it’s ever been. But either way, point still stands, he needs to clear then sure call him once in a blue moon maybe. But if it comes down to him or someone else being put on waivers, it’s an easy decision as far as I see it.
for instance, no chance I’m losing Joey Anderson to keep Gabriel
ottomaddox
Registered User
That first pre-season game featured a lot of players who could skate but offered nothing.
If you think that Gabriel has nothing to offer then remind yourself of the '20-'21 season where Keefe/Dubas had Thorton on their top line.
I never said offers nothing. I said doesn’t offer enough, and stand by it. Gabriel wasn’t the worst looking player on the ice, but that is not exactly the bar to making this team. We only realistically have 1 maybe 2 spots that are even possibly up for grabs in camp at forward and nothing he’s done to this point or likely will justifies him taking one. Especially so when better players would have to be waived to keep him
Clark4Ever
What we do in hockey echoes in eternity...
Gabriel will most likely start the season as an extra forward or with the Marlies. He will get his opportunities during the season when we face physical clubs.
Whose better than Gabriel? The depth chart of AHL skill players ain’t going to do much when it’s heavy playstyles that have been advancing deep in to playoffs for the last 5 years.
Bringing up rookies for 4th line duties makes little sense for development. Gabriel is a fine 13th-14th forward. Outside of big teams like the Rangers, Islanders, and Caps he won’t be dressing much. Would be shocked if reaches 20 games.
