Recalled/Assigned: Robertson recalled

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McMann is a big guy who can play heavy and is suited for a bottom 6 roll. I'd like to see him stay up.
I do appreciate him for that aspect (ability to play a heavy game). I was working under the assumption that dropping Reaves (which would otherwise be my first option) wasn't going to be an option.

I'm just doubtful of what the endgame would be with either of the aforementioned pending UFAs if/when push came to shove regarding any roster or cap considerations. Are they going to be re-signed? FTR, McMann likely wouldn't be the actual odd man out in this situation.
 
This is the point I was trying to make. Robertson would first have to establish himself as an every game player before being considered for such a major role as playing in the top six, no? Missing games due to being a healthy scratch isn't the same as missing games due to injury (though both can be equally problematic).

We’ve played Galchenyuk, Ritchie, the corpse of Thornton, Vesey, Gregor, and other trash in the 2LW slot, it’s not like Robertson would be a uniquely bad choice to try for a few games.
 
We’ve played Galchenyuk, Ritchie, the corpse of Thornton, Vesey, Gregor, and other trash in the 2LW slot, it’s not like Robertson would be a uniquely bad choice to try for a few games.
I don't necessarily disagree. I'm approaching it more from the perspective of being doubtful about Keefe actually committing to doing as much.

I'd point out that those players were UFA pickups signed to short-term/stopgap deals though (aside from Gregor still being part of the team).
 
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I do appreciate him for that aspect (ability to play a heavy game). I was working under the assumption that dropping Reaves (which would otherwise be my first option) wasn't going to be an option.

I'm just doubtful of what the endgame would be with either of the aforementioned pending UFAs if/when push came to shove regarding any roster or cap considerations. Are they going to be re-signed? FTR, McMann likely wouldn't be the actual odd man out in this situation.
Tre gave Reaves that deal with the understanding that he could send him down without hurting the cap much. Not sure whether he was expecting to have to send him down in year 1. What a dumb signing.
 
Four reasons why I'd be inclined to keep Robertson:

1) His skating posture and stride has improved to the point where he's able to view the ice more usefully allowing him to work with his line mates. When he first came up his hunched over style made him so puck focused he often was unaware of his surroundings, leaving him vulnerable to hits, unable to successfully use his team mates on a regular basis, and causing him to be 'blind' to his defensive responsibilities.

2) He's growing into his man strength. When playing with the Petes he weighed in at (depending on source) 161-165 lbs. Today he tips the scales at 178, and I'd guess that 185 lbs might be his optimal weight. Given his 'never say die' attitude those extra pounds will be muscle. His ability to fend for himself on the ice is improving, and should he continue to improve his skating the added weight will only help him compete against larger players. The kid doesn't quit.

3) One cannot deny Robertson's scoring ability. Each year with Peterborough saw his totals increase. The same with the Marlies. And now we are seeing his improvements with the Leafs. By no means a finished product, he still is improving and sits 4th on the team with a 14.7 shooting percentage and is 6th on the team with 2.61 P/60.

4) RFAs same age as Robertson:
a) Tomasino with Nash: drafted 24th overall, 32 games played, 0.47 P/G
b) Holloway with Edmonton: drafted 14th overall, 14 games played, 0.07 P/G
c) Lundell with Florida: drafted 12th overall, 35 games played, 0.34 P/G
d) Mercer with NJ: drafted 18th overall, 38 games played, 0.53 P/G
e) Riechel with Chic: drafted 17th overall, 38 games played, 0.21 P/G
f) Robertson with Tor: drafted 53rd overall, 24 games played, 0.46 P/G
Presented only to show that playing in the NHL is not an easy thing to do. Given the time he has missed due to injury, and knowing that different teams are using their players in different ways than the Leafs are using Robertson, he still is a developing asset who has yet to reach his best. I think I'd be willing to hold onto him for a 2/3 year extension at around 1M/.
 
Four reasons why I'd be inclined to keep Robertson:

1) His skating posture and stride has improved to the point where he's able to view the ice more usefully allowing him to work with his line mates. When he first came up his hunched over style made him so puck focused he often was unaware of his surroundings, leaving him vulnerable to hits, unable to successfully use his team mates on a regular basis, and causing him to be 'blind' to his defensive responsibilities.

