Former Leaflet, Brendan Leipsic has written Vladimir Putin requesting Russian citizenship. Leipsic plays for St Petersburg, Putin’s favourite team. His coach and team owner said he faced injustice and persecution in North America but in Russia “has received special support from fans, coaches and partners.”

https://thehockeynews.com...ussian-citizenship-report
- Canada Cup

i went to russia in the winter of 2018👍

fascinating trip 👍🏿

Stalingrad/Volgograd was razed to the ground by the Germans so there’s not too much left for antiquity🤦‍♂️

However, there are some very interesting museums and monuments👍🏿

if you’re familiar with the battle it’s really cool walking around and seeing the lay of the land👍

The panorama museum is awesome and worth the walk but the hidden gem is the museum in the bottom of the univermag department store which is where schmidt and paulus surrendered the 6th army👍

if you’re looking for a safer “zone” in Russia, red square, the Victory museum and the gum mall provides hours of entertainment👍🏿

I spent 6 hours in the victory museum and had to hustle out before closing🤦‍♂️

go in the winter (November-March) so you can feel what these guys were dealing with😭 (probably cheaper)

take the subway from the airport and everywhere else👍🏿

of course, stand or give your seat up for a lady👍

cab stands will rip you off🤦‍♂️

You mention it TWICE but he's only scored 40 goals in a season ONCE.

Just sayin...
- Nasty_Duck

Nylander is 27 and has shown steady improvement

And Bergeron will be 38 this month and he has NEVER scored 40 in a season
And Marchand is 35 and he has NEVER scored 40 in a season
And Hall is 32 and he has NEVER scored 40 in a season

Just sayin

Someone is off their meds and their Nylander obsession is back

What was McCann's career high when he signed his deal? It was 27 - and next highest was 14. He signed a 5 x 5 deal, giving up an RFA year and 4 UFA years - he'll be 31 when he signs his next deal.

What was Verhaeghe's career high when he signed his deal? It was 24 and before that it was 18. I love Verhaeghe. He is also crappy at defense. He gave up 2 RFA years and 1 UFA year, and will be 29 when he signs his next deal.

What was Kempe's? It was 35 - and before that it was 14. His latest deal gave up an RFA year and 3 RFA years; he'll be 30 when he signs his next deal.

Nylander's career high - when signing a new deal (so far, because he hasn't even played in his final year yet) is 40, then 34, then 31, then 22 and 20 . . . he'll be 29 on his next deal and his years will be UFA years.

Willy is not worth $10m, but there is a solid argument to put him in the $9m range based on all the qualifying elements. I'm not sure I love the idea of a contract that takes him at a high salary until he's 36 either, for that matter - but contextually, a guy like Tarasenko signed a contract that paid him $7.5m x 8 - and 4 of those years were RFA - but that is equivalent to $8.8 - $9.2m in current cap dollars and honestly they're relatively similar players.

You can ignore the timing of an event to make a case, but it just makes it a poor case.
- Monkeypunk

Defence.

There’s more to the game than just riding the coattails of 60g, 100pt players.

Defence.

There’s more to the game than just riding the coattails of 60g, 100pt players.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

I don't know if you would recognize defense if it bit you in the ass and took the puck from you. Defense isn't only hitting a guy. Willy was 6th among forwards in takeaways / 60. Before you poop on that stat, I should warn you that Marner was 1st. Matthews was 12th.

Now Nylander pretty much never blocks a shot - although Marner doesn't block too many either. Ironically, while Nylander was 323 out of 383 in blocked shots/60 (AM was 5th; Marner was 250th), dead last was Brady Tkachuk. So creating a narrative out of that stat may not the way people think it will.

We have watched the games, and we've seen him turn away or avoid hits - we've seen the opposition get chances because of it and it is those plays that drive you nuts - but ignoring the good things he is doing out there and the way his game has evolved all over the ice is silly. He's not a total defensive liability like you suggest.

