I like how you think. These are great ideas.



- Rare_Jewel

Thanks Rare Jewel! it took some digging, but they're all comparable in terms of Cap, term, and fit the player the Leafs are looking for.
Any other examples you can think of?

To some extent - but I think to a greater extent this is what I've noticed:

- More puck movement - like there's less grab the puck on the side wall and skate up and down and up and down or across the blue line looking for a specific lane to open

- Faster puck movement - along with the movement, it's not moving slowly. The passes are crisp and with intention - the defense can't intercept or react to those as easily and neither can the goalie

- More positional movement, so there are less static positions

- Matthews isn't just a one-timer machine - using him and his exceptional passing has made the PP more dynamic and more threatening because you can't play him only to shoot and if you do, you might just get burned


To me a good example of the above are the quick passes between a winger descending on the wall and the point man - it creates separation on the checking PK forward because they need to slow up on each pass and it opens room for both spots to make another pass as the other hinged PKers stretch in the diamond formation. You add positional movement through that diamond and it adds a chaos element - especially to a less disciplined PK unit. I think the 1st PP goal scored last night was a product of puck movement on the wall to create separation and then, I think it was Knies took the puck to the diamond and pulled the PKers in towards him and he made that nice dish to Nylander for the one-timer. I think the second was just quick puck movement created gaps that they exploited.
- Monkeypunk

The other thing that the Leafs have been doing on the PP lately is NOT trying the high risk cross seam passes which are high risk/high reward and something we see guys like Marner try a lot.

They have been moving the puck quickly, short passes and mostly around the outside of the box or diamond of the defensive team. Look at last night, around the outside, quick shot - rebound and they outnumber the defenders in front so they get the rebound and it's in the net. This is the way to do it IMO, and keep the one timer or cross crease pass a an option but not one you use often or religiously.

To some extent - but I think to a greater extent this is what I've noticed:

- More puck movement - like there's less grab the puck on the side wall and skate up and down and up and down or across the blue line looking for a specific lane to open

- Faster puck movement - along with the movement, it's not moving slowly. The passes are crisp and with intention - the defense can't intercept or react to those as easily and neither can the goalie

- More positional movement, so there are less static positions

- Matthews isn't just a one-timer machine - using him and his exceptional passing has made the PP more dynamic and more threatening because you can't play him only to shoot and if you do, you might just get burned


To me a good example of the above are the quick passes between a winger descending on the wall and the point man - it creates separation on the checking PK forward because they need to slow up on each pass and it opens room for both spots to make another pass as the other hinged PKers stretch in the diamond formation. You add positional movement through that diamond and it adds a chaos element - especially to a less disciplined PK unit. I think the 1st PP goal scored last night was a product of puck movement on the wall to create separation and then, I think it was Knies took the puck to the diamond and pulled the PKers in towards him and he made that nice dish to Nylander for the one-timer. I think the second was just quick puck movement created gaps that they exploited.
- Monkeypunk

I agree with this. Really notice Willie’s mobility and how that draws defenders out. It really helps that he’s such a threat to shoot as well. When Marner is on his game, you see the same kind of movement. Obviously more zip on passes provides less time for defenders to get in the lane and for goalies to recover

Thanks Rare Jewel! it took some digging, but they're all comparable in terms of Cap, term, and fit the player the Leafs are looking for.
Any other examples you can think of?
- Tom Dusome

I think it's crucial that the Leafs acquire at least 2 solid two-way centers for the playoff run. I have ZERO trust in the Leafs ability to have a shutdown 3rd / 4th line. Plus, injuries considering how many times the Leafs have played with less than their full team this year so far.

I would suggest Boone Jenner so we can guarantee we have a replacement with a year left on his contract and the potential to re-sign him for the future too. I doubt Tavares will return for a REAL discount so we have to have another solid C signed for next year and beyond.

Pretty widely reported the Leafs are interested in Dylan Cozens. What does it take to make that happen, is he a good option, and how do you make the cap work?

I think it's crucial that the Leafs acquire at least 2 solid two-way centers for the playoff run. I have ZERO trust in the Leafs ability to have a shutdown 3rd / 4th line. Plus, injuries considering how many times the Leafs have played with less than their full team this year so far.

I would suggest Boone Jenner so we can guarantee we have a replacement with a year left on his contract and the potential to re-sign him for the future too. I doubt Tavares will return for a REAL discount so we have to have another solid C signed for next year and beyond.
- Rare_Jewel

Thought I heard they were 22-0 when leading after 2? That would seem to suggest they are capable of shutting it down and holding a lead no?

Thought I heard they were 22-0 when leading after 2? That would seem to suggest they are capable of shutting it down and holding a lead no?
- jribout

Are they 22-0 holding a lead in the playoffs?

Right.

Are they 22-0 holding a lead in the playoffs?