2) He's growing into his man strength. When playing with the Petes he weighed in at (depending on source) 161-165 lbs. Today he tips the scales at 178, and I'd guess that 185 lbs might be his optimal weight. Given his 'never say die' attitude those extra pounds will be muscle. His ability to fend for himself on the ice is improving, and should he continue to improve his skating the added weight will only help him compete against larger players. The kid doesn't quit.

3) One cannot deny Robertson's scoring ability. Each year with Peterborough saw his totals increase. The same with the Marlies. And now we are seeing his improvements with the Leafs. By no means a finished product, he still is improving and sits 4th on the team with a 14.7 shooting percentage and is 6th on the team with 2.61 P/60.

4) RFAs same age as Robertson:
a) Tomasino with Nash: drafted 24th overall, 32 games played, 0.47 P/G
b) Holloway with Edmonton: drafted 14th overall, 14 games played, 0.07 P/G
c) Lundell with Florida: drafted 12th overall, 35 games played, 0.34 P/G
d) Mercer with NJ: drafted 18th overall, 38 games played, 0.53 P/G
e) Riechel with Chic: drafted 17th overall, 38 games played, 0.21 P/G
f) Robertson with Tor: drafted 53rd overall, 24 games played, 0.46 P/G
Presented only to show that playing in the NHL is not an easy thing to do. Given the time he has missed due to injury, and knowing that different teams are using their players in different ways than the Leafs are using Robertson, he still is a developing asset who has yet to reach his best. I think I'd be willing to hold onto him for a 2/3 year extension at around 1M/.
Good post...well researched and thought out.
 
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Tre gave Reaves that deal with the understanding that he could send him down without hurting the cap much. Not sure whether he was expecting to have to send him down in year 1. What a dumb signing.
He’s whole cap hit would still count against our cap next year because he’s over 35 I believe. Was a horrible signing that we’re stuck with unfortunately
 
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He’s whole cap hit would still count against our cap next year because he’s over 35 I believe. Was a horrible signing that we’re stuck with unfortunately
My understanding is for whatever reason that's not the case with Reaves. I think only about $200k would stick on our cap. That will need to be confirmed.
 
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My understanding is for whatever reason that's not the case with Reaves. I think only about $200k would stick on our cap. That will need to be confirmed.
I might be completely wrong, but I thought that any multi year contract on 35 year old or up players counted against the cap the second year and beyond if sent down. I might be misinterpreting the language in the rule though, wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened to me.
 
He’s whole cap hit would still count against our cap next year because he’s over 35 I believe. Was a horrible signing that we’re stuck with unfortunately
Yes, a bad signing, but according to CF, a June 15/24 buyout would cost us 450K/yr until 27/28.
Unwanted, but manageable.
 
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Robertson is fine, and is probably a regular 20 goal man in the NHL, issue is he just doesn't fit on this roster.
He doesn't fit on top 2 lines, because he doesnt compliment those players.
3rd line you can't have him and Domi, if you had a big responsible centre and Jarnkrokm he might be ok to round out that line, and even then miscast if you want your 3rd line to take tough matchups..
He's not a 4th liner.
The above is likely not changing anytime soon.

He should be played now to try and peak the interest of a team that could slide him into a top 6 role.

Maybe Anaheim as part of a package for Lyub, or Henrique of something. They need scoring wingers. Sharks, need scoring anything. Caps for something?
 
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My understanding is for whatever reason that's not the case with Reaves. I think only about $200k would stick on our cap. That will need to be confirmed.
It would be 450k for 4 years if bought out this summer.

From Capfriendly ib hiw this is possible from a 35+ contract:

While this is a 35+ contract, it is exempt from the 35+ buyout rules because it is either 1). One year in length, or 2). Not front-loaded and does not have a signing bonus after the first contract year (as per the 2020 MOU). Please see the Buyout FAQ for more information

I'd probably drop either McMann or Lagesson (both are also pending UFAs).

Also, I'd still drop Reaves to the Marlies. It would nly count 200k to the cap and he is terrible. McMann is much better suited for an NHL 4th line. Big, fast, defensively responsible and knows how to play the cycle. None fo these things, outside of big, describe Reaves. This team doesn't need a goon.
 
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Robertson is fine, and is probably a regular 20 goal man in the NHL, issue is he just doesn't fit on this roster.
He doesn't fit on top 2 lines, because he doesnt compliment those players.
3rd line you can't have him and Domi, if you had a big responsible centre and Jarnkrokm he might be ok to round out that line, and even then miscast if you want your 3rd line to take tough matchups..
He's not a 4th liner.
The above is likely not changing anytime soon.

