You've repeatedly gone on record stating that nothing matters except the playoffs, so why do you think it will be so hard to replace somebody who had 1 point in the entire 7 game series (which he shouldn't have even gotten, for the record, since that goal was actually Marner's) and was arguably the most disappointing player on the ice? I'd say adding an elite player in Tavares is quite a big upgrade on Hyman, without even getting into the other additions.
Confirmed with Link: Nick Ritchie to Toronto (2x2.5M AAV)
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Dreakmur
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Isaac Nootin
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I always hear this, but I see little to no results. Some point to Freddy Gauthier, not really a shining example of success.
All other teams have access to high end skating coaches as well, there really isn't that much of a difference team to team that will improve a player leaps and bounds at the age of 26.
Honestly, weight loss might be his quickest path to success.
Dreakmur
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This team needs to find more balance. Scratch the idea of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th line. We need to create 4 lines that can contribute in meaningful ways.
Kerfoot-Kampf-Mikeheyev would be an excellent energy line to throw against opposing stars.
Bunting-Matthews-Nylander would be really strong and we’ll rounded scoring line.
Ritchie-Tavares-Marner would also be a really strong and well rounded scoring line.
Dayjobdave
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I agree with your lines. I think Ritchie with Marner and Tavares may be the ticket.
Dreakmur
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Tavares excels in the down low cycle game. He and Ritchie could do some damage together.
Nylander88
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zeke
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Dreakmur
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Stephen
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John Tavares' linemates on the Island included guys like Matt Moulson, PA Parenteau, Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo. So history would suggest that Ritchie could be a crash and bang element roughly equivalent to an Okposo, and then you need a smarter jack of all trades guy with an offensive touch like a Gourde, Pageau or Connor Brown to round it out.
Dreakmur
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That’s worth a shot, but I think Mikeyev is a better player.
ULF_55
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I'm not sold on Ritchie making the first line but if he earns it he earns it.
I hope they go into preseason with zero set lines.
We know Mattews, Tavares, marner and Nylander can all be the main guy on a line.
Easy to put all 4 on the top 2 lines, but no law states they have to.
Nylander can play left or right wing.
If Semyonov steals a spot I'm fine with that.
Maybe Ho-Sang shows up ready to listen and take direction maybe he gets in there?
If they don't make changes why would we expect changes in the outcome?
A Ritchie JT Marner line would get JT back to 40 plus goals I believe.
Matthews with Nylander would still get 40 plus goals from Matthews
Matthews with Nylander would still get 40 plus goals from Matthews
Perhaps not, but Wilson's career highs are only 22g and 44 points. And he's generally played with better players.
Nylander88
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Only thing I don't love about that, is the foot speed of Ritchie and Tavares being together. I think that just hurts Willy. Willy looks good when he can create off the rush. A big reason why he meshes with Kerfoot imo
Nylander88
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He's a poor man's Tom Wilson. But if Ritchie sees extended time beside Matthews-Marner or Tavares-Nylander, I don't think 20G 20A is crazy talk at all
zeke
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I agree with 95% of this post.
I don't like Kerfoot with Kampf and Mikheyev however. Unless Mikheyev can show some finish thats just too little offensive help for Kerfoot and too much passing. Imo that line just ensures Kerfoot can't play up to his contract. At 3.5m we need production from him.
I do however like Kampf and Mikheyev together and I do see where you are going with it
I think you misunderstand. The Leafs will need a physical presence back there and Reilly can't just walk for free. I'm suggesting a trade now that BOGO has walked. Muzzin got injured versus Colombus and the defense folded.
JT also played with Lee a lot so definitely excel when having a guy with a good shot on his line. Helps open up space for JT to get his shots aways when there is another option on the line
Nylander88
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Agreed Marner would work better there than Willy. But that doesn't negate the Ritchie-Tavares foot speed thing. However I think Ritchie and his style of going to the net, would work really well with Marner. When Marner gets doing his laps around the O zone and then throws it out front, I think Ritchie will get a lot of tap/bang ins this season
Mess
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Ritchie is a Hyman replacement in contract alone in that we now get Ritchie for $2.5 mil to try and fill the role of Hyman who we had at $2.25 mil previously.
Ritchie is bigger and more physical than Hyman, but the thing people are going to notice most is the skating and playmaking when comparing them side by side, where Hyman comes out ahead.
You could set your watch with Hyman in that he was always going to give you a full effort and compete like clock work. Ritchie goes run on that same system.
Its definitely going to be different dynamic having Ritchie trying to fill those shoes.
Ritchie is bigger and more physical than Hyman, but the thing people are going to notice most is the skating and playmaking when comparing them side by side, where Hyman comes out ahead.
You could set your watch with Hyman in that he was always going to give you a full effort and compete like clock work. Ritchie goes run on that same system.
Its definitely going to be different dynamic having Ritchie trying to fill those shoes.
ShaneFalco
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