Mik is like a better version of Engvall. Once hes back I can see Engvall, Simmonds and Spezza taking turns as scratches. All are capable players so best to keep them fresh.
What happens with Mikyehev when he comes back?
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Engvall is a frustrating player. Solid defensively and great at the transition game, but is prone to horrible turnovers you cant afford from a 4th liner
Buds17
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- Nov 29, 2015
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The team still has at least made some lineup changes (albeit for injury related reasons at times) over the course of that success. It's not as though the team would be looking to Mikheyev to replace one of its top forwards.
The Iceman
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- Sep 22, 2007
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And with his speed and size goes on the forechek at 1/2 intensit,y and goes to battle with one hand on his stick.
Captain14
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I agree with this, however, he does not make smart decisions once he has the puck.
I watched him last night attempting to skate through multiple Sharks at the blue line and turning it over each time leading to scoring chances the other way.
He also fails to get the puck deep too often.
If he was just a little smarter with the puck, he could be a trusted 4th liner. Just my opinion, but I think Mika is the safer option on the ice.
dubplatepressure
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- Jul 10, 2007
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I would be hardpressed to decide between Mik and Engvall, and I can't believe I'm saying this right now but I'm leaning towards Engvall right now due to his fit on that bottom 6, PK time, and his ability to skate and separate with his first few strides which is unique. Mik still has obviously higher offensive upside and plays with more tenacity but I can't see a place for him in this lineup unless we pull one of Engvall, Ritchie, or Simmer. Mik will also need a good 15-20 games to get going again... not sure if that's likely here without injuries opening a spot up for him.
Engvall comes out. 13th forward
Mikhayev - Kampf - Kase
Ritchie - Spezza - Simmonds
Mikhayev - Kampf - Kase
Ritchie - Spezza - Simmonds
Do the Leafs have enough cap space when he comes back or do they have to move someone?
If they have the space, just rotate him into and out of the lineup with a few others, like we see on defense.
After he does a conditioning stint with the Marlies, of course.
Or they could just treat him like they did Corrado and leave him a permanent scratch. Hope not.
If they have the space, just rotate him into and out of the lineup with a few others, like we see on defense.
After he does a conditioning stint with the Marlies, of course.
Or they could just treat him like they did Corrado and leave him a permanent scratch. Hope not.
Nylanderthal
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- Jun 9, 2010
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Soups the infinitely better skater…. Weird to suggest Engvall stays in due to his skating when mikheyev is much better at that aspect.
I think soup draws in and they rotate the bottom of the line up just like they’ve been doing with the D. Keep some of the older legs fresh (Spezza & simmer) and light a fire under some of the under performing players (Ritchie & Engvall)
Man Bear Pig
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Mikheyev is probably the fastest player on the team. Engvall can skate, but hes not as fast as Mikheyev.
Brobust
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- Sep 29, 2017
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Not sure if it was CJ or someone else, but they said that Mikheyev will be in the top 6 once he comes back. Seems like the management promised him a good look in an offensive role.
dubplatepressure
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We'll agree to strongly disagree then - IMO Engvall's probably one of the best straight-line skaters in the league and constantly, multiple times per game, beating guys to pucks, closing on them, or creating more space due to his speed / stride. Mik's never been able to do that like Engvall has. The real difference here is that Engvall's got no prowess, whereas Mik is a much smarter player with the puck. I'd also take Mik's hands over Engvall any day of the week.
When Mik comes back he will need a few games to see where he is at .. if he still has speed then I see us trading Kerfoot and bringing in Mik for CAP relief .. and using extra space for a VET defender for playoff run
Man Bear Pig
Registered User
Go watch the footrace with Mikeheyev and McDavid. They're equally as fast and McDavid is considered the fastest player in the world. Engvall has wheels, no doubt, I've spoken about it on here before saying he's sneaky quick, he has an odd stride and doesn't look like he's putting in the max effort, but it works. That said, I just don't think hes quicker than Mikheyev. It's too bad theres no site that tracks average foot speed because I'd be curious to compare.
TheScandal89
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- Jun 26, 2016
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My vote is Ho-Sang in, Mikheyev/Engvall out. I know it wont happen so I assume Mikheyev will just replace Engvall and then Engvall will rotate with Spezza and Simmonds. Small chance Mikheyev gets a shot with Marner and Matthews since they constantly have rotated LWers.
Personally, I think Mikhy's best days are done with us. He's likely leaving after this season and since his hand injury he's looked like he has no hands. He reminds me of Kulemin after his 30 goal season. There was awhile his 1st season where he looked like he was gonna be a 15-20 goal 50 point guy when he was looking great with Nylander and Tavares. But then his hand got cut, and maybe it hasn't healed fully yet, but his stick work has gone to crap. He's still fast, his IQ is still there, but his "skill" is gone. He's not a liability out there, but I wouldn't say he's a difference maker either.
Personally, I think Mikhy's best days are done with us. He's likely leaving after this season and since his hand injury he's looked like he has no hands. He reminds me of Kulemin after his 30 goal season. There was awhile his 1st season where he looked like he was gonna be a 15-20 goal 50 point guy when he was looking great with Nylander and Tavares. But then his hand got cut, and maybe it hasn't healed fully yet, but his stick work has gone to crap. He's still fast, his IQ is still there, but his "skill" is gone. He's not a liability out there, but I wouldn't say he's a difference maker either.
Martin Skoula
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- Oct 18, 2017
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He's the ideal LW for the Kampf-Kase pair, fits them like a glove.
LeafalCrusader
Registered User
My guess is they see him in Kerfoot's spot with Tavares and reunite the KKK line.
Bunting Matthews Marner
Mikheyev Tavares Nylander
Kerfoot Kampf Kase
Ritchie/Engvall Spezza Simmonds
Though I prefer Kerfoot in the top six.
Nylanderthal
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- Jun 9, 2010
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Can’t see them breaking up Kerfoot and Nylander. Personally I’d like to see
Kerfoot Matthews Nylander
Soup Tavares Marner
If they’re committed to him getting a look in the top 6, I think his best fit is with the Czeching line, with bunting or Ritchie playing with JT & Mitch
That 3rd line can't be called that it just can't
Cecithepylon
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- May 4, 2017
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Man we have good problems lately. Lots of wingers to spare lots of good d to spare our third string goalie is playing well. It’s all good problems to have
Oh, Don't be so paranoid.
Next you'll be telling me there's something wrong with it being centered by a guy named Kampf......
Oh wait....
My problem with Mik is he skates faster than his brain can process the play and offense seems to die on his stick. His play seems a bit erratic but then again the entire teams play seemed much more erratic before and not so much now. i wish Engvall could be more physical but hes a great skater and seems to be working well right now with his line.
hopefully he can step in and be the offensive Mikheyev we saw his first year.
hopefully he can step in and be the offensive Mikheyev we saw his first year.
