That's interesting about Dubois' father. Still think the Habs will be calling as soon as they can . As for Laine, Kekalainen might be nice at the moment, but Laine has a giant ego - he will want to get paid, history is not on CBJ's side to do this.
- winsix

I can definitely see Laine wanting 10+ million on his next contract.... and you’re right... history has shown us that high priced superstars and Columbus aren’t exactly a match

So do you think this is more about Maurice’s and Torts’ job security then?

An “okay we’ve changed up your stars now it’s on you to make it work” kind of message from their respective GMs?
- Dozzer

That's a tough hammer to imagine wielding. Is Kekalainen's job at risk? Because that would endanger Torts first, obviously. Columbus lost Bobrovsky and Panarin and gave up a lot running the risk of Matt Duchene. Now they're left without a top line centre . . .

In Jet land, it's harder. Is Chevy under scrutiny? Byfuglien's surprise retirement, Trouba's trade demand and Myers' FA departure sort of caught them with their pants down. Without selling the farm, Chevy has brought in DeMelo, Forbort and Pionk - so it's a large downgrade. Is that on Maurice? Ultimately if Chevy is under the gun it will be.

In both cases, the teams are just worse than they were when they enjoyed their most recent success. The temptation here is to just point the finger at the GM; I can't imagine a swap of stars fixing that.

Winnipeg's comeback win against Calgary was basically accomplished, triggered and inspired by Laine - but getting a big #1 capable centre never hurts. With Scheifele, I do like their depth at C at lot. And I like their options. It's not like they can't move Scheifele or Connor into Laine's spot on the power play. These are good offensive players. Winnipeg will be better. Dubois may also open the door to a trade that gets them a better defenseman who would help them on the back-end.


Laine will get Columbus goals, especially on the power play. Columbus has 1 whole Power Play goal so far this year, so that's GOT to improve . . . but being weaker down the middle is going to hurt them more, I think.

I get you Jonesie. I really, really get you. Good comparison.
- Canada Cup

We did it together, CC. As a team. Huzzah!

That's a tough hammer to imagine wielding. Is Kekalainen's job at risk? Because that would endanger Torts first, obviously. Columbus lost Bobrovsky and Panarin and gave up a lot running the risk of Matt Duchene. Now they're left without a top line centre . . .

In Jet land, it's harder. Is Chevy under scrutiny? Byfuglien's surprise retirement, Trouba's trade demand and Myers' FA departure sort of caught them with their pants down. Without selling the farm, Chevy has brought in DeMelo, Forbort and Pionk - so it's a large downgrade. Is that on Maurice? Ultimately if Chevy is under the gun it will be.

In both cases, the teams are just worse than they were when they enjoyed their most recent success. The temptation here is to just point the finger at the GM; I can't imagine a swap of stars fixing that.

Winnipeg's comeback win against Calgary was basically accomplished, triggered and inspired by Laine - but getting a big #1 capable centre never hurts. With Scheifele, I do like their depth at C at lot. And I like their options. It's not like they can't move Scheifele or Connor into Laine's spot on the power play. These are good offensive players. Winnipeg will be better. Dubois may also open the door to a trade that gets them a better defenseman who would help them on the back-end.


Laine will get Columbus goals, especially on the power play. Columbus has 1 whole Power Play goal so far this year, so that's GOT to improve . . . but being weaker down the middle is going to hurt them more, I think.
- Monkeypunk

5v5 it’s a step back, just gives Torts more powers to yell “get in the shooting lane ( Laine ) you weak ass POS.

That's interesting about Dubois' father. Still think the Habs will be calling as soon as they can . As for Laine, Kekalainen might be nice at the moment, but Laine has a giant ego - he will want to get paid, history is not on CBJ's side to do this.
- winsix

Both are still RFAs, so the teams still control their destinies for the most part. Laine has a large ego, but he also has a justification problem. Last year, in the first year of his show-me deal, he scored at a 33 goal pace. This year he's played in one game (where he was the star of the game, granted) and he is not going to a dynamically offensive team. It's going to be hard to replicate his 40 goal pace. Again a 30 goal scorer is great - but it's probably in the $7.5 - $8m great. Not the $10m+ great where he'd want to be.

PLD no way is in the Bergeron O'Reilly category.
More of a Matt Stajan // Ryan Kesler type of guy.
- MaximusAurelius

PLD is 22. He has tremendous potential to be ROR-esque.

Ryan Kesler and ROR are very much cut from the same cloth and are both Selke winners. Not sure if one is necessarily much better than the other.

Matt Stajan doesn't belong in the conversation with any of these guys.

That's a tough hammer to imagine wielding. Is Kekalainen's job at risk? Because that would endanger Torts first, obviously. Columbus lost Bobrovsky and Panarin and gave up a lot running the risk of Matt Duchene. Now they're left without a top line centre . . .

