You're assuming the offer sheet was going to be similar to the contract he signed with CBJ. I don't think that's the case, that's why CBJ came out and said right away we'll match any offer sheets. We didn't have the same cap space luxury.
- walleyeb1

No, I'm assuming there would have been no OS and the Hawks had simply re-signed him on their own.

So yesterday I was reading a rumor about Toronto wanting to move James van Riemsdyk and the Hawks maybe being interested except for the whole salary cap issue.

Then this morning I see Eklund talking about Lou Lamoriello taking over in Toronto and " He also has always been about goaltending".

So if Crawford is the sacrificial lamb, is this a good starting point for a trade and what other assets do you think would have to be exchanged to make it happen ?
- kissthecup22

Did it say the organization wants to move him? Or was it just a blogger? I'm just curious as I would be surprised if they move him within the next 2 years.

There's no evidence that's true. They have 2 elite prospects, plus an elite level 2nd year player, already in the system. Plus other very good prospects. At this point it's probably more about surrounding those players with the proper talent then actually acquiring any more top level prospects. But, having said that, we're certainly in line for another next summer.
- djamon

Last year this time I would have rated Reily as an elite prospect but last season he didn't progress. As of now you don't know what you have with him. Your two "elite" prospects are good prospects but more complimentary type players rather than franchise types. the leafs have a long road to become a contender, do you think MLSE will have the stomach should the rebuild take four, five, six or seven years?

If you use the Flames as an example, a reasonable rebuild is doable in a couple years. But that's only to get to the point of squeaking into the playoffs. 150 lb 'elite' prospects really mean nothing unless there is a solid foundation of good NHL players to support them. See Nashville as an example.

When Lamorello gets a look at what his roster really looks like, there won't be one player he wouldn't trade to try to get better and that includes Morgan Reilly.
- RickJ

By contender I mean a legit cup contender not a get into the playoffs cross your fingers and hope contender.

If you use the Flames as an example, a reasonable rebuild is doable in a couple years. But that's only to get to the point of squeaking into the playoffs. 150 lb 'elite' prospects really mean nothing unless there is a solid foundation of good NHL players to support them. See Nashville as an example.

When Lamorello gets a look at what his roster really looks like, there won't be one player he wouldn't trade to try to get better and that includes Morgan Reilly.
- RickJ

First off...Lou would think our roster is miles ahead of the one he just left. So that point is inaccurate. Secondly, his function is to open up his rolodex to Shanahan and Dubas, not make trades.

And lastly, your first paragraph is exactly what I just said. So...

Edmonton East
- EnzoD

If you think that then it shows you have no idea why Edmonton failed, while the Hawks and the Pens succeeded. And it also shows you have no idea how the management team is operating.

Plan D, Plan D please. Use Crawford to move Bickell to Toronto now that Lou is there. Helps the cap in the long term.
- Rtoppel

Yeah, Hawks wouldn't miss Crawford at all.

Last year this time I would have rated Reily as an elite prospect but last season he didn't progress. As of now you don't know what you have with him. Your two "elite" prospects are good prospects but more complimentary type players rather than franchise types. the leafs have a long road to become a contender, do you think MLSE will have the stomach should the rebuild take four, five, six or seven years?
- paulr

I'd say so. They make a ton of money while not being competitive. They may as well be not competitive but with their own youngsters as opposed to other team's cast offs.

P.S. I think Morgan Reilly is progressing really well.

I think CC and JVR are not far off from a valuation standpoint. But I just don't see Shanahan being all that interested in a 6M goalie when he's in the middle of a rebuild.
- djamon

I wouldn't be that interested in an overpaid loser of a LW who quits on his team either.

Last year this time I would have rated Reily as an elite prospect but last season he didn't progress. As of now you don't know what you have with him. Your two "elite" prospects are good prospects but more complimentary type players rather than franchise types. the leafs have a long road to become a contender, do you think MLSE will have the stomach should the rebuild take four, five, six or seven years?
- paulr

Sorry, but Reilly had a great sophomore season. And Nylander and Marner are both elite level prospects.

