Confirmed with Link: Nick Ritchie to Toronto (2x2.5M AAV)

[danny90]

Happy they brought in some guys who have something to prove should add some character to the line up

 

[Gabriel426]

Tatar isn't a very exciting option but he is a regular season scorer who would generate a good amount of offense to help Toronto get to the dance. Won't do a lick for us in the playoffs once in though.

Then he will fit right in with AM and Marner in the playoffs, instead of two wrongs make one right, maybe three chokes will make one score. Lol

 

[zeke]

I will never understand the hate for Engvall and this myth that he has poor finish and can’t produce.

Over the past 2 years at 5v5 he has scored at the same rate as Boeser and Nugent-Hopkins. (0.8 per 60)

Yup.

But people are very firmly committed to the narrative that the Leafs have no depth even though they were one of the higher scoring bottom 6 forward groups in hockey.

 

[Gabriel426]

Can’t wait to see him play bc a few had commented that he is soft

 

[kb]

I am getting a Gabriel’s jersey once he established himself in the lineup.

#426

 

[Gabriel426]

#426

I changed that right away as I thought this is the free agent thread, hahaha.

 

[darrylsittler27]

The Leafs may have gotten tougher upfront while losing some energy and hustle but they lost BOGO on the backend.

 

[Nylander88]

We were talking about this year's Leafs vs last year's Leafs. You mentioned Hyman at 5.5m cap hit and I pointed out that that has no relevance to the discussion as Hyman's cap hit was 2.25m not 5.5m. It's pretty straightforward stuff I think, hopefully that puts you back on track. And Matthews/Marner have the same cap hits as last year so again, that has no relevance to this discussion.

When talking about how we got Ritchie, Bunting, and Kase for less than Hyman...THIS YEAR...and how that's important to filling out a roster and we simply couldn't afford Hyman...you talk about Hyman making 2.25mil? You talk about his old contract? How does that make any sense at all. We can afford Hyman at 2.25mil and gladly would have. So again...what're you talking about? You're talking about his old contract which has no relevance. So I mentioned how we're also better off with Matthews and Marner's old entry level contracts...which also have zero relevance. Like the math is so simple. Ritchie, Bunting, and Kase are combined 800k cheaper than Hyman. So why are you talking about what Hyman used to make in the past? Makes zero sense. Hopefully this puts you back on track.

 

[LeafChief]

The Leafs may have gotten tougher upfront while losing some energy and hustle but they lost BOGO on the backend.

Oh no!

 

[Antropovsky]

I liked Hyman but didn't like his lack of toughness or peskyness. Loved his work ethic of course. But this team lacks toughness more than anything else. Boston board said Ritchie struggled in the playoffs - and it looked to be because of his speed. Read that he was good in the season though.

I'll take it... looking forward to some toughness. Seems like forever since this team even scowled in the direction of an opponent. Think Ritchie would be great on Matthews LW. Matthews in particular gets targeted more than anyone...and he actually stirs things up more than Tavares and Nylander or Marner. Would love to see what would've happened with Weber or Chiarot with Ritchie on that line.

Hoping Ritchie, helps guys like Sandin, Dermott and even Muzzin play a more physical game or more constantly. Sandin sandpaper was a breath of fresh air...but he was targeted.

 

[Torontonian]

Hopefully we can get this type of player come playoff time.

 

[Superstar]

Hopefully we can get this type of player come playoff time.

LOL...Kassian didn't expect a left-hander.

 

[Leaf Fans]

Dubas seems to be making regular season signings.

Yes, it seems that way because it is only 2 months and a few days until the regular season, and if the Leafs have a good regular season, they can qualify for the playoffs if the Leafs are trending that way they v might add at the deadline. Those additions will seem like playoff additions.

 

[McSnypsky]

Kase and Kampf are friends too

Vesy and Kerfoot were too... oh oh?

 

[meefer]

Like I mentioned before, love this signing. I think Ritchie can be huge for us. Ideally I’d like to see Kerfoot moved for another top six LW with size and a mean streak to play with Matthews and Nylander. Ritchie would look good next to Tavares and Marner.

