As a Toronto fan, have you read/heard how the Leafs are going to be able to resign Marner AND Kapanen. I looked at the math and I don't see a path to make that work unless 3 or more roster players are moved off the roster.
- EbonyRaptor

Gardiner takes a hike.

Well that was short lived. Avs beat Jets 7-1
- Chunk

Coach Q is available

Gardiner takes a hike.
- Blazed

Gardiner is already taking a hike because his contract is up after the season - same with Hainsey. Check Capfriendly and you'll see your team is at $70M and that's with only 8 forwards, 5 d-men, 1 goalie and Horton's contract. You still have to re-sign Marner, Kapanen, Johnsson, a couple more forwards, a backup goalie and replacements for Gardiner and Hainsey.

I like Gus’ progress this year and I have no issues with his game. I accept that he’s on offensive d-man who will never be confused with Hjalmarsson for his play without the puck and he’s not being converted to forward.

I think Gus is gone for two reasons (since you asked so politely):

1. He’ll garner a big return - a cap friendly deal for a d-man who’s good for 40-50 points will be a hit commodity; and

2. Gus’ next contract will be his big money deal. Is Gus a $5 million (per) for 5 years type of defenseman? No, but on the open market some GM will pay it. $3/3 year, sure, sign me up.

Offense is not this team’s problem, defense is. Just look at the past two games as examples. Given the choice between a premier defensive d-man or Gus I’d go with the defensive d-man.
- DarthKane

Defense doesn't matter just score more than the other team. Doesn't matter if 70% of the game is played in the Hawks end, so long as the Hawks score more goals than the other team. Doesn't matter if the defensemen can't defend their own end as long as the Hawks core more than the other team. Who cares if the Hawk goalies aren't very good as long as the Hawks score more than the other team. Doesn't matter whatever arguments you have I'm not listening because all that matter is that the Hawks score more than the other team. #getoverit #modernhockey #scoremorethantheotherteam #Qsucks #gusisthebest

Mailbag Q:
Justin does AA gust forsling kruger ward get moved
What kind a package would it take to get a stable veteran d man.

A couple trade scernios:
AA sikrua perlini forsling and 2020 2nd to carolina for
Fogle/roy fleury and 3rd 2018
Same package to columbus for
Carlesson jenner/Anderson and 2019 3rd

Defense doesn't matter just score more than the other team. Doesn't matter if 70% of the game is played in the Hawks end, so long as the Hawks score more goals than the other team. Doesn't matter if the defensemen can't defend their own end as long as the Hawks core more than the other team. Who cares if the Hawk goalies aren't very good as long as the Hawks score more than the other team. Doesn't matter whatever arguments you have I'm not listening because all that matter is that the Hawks score more than the other team. #getoverit #modernhockey #scoremorethantheotherteam #Qsucks #gusisthebest
- paulr

Living RENT FREE in your HEAD!!!!

Gardiner is already taking a hike because his contract is up after the season - same with Hainsey. Check Capfriendly and you'll see your team is at $70M and that's with only 8 forwards, 5 d-men, 1 goalie and Horton's contract. You still have to re-sign Marner, Kapanen, Johnsson, a couple more forwards, a backup goalie and replacements for Gardiner and Hainsey.
- EbonyRaptor

Lots of sarcasm about moving this guy or that for “glorious cap space” - but in a hard cap league going forward, the teams that will ultimates keep Cup windows open for more than one or two runs are those that (a) manage the cap most effectively, and (b) find “cheap” young talent that shines above the league (which is part of the same thing).

Cap space is as important an asset as a top-tier talent.

Gardiner is already taking a hike because his contract is up after the season - same with Hainsey. Check Capfriendly and you'll see your team is at $70M and that's with only 8 forwards, 5 d-men, 1 goalie and Horton's contract. You still have to re-sign Marner, Kapanen, Johnsson, a couple more forwards, a backup goalie and replacements for Gardiner and Hainsey.
- EbonyRaptor

If the Leafs play the Bruins again in the playoffs I think they are in big trouble because the Bruins game plan will be to isolate and stop Marner and Marner's line will become ineffective. It will be up to Matthews to step up and lead the Leafs, if he can the Leafs have a chance. Strangely I like the Leafs chances against Tampa allot better. Tampa will play run and gun with the Leafs allowing the Leafs to play their game. Either way I can't see the Leafs getting by either team. Should the Leafs go out in the first round I think more than Gardiner and Hainsey will be gone.

