But he goes from scoring 69 goals to scoring 1 goal, missing games when it matters and is set to become the highest paid player in the NHL.

If we needed him to just throw hits, we'd put Reaves on the ice and call it a day.

And that's the problem in Toronto. People want Wendel Clark. But that's not what our "star" players are anymore.
- Rare_Jewel

Well yes. I'll acknowledge that he doesn't produce like he is capable of in the playoffs. I just don't think it has anything to do with the physicality. Whereas it's obvious that it affects Marner for instance.

But he goes from scoring 69 goals to scoring 1 goal, missing games when it matters and is set to become the highest paid player in the NHL.

If we needed him to just throw hits, we'd put Reaves on the ice and call it a day.

And that's the problem in Toronto. People want Wendel Clark. But that's not what our "star" players are anymore.
- Rare_Jewel

Yup.

Shanny’s had ample time to address the softness of this team, but he believed in what he was building, and the NHL was trending away from being a physical sport.

He was dead wrong. But faced zero consequences. The Leafs management and ownership is rotten to the core.

Cowan 3 more points.

11 in 3 games as London takes a 3-0 series lead in the final 👍
- PlatosRepucklic

Nice

What line does he play on next year?

Cowan with 4 more points tonight.

Might be our Wyatt Johnson.

Also Tre signs Zadorov and Dakota Johnson book it.

Did we already unlock the Wedgie prediction thread?
- mr.sir

I usually do very well in that thread.

Well yes. I'll acknowledge that he doesn't produce like he is capable of in the playoffs. I just don't think it has anything to do with the physicality. Whereas it's obvious that it affects Marner for instance.
- PlatosRepucklic

It's not only about physicality. It's about the simple fact that the Leafs style of play does not work in the playoffs because of the coaching.

The way they forecheck, the way their PP and PK are organized, the lack of secondary scoring, the lack of experienced veterans with winning experience; there's a long list of reasons.

If you're watching Dallas and Colorado right now, these teams are both skating 100 mph. They aren't hitting each other nearly as much as you would expect "playoff hitting". They move the puck, they skate fast and they use speed to their advantage. The Leafs play like that for 82 games and then try to play a style they have no idea how to play for 7 games.

If the Leafs want to beat the Bruins, they should stick their speed game and let other members of the team worry about crashing and banging like Florida is doing.

Also Tre signs Zadorov and Dakota Johnson book it.
- Santo_44

Not sure about Joshua

Already on LW:
Knies
Robertson
McMann
Dewar(p/t)
Holmberg (p/t)
Cowan

Domi (p/t)
Bertuzzi

I like our depth in that position

I think we should let all our FA walk
RHD hard!

It's not only about physicality. It's about the simple fact that the Leafs style of play does not work in the playoffs because of the coaching.

The way they forecheck, the way their PP and PK are organized, the lack of secondary scoring, the lack of experienced veterans with winning experience; there's a long list of reasons.

If you're watching Dallas and Colorado right now, these teams are both skating 100 mph. They aren't hitting each other nearly as much as you would expect "playoff hitting". They move the puck, they skate fast and they use speed to their advantage. The Leafs play like that for 82 games and then try to play a style they have no idea how to play for 7 games.

If the Leafs want to beat the Bruins, they should stick their speed game and let other members of the team worry about crashing and banging like Florida is doing.
- Rare_Jewel

I guess I'm missing the point then. I was originally replying to Monkeypunk saying Matthews had to grow a set because he's 6'3 210. I don't disagree on many of your points here though

I guess I'm missing the point then. I was originally replying to Monkeypunk saying Matthews had to grow a set because he's 6'3 210. I don't disagree on many of your points here though
- PlatosRepucklic

I think he meant it as "score goals in the clutch" more than "hit guys more".

And I'm kind of replying to both of you saying: He can throw hits but it won't win us more games but he also isn't scoring goals because all the team aspects required to score goals are in shambles.

Not sure about Joshua

Already on LW:
Knies
Robertson
McMann
Dewar(p/t)
Holmberg (p/t)
Cowan

Domi (p/t)
Bertuzzi

I like our depth in that position

I think we should let all our FA walk
RHD hard!
- mr.sir

He is probably out 9 months after his surgery.

But he goes from scoring 69 goals to scoring 1 goal, missing games when it matters and is set to become the highest paid player in the NHL.

If we needed him to just throw hits, we'd put Reaves on the ice and call it a day.

And that's the problem in Toronto. People want Wendel Clark. But that's not what our "star" players are anymore.
- Rare_Jewel

Yeah cause a player chooses to get injured. I guess you're of the opinion that concussions aren't real either.

He plays like he's 6'3 210 though. He was right there with Benoit for most hits per game in the playoffs. Multiple big hits. He doesn't shy away from the contact whatsoever. I'm not sure "growing a set" and using his size is the issue.
- PlatosRepucklic

Tough to carry conversations day-to-day - my frustration with Matthews is that his average shooting distance drops 8-10 feet in the playoffs. The path to the net is blocked and he takes the path of least resistance too often. He has one of the most lethal shots, but if you give an NHL goalie that extra second - say by moving him back 10 feet - he loses effectiveness considerably.

