PTO: [TOR] Nikita Gusev signs PTO with the Maple Leafs

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Gusev will probably do well in TO playing in the top 6 with those talented players, but just like the rest of that top 6, he will "POOF" in the playoffs.

 

[SniperOnTheWing]

Gusev will probably do well in TO playing in the top 6 with those talented players, but just like the rest of that top 6, he will "POOF" in the playoffs.

From what I gather he hasn’t even gotten a sniff of a chance with anybody of note so far in camp. He’d have to light up the scoreboard in some preseason games to get noticed at all much less beat out a million other guys for a spot.

 

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

From what I gather he hasn’t even gotten a sniff of a chance with anybody of note so far in camp. He’d have to light up the scoreboard in some preseason games to get noticed at all much less beat out a million other guys for a spot.

Watch him get 3 points tomorrow vs Habs lol

 

[leafsfan5]

Could also be cut before he sees a game….

talking about a pure offensive player on a team who already struggles defensively…

Defense isn't an issue for Toronto, offensive depth is

 

[malcb33]

Defense isn't an issue for Toronto

Interesting take to say the least…

 

[leafsfan5]

Interesting take to say the least…

Unless we've travelled back in time a year or two, it's statistically the correct take. The leafs D-core is very solid now (one area Dubas did a very good job in)

 

[malcb33]

Unless we've travelled back in time a year or two, it's statistically the correct take. The leafs D-core is very solid now (one area Dubas did a very good job in)

Defence is always a concern for every team, especially when bringing in a lacklustre player in his own zone, which needs to be sheltered like Gusev.

I also wouldn't call the Leafs D-core very solid either, decent or adequate would be a better description IMO. It's hardly a strength of the team, but you're entitled to your opinion

 

[leafsfan5]

Defence is always a concern for every team, especially when bringing in a lacklustre player in his own zone, which needs to be sheltered like Gusev.

I also wouldn't call the Leafs D-core very solid either, decent or adequate would be a better description IMO. It's hardly a strength of the team, but you're entitled to your opinion

OP said on a team who already struggles defensively, suggesting the leafs are not good in that zone with or without Gusev. Also, defense is a concern for every team like offense is, but you fix the areas that need more improvement. The Leafs clearly need more offensive help which is why they've been focusing on that while the D-Core is largely the same.

Where would you put the Leafs d-core then? They're above average to me, and in the 8-14 range so pretty solid. They're not in the elite tier but metrics indicate this team has finally figured out how to play defense (the same metrics that would agree the leafs sucked at defense before). The eye test also shows this and basic stats do as well (e.g., leafs GA was 5th worst in 2019-2020, but 7th best in 2021)

 

[T REX]

He won't even make the team.

Yawn.

 

[HockeyVirus]

He won't even make the team.

Yawn.

Good thing it's only a PTO then

 

[SwedishFire]

Clever move actually - year one. He will put up some good offensive njmbers- then doing a Kaprizpv- signing a complete insane contract - like 3x 5 millions, and score 15-20 goals at max.

yeah, at this time on the offseason its really hard to get finds, and he was probably the best finding. But ut will hit back after getting succes

 

[Billdo]

How's his defense?

Never heard of her

 

[nturn06]

Unless we've travelled back in time a year or two, it's statistically the correct take. The leafs D-core is very solid now (one area Dubas did a very good job in)

Isn't this the main issue with the Leafs? On paper they are a good team all around, but then they hit the ice.

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

Isn't this the main issue with the Leafs? On paper they are a good team all around, but then they hit the ice.

Not really, as when they hit the ice they're still a good team ...

 

[leafsfan5]

Isn't this the main issue with the Leafs? On paper they are a good team all around, but then they hit the ice.

The statistics are based on their on ice performance though

 

[The CyNick]

PTOs are whatever. It would seem the Leafs brass didn't watch him play much. I don't think there's anything there, but it's a no risk move.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Interesting take to say the least…

They were 7th in goals against last year so not really

 

[Leaf Fans]

Isn't this the main issue with the Leafs? On paper they are a good team all around, but then they hit the ice.

They are a good team there. Where they haven't been good is in the playoffs.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

PTOs are whatever. It would seem the Leafs brass didn't watch him play much. I don't think there's anything there, but it's a no risk move.

It's a no risk move, no different than Denis Malgin was. Similar size and skill perhaps? Atleast Gusev didn't cost the Leafs an asset this time.

 

[SKNJD9]

NVM

 

[Quares27]

It's a no risk move, no different than Denis Malgin was. Similar size and skill perhaps? Atleast Gusev didn't cost the Leafs an asset this time.

A 26 year old who had 2 goals in 33 games with Barkov as his most common linemate is not an asset lmao

 

[The Winter Soldier]

A 26 year old who had 2 goals in 33 games with Barkov as his most common linemate is not an asset lmao

Who said he was an asset?

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Who said he was an asset?

You dId

 

[The Winter Soldier]

You dId

Did I? Or did you just misread the post. I said Malgin cost the Leafs an asset. In Mason Marchement, that turned out good for Florida, not so for the Leafs. At least Gusev did not cost the Leafs an asset this time. Which is exactly what I posted. Regardless, both are low risk, smallish players that may have a similar impact.

 

[Syckle78]

Interesting take to say the least…

It really isn't to anyone capable of following along with a changing situation. Toronto needs secondary scoring and reliable production from their stars in the playoffs. But this is hf where most people don't have to the ability move on from one narrative to another.