not as much as the Luongo signing - how's Ballard playing these days?
- Garnie

Better then Liles

yes of course you would...

If Lou plays like he has been...you will be getting an early start to the golf season.

Not sure why the hate so much for Clarkson...I'm sure the Nuckleheads would have signed him if they could.
- Garnie

Not for 7 yrs.... should have learnt that lesson from Luongo.............

But will they have the big money Raymond will demand after lighting up the pre-season.
- IanEsplen

I'm sure they can afford his 2 goals and 2 assists. Unless you're talking about his icecapade dramatics. That should be a real hit with the kids.

I would disagree with that. same idea maybe, but far different impacts

Tanev goes to Russia, Vancouver is missing a No. 6 D

Franson or Kadri go to Russia, Toronto is out a No. 2 D and/or a No. 1 centre
- IanEsplen

I never said the impact was the same, just that it was the same idea. Bringing in Raymond is one part negotiating ploy, and one part bringing in a guy to battle for a job. He certainly doesn't fill Kadri's role, but it shows Naz that they're willing to move on without him if he chooses.

The KHL is an empty threat when used by North Americans. Will need a couple North American born stars to head there for it to be treated as anything more than an empty threat.

The Leafs' #3 LW on the depth chart is Frazer McLaren. That's the reason Raymond was brought in would be my guess.
- AlexF

If that was the case then wouldn't they just have signed him and not brought him in on a PTO?

um... Raymond plays the Wing..... and 3rd line winger doesn't replace 2nd line center.... didn't we try that last year???
- SMP8719

It's negotiating. Raymond plays the wing, maybe JVR tries center again for a bit, or at least maybe that's just what they need Kadri to think so that he signs a reasonable deal instead of holding out for something ridiculous.

I'm sure they can afford his 2 goals and 2 assists. Unless you're talking about his icecapade dramatics. That should be a real hit with the kids.
- AlexF

The drinking games for every time Bambi fell over were epic.... would make me watch some leaf games right there haha

I never said the impact was the same, just that it was the same idea. Bringing in Raymond is one part negotiating ploy, and one part bringing in a guy to battle for a job. He certainly doesn't fill Kadri's role, but it shows Naz that they're willing to move on without him if he chooses.

The KHL is an empty threat when used by North Americans. Will need a couple North American born stars to head there for it to be treated as anything more than an empty threat.
- KB3Point0

Honestly, Naz likely hasn't stopped laughing if Raymond was brought in to maybe fill in for him.

That's like telling Tom Hanks, if he doesn't take the role, Carrot Top is on line one waiting on it.

Honestly, Naz likely hasn't stopped laughing if Raymond was brought in to maybe fill in for him.

That's like telling Tom Hanks, if he doesn't take the role, Carrot Top is on line one waiting on it.
- IanEsplen

isn't it a little early to start comparing kadri to hanks?

Honestly, Naz likely hasn't stopped laughing if Raymond was brought in to maybe fill in for him.

That's like telling Tom Hanks, if he doesn't take the role, Carrot Top is on line one waiting on it.
- IanEsplen

Or perhaps it's like in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang when Colin Farrell wanted too much money so they brought in some guy from NY (Robert Downey Jr) and gave him acting lessons and PI lessons and then Farrell brought his demands down to a reasonable level...

isn't it a little early to start comparing kadri to hanks?
- JohnDwyer

not in Leafs world

Or perhaps it's like in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang when Colin Farrell wanted too much money so they brought in some guy from NY (Robert Downey Jr) and gave him acting lessons and PI lessons and then Farrell brought his demands down to a reasonable level...
- KB3Point0

Are you calling Kadri a drunk?

Honestly, Naz likely hasn't stopped laughing if Raymond was brought in to maybe fill in for him.

That's like telling Tom Hanks, if he doesn't take the role, Carrot Top is on line one waiting on it.
- IanEsplen

Naz just needs to give his head a shake and look at the reality of his situation. He's had a very good half season. Who cares if he felt he was mistreated before as the previous coach and GM are gone. He isn't hitting the jackpot this season. He has virtually zero leverage and the team couldn't afford to give him as much money as he wants, even if they wanted to (which they don't). Now the team has brought in a soft, but skilled, Raymond whom his GM drafted years ago. A guy with a tonne to prove and likely willing to take well below the league average to do it. Sign your stupid contract. The NHL changed with the new CBA. Get over it.