By contender I mean a legit cup contender not a get into the playoffs cross your fingers and hope contender.
- paulr

Everyone who gets into the Playoffs is a contender. LA has proven that multiple times.

I wouldn't be that interested in an overpaid loser of a LW who quits on his team either.
- Dunconn_Smythe

LOL...ok then.

I wouldn't be that interested in an overpaid loser of a LW who quits on his team either.
- Dunconn_Smythe

I agree with this. I don't see a fit between the two clubs regarding a trade. That's why I was sceptical when JJ was trying to push the Sharp to the Leafs idea.

Sorry, but Reilly had a great sophomore season. And Nylander and Marner are both elite level prospects.
- djamon

I've seen Marner play live seven or eight times, I like him but he's not in the Tavares, Toews, McDavid, Crosby category and he's not even close. And Marner is a better prospect than Nylander.

Did it say the organization wants to move him? Or was it just a blogger? I'm just curious as I would be surprised if they move him within the next 2 years.
- walshyleafsfan

It was an Eklund story from a couple of days before and I always assume that these guys know a lot more than I do. I also know that most of the rumors never happen but it doesn't keep me from wondering "what if? "

Everyone who gets into the Playoffs is a contender. LA has proven that multiple times.
- djamon

OK

I've seen Marner play live seven or eight times, I like him but he's not in the Tavares, Toews, McDavid, Crosby category and he's not even close. And Marner is a better prospect than Nylander.
- paulr

That's nothing to be ashamed of though as they are probably the top 4 players in hockey (McDavid in 2 years or so).

No, I'm assuming there would have been no OS and the Hawks had simply re-signed him on their own.
- djamon

That's a big assumption too, one Bowman was unwilling to make.

It was an Eklund story from a couple of days before and I always assume that these guys know a lot more than I do. I also know that most of the rumors never happen but it doesn't keep me from wondering "what if? "
- kissthecup22

Gotcha. Never assume.

LOL...ok then.
- djamon

How did he "quit" on his team ?

First off...Lou would think our roster is miles ahead of the one he just left. So that point is inaccurate. Secondly, his function is to open up his rolodex to Shanahan and Dubas, not make trades.

And lastly, your first paragraph is exactly what I just said. So...
- djamon

I think it is a very good hire...Shanny had zero front office experience before becoming a GM. Big Lou will take some pressure off him and also teach younger guys the ropes when he steps down.

First off...Lou would think our roster is miles ahead of the one he just left. So that point is inaccurate. Secondly, his function is to open up his rolodex to Shanahan and Dubas, not make trades.

And lastly, your first paragraph is exactly what I just said. So...
- djamon

U sure bout that....??

I don't know what to believe, at one point the cry is to many Chiefs making decisions which limits Bowmans ability to make deals with other clubs, now we're hearing that people weren't happy about losing Saad because Bowman didn't act sooner, but was able to unload Saad in a blink of an eye so which is it.

Even if he dealt Sharp as soon as we won the cup I find it very very hard to believe no salary would of come back and you have the NTC. What makes sense to me is Saad asked for 7 million, turned down 5 , million and the consensus was get what you can for him. Hey I'm not happy about losing Saad either but to say it's Bowmans fault is finding someone to blame and if we're going that route I blame Saad I don't begrudge him for making his money but he didn't sign the contract and was stalling to get an offer sheet from another club so as a Hawks fan I bid farewell to Saad and say good luck and appreciate the fact AA comes in here and can't sign a contract fast enough, hope that money makes Saad happy because losing sucks. I know Columbus is supposedly an up and coming team, blah blah blah

I've seen Marner play live seven or eight times, I like him but he's not in the Tavares, Toews, McDavid, Crosby category and he's not even close. And Marner is a better prospect than Nylander.
- paulr

I understand the hype/potential, but until he proves it in the NHL, I cant put McDavid in any category, especially next to elite players......

That's nothing to be ashamed of though as they are probably the top 4 players in hockey (McDavid in 2 years or so).
- walshyleafsfan

The point is elite teams have elite players and as of now Toronto doesn't have an elite player or a prospect who is projected to be an elite player.