With Zaitsev there defence is just fine, very young and will get a lot better.
They do need a goalie though.
Can't trust Bernier, he might have a start like last year, catastrophy.
- the_eye

Zaitsev is an unknown commodity. I'm excited about adding a player for nothing but money and cap space, but I don't have high expectations for him.

Thinking about the line up and whether it will be playoff good next year.

1st Line: JVR, Stamkos, Nylander
(Willy setting up JVR and Stamkos would be ridiculous...Marner not ready for 1st line yet.)

2nd Line: Lupul/Hyman, Matthews, Marner/Brown
(Matthews plays a similar style to Tchachuk or Dvorak. Marner will slide in perfectly with Matthews and Lupul.)

3rd Line: Sosh, Kadri, Komarov
(We all know this one works. If Sosh dips in performance slide in Hyman.)

4th Line: Greening, Laich, Michalek
(Veterans to slide up and down the line up as needed or when Lupul gets injured...Greening moves up with Matthews and Marner.)

Instead of leaving blank spots, I will pick possible players. Since everyone thinks a deal with Anaheim is possible. Here's the D.

Reilly, Vatenen
Gardiner, Zaitsev
Harrington, Hunwick
Corrado

Andersen
Bernier

BABCOCK at the wheel.

SHANALOUDUBAS running the prospects ala Chicago plan.


I say that could be a really good, playoff bound team. #tmltankover
- underhill14

It will cost Leafs JVR in order to get Andersen Vatenen

Dude?
- sloppyseconds2

Whatevs, bro

Zaitsev is an unknown commodity. I'm excited about adding a player for nothing but money and cap space, but I don't have high expectations for him.
- BetterCallSaul

You should: he's the best combo of age/skill in the KHL right now and should slot into our top 4 easily.

It will cost Leafs JVR in order to get Andersen Vatenen
- vinnymac

I'd be fine with that deal. Vatanen and Andersen for JVR and Pittsburgh's pick.

You should: he's the best combo of age/skill in the KHL right now and should slot into our top 4 easily.
- gravyface

Did they sign him yet?

Those names right there. Plus Rielly. The Leafs are one defenceman and goaltender away from having some semblance of a core group. One with high potential to boot.
- BetterCallSaul

It's crazy. That's not even counting if just one or two of the second tier prospects they currently have turns out to be a solid NHL player. What if Gauthier is actually a really useful third C? Brown, Timashov, Sosh?

And they still have a bunch of picks to make. If that Pittsburgh pick hits, look out.

The depth chart effect of winning the lotto makes things really interesting.

Did they sign him yet?
- systemtool

Heard he could sign today at 5:30pm (Moscow midnight), but nothing yet.

I'm more convinced he's going to sign over Vesey, but I still think Vesey signs with us.

It's crazy. That's not even counting if just one or two of the second tier prospects they currently have turns out to be a solid NHL player. What if Gauthier is actually a really useful third C? Brown, Timashov, Sosh?

And they still have a bunch of picks to make. If that Pittsburgh pick hits, look out.

The depth chart effect of winning the lotto makes things really interesting.
- Zezel

Yup.

Gauthier could fluke out and end up being a Brian Boyle lite.

Heard he could sign today at 5:30pm (Moscow midnight), but nothing yet.

I'm more convinced he's going to sign over Vesey, but I still think Vesey signs with us.
- gravyface

Exciting times.

Well, I wonder if the double edged sword that is the Toronto stage, i.e. lots of players want nothing to do with the poop show, but lots of players would love to be there during good times, wonder if that worm has turned yet? Babcock, young blue chip prospects...if only there was some kind of high profile test for Toronto as an attractive UFA destination that was coming up, so we could see if the everyone/no one wants to sign in Toronto thing has tilted...hmmmm.....

It's crazy. That's not even counting if just one or two of the second tier prospects they currently have turns out to be a solid NHL player. What if Gauthier is actually a really useful third C? Brown, Timashov, Sosh?

And they still have a bunch of picks to make. If that Pittsburgh pick hits, look out.

The depth chart effect of winning the lotto makes things really interesting.
- Zezel

Matthews will slot everyone correctly now. We don't have to worry if Marner can play centre in the NHL, he won't need to. I hope those people who griped about the Marner pick last year can realize that this lottery win augments his potential as well. Willie's too.

I'd be fine with that deal. Vatanen and Andersen for JVR and Pittsburgh's pick.
- BetterCallSaul

I doubt it would be both. JVR + a prospect.....maybe a 2nd or 3rd.

Yup.

Gauthier could fluke out and end up being a Brian Boyle lite.
- gravyface

I'd take it!

Yup.

Gauthier could fluke out and end up being a Brian Boyle lite.
- gravyface

Minus the toughness and grit?

I doubt it would be both. JVR + a prospect.....maybe a 2nd or 3rd.
- Phenom

The Leafs 2nd is only going to be 6 picks behind Pittsburgh's 1st. I'd be OK with Toronto flipping it.

Steen is looking slow?

Matthews will slot everyone correctly now. We don't have to worry if Marner can play centre in the NHL, he won't need to. I hope those people who griped about the Marner pick last year can realize that this lottery win augments his potential as well. Willie's too.
- BetterCallSaul

Yeah, it has a ripple effect on everything. Adds a power forward dimension that was lacking as well. I mean what can you say, it's exactly what the Leafs needed, it's the best possible thing that could happen.

I doubt it would be both. JVR + a prospect.....maybe a 2nd or 3rd.
- Phenom

Can't trade their only big winger that can score.

The Leafs 2nd is only going to be1 pick behind Pittsburgh's 1st. I'd be OK with Toronto flipping it.
- BetterCallSaul

fixed

Steen is looking slow?
- the_eye

Imagine if they didn't trade him?


It wouldn't have made the biggest lick of (frank).

Imagine if they didn't trade him?


It wouldn't have made the biggest lick of (frank).
- weirdoh

Maybe not Steen.



But man, can you imagine if we still had Colaiacovo...???

Imagine if they didn't trade him?


It wouldn't have made the biggest lick of (frank).
- weirdoh

Gotta think he would have done better than Bozak with Kessel.
And there goes Steen

Blues win in OT.

Maybe not Steen.



But man, can you imagine if we still had Colaiacovo...???
- lumlums

Nope.