going off reports from tne media when the trade went down. that barrie isnt strong in his own end. it isnt said of every dman lol.
- systemtool

I read some deep dives on his play style and the outlook is promising.

I also think "good in own end" is a misnomer: guys like Rielly and Barrie can skate so well they can gap-up and challenge hard at the blueline at take away time/space vs. old school D, like letting them into the zone and trying to rail them into the boards/corners.

I read some deep dives on his play style and the outlook is promising.

I also think "good in own end" is a misnomer: guys like Rielly and Barrie can skate so well they can gap-up and challenge hard at the blueline at take away time/space vs. old school D, like letting them into the zone and trying to rail them into the boards/corners.
- gravyface

Yeah the “not good in their own end” is tiresome.

Rielly and Barrie are elite at getting the puck out cleanly to their forwards either by passing or carrying it out themselves. That’s what makes a good defensemen in the NHL and the gms have caught on...time for some of the fans to as well.

I read some deep dives on his play style and the outlook is promising.

I also think "good in own end" is a misnomer: guys like Rielly and Barrie can skate so well they can gap-up and challenge hard at the blueline at take away time/space vs. old school D, like letting them into the zone and trying to rail them into the boards/corners.
- gravyface

He might be decent but hes no Muzzin type player who is sound defensively and can rattle guys with hits and knock them off the puck.

Getting the puck out is a great skill and I'm not under valuing it, but the problem is that he isnt very good defensively without the puck. He may not be jake Gardiner but hes no Rielly either.

The Leafs need to be harder and tougher to play against most nights, it's often what wins games and championships.

I'm not saying they have to keep Muzzin over Barrie, just saying we need more Muzzin type players than we do more offense at this point.

Seemed like he was out there a lot against Boston's top line while not just carrying Z, but making him look good.

I don't recall Boston's top line being the problem 5v5.
- Tumbleweed

Muzzin consistently makes others better...even Doughty.

He’s either going to be on a monster pairing with Barrie or carry Ceci’s ass all year.

Possibly dermotts.

He might be decent but hes no Muzzin type player who is sound defensively and can rattle guys with hits and knock them off the puck.

Getting the puck out is a great skill and I'm not under valuing it, but the problem is that he isnt very good defensively without the puck. He may not be jake Gardiner but hes no Rielly either.

The Leafs need to be harder and tougher to play against most nights, it's often what wins games and championships.
- systemtool

Possession is Defense.

A good stat I found is Barrie was 1st or 2nd in the league In completed stretch passes. And Ceci was 40-50 in he league. Rielly was the only Leaf close to them.

In all of Ceci’s flaws I bet Dubas saw this in him. Playing on the 3rd pairing but able to play the Leafs style is important.

Possession is Defense.

A good stat I found is Barrie was 1st or 2nd in the league In completed stretch passes. And Ceci was 40-50 in he league. Rielly was the only Leaf close to them.
- Santo_44

Dont get me wrong I like Barrie, glad we got him, but wont like him if he demands 8 by 8 on his next contract like some reports suggest.

Dont get me wrong I like Barrie, glad we got him, but wont like him if he demands 8 by 8 on his next contract like some reports suggest.
- systemtool

I’d argue to give the season before making that judgment.

Barrie is playing for the perfect team. It fits his style to a tee and the fact he is one of the best players at completing a stretch pass on a team that desperately wanted to make them is going to be interesting.

He’s a player the Leafs needed on the PP and on D...Their RS has been exploited the past few years.

I’d argue to give the season before making that judgment.

Barrie is playing for the perfect team. It fits his style to a tee and the fact he is one of the best players at completing a stretch pass on a team that desperately wanted to make them is going to be interesting.

He’s a player the Leafs needed on the PP and on D...Their RS has been exploited the past few years.
- Santo_44

My issue is the cost not that player. The whole salary cap thingy. If there was no cap give him 10 mil a year for all I care and get him signed.

I definitely agree I need to see him every night for a full season to perhaps fully appreciate him but..that much money and term scares me for anyone who will be 28 when signing it.

Should have traded for kneel.

Stoopid dubas.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...s-after-trade/c-308308898




"Neal said he has had a solid offseason under the guidance of longtime friend Gary Roberts,"
- Tumbleweed

I can understand Oilers fans being happy about Holland getting rid of the Lucic boat anchor contract. But Neal is a boat anchor as well. He really regressed last year. But I won't automatically assume he'll regain his scoring touch just because he'll be playing with McDavid, Draisaitl or Nuge. He may score 15-20 or he might score 7 again.

Treliving likely saw his team pushed around in the playoffs and thought Lucic would add some toughness. A deterrent to buy Monahan and Gaudreau some space. Oilers fans will tell you Lucic didn't play as tough as he did in Boston. That's a high price to pay for adding toughness to your lineup.

My guess is Neal ends up playing on the Oilers third line but I wouldn't be shocked if he can regain his scoring production. I still think it's a garbage for garbage change of scenery trade for the sake of making a trade deal. But Neal is more likely to bounce back than Lucic is.

I give the Oilers the slight edge here but I think it's ridiculous for any Oilers fan to believe they hit a home run in this trade. The real value for the Oilers is they don't have to waste a roster spot for the Seattle expansion draft. I'll buy that from Oilers fans.

I can understand Oilers fans being happy about Holland getting rid of the Lucic boat anchor contract. But Neal is a boat anchor as well. He really regressed last year. But I won't automatically assume he'll regain his scoring touch just because he'll be playing with McDavid, Draisaitl or Nuge. He may score 15-20 or he might score 7 again.

