Who are the Leafs' best skaters?

[Tall Morty]

Similar to the shot poll, I'm wondering who, in your opinion, are the top 5* skaters on the Leafs? You choose the criteria that defines a good skater.

I suspect this poll may be a little more contentious than the last. Please note that I've also added Kapanen, Andersen and McElhinney as possible answers.

*I screwed up and now the poll allows the top 10 skaters. If you have already voted for 5, you can choose "Change your vote" and select up to 10 new skaters.

Click to read more...

 

[LeafGrief]

Went with Matthews, Nylander, Rielly, Gardiner, and Kapanen. Marner has the best edgework though.

 

[Walshy7]

Kapanen then massive gap to the next guy. Kapanen has McDavid level skating, obviously while he makes plays at speed not to the level of McDavid

 

[zeke]

1.Nylander
2.Gardiner
3.Rielly

 

[pcruz]

Matthews' skating is definitely not his forte. Not that he's a bad or even average skater, but he's definitely not an upper echelon skater like Gardiner, Rielly, Kapanen are.
I also voted for Marleau and Nylander who is a phenomenal skater to watch.

 

[Randy Randerson]

thought this one might be easy to call before I voted, was not disappointed:
Matthews
Nylander
Rielly
Gardiner
Kapanen

 

[DarkKnight]

Straight line speed Kap, no question. Best skater, including edge work, it's Marner for me. All factors considered, Nylander.

 

[Mickey Marner]

Nylander, Rielly & Gardiner are definitely the top-3 at skating with the puck.

Kapanen is the fastest without the puck, but getting somewhere faster than anyone else is only useful if you know what to do when you're there.

Matthews is the most economic skater. He's like Gandalf; he's never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.

 

[Randy Randerson]

Nylander, Rielly & Gardiner are definitely the top-3 at skating with the puck.

Kapanen is the fastest without the puck, but getting somewhere faster than anyone else is only useful if you know what to do when you're there.

Matthews is the most economic skater. He's like Gandalf; he's never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.

I could see Kapanen becoming a more talented Grabner - getting lots of odd man rushes and breakaways especially if he plays with talented linemates who draw a lot of defensive attention. He's a much better finisher than Grabner so that could be deadly

 

[DarkKnight]

Nylander, Rielly & Gardiner are definitely the top-3 at skating with the puck.

Kapanen is the fastest without the puck, but getting somewhere faster than anyone else is only useful if you know what to do when you're there.

Matthews is the most economic skater. He's like Gandalf; he's never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.

Have to give you a like for the nicely weaved Gandalf reference!

 

[Tall Morty]

Alright, I've upped it to top 10 to make it more interesting. Anyone who has already voted should be able to click "Change your vote" and add 5 new selections if they want.

(I actually changed it to 10, but tried to switch it back and it was too late ).

 

[mjhfb]

You might laugh but one of the reasons Hainsey was drafted in the 1st round years ago was his effortless stride.

 

[meefer]

I thought the limit was four (oops):
Nylander
Rielly
Gardiner
Kapanen

I would love to see a Marleau/Nylander/Kapanen line should Bozak be traded.

 

[Tak7]

Not enough people pointing out how good a skater JvR is.

It's one of his larger strengths, which makes his disappearing acts even more frustrating - he's got so many awesome tools.

 

[IPS]

Nylander, Gardiner, Rielly and Marner are our best skaters.