The continued suggestion that Nylander has only ridden the coattails of Matthews, Tavares or Marner to the tune of a 40 goal season is also ridiculous - but I do know you're not changing your mind now.

I don't know if you would recognize defense if it bit you in the ass and took the puck from you. Defense isn't only hitting a guy. Willy was 6th among forwards in takeaways / 60. Before you poop on that stat, I should warn you that Marner was 1st. Matthews was 12th.

Now Nylander pretty much never blocks a shot - although Marner doesn't block too many either. Ironically, while Nylander was 323 out of 383 in blocked shots/60 (AM was 5th; Marner was 250th), dead last was Brady Tkachuk. So creating a narrative out of that stat may not the way people think it will.

We have watched the games, and we've seen him turn away or avoid hits - we've seen the opposition get chances because of it and it is those plays that drive you nuts - but ignoring the good things he is doing out there and the way his game has evolved all over the ice is silly. He's not a total defensive liability like you suggest.

The continued suggestion that Nylander has only ridden the coattails of Matthews, Tavares or Marner to the tune of a 40 goal season is also ridiculous - but I do know you're not changing your mind now.
- Monkeypunk

Good points all. Nylander was an exceptional draft pick and has improved with time. I will be pleased if they can sign him to a contract around $9M. Along with the takeaway skills, Nylander is easily one of the very best skaters in the NHL.

I don't know if you would recognize defense if it bit you in the ass and took the puck from you. Defense isn't only hitting a guy. Willy was 6th among forwards in takeaways / 60. Before you poop on that stat, I should warn you that Marner was 1st. Matthews was 12th.

Now Nylander pretty much never blocks a shot - although Marner doesn't block too many either. Ironically, while Nylander was 323 out of 383 in blocked shots/60 (AM was 5th; Marner was 250th), dead last was Brady Tkachuk. So creating a narrative out of that stat may not the way people think it will.

We have watched the games, and we've seen him turn away or avoid hits - we've seen the opposition get chances because of it and it is those plays that drive you nuts - but ignoring the good things he is doing out there and the way his game has evolved all over the ice is silly. He's not a total defensive liability like you suggest.

The continued suggestion that Nylander has only ridden the coattails of Matthews, Tavares or Marner to the tune of a 40 goal season is also ridiculous - but I do know you're not changing your mind now.
- Monkeypunk

He’s good at stick lifts.

But like you mentioned, the shying away from contact is embarrassing. He’s a chickenpoop, and it’s hard to watch. Zero courage, zero emotion, Willy Melander… After a brutal loss he’s always like, “meh” 🤷‍♂️

Why argue to keep him around at this point? He’s asking too much, he’s not a team guy, he takes nights off. The new players more than make up for his offence.

It’s time to move on.

He’s good at stick lifts.

But like you mentioned, the shying away from contact is embarrassing. He’s a chickenpoop, and it’s hard to watch. Zero courage, zero emotion, Willy Melander… After a brutal loss he’s always like, “meh” 🤷‍♂️

Why argue to keep him around at this point? He’s asking too much, he’s not a team guy, he takes nights off. The new players more than make up for his offence.

It’s time to move on.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

This is a description of both 16/88 (the only 2 logical players to move) so I would agree that one of them should be traded if good return is there.

This is a description of both 16/88 (the only 2 logical players to move) so I would agree that one of them should be traded if good return is there.
- Big23Questions

You lie. Marner does not avoid hits. He avoids going to any area where he might possibly get hit.

You lie. Marner does not avoid hits. He avoids going to any area where he might possibly get hit.
- jribout

Both incredibly soft players - but yes:
Playoff Muffins from Mitch

Nylander is 27 and has shown steady improvement

And Bergeron will be 38 this month and he has NEVER scored 40 in a season
And Marchand is 35 and he has NEVER scored 40 in a season
And Hall is 32 and he has NEVER scored 40 in a season

Just sayin
- winsix

I didn't call any of those players a "40 goal scorer". WTF do they have to do with this?