In Jet land, it's harder. Is Chevy under scrutiny? Byfuglien's surprise retirement, Trouba's trade demand and Myers' FA departure sort of caught them with their pants down. Without selling the farm, Chevy has brought in DeMelo, Forbort and Pionk - so it's a large downgrade. Is that on Maurice? Ultimately if Chevy is under the gun it will be.

In both cases, the teams are just worse than they were when they enjoyed their most recent success. The temptation here is to just point the finger at the GM; I can't imagine a swap of stars fixing that.

Winnipeg's comeback win against Calgary was basically accomplished, triggered and inspired by Laine - but getting a big #1 capable centre never hurts. With Scheifele, I do like their depth at C at lot. And I like their options. It's not like they can't move Scheifele or Connor into Laine's spot on the power play. These are good offensive players. Winnipeg will be better. Dubois may also open the door to a trade that gets them a better defenseman who would help them on the back-end.


Laine will get Columbus goals, especially on the power play. Columbus has 1 whole Power Play goal so far this year, so that's GOT to improve . . . but being weaker down the middle is going to hurt them more, I think.
- Monkeypunk

Yup, I see what you mean... this might be more on the GMs at this point which in turn puts the coaches over the coals.... is it fair? Maybe not but that’s life in the NHL

As for the C depth for Columbus this may not be something they solve this season but having someone like Laine will certainly help lure any potential UFAs their way

Be kinda funny if say someone like Stastny signed with Columbus in the off season (and yes I’m aware his days as a top 6 guy are long done but still lol)

PLD no way is in the Bergeron O'Reilly category.
More of a Matt Stajan // Ryan Kesler type of guy.
- MaximusAurelius

Small chance
- winsix

I think the only thing he's got in common with OV is the shot and even then I can't see it.

I can definitely see Laine wanting 10+ million on his next contract.... and you’re right... history has shown us that high priced superstars and Columbus aren’t exactly a match
- Dozzer

He’ll demand $10, CBJ will laugh. He won’t get what he wants on the market cause cap and then sign a bridge deal with Leafs just to get his #s up. You know it is meant to be.

So do you think this is more about Maurice’s and Torts’ job security then?

An “okay we’ve changed up your stars now it’s on you to make it work” kind of message from their respective GMs?
- Dozzer

Hey sir, are we going to get along today?

Green Bay vs Tampa game will be interrupted midway to allow for viewing of the Leafs vs Calgary game.

He’ll demand $10, CBJ will laugh. He won’t get what he wants on the market cause cap and then sign a bridge deal with Leafs just to get his #s up. You know it is meant to be.
- Canada Cup

Yeah he’s probably a little better than AM...

what kind of forward help are the Leafs on the look out for?

who are they willing to move for said forward help?

Where’s gerges when you need him?

Yeah he’s probably a little better than AM...
- Chuckywhip

We’ve got room on the third line

I think the only thing he's got in common with OV is the shot and even then I can't see it.
- GreatGigInTheSky

The shot for sure, both have size and can skate well and have a mean streak. OV 50+goals and sustained from the start and looking over his stats way better than what Laine has shown so far. So the comparison was a poor one. That said how many 22 year old right wingers are better than Laine right now? Marner, Rantanen, Pastrnak and the list gets thin after that. NHL.com has Dubois as the 25th best center in the NHll in their Fantasy rankings and Laine at #5 in the RW rankings.

what kind of forward help are the Leafs on the look out for?

who are they willing to move for said forward help?




- dmnted

Someone’s giving out lessons today, you better ask them. 🤣

We did it together, CC. As a team. Huzzah!
- mjones242

You get the top bunk

what kind of forward help are the Leafs on the look out for?

who are they willing to move for said forward help?




- dmnted

A cross between Robertson and Thornton. Matt Stajan?

A cross between Robertson and Thornton. Matt Stajan?
- Canada Cup

Engvall 🥰

The shot for sure, both have size and can skate well and have a mean streak. OV 50+goals and sustained from the start and looking over his stats way better than what Laine has shown so far. So the comparison was a poor one. That said how many 22 year old right wingers are better than Laine right now? Marner, Rantanen, Pastrnak and the list gets thin after that. NHL.com has Dubois as the 25th best center in the NHll in their Fantasy rankings and Laine at #5 in the RW rankings.
- winsix

I've said before but I'm straight up not a fan of Laine's game. Great shot but it only really helps on the power play or when he cherry picks for a breakaway. He's all around useless at even strength.

The play goes to him, never through him.

what kind of forward help are the Leafs on the look out for?

who are they willing to move for said forward help?




- dmnted

Bertuzzi from the Wings? Have them retain half his cap so he’ll be at 1.75M for the year, then he’s an RFA. 20+ goals 40+ points, plays with an edge.

I wonder what it would take.

Engvall 🥰
- Garnie

No hands, all neck.

No hands, all neck.
- Steven_Seagull

If he keeps playing like last game, I’ll take the “no hands.”