that is the key to the Leafs right now, PATIENCE.


- Lucas.Neilson

there is no need to rush prospects... no need at all

excellent read

these next few games will be interesting to watch for sure. giving these kids a taste now is actually probably the best time. teams are making their playoff push and if the kids can keep up during this time, the future looks very promising. these kids will be training everyday to play at that intensity all year long.

Good refreshing blog Lucas, even though you MiBed me with the 'new blog up!' in the news recap, er.....other blog.

The blog or the shiit was not disappointing ??
- bixll

They were equally satisfying

What's another 3 years on top of an already 50. Nothing.
- Huntley

some of us haven't been around that long

it really hasn't been that tough of a go for me. my first memories are the quinn years and they were always competitive. the last 10 years have been tough. still, i am all for another couple years of pain

I know lots of people will laugh about this, but I think San José Sharks is going to win the Stanley Cup this year.

I know lots of people will laugh about this, but I think San José Sharks is going to win the Stanley Cup this year.
- MaximusAurelius

Players to watch in camp:
F: Leivo, Leipsic, Nylander, Kapanen, Johnson, Sohsnikov, Hyman, Brown, Smith, Marner, Lindberg
D: Valiev, Harrington, Zaitsev! lol, Dermott, Loov
G: Sparks and Bibeau

Plus our 1st round pick.

*This isn't a list of who's making it, just a list of guys pushing fro jobs

I think Carrick & Percy are in no matter what.

Re: the Dion comment:

Wouldn't it be the height of irony if he sparked the Sens to another late season playoff run that pushes Pittsburgh out of the final wild card spot?

Re: the Dion comment:

Wouldn't it be the height of irony if he sparked the Sens to another late season playoff run that pushes Pittsburgh out of the final wild card spot?



- Phenom

He won't.

Ottawa (frank)ing sucks.

- matt1337

they (SJ) have a very easy remaining schedule and I expect them to be 1st in their division. playing Minnesota 1st round should be easy win for them

I know lots of people will laugh about this, but I think San José Sharks is going to win the Stanley Cup this year.
- MaximusAurelius

Woohoo another 3rd round pick!!!

Re: the Dion comment:

Wouldn't it be the height of irony if he sparked the Sens to another late season playoff run that pushes Pittsburgh out of the final wild card spot?



- Phenom

They're too far back. Like I said, I'm happy he's doing well there. I have no ill will towards him.

They were equally satisfying

- Wendel17Clark

He won't.

Ottawa (frank)ing sucks.
- BINGO!

They got quite a few players I like. Zibanejed is really starting to look good, Hoffman, Stone...might have been different if Turris wasn't hurt.

Outside of EK and Dion, I think their d blows.

They got quite a few players I like. Zibanejed is really starting to look good, Hoffman, Stone...might have been different if Turris wasn't hurt.

Outside of EK and Dion, I think their d blows.
- mykokes

yeah it does..Ottawa has some good pieces for sure.

They're too far back. Like I said, I'm happy he's doing well there. I have no ill will towards him.
- mykokes

I know, but what would sum up our luck better than that scenario?

I just looked at the schedule. ....Our last two games are on the road vs Philly and Jersey. Could have huge implications.

yeah it does..Ottawa has some good pieces for sure.
- Lucas.Neilson

Z is a great young hockey player....but man those eyebrows.....I wonder if he's related to glucky?

yeah it does..Ottawa has some good pieces for sure.
- Lucas.Neilson

Not a Borowiecki fan? LoL

Or Patrick Oddpenis?

Re: the Dion comment:

Wouldn't it be the height of irony if he sparked the Sens to another late season playoff run that pushes Pittsburgh out of the final wild card spot?



- Phenom

He's going to take them to the same place he took the Leafs.

1st group to go off at 8:30am at the Glen Abbey.

Totally disagree about burning a year of their ELC.

The argument that they have lots of cap space now is sort of irrelevant, in that it's more about 3 to 6 years from now when these contracts (and/or whatever bridge contracts they sign afterwards) become a cap issue.

i.e. just because we have cap space now, doesn't mean we can be irresponsible with our cap management in a way that could potentially hamstring us in the future.

The cornerstone of the Shanaplan is prudent planning and intelligent execution. Burning a year of all these guys' ELC, so they can play out the end of a meaningless season, is the exact opposite of that.

I know, but what would sum up our luck better than that scenario?

I just looked at the schedule. ....Our last two games are on the road vs Philly and Jersey. Could have huge implications.
- Phenom

My advice, forget about the Pens pick. Enjoy the fact that we got:


-Leafs first rounder

-Pittsburgh's first-rounder (In Phil Kessel trade. Becomes a 2017 first rounder if Pittsburgh fails to make playoffs or Penguins second-rounder).

-Leafs second rounder

-Washington's second rounder (Daniel Winnik)

-Leafs third rounder

-New Jersey's third-rounder (Via Pittsburgh for Kessel)

--Leafs 4th rounder

-Colorado's fourth-rounder (Shawn Matthias)


So we're either picking twice in the first and second rounds or once in the first and three times in the second. Fun times.

there is no need to rush prospects... no need at all
- Dozzer

I'm sure that management has a specific development plan for each player. As long as decisions are based on how the player best develops and not some knee jerk sense that we can make the playoffs or whatever, I am happy. If they truly believe Marner will gain more from another year in London, then I'm happy to keep him there. If they think he would stagnate there, bring him up.

That's what patience is - sticking to the overall rebuild plan and the development plans for individual players. It doesnt have to be just moving as slowly as possible. Also, obviously, plans change as circumstances dictate. If Stamkos is available and willing, go for it if it fits. If a player develops more quickly, move him along.

Totally disagree about burning a year of their ELC.

The argument that they have lots of cap space now is sort of irrelevant, in that it's more about 3 to 6 years from now when these contracts (and/or whatever bridge contracts they sign afterwards) become a cap issue.

i.e. just because we have cap space now, doesn't mean we can be irresponsible with our cap management in a way that could potentially hamstring us in the future.

The cornerstone of the Shanaplan is prudent planning and intelligent execution. Burning a year of all these guys' ELC, so they can play out the end of a meaningless season, is the exact opposite of that.
- jnwood2517

i think the leafs now have one of the smartest management groups in the league, especially when it comes to cap management. thats something the leafs have never had before...Ever!

i have no doubt they have thought this out..and have a much better understanding of what they need to do than you or I...Nonis an Poulin are gone.. i dont think fans need to stress over the cap anymore

Just a tidbit. Hyman is also an author who writes children's books.