Living RENT FREE in your HEAD!!!!
- TrueGrit

You're on to something TC, I'm buying into it. I really am. Makes perfect sense to me. Build 4 strong forward lines open up the game and the strategy is just score. Like you, I have seen other teams win the cup this way. Teams with strong defenses in any sport seldom win, it's been proven time and time again.

Taking the contracts out of it, and basing it strictly on play, how many of our young D (excluding Jokiharju) would you play in front of Seabrook? I personally don't hink he has played terribly this year, and has been quite good in the last 10 games he played.
- Chunk

A lot of people here don’t want to admit it, but Seabrook’s still the second best defender on the roster.

Gardiner is already taking a hike because his contract is up after the season - same with Hainsey. Check Capfriendly and you'll see your team is at $70M and that's with only 8 forwards, 5 d-men, 1 goalie and Horton's contract. You still have to re-sign Marner, Kapanen, Johnsson, a couple more forwards, a backup goalie and replacements for Gardiner and Hainsey.
- EbonyRaptor

Alot of Leaf fans are in denial. It will hit them when they get knocked out by Boston in the first round.

A lot of people here don’t want to admit it, but Seabrook’s still the second best defender on the roster.
- Ogilthorpe2

By default - or on merit?

A little of both, I suspect - I don’t think he’s what he was - and the contract doesn’t help - but he’s not as bad as some have considered.

The crapshoot that is the draft in one summary. Note that this does not include Kane and Toews draft years. And, we've had worse draft positions that most, if not all, of these teams each of those years, except last couple and we spent our high pick on D.

Tom Hoen
@thoen88

By way of comparison, last 8 drafts the rest of the division's drafted forwards and how many NHL goals those draft picks have:

Crows 538 goals
Puddle Jumpers 484
Snowflakes 417
Stalkers 261
Night Lights 163 goals
Notes 127 goals

#mnwild 67 goals......67

ETA: So, some serious credit to Mark Kelly and his staff

AZ where former hawks go to get paid...

- bogiedoc

Formerly known as Florida

We ARE in the bizzaro world. From Mark Lazerus’ article in The Athletic today.

Sure is. The off-again, on-again linemates were brought back together for the fourth time in the past two seasons ahead of the Jan. 20 game against the Capitals. The Blackhawks started their seven-game win streak that vaulted them back into playoff contention that afternoon, with Toews and Kane each putting up five points. In all, Kane has a ridiculous 11 goals and 16 assists in the 12 games they’ve been together, and Toews has an only slightly less ridiculous 10 goals and nine assists. And only five of those 20 goals have come on the power play. So they’ve been clearly dominant in 5-on-5 play.

Well, sort of. The underlying numbers are actually quite bizarre. Their relative Corsi is in the black, but they’re still under water (entering Wednesday’s game) at 46.94 percent. They’re getting out-shot and out-chanced, but they’re outscoring opponents 15-8 at 5-on-5. Include the stint they had together earlier in the season, and the Blackhawks have given up 93 high-danger scoring chances while posting just 66 of their own with Kane and Toews on the ice together. But high-danger goals? They’re up 7-4. (All analytics via Natural Stat Trick.)

Alot of Leaf fans are in denial. It will hit them when they get knocked out by Boston in the first round.
- RedRevenge

Foreskin for Kapanen straight up

We ARE in the bizzaro world. From Mark Lazerus’ article in The Athletic today.

Sure is. The off-again, on-again linemates were brought back together for the fourth time in the past two seasons ahead of the Jan. 20 game against the Capitals. The Blackhawks started their seven-game win streak that vaulted them back into playoff contention that afternoon, with Toews and Kane each putting up five points. In all, Kane has a ridiculous 11 goals and 16 assists in the 12 games they’ve been together, and Toews has an only slightly less ridiculous 10 goals and nine assists. And only five of those 20 goals have come on the power play. So they’ve been clearly dominant in 5-on-5 play.