He should be played now to try and peak the interest of a team that could slide him into a top 6 role.

Maybe Anaheim as part of a package for Lyub, or Henrique of something. They need scoring wingers. Sharks, need scoring anything. Caps for something?
Okay and if one of our top 9 forwards gets hurt who is gonna fill in ? Anyone else on the Marlies capable of putting up 20 goals like you say Robertson is ? You need DEPTH for the playoffs. He already shown he can score in the playoffs. We had ROR as our third line center last year how’d that go for us in the second round?
 
Okay and if one of our top 9 forwards gets hurt who is gonna fill in ? Anyone else on the Marlies capable of putting up 20 goals like you say Robertson is ? You need DEPTH for the playoffs. He already shown he can score in the playoffs. We had ROR as our third line center last year how’d that go for us in the second round?
He could score 20 in the NHL, not with Toronto as currently constructed. I don't see him fitting any role in our top 9. If someone gets hurt, it would not impact the top 9 as he is currently sitting in the press box. If he is not around, I assume Steeves or Abbruzese would be next man up. Or a waiver pickup.

And he scored 1 goal in a play-in over 3 years ago? Not exactly Conn Smythe.
 
He could score 20 in the NHL, not with Toronto as currently constructed. I don't see him fitting any role in our top 9. If someone gets hurt, it would not impact the top 9 as he is currently sitting in the press box. If he is not around, I assume Steeves or Abbruzese would be next man up. Or a waiver pickup.

And he scored 1 goal in a play-in over 3 years ago? Not exactly Conn Smythe.
Steeves and Abbruzese are worse depth options than Robertson that’s what I’m trying to say.
 
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They’ve all looked good at some point but I like McManns game and holmberg been solid to me

McMann has size a little grit and is cheap. The guy can also score every once in a while, with time he might become a solid 3rd liner. Holmberg for me gets lazy at times, not lazy in the sense he just does not play well but lazy in the sense he forgets that he is a tweener and needs to bring energy virtually every shift. IMO when he gets comfortable he becomes unnoticeable, when he is hungry he has energy, he has hustle and he is generally a tough guy to play against. If your name is not Rielly, Nylander, Marner, Matthews or Tavares your next shift is not guaranteed, some of those guys dont understand this.

He could score 20 in the NHL, not with Toronto as currently constructed. I don't see him fitting any role in our top 9. If someone gets hurt, it would not impact the top 9 as he is currently sitting in the press box. If he is not around, I assume Steeves or Abbruzese would be next man up. Or a waiver pickup.

And he scored 1 goal in a play-in over 3 years ago? Not exactly Conn Smythe.

I agree, I think he will probably eventually head to Dallas to play with little (big) brother. The guy in the right situation with the right coach could score 20.
 
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McMann has size a little grit and is cheap. The guy can also score every once in a while, with time he might become a solid 3rd liner. Holmberg for me gets lazy at times, not lazy in the sense he just does not play well but lazy in the sense he forgets that he is a tweener and needs to bring energy virtually every shift. IMO when he gets comfortable he becomes unnoticeable, when he is hungry he has energy, he has hustle and he is generally a tough guy to play against. If your name is not Rielly, Nylander, Marner, Matthews or Tavares your next shift is not guaranteed, some of those guys dont understand this.



I agree, I think he will probably eventually head to Dallas to play with little (big) brother. The guy in the right situation with the right coach could score 20.
McMann has shown he can score once in a while? He has 1 goal in 26 games lol. I’ll take him over Reaves all day long though. I don’t care if Robertson has warts in his game he’s shown he can score with limited ice time. I’ll remind everyone , why do we keep losing in the playoffs year after year ? BECAUSE WE CANT SCORE . Give me players that have the god given talent to put the puck in the back of the net.
 
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McMann has shown he can score once in a while? He has 1 goal in 26 games lol. I’ll take him over Reaves all day long though. I don’t care if Robertson has warts in his game he’s shown he can score with limited ice time. I’ll remind everyone , why do we keep losing in the playoffs year after year ? BECAUSE WE CANT SCORE . Give me players that have the god given talent to put the puck in the back of the net.
I meant in the minors he scored 45 G in about 100 games in the AHL.
 

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