Let's just say that I think the Leafs should follow Tampa's model by beefing up and becoming "tougher" to play against that. Until they do that I'll be my cautiously pessimistic self.

Also, it's a lot more fun debating what I really said rather than non-sequiturs.
- mjones242

So you think if they don’t add a tough guy they’ll have trouble getting out of the North?

Everyone was saying how Dubas has to make moves because the window was now in the off season.

Dubas makes moves. Now people are saying "18 - 6 - 2 is FINE and all but like, come on they haven't even won a stanley cup yet! We can't call them contenders!"

Dubas can only do so much. He can't make endless moves. it feels like some fans think any price for a new goalie is worth it and that isn't the case. We don't even know which goalies are really on the market and if they are better than Andersen.
- Aaron_85

It's almost like people are saying: the Leafs are 18-6-2, so shut the (frank) up and stop whining! That like, hurts, man.

The Leafs are absolutely contenders but they absolutely are missing key grinding ingredients (Simmonds will be a nice add, but we need moar truculence!).

So you think if they don’t add a tough guy they’ll have trouble getting out of the North?
- Canada Cup

(frank)ing right. It's a grind getting through playoff rounds and this team is still too soft and we don't have a money goalie like Helly to rely on to steal a round, let alone a Game 7.

But isn't that why Dubas signed Simmonds and Bogosian? To be tougher to play against?
- gergeswillems

Sure, and it's helped. But is it enough? I don't think so.

It is true that Dubas has stayed away from rentals in all non Covid-Cap-flattened seasons so far.
- Canada Cup

It's almost like this is the last season of NHL hockey ever and Dubas doesn't have to worry about those future years where he still has the core intact.

If that's what you believe then okay, fair point. Do you have a Goodrow, Maroon, coleman type available other than Bennett and maybe Granlund? (Unless its Forsberg or a Dman i personally don't want anyone from nashville)
- Aaron_85

Granlund definitely isn't like those others.

Foligno seems like a perfect fit.

(frank)ing right. It's a grind getting through playoff rounds and this team is still too soft and we don't have a money goalie like Helly to rely on to steal a round, let alone a Game 7.
- mjones242

So which team in the North do you think can beat them right now in a playoff series?

Sure, and it's helped. But is it enough? I don't think so.
- mjones242

Tampa traded a top prospect in Nolan Foote plus a first round pick to get Blake Coleman. They also traded a first round pick for Barclay Goodrow. They went for it and it worked. What is Dubas willing to trade? Keep in mind (like Wedgie says) the Leafs will need cheap contracts (Robertson, Sandin) going forward to stay under the Cap.

So which team in the North do you think can beat them right now in a playoff series?
- Canada Cup

Any one of them. All it takes is a hot goalie or some key players carrying a club (McJesus and Drysaddle) to be able to craft an upset.

The team that worries me the most is WPG. Elite goalie and very strong down the middle.

Any one of them. All it takes is a hot goalie or some key players carrying a club (McJesus and Drysaddle) to be able to craft an upset.

The team that worries me the most is WPG. Elite goalie and very strong down the middle.
- mjones242

Jets D isn't very strong.

It's almost like people are saying: the Leafs are 18-6-2, so shut the (frank) up and stop whining! That like, hurts, man.

The Leafs are absolutely contenders but they absolutely are missing key grinding ingredients (Simmonds will be a nice add, but we need moar truculence!).
- mjones242

I do not agree with you but I respect your opinion

Tampa traded a top prospect in Nolan Foote plus a first round pick to get Blake Coleman. They also traded a first round pick for Barclay Goodrow. They went for it and it worked. What is Dubas willing to trade? Keep in mind (like Wedgie says) the Leafs will need cheap contracts (Robertson, Sandin) going forward to stay under the Cap.
- gergeswillems

That was the question I posed up above. Also, are the Leafs where Tampa was last season and do they need to go full nuclear this year?

I do not agree with you but I respect your opinion
- Aaron_85

How dare you be a respectful interlocutor.

Any one of them. All it takes is a hot goalie or some key players carrying a club (McJesus and Drysaddle) to be able to craft an upset.