He's the guy we need to get into the more dangerous shooting areas.

McLellan is western conference Keefe. They even look similar. That would be a very Leafy hire
- PlatosRepucklic

Avoid mclellan at all cost

Varsho. Still jays best player
- drexel

Steal a HR, hit a HR

Not sure about Joshua

Already on LW:
Knies
Robertson
McMann
Dewar(p/t)
Holmberg (p/t)
Cowan

Domi (p/t)
Bertuzzi

I like our depth in that position

I think we should let all our FA walk
RHD hard!
- mr.sir

I don't think Joshua is a top-6 LW, so he'd need in the bottom-6. I'm not positive Robertson isn't traded, to be honest. I like him but I doubt his size is appealing to Treliving's vision of the team having more "snot".

I also don't think Easton Cowan is ready for the NHL and I'd like to let him grow and learn.

He is probably out 9 months after his surgery.
- Santo_44

I think the presser said McMann was expected back in the second round (MCL strain) ...didn't hear about any surgery for him.

Dewar had shoulder surgery ..might be ready for camp.

Any PP coach who includes that stupid "drop it back pass" to the trailing man at the red line in his playbook should be shot into the Sun immediately. I am sick to death of that set play and the entire league is addicted to it like crack. And most of the time, it sucks and doesn't work because it was 100% telegraphed and expected. It's like trying to run a flea-flicker on every play in football.

I know i will get roasted, but its a hypothetical trade

Austin mathews, i know the beloved ,rocket richard winner. Players like him are gems. That you can either hold on to and admire and boast that its yours. or cash in and make obscene profits.

The return would likely start at 3,1st round picks. A plethoria of prospects and at least 2 or 3 well established high end players. Plus take a bad contract.

The return if done right could bolster the team to that next level and set up decades of success.

Any PP coach who includes that stupid "drop it back pass" to the trailing man at the red line in his playbook should be shot into the Sun immediately. I am sick to death of that set play and the entire league is addicted to it like crack. And most of the time, it sucks and doesn't work because it was 100% telegraphed and expected. It's like trying to run a flea-flicker on every play in football.
- GalacticStone

I read about this somewhere...a while ago, and the reason teams do that is it has a higher success rate of entering the zone.

i personally dont care how they get into the O-zone.

I know i will get roasted, but its a hypothetical trade

Austin mathews, i know the beloved ,rocket richard winner. Players like him are gems. That you can either hold on to and admire and boast that its yours. or cash in and make obscene profits.

The return would likely start at 3,1st round picks. A plethoria of prospects and at least 2 or 3 well established high end players. Plus take a bad contract.

The return if done right could bolster the team to that next level and set up decades of success.
- spazzbot

I won't roast you. Any good GM should entertain offers without dismissing them out of hand. But, the return would have to be insanely high to trade Matthews. He's the most talented Leaf to wear the jersey in the modern era. He is not the sole/major reason(s) this team disappoints in the postseason.

Matthews is an elite game breaker, line-driving center, and lethal sniper. You build teams around guys like that. If trades are to be made, it's to provide him with proper support. Arguably, the Leafs owners/management have failed Matthews, not the other way around.

I read about this somewhere...a while ago, and the reason teams do that is it has a higher success rate of entering the zone.

i personally dont care how they get into the O-zone.
- senstroll

In the games I watch, it doesn't feel like it. For the Lightning and the Leafs, it seems to fail more than it succeeds. I cringe every time the Lightning/Leafs do it.

I know i will get roasted, but its a hypothetical trade

Austin mathews, i know the beloved ,rocket richard winner. Players like him are gems. That you can either hold on to and admire and boast that its yours. or cash in and make obscene profits.

The return would likely start at 3,1st round picks. A plethoria of prospects and at least 2 or 3 well established high end players. Plus take a bad contract.

The return if done right could bolster the team to that next level and set up decades of success.
- spazzbot

3,1st round picks...from who and where in the 1st?
thats a very important part of it. if it deosnt include 1 or 2 picks in the top 5, then no thanks. and Teams cant guarantee that.
Leafs would end up with 3 pics 15-32 ..

Lilly Robertson +
for
Pulock

3,1st round picks...from who and where in the 1st?
thats a very important part of it. if it deosnt include 1 or 2 picks in the top 5, then no thanks. and Teams cant guarantee that.
Leafs would end up with 3 pics 15-32 ..
- senstroll

Indeed those would be all intangibles if it could ever get done. Likely there would be 3 or 4 teams involved.
I think back to what the lindros trade did for quebec/ colorado... colorado definitely benefited with multiple cups.
This trade would eclipse that by far in terms of return
It would go down in history as the biggest blockbuster trade ever. Likely to never be topped.
Like said before Austin is a geat asset and force for the team, utilized correctly could bring similar results.