We need to sign Paul Ranger

[Crispy Crust]

I'd like to see Franson back with the Leafs. But I'd gladly trade him if not either in a package or for a 2nd/decent prospect

Franson gets a lot of flak here but he actually played quite well for us last season. He seemed to be misused by Wilson early on and was unjustifiably in his "dog house" to start the season. If Franson is still here, no way in hell Komisarek should start over him.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

Franson was hailed as a "stud" anda "steal" when we got him...

He is a steal.

 

[Dangles McGavin]

Franson is still a really good player.

He wasn't used properly by Wilson. He's got an absolute cannon for a shot. It's low (rebounds), and accurate.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

If Franson uses his shot more often he could score around 15 IMO.

His shot is deadly accurate.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

He is a steal.

For le-bad, hell yea he was and is. He can turn it around he's fairly young but I don't know if it is with us.

 

[Crispy Crust]

Franson is still a really good player.

He wasn't used properly by Wilson. He's got an absolute cannon for a shot. It's low (rebounds), and accurate.

Definitely.

 

[Dangles McGavin]

CALLING CHUCKWOODS:

Do you have any idea if Ranger is interested in signing an NHL contract? I get the feeling that he wants to stay in the AHL.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

For le-bad, hell yea he was and is. He can turn it around he's fairly young but I don't know if it is with us.

That's precisely what makes it a steal. A young 6'5" 215 lb d-man with a booming, accurate shot who is good for 25 - 30 points and is normally fairly solid defensively for Lebda and Slaney? It wasn't a steal in the sense they knew what they were giving us but it is a steal in the sense of what was given versus what came back. I'd like to see the guy used more but with about 12 NHL d-men, if he lands us a bigger fish, so be it.

 

[hockeygeek]

Ying and Yang kept talking about Franson's "knack" for getting the puck through traffic but he certainly did not display that last year. I think he has to be better

 

[ForSpareParts*]

I'm
In
Favour
Of
This
Thread

 

[bunjay]

It won't take long for Ranger to pass Gunnar on the depth chart.

There is really no evidence to support this.

 

[SteveV*]

There is really no evidence to support this.

Not saying yes or no, but the guy has been top four before in a league called the NHL so that might just be "evidence"

 

[Grant]

CALLING CHUCKWOODS:

Do you have any idea if Ranger is interested in signing an NHL contract? I get the feeling that he wants to stay in the AHL.

You found it! (but I seem to recall you making it in the first place). I wanted to use that signal earlier but my search function wasn't working

 

[Dangles McGavin]

You found it! (but I seem to recall you making it in the first place). I wanted to use that signal earlier but my search function wasn't working

Unfortunately I cannot take credit for making it. I tried a few different google searches, finally found it under "chuckwoods signal"

 

[Grant]

Unfortunately I cannot take credit for making it. I tried a few different google searches, finally found it under "chuckwoods signal"

Ah, google, I should have thought of that.

Chuck was around earlier saying people are starting to come out of hibernation like he is. He didn't have anything to say really yet.

 

[bunjay]

Not saying yes or no, but the guy has been top four before in a league called the NHL so that might just be "evidence"

Evidence of what? Gunnarsson has also played a lot of top four minutes in the NHL, and not looked out of place for a lot of them.

 

[crump]

I hope Carlyle has been scouting players like Holzer, Ranger and Franson because he won't have much time to evaluate players with a shortened camp.

Will probably carry 7 to start the season anyways. Do you have a guy like Fraser be the 7th where he can suit up against tougher opponents?

Will Franson be signed?

Does Rielly get a look to start the season?

Lots of questions. Looking forward to the answers

 

[G51 K81*]

What's with all of the sudden Gunnar hate?

He's performed very well in the role he's been asked to play in.

Is he an ideal top pairing defenseman? No. But he's certainly a top 4 guy.

I don't dislike Gunnarson, just think Ranger is a better version on Gunnar.

Physicality, defensive instincts and shot are superior to Gunnars, but that is no disrespect to Gunnarsons game as I would still slot him in our top 4.

 

[Smif]

Evidence of what? Gunnarsson has also played a lot of top four minutes in the NHL, and not looked out of place for a lot of them.

When Ranger played for TB he was better than Gunnar is. Hopefully he can get back to that form. I also think Kostka could in the mix to start the season.

 

[Mystifo]

I hope Carlyle has been scouting players like Holzer, Ranger and Franson because he won't have much time to evaluate players with a shortened camp.

Will probably carry 7 to start the season anyways. Do you have a guy like Fraser be the 7th where he can suit up against tougher opponents?

Will Franson be signed?

Does Rielly get a look to start the season?

Lots of questions. Looking forward to the answers

Carlye has been attending a great deal of Marlies practices and such due to him wanting them to play systems similar to the ones he uses in the NHL so I am sure he knows all about Paul Ranger, Mike Kostka, etc.

 

[FreeBird]

Franson gets a lot of flak here but he actually played quite well for us last season. He seemed to be misused by Wilson early on and was unjustifiably in his "dog house" to start the season. If Franson is still here, no way in hell Komisarek should start over him.

I expect a big improvement to his game after playing in Sweden, and the superior coaching and conditioning that is available over there.

 

[zeke]

signing ranger is a no-brainer.

 

[BayStBully]

For someone who said he was "arrogant"

His interviews all seem completely genuine. No idea what you're talking about.

And even if he is arrogant, are we talking about him playing for the Leafs? or do you want to date him?

 

[ACC1224]

There is really no evidence to support this.

It's an opinion from watching them play. Seems evident to me.

 

[ChuckWoods]

CALLING CHUCKWOODS:

Do you have any idea if Ranger is interested in signing an NHL contract? I get the feeling that he wants to stay in the AHL.

Mr. Paul Ranger is very happy with the Toronto Marlies at this point in time.

Him coming out of retirement was to simply just play the game he loves.

Heck, he was coaching a AA Midget team in his home town just to stay attached to the game.

His issues are things of the past, and the Toronto brass are having discussions about him signing a contract.

If this was earlier in the NHL year (September/October), I would say Paul would want to stay in the AHL for the entire season, but he's been progressing so well and his confidence has been running the same path. So at this point he's mulling it over, and may indeed for the first time in a while consider stepping back into the spotlight.

He's a very private person and doesn't exact drop hints as to what direction he is leaning and the decision is solely his, but you can tell he is starting to get the itch.

Edit: I know this doesn't say much, but your guess is as good as mine. I just know that the Leafs have been impressed and do plan on extending the contract/invitation, but don't plan on pressuring him by any means. If he's happy as a Marlie, they will be happy to have his presence there for the likes of Blacker, Holzer etc.