Peasy
Registered User
Probably not, unless there are injuries. I think they would rather him play top minutes in the AHL for a year than 4th line minutes in the NHL.
LW Carl Grundstrom (2016, 57th, TOR)
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TheBeastCoast
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There are going to be opening higher up the lineup then the 4th line. I see no reason why he wouldn't he getting a full shot to win a job.
Peasy
Registered User
LW
Hyman, Marleau, Johnsson.
RW
Marner, Brown, Kapanen and possibly Nylander.
Where is that opening?
TheBeastCoast
Registered User
Why wouldn't he be competing with Johnsson and Brown? He might not have the inside track at taking the spot but I think he will be given every chance to win a spot on the team.
Peasy
Registered User
Brown isn't waive eligible and has been on the team for two straight seasons. And Johsson has a lot more experience and has already shown he can stick in the NHL. Grundstrom hasnt even played 10 games on NA ice yet. Doesn't hurt to let him have a season in the AHL just like Johnsson, Brown, Kapenen etc.
Randy Randerson
Registered User
the one difference is that there will start to be some pressure on the team to start winning, so I could see the personnel decisions becoming more about on ice performance and less about development in the next little while
If Grundstrom were to steal a spot, no reason that we can't look for a trade for the guy who he made redundant either
could go either way, depends on his performance imo
Martin Skoula
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- Oct 18, 2017
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My worry for Grundstrom is that he's polished enough to possibly out-play one of our 4th liners. He wouldn't look out of place on a 4th line today, but he could become a legitimate top-6 powerforward if he gets top offensive minutes in the AHL. I'd rather downgrade the 4th line for a year and have a winger ready to play with Matthews or Nylander the next year. He could be what Babcock wants Hyman to be, or he could get pigeonholed into a bottom-6 role and turn into Komarov.
TheBeastCoast
Registered User
I wasn't saying Brown would get sent to the AHL. Grundstrom could take his spot though. They very well could send him to the AHL for the season, I just think it is far to early to completely write off his chances to make the team because no matter how small I think he has a chance to win a spot.
Randy Randerson
Registered User
agree with that, but getting on the team could give him the chance to move up the lineup. Might be a tailor-made solution to bump Hyman down the lineup, but I don't see that happening direct from the AHL. feels like a bit of a catch 22
I think the worry about pigeonholing is short lived though, if he's good he'll get to an appropriate slot at some point. I can see the concern about burning a development year in a purely checking role
AuraSphere
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Brock Radunske
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I think he's at least 2/3 years away but you're right, totally forgot about him.
He'd slide in next to Dermott nicely when he's ready.
Matthews and Marner should be the cataysts of their own lines to help spread out the scoring depth.
That 3rd line lost it's teeth, IMO.
I'd like to see Matthews and Marner on the #1PP, though.
glucker
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Not that it matters, but he's played 13 games in north america.
7 goals, 10 points in those games.
glucker
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justafan22
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Wouldn't shock me if Brown is dealt in a deal as part of a package for a defenseman this summer.
Warden of the North
Ned Stark's head
5 goals in 11 playoff games with the Marlies this year, and 3 goals in 6 playoff games last year...next level goal scorer even on North American ice.
Grundstrom-Aaltonen-Johnsson have proven to be unstoppable. Since Johnsson joined after the Leafs were eliminated, the Marlies have won 7 straight, and Johnsson has 11 points in 7 games, largely due to his instant chemistry with Grundstrom. Both of these guys could be top 9 impact NHLers today, and likely will be come fall camp.
Grundstrom-Aaltonen-Johnsson have proven to be unstoppable. Since Johnsson joined after the Leafs were eliminated, the Marlies have won 7 straight, and Johnsson has 11 points in 7 games, largely due to his instant chemistry with Grundstrom. Both of these guys could be top 9 impact NHLers today, and likely will be come fall camp.
LeafChief
Matthew Knies Enthusiast
Critical13
Fear is the mind-killer.
TheDoldrums
Registered User
I think he could have a path similar to Johnsson last year. Spend almost the entire year with the Marlies before joining the Leafs right before the playoffs. Not saying he'll score nearly as much as Johnsson did last year, but his physicality is something we don't have much of right now and it might be needed for the postseason.
Critical13
Fear is the mind-killer.
Babs saying he sees him in the top 6 is a surprise to me. Who are the long term wingers here?
Matner and Nylander are locks, so I guess he will be battling with Kapanen, Johnsson and Hyman over the next few years.
TheDoldrums
Registered User
Well we know Babs likes to put a "grinder/worker" on each line if possible, so I could see Grundstrom and Hyman being the long term fits there. Maybe something like
Grundstrom/Matthews/Nylander
Hyman/Tavares/Marner
I'd be interested to see what someone like Kappy could do on that top line but I'm not holding my breath.
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He's a top 6 as a"Hyman" type player. I think folks get too hyped up on these meaningless numbering of players and where they fit.
For instance how can number the Leafs left wingers last year. Hyman supposedly played on the top line with Matthews and scored 15 goals. He very rarely played the PP so does that make him a # 1 LWer? JVR scored 37 goals. Marleau 27 goals.
I think Grundstrom has shown he can be be a good NHLer. Who he plays with...doesn't really matter.
Some folks think Gardiner is good NHL Dmen due is number of minutes and scoring points. Yes he's good in that part of his game But he played few PK minutes when Babcock could put either Reilly or Hainsey at his LHD. Hence I how trouble acknowledging an accurate "numbering" system of players.
For instance how can number the Leafs left wingers last year. Hyman supposedly played on the top line with Matthews and scored 15 goals. He very rarely played the PP so does that make him a # 1 LWer? JVR scored 37 goals. Marleau 27 goals.
I think Grundstrom has shown he can be be a good NHLer. Who he plays with...doesn't really matter.
Some folks think Gardiner is good NHL Dmen due is number of minutes and scoring points. Yes he's good in that part of his game But he played few PK minutes when Babcock could put either Reilly or Hainsey at his LHD. Hence I how trouble acknowledging an accurate "numbering" system of players.