Are you calling Kadri a drunk?
- IanEsplen

Don't put words in my mouth! I don't wanna get sued Burkie style!

Naz just needs to give his head a shake and look at the reality of his situation. He's had a very good half season. Who cares if he felt he was mistreated before as the previous coach and GM are gone. He isn't hitting the jackpot this season. He has virtually zero leverage and the team couldn't afford to give him as much money as he wants, even if they wanted to (which they don't). Now the team has brought in a soft, but skilled, Raymond whom his GM drafted years ago. A guy with a tonne to prove and likely willing to take well below the league average to do it. Sign your stupid contract. The NHL changed with the new CBA. Get over it.
- KB3Point0

Let's say that he holds out the entire season (not that it will get that far). Who's hurt more by it, Kadri or the Leafs?

For me it's a bit of a toss up.

And if he forces a trade ala Turris, what's Kadri's value?

If that was the case then wouldn't they just have signed him and not brought him in on a PTO?
- KB3Point0

Why pay up front if you can try before you buy?

That David Clarkson contract is horrendous. Why are people calling it a good signing?

Canucks Co-owner Aquilini Settles Divorce Case

-TSN

Damn.

That David Clarkson contract is horrendous. Why are people calling it a good signing?
- bloatedmosquito

Pretty sure no one outside of TO is making that claim. And even then...

Let's say that he holds out the entire season (not that it will get that far). Who's hurt more by it, Kadri or the Leafs?

For me it's a bit of a toss up.

And if he forces a trade ala Turris, what's Kadri's value?
- IanEsplen

At this point Kadri would be hurt more. He finally put together a solid (half) season. To hold out the entire season would be devastating for him. Suddenly there would be questions about his character on top of the questions about whether he could put up numbers for an entire season. His asking price would go down (although the rise in cap could even that out) and he'd lose out on the ability to earn a salary (likely in the $2.5M - $3M range).

The Leafs still own his rights. It would definitely hurt them not having him in the lineup, but if they make the playoffs without him then not only does it not hurt them very much, but it weakens his position even more. They're a much better team with him, but that's why he's being offered so much money.

I don't think he has much value at all if he were to force a trade. What would you give up for a guy who has had one good half season and whose contract demands have prevented him from signing a reasonable deal even though he's virtually guaranteed the opportunity to play with guys that are going to help him put up huge numbers again? A 2nd rounder? If I was the Leafs I'd just make him sit or go to the KHL. He'd be worth much more on the ice for them than in a trade.

Pretty sure no one outside of TO is making that claim. And even then...
- AlexF

I had no idea of the value until I read this blog. Over in leaf land, they were all so happy when he signed with the leafs because he "wanted" to play for the team.

BS. That contract is pure robbery. There is no discount there. Typical UFA overpayment.

Why pay up front if you can try before you buy?
- AlexF

Because if they actually wanted him they'd just sign him. Try before you buy also let's everyone else see what he can do and outbid you if Raymond has a great camp / pre-season. Especially with the cap constraints the Leafs are currently working under. It's a big risk unless they don't really care if he signs with them (which it doesn't look like they really do at this point).

I had no idea of the value until I read this blog. Over in leaf land, they were all so happy when he signed with the leafs because he "wanted" to play for the team.

BS. That contract is pure robbery. There is no discount there. Typical UFA overpayment.
- bloatedmosquito

Well the Leafs have felt slighted over the past few years. Especially considering they thought virtually every Ontario born player would be so eager to play in Toronto that they'd take massive paycuts to do so.

I had no idea of the value until I read this blog. Over in leaf land, they were all so happy when he signed with the leafs because he "wanted" to play for the team.

BS. That contract is pure robbery. There is no discount there. Typical UFA overpayment.
- bloatedmosquito

scary thing is, the Oilers were rumoured to have offered him close to 6 million a year.

Shinkaruk with a goal and an assist today, anyone see the highlights?