Right.
- Rare_Jewel

thats after 2 periods. but this current team, with a real shutdown D like Tanev has not been in the playoffs.

also...the more 2 period leads where they have to try and keep that record, the better. esp in the playoffs..yay Leads!

but i know you know this stuff, you just like the douchy replies

Pretty widely reported the Leafs are interested in Dylan Cozens. What does it take to make that happen, is he a good option, and how do you make the cap work?
- Whipper

I don't see the Sabres actually letting another potential star young player go.

But if they're that stupid, go ahead and take advantage of them.

He's a former 30 goal scorer with a 7+ AAV cap hit. He's another candidate to replace Tavares long term but his production is very low for that cap hit this season. He would be a gamble with higher risk and higher reward potential.

thats after 2 periods. but this current team, with a real shutdown D like Tanev has not been in the playoffs.
- senstroll

So when Tanev blocks a shot with his face and isn't playing, then what?

also...the more 2 period leads where they have to try and keep that record, the better. esp in the playoffs..yay Leads!

The more solid players they add, the better. This is the Leafs. When the games matter, no lead is safe. We've seen them almost blow plenty of games this year, just one against Edmonton a few nights ago was almost thrown away if not for Woll standing on his head and making 45 saves. I have zero faith in that type of game going the Leafs way in the playoffs. Because the regular season is regular season and the playoffs is where the Leafs always crumble. Let's give the team as many options to avoid the crumble as possible.

but i know you know this stuff, you just like the douchy replies

Of which you are a master.

Theres a few under the radar guys I could see Treliving giving a hard look to or should consider please add to this list!:
Barrett Hayton - 5th over all pick 2018 just signed playmaker two-way centre good on faceoffs especially on the powerplay
Ryan Mcleod - fast, wins faceoffs especially in the defensive zone
Frederick Gaudreau - hard working on both sides of the puck a late bloomer, wins faceoffs, lots of them.
- Tom Dusome

Being straight-forward with these:

Hayton is an RFA controlled forward on a building team with another year left on an affordable contract. Utah has no reason to move this contract at all.

McLeod - Buffalo just gave up a top-ten prospect in Savoie to acquire him in the offseason. While his deal is expiring, he does have 2 RFA years left and is showing improvement year-over-year.

Gaudreau - he's a vastly superior David Kampf, who is in the 2nd year of a 5 year deal that pays him $2.1m and he plays for Minnesota who are definitely a playoff team that has been hampered by some injuries.

So for Hayton or McLeod you're paying a lot more than the player is worth in value to _us_ as a team, given that they would be in a 3C position. Hayton has the potential to be more - but Utah is not giving him away. With McLeod, he's not as good as Hayton - but he's going to cost you far more than he's worth to obtain.

Gaudreau - Minnesota has no reason to trade him or any reason to want to get worse. We could offer them more than - again - the value add that Gaudreau is going to bring and lose on the transaction - and Minnesota would still say no due to the situation that they are in.

We need to improve at 3C, I grant, but I don't see any of those guys moving.

So when Tanev blocks a shot with his face and isn't playing, then what?



The more solid players they add, the better. This is the Leafs. When the games matter, no lead is safe. We've seen them almost blow plenty of games this year, just one against Edmonton a few nights ago was almost thrown away if not for Woll standing on his head and making 45 saves. I have zero faith in that type of game going the Leafs way in the playoffs. Because the regular season is regular season and the playoffs is where the Leafs always crumble. Let's give the team as many options to avoid the crumble as possible.



Of which you are a master.
- Rare_Jewel

to poop stain of a person like you, absolutely.

to poop stain of a person like you, absolutely.
- senstroll

When you can't attack the argument, attack the person. Great strategy.

Being straight-forward with these:

Hayton is an RFA controlled forward on a building team with another year left on an affordable contract. Utah has no reason to move this contract at all.

McLeod - Buffalo just gave up a top-ten prospect in Savoie to acquire him in the offseason. While his deal is expiring, he does have 2 RFA years left and is showing improvement year-over-year.

Gaudreau - he's a vastly superior David Kampf, who is in the 2nd year of a 5 year deal that pays him $2.1m and he plays for Minnesota who are definitely a playoff team that has been hampered by some injuries.

So for Hayton or McLeod you're paying a lot more than the player is worth in value to _us_ as a team, given that they would be in a 3C position. Hayton has the potential to be more - but Utah is not giving him away. With McLeod, he's not as good as Hayton - but he's going to cost you far more than he's worth to obtain.

Gaudreau - Minnesota has no reason to trade him or any reason to want to get worse. We could offer them more than - again - the value add that Gaudreau is going to bring and lose on the transaction - and Minnesota would still say no due to the situation that they are in.

We need to improve at 3C, I grant, but I don't see any of those guys moving.
- Monkeypunk

Everything you wrote here makes perfect sense.

However...Buffalo...has a history of making really, really bad trades. There's always the hope that their blunder could be the saving grace the Leafs will be looking to take advantage of.

Let's remember that ROR, Eichel and Reinhart all won Stanley Cups and none of them were with Buffalo. I wouldn't say it's likely but it's possible they could be swindled again if the right situation presented itself.

Are they 22-0 holding a lead in the playoffs?