Treliving likely saw his team pushed around in the playoffs and thought Lucic would add some toughness. A deterrent to buy Monahan and Gaudreau some space. Oilers fans will tell you Lucic didn't play as tough as he did in Boston. That's a high price to pay for adding toughness to your lineup.

My guess is Neal ends up playing on the Oilers third line but I wouldn't be shocked if he can regain his scoring production. I still think it's a garbage for garbage change of scenery trade for the sake of making a trade deal. But Neal is more likely to bounce back than Lucic is.

I give the Oilers the slight edge here but I think it's ridiculous for any Oilers fan to believe they hit a home run in this trade.
- gergeswillems

I've heard Neal isnt the best guy in the room. For whatever that's worth.

I've heard Neal isnt the best guy in the room. For whatever that's worth.
- systemtool

That's true. He seems to wear out his welcome wherever he goes. Some guys are like that. Once you get that reputation it's hard to shake off.

That's true. He seems to wear out his welcome wherever he goes. Some guys are like that. Once you get that reputation it's hard to shake off.
- gergeswillems

IF that's accurate why would you want McDavid around that? I hated the contract but loved the Marleau signing, Tavares as well. He was a good mentor and role model for the young guns.

I can understand Oilers fans being happy about Holland getting rid of the Lucic boat anchor contract. But Neal is a boat anchor as well. He really regressed last year. But I won't automatically assume he'll regain his scoring touch just because he'll be playing with McDavid, Draisaitl or Nuge. He may score 15-20 or he might score 7 again.

Treliving likely saw his team pushed around in the playoffs and thought Lucic would add some toughness. A deterrent to buy Monahan and Gaudreau some space. Oilers fans will tell you Lucic didn't play as tough as he did in Boston. That's a high price to pay for adding toughness to your lineup.

My guess is Neal ends up playing on the Oilers third line but I wouldn't be shocked if he can regain his scoring production. I still think it's a garbage for garbage change of scenery trade for the sake of making a trade deal. But Neal is more likely to bounce back than Lucic is.

I give the Oilers the slight edge here but I think it's ridiculous for any Oilers fan to believe they hit a home run in this trade.
- gergeswillems

They got rid of a poop player they don’t have to protect in the expansion draft.

IF that's accurate why would you want McDavid around that?
- systemtool

Apparently McDavid and Neal are friends. I can't recall where I read that though.

They got rid of a poop player they don’t have to protect in the expansion draft.
- Santo_44

Do the Oilers even have 8 players worth protecting?
Nurse, McDavid. LD, RNH....help me out here someone.

They got rid of a poop player they don’t have to protect in the expansion draft.
- Santo_44

Yeah. As Oilers fans told me, that's the real value here. I agree with that.

Do the Oilers even have 8 players worth protecting?
Nurse, McDavid. LD, RNH....help me out here someone.
- systemtool

I know the Red Wings don't. 😂

Apparently McDavid and Neal are friends. I can't recall where I read that though.
- gergeswillems

Then great for the kid to have around.👍

My issue is the cost not that player. The whole salary cap thingy. If there was no cap give him 10 mil a year for all I care and get him signed.

I definitely agree I need to see him every night for a full season to perhaps fully appreciate him but..that much money and term scares me for anyone who will be 28 when signing it.
- systemtool

First of all it was Simmonds who reported it..take it with a grain of salt.

Second of all he didn’t say anything about term...which at that point it is useless to know the cap hit.

Shorter term seems to be a starting trend..8x4 or 5 for Barrie is what I see.

First of all it was Simmonds who reported it..take it with a grain of salt.

Second of all he didn’t say anything about term...which at that point it is useless to know the cap hit.

Shorter term seems to be a starting trend..8x4 or 5 for Barrie is what I see.
- Santo_44

Thats more palatable but, that trend is for kids coming off their elc..21/22 year olds. Not for a guy who will be 28.

new blog everyone

Thats more palatable but, that trend is for kids coming off their elc..21/22 year olds. Not for a guy who will be 28.
- systemtool

??

Unless a superstar has been signed 7-8 year deals are not normal anymore.

Myers was considered the long term contract.

I’d argue to give the season before making that judgment.

Barrie is playing for the perfect team. It fits his style to a tee and the fact he is one of the best players at completing a stretch pass on a team that desperately wanted to make them is going to be interesting.

He’s a player the Leafs needed on the PP and on D...Their RS has been exploited the past few years.
- Santo_44

But he's a midget..

I can understand Oilers fans being happy about Holland getting rid of the Lucic boat anchor contract. But Neal is a boat anchor as well. He really regressed last year. But I won't automatically assume he'll regain his scoring touch just because he'll be playing with McDavid, Draisaitl or Nuge. He may score 15-20 or he might score 7 again.

Treliving likely saw his team pushed around in the playoffs and thought Lucic would add some toughness. A deterrent to buy Monahan and Gaudreau some space. Oilers fans will tell you Lucic didn't play as tough as he did in Boston. That's a high price to pay for adding toughness to your lineup.

My guess is Neal ends up playing on the Oilers third line but I wouldn't be shocked if he can regain his scoring production. I still think it's a garbage for garbage change of scenery trade for the sake of making a trade deal. But Neal is more likely to bounce back than Lucic is.

I give the Oilers the slight edge here but I think it's ridiculous for any Oilers fan to believe they hit a home run in this trade. The real value for the Oilers is they don't have to waste a roster spot for the Seattle expansion draft. I'll buy that from Oilers fans.
- gergeswillems

This is a Leafs thread

This is a Leafs thread
- bobbyisno1

It is?