I agree. Ritchie offers a bit of protection for Tavares which I want especially early in the season, the hit he took was frightening, but more because he plays at a similar speed. I like Marner there more than Nylander because Marner is capable of playing at any speed, whereas Nylander's game is more north/south. Heaviness/Tenacity Skill/Creativity...could be a very good line.

 

[hockeywiz542]

Nick Ritchie – 2021 Free Agency

July 31, 2021 • 07:16

Nick Ritchie speaks with the media following his signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

[PhiladelphiaKessel]

Ritchie reminds me of Luke Schenn after his first few years when he added too much size and lost all speed / mobility. Obviously that’s part of his game to be big / physical but I feel it would be in his best interest to sacrifice a bit of that for more speed / conditioning

 

[Dreakmur]

I'd argue Engvall should be viewed as a somewhat critical roster piece. He's one of their few depth players with positive defensive impact and can play center. He and Mik are subject to a lot of criticism, but their even-strength scoring rates are pretty on par with many more heralded players.

I like the Ritchie and Kase signings in that they just give Keefe more options.

He's needed as a PKer right now. I'd love to unload him, but I don't know who the 4th PK forward is if we do.

 

[Cotton]

Hyman is a great player, but it seems to me the book on the Leafs top line has been “mug them.”

Zach couldn’t make that painful for the opposition. Ritchie does. If he can keep up on line 1, that’s awesome. If not, line 2 is a possession beast. I like this signing. Our boys can skate a little mor assertively with Ritchie and Simmonds and Gabriel around. You can argue it shouldn’t be this way, but it is.

As it always has been. The last time this team played with any teeth Orr, McLaren and Fraser were regulars, and Phil Kessel specifically singled them out as allowing him to feel more free to play his game.

Our last serious playoff run we iced a lineup that included Gary Roberts, Tucker, Corson, Domi, Belak and Cory Cross. (Back then it was a rare occurrence to come across a Hockey fan who was against the rough stuff)

Like it or not, the enforcer is going to be making a comeback. Just look at the activity around Goodrow and Reaves as a solution to Tom Wilson. Ritchie, Simmonds and Gabrial are Dubas’ own admission that our own pansy-assed stars need protection.

Who knows, maybe if our additions play a heavy game Marner will stop playing scared and flipping pucks over the glass.

 

[meefer]

Ritchie reminds me of Luke Schenn after his first few years when he added too much size and lost all speed / mobility. Obviously that’s part of his game to be big / physical but I feel it would be in his best interest to sacrifice a bit of that for more speed / conditioning

From what I've read, a really good idea. At 230 lbs, drop 15 of fat and gain 5-10 muscle. Leaner, stronger, better aerobics, a half-step faster. Works for me.

 

[zeke]

Our last serious playoff run we iced a lineup that included Gary Roberts, Tucker, Corson, Domi, Belak and Cory Cross. (Back then it was a rare occurrence to come across a Hockey fan who was against the rough stuff, yet somehow the soy brigade seems to now be a loud contingent in the crowd.)

And they got booted two years in a row by the much more skilled and faster Flyers, including a memorable goal where our grit smacked down one of their little skilled euros only to see their speed and skill take the puck and score the series winning goal.

 

[The Apologist]

if he had the brains to consult me Leafs would have had a cup already not just first round exits

Makes sense. I just don't understand why none of the other owners and GMs haven't reached out to you yet....

 

[The Iceman]

Yup.

But people are very firmly committed to the narrative that the Leafs have no depth even though they were one of the higher scoring bottom 6 forward groups in hockey.

Do you have any stats to share this info? I have a habs buddy who keeps saying leafs bottom 6 are horrible.

 

[TMLAM34]

And they got booted two years in a row by the much more skilled and faster Flyers, including a memorable goal where our grit smacked down one of their little skilled euros only to see their speed and skill take the puck and score the series winning goal.

Let’s not pretend that Philly wasn’t big, strong and physical as well.

 

[Cotton]

And they got booted two years in a row by the much more skilled and faster Flyers, including a memorable goal where our grit smacked down one of their little skilled euros only to see their speed and skill take the puck and score the series winning goal.

Cool, and we’re now seeing 5 years of soft skill and speed getting out worked, out willed, and out hit.

It’s almost like there is some kind of balance that can be achieved by having a dynamic of different skill-sets.