Well, sort of. The underlying numbers are actually quite bizarre. Their relative Corsi is in the black, but they’re still under water (entering Wednesday’s game) at 46.94 percent. They’re getting out-shot and out-chanced, but they’re outscoring opponents 15-8 at 5-on-5. Include the stint they had together earlier in the season, and the Blackhawks have given up 93 high-danger scoring chances while posting just 66 of their own with Kane and Toews on the ice together. But high-danger goals? They’re up 7-4. (All analytics via Natural Stat Trick.)
- scottak

Behold, the beauty of a lethal power play allowing the skills guys to roam free and find their spots

If the Leafs play the Bruins again in the playoffs I think they are in big trouble because the Bruins game plan will be to isolate and stop Marner and Marner's line will become ineffective. It will be up to Matthews to step up and lead the Leafs, if he can the Leafs have a chance. Strangely I like the Leafs chances against Tampa allot better. Tampa will play run and gun with the Leafs allowing the Leafs to play their game. Either way I can't see the Leafs getting by either team. Should the Leafs go out in the first round I think more than Gardiner and Hainsey will be gone.
- paulr

One approach Toronto could explore would to overpay. So keep in mind my idea below is merely setting the parameter of what a trade could look like. When you are moving good players, teams will listen. Can you sweeten the pot to induce them to give you a good player in return. Because i would try to not let one of your players go for little to nothing coming back.

You have to pay to get, or make a sacrifice? Might as well see if you can get an asset back that makes sense. I do not know what the term and length is of the former good point producing center you would be taking. But i would just offer him and a first for the second round pick and this is after one season you are making a trade with expansion to rid yourself of....take a look

To Dallas: Kadri, Kappenen, Gardner
To Toronto: Heiskenen, Sakic

Toronto promotes a couple of dmen.prospects. Dallas cannot get anywhere with a one line team. They hate to loose this stud dman but they have Klingman and they can draft a dman. They are getting more quality than they surrender. Toronto has low salary and contract control with Heiskenen. This is again just showing the type of trade by taking the bull [ie salary cap] by the horns
.However, this idea might merit real.consideration by both Toronto and Dallas?[/img]

Seriously...what is with the whole fascination that Gus will be gone with everyone?

Choke on your Latte's but he is part of the solution.
- TrueGrit

I know the guy brings speed , passing and creates offence. at 1.2 m he is not going anywhere.
After next year if he is asking for mega bucks you let him walk.
For now despite some defence lapses he is very valuablec

Elliote Friedman said this morning on NHL radio, that if the Hawks make any deal, it will be a hockey trade with players going both ways, they aren't sellers, but aren't buyers either.

Elliote Friedman said this morning on NHL radio, that if the Hawks make any deal, it will be a hockey trade with players going both ways, they aren't sellers, but aren't buyers either.
- LAHawk

That would make the mot sense, hopefully that’s Stan’s plan.

We ARE in the bizzaro world. From Mark Lazerus’ article in The Athletic today.

Sure is. The off-again, on-again linemates were brought back together for the fourth time in the past two seasons ahead of the Jan. 20 game against the Capitals. The Blackhawks started their seven-game win streak that vaulted them back into playoff contention that afternoon, with Toews and Kane each putting up five points. In all, Kane has a ridiculous 11 goals and 16 assists in the 12 games they’ve been together, and Toews has an only slightly less ridiculous 10 goals and nine assists. And only five of those 20 goals have come on the power play. So they’ve been clearly dominant in 5-on-5 play.

Well, sort of. The underlying numbers are actually quite bizarre. Their relative Corsi is in the black, but they’re still under water (entering Wednesday’s game) at 46.94 percent. They’re getting out-shot and out-chanced, but they’re outscoring opponents 15-8 at 5-on-5. Include the stint they had together earlier in the season, and the Blackhawks have given up 93 high-danger scoring chances while posting just 66 of their own with Kane and Toews on the ice together. But high-danger goals? They’re up 7-4. (All analytics via Natural Stat Trick.)
- scottak

More proof that this little warm streak is simply a mirage.

That would make the mot sense, hopefully that’s Stan’s plan.
- DarthKane

Forsling for Kapanen makes too much sense, no?

Forsling for Kapanen makes too much sense, no?
- Assman22

If you're a Hawk fan if you're a Leaf fan makes 0 sense

Forsling for Kapanen makes too much sense, no?
- Assman22

For the Hawks? Sure. Do you think any other team in the league will offer more than Forsling?