Yes, he did score 40 goal scorers in one season.
The way you are using the term makes it sound like he does it with regularity.
Let's wait until he has at least a couple of those ok?

This is a description of both 16/88 (the only 2 logical players to move) so I would agree that one of them should be traded if good return is there.
- Big23Questions

I call BS on this. Neither should be moved. Winning a trade involves acquiring the best player in the deal. Marner is not going to be traded. On Jan 2, 1992 Leafs made a trade with the Flames for Gilmour. He was by a wide margin the best player in the trade. Risebrough secured his name as one of the worst GM's in NHL history taking a team that won the cup in 89 out of contention for a decade. Logic - trade either Marner or Nylander - Hell no!

This is a description of both 16/88 (the only 2 logical players to move) so I would agree that one of them should be traded if good return is there.
- Big23Questions

W-w-w-w-what about MIIIIIITCH!!!!!

We aren’t talk about Mitch. But he has 10x the courage Willy does.

I call BS on this. Neither should be moved. Winning a trade involves acquiring the best player in the deal. Marner is not going to be traded. On Jan 2, 1992 Leafs made a trade with the Flames for Gilmour. He was by a wide margin the best player in the trade. Risebrough secured his name as one of the worst GM's in NHL history taking a team that won the cup in 89 out of contention for a decade. Logic - trade either Marner or Nylander - Hell no!
- winsix

1. I’m not sure calling bs would make sense in this case.

2. Either should be moved if it would improve the team because that is winning the trade. Coming out of the deal with a better team as a result is winning. Both teams can win a trade.

3. If the return is not there to be had then a trae just fur the sake of trade is not a good move.

4. That was great deal fir the Leafs for sure. Not seeing the link though man.

I didn't call any of those players a "40 goal scorer". WTF do they have to do with this?

Yes, he did score 40 goal scorers in one season.
The way you are using the term makes it sound like he does it with regularity.
Let's wait until he has at least a couple of those ok?
- Nasty_Duck

Leafs don't have the luxury of waiting on this. This said, letting him walk is an option, just not a likely one IMO.

As I pointed out he's shown progression and is 27 years old. The other players mentioned were top six players from your favorite team - that's WTF they have to do with it. Those players, two of which are perenial all-stars the other a first overall pick never managed to do what Nylander accomplished last season. In a contract negotiation you pay for what has been accomplished and what you can expect. With a pending UFA you also have to be mindful of what other teams would be willing to pay.

W-w-w-w-what about MIIIIIITCH!!!!!

We aren’t talk about Mitch. But he has 10x the courage Willy does.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

I'm curious what would make you think that. Marner has been notoriously bad in the postseason when the intensity and physicality pick up whereas Nylander has probably been their best forward in the past 2 playoffs. Where does the 10x courage come into the equation? Love having both guys but that's a weird statement

Hey Big23. Starting a new conversation here so we can talk about Mitch.

Who do you think goes to the dirty areas more 16 or 88? Who do you think can bounce off a hit better 16 or 88?

W-w-w-w-what about MIIIIIITCH!!!!!

We aren’t talk about Mitch. But he has 10x the courage Willy does.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Bold: That’s just a weird thing to do bud. Pretty young eh

They both may have courage. I’m not sure as I dot know either and frankly that’s a hard thing to quantify - but they both play puck like softies…extremely talented (offensive) softies .

I'm curious what would make you think that. Marner has been notoriously bad in the postseason when the intensity and physicality pick up whereas Nylander has probably been their best forward in the past 2 playoffs. Where does the 10x courage come into the equation? Love having both guys but that's a weird statement
- PlatosRepucklic

Where you been the last 3 years. The answer is extreme bias.

Hey Big23. Starting a new conversation here so we can talk about Mitch.

