Post Deadline Transactions and Signings

[cyris]

I just think the Leafs' defense would be improved if they'd have gotten rid of Justin Holl. Tampa abused the shit out of him and Lyb last year, and now we're going into another series with him almost guaranteed a top 6 role because the coach is the only one who apparently doesn't see how bad he is...

The coach definitely over uses Holl I agree with that. But we need depth for the playoffs

 

[Schennanigans]

Well that was uneventful.

 

[TimeZone]

Not a fan of the bottom 6 but they've been the most consistent lines of late? And they haven't even really got to play much together since they're still experimenting with many different lines.

Have they? There's a serious lack of production down there and half of the bodies weren't even here a week ago, so I don't know they've been "consistent" lol

 

[dubplatepressure]

All they have to do is practice how to set up one timers like every other f***ing top-10 powerplay does.

 

[Gabriel426]

He’s also more skilled than Schenn was and is.

No doubt about it.

 

[Menzinger]

How many of you believe that Knies is ready for NHL action? remember it's a big men league

As someone who watches the Gophers quite a bit I think he has a strong shot of coming in and contributing as a positive depth piece.

He should be physically ready, I think the question is will be how overwhelming mentally will the sudden jump to the high pressure playoff environment will be for him so soon.

 

[therealkoho]

Anyone remember $5 million for Jeff Finger?

No because it was 4 I believe

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

 

[Man Bear Pig]

People might not like it but I do think our bottom 6 is now more balanced for playoff style hockey. I still think o’rielly should be 3rd line center to help with line matching during the playoffs.

Don’t hate what Dubas has done as he is given this team the best shot to win. It’s on the players to come through now.

I'd like to see a true shutdown line vs the other teams top dogs. Something like Kampf-O'Reilly-Acciari when up a goal.

 

[MJ65]

I personally do not trust Schenn and would be reluctant to dress him in playoffs - men he was a 1st round (5th overall) pick

 

[dubplatepressure]

As someone who watches the Gophers quite a bit I think he has a strong shot of coming in and contributing as a positive depth piece.

He should be physically ready, I think the question is will be how overwhelming mentally will the sudden jump to the high pressure playoff environment will be for him so soon.

Hope so. I'm excited to see the kid despite my reservations over his immediate impact.

 

[Leaf Fans]

Everybody has him penciled in from 2nd line down

Yeah a lot of people see him on the 2nd or third line and indications are that he will sign. In his latest interview he said “Hopefully I can join them at the end of the season,” Knies says.

“Once I’ve matured myself as a player, I think that's when I can make the step and kind of give the Leafs a boost and try to make them a better team.”

But there are no gaurntees. People will wait.

 

[All Mod Cons]

Definitely agree with this.

The Doldrums is Anthony Petrielli

 

[Menzinger]

I think I like the team we have and anything we get from him is a bonus. But it’s not like it’s completely un heard of for a guy to step right into the end of the season and playoffs out of college.
Caufield did it against us. Krug did it for Boston a few years ago

He should be more ready than when Robertson made his playoff debut. While obviously not the NHL level, the NCAA IS essentially a men's league, with most prime players being in the 20-23 range

 

[Leaf Fans]

How many of you believe that Knies is ready for NHL action? remember it's a big men league

I believe he has earned a shot. He is a big man himself.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Definitely agree with this.

It's a fair point.

Personally I believe the Leafs don't see Timmins quite ready for playoff action yet, so they went 8 deep on the blue line (which is uncommon for competitive teams). It puts Schenn and Gustafsson in appropriate depth roles on the team as well.

Up front, there must be confidence in the Marlies and Knies .. simple as that. Holmberg and McMann showed effectiveness in depth roles. And while that carries risk, I believe they're better insulated with veteran players who play a physical up tempo game.

As much as I wanted Kerfoot traded, he is the best transition and offensive player in the bottom 6. And the new additions compliment his game well. So I can live him since there are others who bring complimentary elements in the bottom 6.

The roster seems more well rounded and playoff oriented.

 

[Leaf Fans]

The coach definitely over uses Holl I agree with that. But we need depth for the playoffs

I like Holl.

 

[ULF_55]

How many of you believe that Knies is ready for NHL action? remember it's a big men league

No fricken idea;

6'3", 220 lbs. (more current weight)
DOB: Oct 17 2002

Don't know how many of these guys are ready either:

 

[dubplatepressure]

Many teams will roll 8 D into the playoffs. The cup winning Avalanche did it last year. But what did they know right?

I count 7 - with Sam Girard playing the equivalent of 2 games. Are you sure?

 

[TheRumble]

I think about it as Engvall for Schenn. Happened within minutes of eachother and 3rd round picks going the other way in both.

However, without flipping Gust & the pick for a forward I like that a lot less now. Engvall is more valuable then Schenn is terms of the Depth Chart

Schenn for a Engvall only makes sense if it Schenn was gonna be an everyday player. It doesn't seem like he is - our RDs are Brodie, Holl, Liljegren, Schenn and Timmins. If Liljegren sits it for either Holl or Schenn the trade is even worse as it meant we took out two everyday players for Holl and Schenn.

Many teams will roll 8 D into the playoffs. The cup winning Avalanche did it last year. But what did they know right?

The Leafs have 10 NHL dmen. That's two more than needed.

LD - Rielly, McCabe, Giordano, Gustafsson, Benn

RD - Liljegren, Brodie, Holl, Schenn, Timmins

 

[Kiwi]

I'd like to see a true shutdown line vs the other teams top dogs. Something like Kampf-O'Reilly-Acciari when up a goal.

Holmberg impressed me with his defensive game, he'd do well on a line like that imo

 

[Jacquestrapless]

Knies only has to better than ZAR.

So:
8:37 minutes ES
4 Hits
2 shots

If he can't do that, then Leafs should have sold high on him.
He may not have nhl conditioning yet, but it balances out that his body hasn't been worn down from the 82 game schedule.

 

[Mr_Fun]

If Reilly goes down, I'd think Gus could fill in on the number one PP. Other than that, I don't believe he'll slot in anywhere.


If Holl remains number 7, then overall, I really like our additions to the blue line.

 

[Beaumaris]

I like Holl.

Me too.

 

[Lightsol]

I personally do not trust Schenn and would be reluctant to dress him in playoffs - men he was a 1st round (5th overall) pick

I'd trust him more than Holl. Schenn at least knows what his role is.