Unfortunately I think Tyler Pennis will be getting some play time... Leafs have 5 games in 8 nights, I can see people getting swapped in and out.
- TheMussel

Hopefully more in and out than out and in for Pennis (see what I did there? )

Goat needs to find a similar player in the league he can model his game after, but his speed has always been his problem. It's gotten slightly better at top speed, but his edge work and acceleration just can't cope with a modern PP or DZ coverage.

On an aside, Blake Wheeler is pretty good huh? And just signed a 5-year/5.8M contract for being a prolific point-getter, captain, and rare giant at 6'5".

So how much is Nylander asking for again?

Kapanen is definitely a better skater than Nylander. How often would you see Nylander try to cut inside and blow a tire? Too often!
- bartsch

Nylander's edge work is pretty fantastic though. Kapanen is more of a heat-seeking missile, which is why Babs wants him to develop his heavy/corner game.

Kapanen is obviously a downgrade in the playmaking/vision/shot categories, but not by a ton; he can play a heavier game than Nylander and I think is a better skater, at least in a straight line.

Putting Nylander on Kadri's line would really give us three balanced lines of attack and I think Johnsson (whenever he decides to get going) is an upgrade on Leivo, who's only hope in hell is to develop a 200' game and play heavier to win some PK time.
- gravyface

Like Babcock said, if Kapanen can play like Hyman plays, he will get more playing time.. I'm ok with Kappy playing with Matthews on a more consistent basis, if he can dig out pucks and battle along the boards to create turnovers. Kid has speed to burn, and soon his hands will keep up with his speed.

How can Toronto score so much when Matthews and Tavares are overrated poop propped up by the Toronto Sports Network?!

How can Toronto score so much when Matthews and Tavares are overrated poop propped up by the Toronto Sports Network?!
- AdamFrench

Their solid d-core.

via GIPHY

Hopefully more in and out than out and in for Pennis (see what I did there? )

Goat needs to find a similar player in the league he can model his game after, but his speed has always been his problem. It's gotten slightly better at top speed, but his edge work and acceleration just can't cope with a modern PP or DZ coverage.

On an aside, Blake Wheeler is pretty good huh? And just signed a 5-year/5.8M contract for being a prolific point-getter, captain, and rare giant at 6'5".

So how much is Nylander asking for again?
- gravyface

David Steckel!

I'm with you. Babcock has never been a proponent of the stretch pass, it's usually the center supporting the D and swinging it, but I think this has more to do with personnel (Gardiner) and poor decision-making in-game.

We don't collapse down low nearly as much as with Carlyle which left the points wide open, but they should be in a support position to help get it out.

It's all about quick transitions and not spending time in their D zone because this team is not equipped to play for long periods of time in their own end.
- gravyface

Seems like this is the way they are being told to play forsure. Not a coinindence that every winger does it all game every game

David Steckel!
- AdamFrench

now I was going to say Joe Thornton - but indeed, Steckel would be way better..

David Steckel!
- AdamFrench

JvR?

#IWish

Lehner for Vezina with the Isles

Kapanen is obviously a downgrade in the playmaking/vision/shot categories, but not by a ton; he can play a heavier game than Nylander and I think is a better skater, at least in a straight line.

Putting Nylander on Kadri's line would really give us three balanced lines of attack and I think Johnsson (whenever he decides to get going) is an upgrade on Leivo, who's only hope in hell is to develop a 200' game and play heavier to win some PK time.
- gravyface

Once nylander signs, he may start on thr 3rd line for a couple of shifts maybe game or two. But they arent putting a 6.5-7million dollar player on the 3rd line long term.

Once nylander signs, he may start on thr 3rd line for a couple of shifts maybe game or two. But they arent putting a 6.5-7million dollar player on the 3rd line long term.
- Fakepartofme

Just like Phil

Once nylander signs, he may start on thr 3rd line for a couple of shifts maybe game or two. But they arent putting a 6.5-7million dollar player on the 3rd line long term.
- Fakepartofme

or even sent to the Marlies on a conditioning stint

Hey everyone, if you're feeling like Nylander is a bad guy for holding out, just remember that Nick Ritchie is doing the same thing in Anaheim

Hey everyone, if you're feeling like Nylander is a bad guy for holding out, just remember that Nick Ritchie is doing the same thing in Anaheim
- TheMussel

With all their injuries too...plus he sucks.

With all their injuries too...plus he sucks.
- AdamFrench

To quote Don Cherry, "They pass Nick Ritchie. He’s 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. Only three players scored more than this guy. Anaheim picked him up. Bob Murray picked him. He was the executive of the year. He is tough. He can score. He has beautiful hands."

To quote Don Cherry, "They pass Nick Ritchie. He’s 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. Only three players scored more than this guy. Anaheim picked him up. Bob Murray picked him. He was the executive of the year. He is tough. He can score. He has beautiful hands."
- TheMussel

- markmark

Those are David Duchovny's hands.

Hey everyone, if you're feeling like Nylander is a bad guy for holding out, just remember that Nick Ritchie is doing the same thing in Anaheim
- TheMussel

If Nylander is stuck on the $8mm per year number,
I hope Dubas sits him the entire year!
(frank) right off $8mm a year!

Those are David Duchovny's hands.
- TheMussel

Beautiful.

Once nylander signs, he may start on thr 3rd line for a couple of shifts maybe game or two. But they arent putting a 6.5-7million dollar player on the 3rd line long term.
- Fakepartofme

Phil the thrill does.

Same as Ehlers on Winnipeg right now.

But eventually Nylander will (if he ever signs) get put back on Matthews wing, if Babs doesn't do it right away.

Phil the thrill does.

Same as Ehlers on Winnipeg right now.

But eventually Nylander will (if he ever signs) get put back on Matthews wing, if Babs doesn't do it right away.
- LeafGuy89

Phil's been bumped up to the 2nd line. Once the leafs win a cup, Nylander will get bumped up too.

Discussion:

When Nylander resigns, does he immediately play on Matthews' wing or do we roll something like this:

Marleau-Matthews-Kapanen
Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Johnsson Kadri Nylander
Plays-8-Minutes
- gravyface

If Kap keeps playing well....yes for sure IMO

Right now Kadri's line is pretty much invisible.

Hopefully more in and out than out and in for Pennis (see what I did there? )

Goat needs to find a similar player in the league he can model his game after, but his speed has always been his problem. It's gotten slightly better at top speed, but his edge work and acceleration just can't cope with a modern PP or DZ coverage.

On an aside, Blake Wheeler is pretty good huh? And just signed a 5-year/5.8M contract for being a prolific point-getter, captain, and rare giant at 6'5".

So how much is Nylander asking for again?
- gravyface

Yeah really... Wheeler is a machine, is far better than Nylander, being a more complete player and all. Not just some perimeter softy like Nylander. Got what 30 more points than Willy did last year and still took around 6 million dollar contract.

Willy, his dad and his agent are smoking some killer stuff if they aren't budging from 8 million