Right.
- Rare_Jewel

Have they had Lorentz on a shut down line before in the playoffs? Oh right if Tanev takes a puck in the face, and Lorentz one in the nuts and and and . Then you might be right for once

Have they had Lorentz on a shut down line before in the playoffs? Oh right if Taney takes a pick in the face, and Lorentz one in the nuts and and and . Then you might be right for once
- jribout

Maybe you're a newer Leafs fan and haven't seen the same mistakes repeat themselves no matter how well the regular season was or whomever the new shiny player was in the lineup.

Have the Leafs made some improvements this year? In some areas yes, in others, not so much. But don't fool yourself again, there is still work to be done. The division is tight, the stretch run won't be easy and the playoffs are a long, treacherous road especially if you want to win a Stanley Cup, not just have a parade for winning one round.

Have they had Lorentz on a shut down line before in the playoffs? Oh right if Taney takes a pick in the face, and Lorentz one in the nuts and and and . Then you might be right for once
- jribout

Gotta' love the every moving goalposts, combined with a healthy dose of chicken little syndrome & the constant know it all attitude eh?

Tre better switch to GM mode on his gaming console and lock up another 50 goal scorer, and stud goalie in case Matthews breaks a leg ice fishing and both Stollie and Woll (and Murry and other goalies in the system) all fall victim to a random flesh eating disease!

It's so simple to do this stuff, salary cap etc. be dammed. Why has the Leaf brain trust been so bad at everything for so long? Not going out and getting better players for less money, not being the best drafters ever etc. etc. etc.

No wonder they have missed the playoffs more times than the Buffalo Sabres have in the past 15 years......oh wait a minute.......

You strike me as the type who can't wait for the Leafs to not win the Cup so you can proudly proclaim "See, See I told you so!!! I was right".

That's just pathetic/sad.

Maybe you're a newer Leafs fan and haven't seen the same mistakes repeat themselves no matter how well the regular season was or whomever the new shiny player was in the lineup.

Have the Leafs made some improvements this year? In some areas yes, in others, not so much. But don't fool yourself again, there is still work to be done. The division is tight, the stretch run won't be easy and the playoffs are a long, treacherous road especially if you want to win a Stanley Cup, not just have a parade for winning one round.
- Rare_Jewel

Holy (frank) bud, you are the guy who watches people buy a lottery ticket and then proceeds to tell them for an hour why they didn't win and how hard it is to win and that you have sure fire method to do so if someone would just lend you $2 aren't you?

Gotta' love the every moving goalposts, combined with a healthy dose of chicken little syndrome & the constant know it all attitude eh?

Tre better switch to GM mode on his gaming console and lock up another 50 goal scorer, and stud goalie in case Matthews breaks a leg ice fishing and both Stollie and Woll (and Murry and other goalies in the system) all fall victim to a random flesh eating disease!

It's so simple to do this stuff, salary cap etc. be dammed. Why has the Leaf brain trust been so bad at everything for so long? Not going out and getting better players for less money, not being the best drafters ever etc. etc. etc.

No wonder they have missed the playoffs more times than the Buffalo Sabres have in the past 15 years......oh wait a minute.......
- Cush29

I mean hell yeah let’s get Boone Jenner in case our guys are hurt. Sounds like a safe play. Boone is never injured

I mean hell yeah let’s get Boone Jenner in case our guys are hurt. Sounds like a safe play. Boone is never injured
- jribout

Leafs need to get McDaivd for the playoff run, offer the Oilers Reaves, Tyler Biggs and Ashton Carter.

I know it may seem like a wild trade idea but lets not forget the Oilers traded Gretzky once and have been known to have a front office staff and GM's who are wild and dumb so it could happen man!

When you can't attack the argument, attack the person. Great strategy.
- Rare_Jewel

Which is why you constantly just answer back at people with “ you have tds”.

Which is why you constantly just answer back at people with “ you have tds”.
- TurdFergeson

Marxist

Which is why you constantly just answer back at people with “ you have tds”.
- TurdFergeson

No, that would be the reply to the people screaming Nazi fascist because MSNBC and CNN has broken their brain. Nice try though.

I mean hell yeah let’s get Boone Jenner in case our guys are hurt. Sounds like a safe play. Boone is never injured
- jribout

I'm sure if Matthews or Tavares (or both) get injured, Pontus Holmberg will lead us to the promised land.

100% guaranteed, write it down, lock it in.

Leafs are the lead defending juggernaut and nothing can or will stop them.

Absolutely nothing could possibly get any better than this current team.

Perfection.

I'm sure if Matthews or Tavares (or both) get injured, Pontus Holmberg will lead us to the promised land.

100% guaranteed, write it down, lock it in.

Leafs are the lead defending juggernaut and nothing can or will stop them.

Absolutely nothing could possibly get any better than this current team.

Perfection.


- Rare_Jewel

But what if ALL the leafs get food poisoning in game 7 round 1 - who plays then? That’s why we should get BOTH Jenner & Clutterbuck. But what happens if the other team also gets food poisoning or injured - what then?!!