The team that worries me the most is WPG. Elite goalie and very strong down the middle.
- mjones242

Okay but then the leafs have enough to upset any team in the league and be cup champs! So what you're saying is the leafs are going to win the cup! Wooooo!

Jets D isn't very strong.
- gergeswillems

Definitely their Achilles heel but they have a very strong tender that certainly helps.

Tampa traded a top prospect in Nolan Foote plus a first round pick to get Blake Coleman. They also traded a first round pick for Barclay Goodrow. They went for it and it worked. What is Dubas willing to trade? Keep in mind (like Wedgie says) the Leafs will need cheap contracts (Robertson, Sandin) going forward to stay under the Cap.
- gergeswillems

I would put pretty much anything on the table. First rounders, Liljegren, maybe even Sandin instead.

Okay but then the leafs have enough to upset any team in the league and be cup champs! So what you're saying is the leafs are going to win the cup! Wooooo!

- Aaron_85

Yes! Wait... wut?

I would put pretty much anything on the table. First rounders, Liljegren, maybe even Sandin instead.
- Aaron_85

Tough to give up those assets for a pure rental and tough to do that for a player with a contract beyond next season because of the expansion draft.

Not sure if Dubas should go balls out this year with 1sts, Sandin, or Robertson.

What I'm saying is: I'm scared, man.

That was the question I posed up above. Also, are the Leafs where Tampa was last season and do they need to go full nuclear this year?
- mjones242

I think Dubas should go for it this season. Winning 2 playoff rounds should be easier with no chance of playing either Tampa or Boston.

I expect Dubas to bolster his team with 1 or 2 deadline trades. But I don't see him doing anything foolish. I'm guessing Shanny is telling him to be smartly aggressive. But if the Leafs are going to make any noise in the playoffs then it'll have to be the big guys leading them.

Matthews, Marner, Tavares, Hyman and Willie Styles. Rielly stepping up. Freddy shutting the door. Depth guys chipping in and scoring timely goals when the big guys are shut down. Playoffs are a grind. Quality depth is very important because injuries always happen.

I'm guessing Dubas has a price he's willing to pay to improve his team at the trade deadline. But he's not going to rob Peter to pay Paul. I'm sure he and his staff are going through all kinds of trade scenarios. Players they're targeting. That list will be narrowed down. And Dubas will weigh his options and strike.

So you think if they don’t add a tough guy they’ll have trouble getting out of the North?
- Canada Cup

They are 3 and 2 against Vancouver, they are 3 and 2 against Freaken Ottawa, yeah they have what it takes.

I would put pretty much anything on the table. First rounders, Liljegren, maybe even Sandin instead.
- Aaron_85

There's nothing wrong with being aggressive. As long as it's for the right player. If you think that player can be a real difference maker then by all means go for it. But if you're wrong? It could set your team back for years. Maybe Dubas just shops his first round pick for the best player he can get to help his team win in the playoffs. He keeps his top prospects and doesn't sacrifice the Leafs future.

My son is playing NHL 21

He tried to trade Tavares for Pesce
Trade rejected

So he added Robertson 😳

To conclude....
Tavares and Robertson
for
Pesce😔

He also traded away Marner Nylander Rielly Thornton Sandin and Muzzin

My son is playing NHL 21

He tried to trade Tavares for Pesce
Trade rejected

So he added Robertson 😳

To conclude....
Tavares and Robertson
for
Pesce😔

He also traded away Marner Nylander Rielly Thornton Sandin and Muzzin
- mr.sir

He must've been on Jimmy Rutherford Gunslinger GM mode. 🤣

Any one of them. All it takes is a hot goalie or some key players carrying a club (McJesus and Drysaddle) to be able to craft an upset.

The team that worries me the most is WPG. Elite goalie and very strong down the middle.
- mjones242

After the Canucks series we know that any team can beat any other team. So you think based on the season so far that the Jets are better, or that any other team is better in a best of 7 series?

They are 3 and 2 against Vancouver, they are 3 and 2 against Freaken Ottawa, yeah they have what it takes.
- bobbyisno1

Ok, compare their record to every other team in the Division. Who is better?