I don't need to read an analytics comparison to know that JT Miller would be a vast improvement on Kerfoot.

The fun thing about analytics is that they can be easily put into a grinder to feed a particular narrative.
- mjones242

It's not so much analytics inasmuch as it's this: Miller is better than Kerfoot at most things. This is not really in question. He's got a better shot, he's stronger, and he's more physical. Kerfoot is softer, I question is character at times, but he's still an above average skater and an above average passer.

Let's say you break the bank to go get JT Miller - he'll be on the second line because you're not breaking up the first line's chemistry. So already Miller, who typically gets more ice time than Kerfoot does by about 5.5 minutes / game actually scores less at 5v5 than Kerfoot does. Miller has 177 minutes of PP time to Kerfoot's 5. In other words, Miller enjoys first line ice time, and first PP time. Miller plays with Petterson (or when he's hurt, Pearson) and Boeser. They're not bad players.

You could argue that Miller is more defensively responsible, but most metrics note that Kerfoot is an excellent contributor towards shot suppression, high danger chance generation and expected goals against.

Do I think that Miller is a better player? Yes, I do. Do I think he moves the needle enough for us that he's worth the acquisition price? No, I don't. And to be clear: I am absolutely not a fan of Kerfoot's. I think he's soft and I think he loses too many battles. But he's smart and knows how to use his skills - and he understands and performs his role well.

It's not so much analytics inasmuch as it's this: Miller is better than Kerfoot at most things. This is not really in question. He's got a better shot, he's stronger, and he's more physical. Kerfoot is softer, I question is character at times, but he's still an above average skater and an above average passer.

Let's say you break the bank to go get JT Miller - he'll be on the second line because you're not breaking up the first line's chemistry. So already Miller, who typically gets more ice time than Kerfoot does by about 5.5 minutes / game actually scores less at 5v5 than Kerfoot does. Miller has 177 minutes of PP time to Kerfoot's 5. In other words, Miller enjoys first line ice time, and first PP time. Miller plays with Petterson (or when he's hurt, Pearson) and Boeser. They're not bad players.

You could argue that Miller is more defensively responsible, but most metrics note that Kerfoot is an excellent contributor towards shot suppression, high danger chance generation and expected goals against.

Do I think that Miller is a better player? Yes, I do. Do I think he moves the needle enough for us that he's worth the acquisition price? No, I don't. And to be clear: I am absolutely not a fan of Kerfoot's. I think he's soft and I think he loses too many battles. But he's smart and knows how to use his skills - and he understands and performs his role well.
- Monkeypunk

Agreed - Leafs PP does not need help so any addition up front has to be about 5v5 improvement.

I Like Miller but he's going to cost a bundle and might not even be available.

I'd be interested in a guy like Copp who can bring some size and forecheck to the middle 6 and should come at a much cheaper cost.

From the tweeter:

"Leafs ranked 2nd in an Atheltic poll among agents for who they’d recommended clients to sign with. Obviously you can joke that it’s because the Leafs like to hand out money, but big part is stuff like this. Business is a business, but it doesn’t have to be cut throat all the time"

The above was in response to the below:

"Ryan Dzingel credited Leafs GM Kyle Dubas for the way his situation was handled. He remained in Arizona after the trade and knew he was going to get waived: "He called me and was honest, and you don't find that a lot in this league." #SJSharks"

Classy move

From the tweeter:

"Leafs ranked 2nd in an Atheltic poll among agents for who they’d recommended clients to sign with. Obviously you can joke that it’s because the Leafs like to hand out money, but big part is stuff like this. Business is a business, but it doesn’t have to be cut throat all the time"

The above was in response to the below:

"Ryan Dzingel credited Leafs GM Kyle Dubas for the way his situation was handled. He remained in Arizona after the trade and knew he was going to get waived: "He called me and was honest, and you don't find that a lot in this league." #SJSharks"

Classy move
- Fakepartofme

If I learned anything from the Leafs management watching that glorious documentary on amazon prime, it's that Kyle Dubas is a very good guy and a good manager.

If I learned anything from the Leafs management watching that glorious documentary on amazon prime, it's that Kyle Dubas is a very good guy and a good manager.
- Scabeh

Which apparently makes him an obsessive target for unrelenting criticism when the leafs lose 3 in a row or go down in the first round.

From the tweeter:

"Leafs ranked 2nd in an Atheltic poll among agents for who they’d recommended clients to sign with. Obviously you can joke that it’s because the Leafs like to hand out money, but big part is stuff like this. Business is a business, but it doesn’t have to be cut throat all the time"

The above was in response to the below:

"Ryan Dzingel credited Leafs GM Kyle Dubas for the way his situation was handled. He remained in Arizona after the trade and knew he was going to get waived: "He called me and was honest, and you don't find that a lot in this league." #SJSharks"

Classy move
- Fakepartofme

Yep, signing Clifford for the Marlies and the way they treat Clune are the same kinds of things. Plus, facilities and staff - Haley W running player development, etc - all contribute to making it a good place to work.

Amirov has a brain tumour.

No, this is not a joke.

https://www.nhl.com/maple...cal-condition/c-331094092

Which apparently makes him an obsessive target for unrelenting criticism when the leafs lose 3 in a row or go down in the first round.
- joel878

Well people have the right to disagree with how he built the team, I mostly think he's doing a good job even if it's not perfect.