Who do you think goes to the dirty areas more 16 or 88? Who do you think can bounce off a hit better 16 or 88?
- jribout

Willy is definitely stronger and uses body to shield a heck of lot better. 16 relies on his laterals. Willy is very hard to knock of the puck.

Willy is definitely stronger and uses body to shield a heck of lot better. 16 relies on his laterals. Willy is very hard to knock of the puck.
- Big23Questions

Oh good someone who sees some of what I saw. Was worried I was too biased.

He still struggles with his defensive zone positioning but I am very impressed with how hard he backchecks the last couple of years. I mean he has no choice with Tavares as is centre as he is just too slow. Not everyone has the luxury of Auston busting his hump on defense and getting back deep

Serious question - where do Toronto fans stand on another Toronto area expansion team? Not the likelihood, but your personal opinions on whether you would be in favor or not.
- Quetzalcoatl

Definitely in favor. Another literal strong cash cow franchise for the league. Much like NYR-NYI-NJ cluster. Thinking solid competition as well. Pretty set rivalries built in with Leags, Ottawa, Buffalo out of the gate too.

It’s crazy how fans of other teams are such experts on the leafs. Especially the Montreal ones who think they are getting their money’s worth out of Anderson.
- shack67

I read the Habs blog as well as many other teams. Josh Anderson is never mentioned.

1. I’m not sure calling bs would make sense in this case.

2. Either should be moved if it would improve the team because that is winning the trade. Coming out of the deal with a better team as a result is winning. Both teams can win a trade.

3. If the return is not there to be had then a trae just fur the sake of trade is not a good move.

4. That was great deal fir the Leafs for sure. Not seeing the link though man.
- Big23Questions

1. You are entitled to your opinion - as am I - so I respectfully disagree with your opinion. Stating an opinion as a logical choice - is why I called BS.

2. The Leafs are already improved, and significantly so. Bunting, Holl and ZAR have been replaced by Domi, Bertuzzi and Klingberg.

3. Gilmour was unhappy with a contract and forced a trade that the Flames would later regret.

4. There is a chance that the Leafs cannot sign Nylander to a reasonable deal - then they will have to make a trade. One I believe they will be very hard pressed to win.

Willy is not worth $10m, but there is a solid argument to put him in the $9m range based on all the qualifying elements. I'm not sure I love the idea of a contract that takes him at a high salary until he's 36 either, for that matter - but contextually, a guy like Tarasenko signed a contract that paid him $7.5m x 8 - and 4 of those years were RFA - but that is equivalent to $8.8 - $9.2m in current cap dollars and honestly they're relatively similar players.

You can ignore the timing of an event to make a case, but it just makes it a poor case.
- Monkeypunk

I would say for Nylander to be worth 9 million, he'd have to bring an extra element to his game, even if it was occasionally playing on the PK.

And the same goes for Tavares and Matthews. Tavares use to kill penalties in Long Island and he's one of the best FO winners the Leafs got. Don't think I've ever seen him take a regular PK shift. Same goes for Matthews. Matthews is supposed to be a fantastic defensive forward and yet never plays on the PK.

The Leafs PK usually sucks in the playoffs. It wouldn't be the end of the world for these guys to play on the PK like Sundin and Mogilny use to do. And actually be a threat to score goals while they do it too.

People can talk poop about Marner but of the four guys, he's the only one who at least attempts to do something other than score to earn his pay.

If Nylander settles at 9, Tavares at 11 and Matthews at 13; these guys have to bring more to the team other than scoring goals and points.

I would say Nylander is worth 8.88 AAV, absolute max 9. Matthews can get slightly more than MacKinnon at 13.34. Anymore than that and somebody has to get moved, it's already too much of a crunch with 70% of the cap spent on forwards and 40% on four forwards.

Ideally, I'd like to see Matthews and Nylander intentionally take a pay cut which leads to Marner doing the same. Matthews at 12.5, Nylander at 8 and Marner staying at his current 11 saves the Leafs enough money to bring in at least one more quality player down the line.