But whatever you think about the results, that doesn't take anything away from the guy and his qualities managing people.

Ancillery thought on last nights game ...

The Big4 had some grade A chances and 25 shots on net plus countless more at the net ....and came away with 1 goal on a bad AHL goalie.

Ups and downs over the season but that second line's "down" is dragging on a little too long right now.

Brutal news for Rodion Amirov. Diagnosed with a brain tumour.

https://twitter.com/maple.../1496485035347783687?s=21
- bryant

Wow, prayers go out to him

If I learned anything from the Leafs management watching that glorious documentary on amazon prime, it's that Kyle Dubas is a very good guy and a good manager.
- Scabeh

Yeah, but those glasses.

Well people have the right to disagree with how he built the team, I mostly think he's doing a good job even if it's not perfect.

But whatever you think about the results, that doesn't take anything away from the guy and his qualities managing people.

- Scabeh

The Leafs are currently on pace for the most points in the history of the team, but Dubas is doing a terrible job.

This is why Leafs Nation can't have nice things.

From the tweeter:

"Leafs ranked 2nd in an Atheltic poll among agents for who they’d recommended clients to sign with. Obviously you can joke that it’s because the Leafs like to hand out money, but big part is stuff like this. Business is a business, but it doesn’t have to be cut throat all the time"

The above was in response to the below:

"Ryan Dzingel credited Leafs GM Kyle Dubas for the way his situation was handled. He remained in Arizona after the trade and knew he was going to get waived: "He called me and was honest, and you don't find that a lot in this league." #SJSharks"

Classy move
- Fakepartofme

Yeah I had read a quote when the trade was done that Dubas said Dzingel and his agent were aware of what they were doing.

I am glad to see that the player thought highly of Dubas at the time as well.

The Leafs are currently on pace for the most points in the history of the team, but Dubas is doing a terrible job.

This is why Leafs Nation can't have nice things.
- Atomic Wedgie

This is why I think some fans won't ever be pleased. It feels like they want to see an 82 - 0 season with the scores being 10 - 0 every night and they might still say they aren't a contender.

This is why I think some fans won't ever be pleased. It feels like they want to see an 82 - 0 season with the scores being 10 - 0 every night and they might still say they aren't a contender.
- Aaron_85

I feel you.

But I think winning a playoffs round or two in the playoffs would cure alot of that.

It has been quite a while after all.

I feel you.

But I think winning a playoffs round or two in the playoffs would cure alot of that.

It has been quite a while after all.
- Scabeh

I agree. That may placate some people but I still believe there's fans that would say the team still isn't competitive if they won the cup.

I agree. That may placate some people but I still believe there's fans that would say the team still isn't competitive if they won the cup.
- Aaron_85

"Sure they won, but are they really perennial contenders? Don't think so!"

"Sure they won, but are they really perennial contenders? Don't think so!"
- Scabeh

You can literally hear it in your head. Someone would say that!

Now back to trade talks! One month to the deadline. Hopefully we see some action. Trade day likely will be a bust itself.

Brutal news for Rodion Amirov. Diagnosed with a brain tumour.

https://twitter.com/maple.../1496485035347783687?s=21
- bryant

that suck

"Sure they won, but are they really perennial contenders? Don't think so!"
- Scabeh

Certain unnamed people here said that about Tampa...they're in CAP HELLLLLLLLLLL!

This is why I think some fans won't ever be pleased. It feels like they want to see an 82 - 0 season with the scores being 10 - 0 every night and they might still say they aren't a contender.
- Aaron_85

Well.
I think most want playoff success from a team that hasnt had any in almost two decades.....and a cup in over 5 decades.

"Sure they won, but are they really perennial contenders? Don't think so!"
- Scabeh

Which raises the question about playoffs this year. Dubas might make all the right moves between now and TDL, create a really, really good team only to lose to a great team in the first round.

The verdict will be that Dubas failed, end of story.

I agree. That may placate some people but I still believe there's fans that would say the team still isn't competitive if they won the cup.
- Aaron_85

I dont believe that would be true at.
Sure some haters would minimize a cup win for whatever reason (luck, injuries on other team etc).
But a Leafs fan would be over the moon if they ever won a cup.
All leafs fans would be.
If they're not....probably not a true leafs fan.

Which raises the question about playoffs this year. Dubas might make all the right moves between now and TDL, create a really, really good team only to lose to a great team in the first round.

The verdict will be that Dubas failed, end of story.
- Canada Cup

Perhaps. And you're right, there's almost no scenarios where the Leafs end up facing anyting else than another very, very good team.

I think it's all about "how" they lose.

For example, last year they lost being the favorites and saw some of their very important players underperform.

Now that could be a bump in the road, but if it were to happen again after Dubas decided there didn't need to be a change, he'll have to take part of the blame for it.

One thing is for certain in my mind, I don't think another first round exit can be accepted without some change to the core of the team.

Which raises the question about playoffs this year. Dubas might make all the right moves between now and TDL, create a really, really good team only to lose to a great team in the first round.

The verdict will be that Dubas failed, end of story.
- Canada Cup

Cause he would have failed in building a team to get past the 1st round.
Sorry, its the playoffs, youre gonna play good teams. No excuses.
Granted you shouldnt have to play a top team in the 1st round, but thats the way its been for while now.