Lowell has been absent for a couple of Months now, he returns next Monday, so tune in.
- Doppleganger

how was your vacation?

I respond to leaf fan like yourself, who see it as their life mission to tear down the Better of the two Ontario based teams, to make themselves feel better about the leafs.

Someone has to set the record straight, so I don't mind doing it.



BTW, when does the scorched earth, tear down re-build start?
- Doppleganger

Oh yeah, the Sens are just amazing.

All local newspaper columnists pander to the uninformed fans in their market.

I've been telling you since the end of November that the Senators would not be making the playoffs.
- Doppleganger

Okay, but you said a few posts ago, they don’t pump up the Sens. That’s what I was responding to. I’d say that was a full page of “pump articles”. I’m not referring to your knowledge that the Sens stood no chance.

Oh yeah, the Sens are just amazing.
- prock

Compared to the leafs, yes.

And IF the leafs actually do what they say they're going to do, a "scorched earth" re-build, then the Senators will just keep getting better than the leafs for the foreseeable future.

But so far the leafs have gotten rid of a few UFAs, that they were going to get rid of in any case. Still no sign of a true strip it down re-build.

All local newspaper columnists pander to the uninformed fans in their market.

I've been telling you since the end of November that the Senators would not be making the playoffs.
- Doppleganger

Not in Toronto.

Compared to the leafs, yes.

And IF the leafs actually do what they say they're going to do, a "scorched earth" re-build, then the Senators will just keep getting better than the leafs for the foreseeable future.

But so far the leafs have gotten rid of a few UFAs, that they were going to get rid of in any case. Still no sign of a true strip it down re-build.


- Doppleganger

With a group of prospects totally lacking of anything that projects to be an impact player, a group amongst the bottom in the entire NHL, I wouldn't count on that.

Personally, I think it’s telling. The Sens and the Leafs are nearly identical in terms of average age on the team. Right beside each other in the standings. Leafs already have a better stable of prospects. The Leafs are selling assets, the Sens are not.

Shouldn't you be asking Sens fans when THEIR tear down and rebuild starts? It's hysterical you rip into an article that talked about the Sens not having the team/prospects to go anywhere. It's true. Can you honestly look at the team, and the group of prospects, and see that group growing into the kind of team that compares to the top rosters in the league? Compare to Pittsburgh, LA, Chicago, etc, and you'll see pretty quickly that the group the Sens has will never, ever, ever, come close to equalling those rosters.

So, where is the Sens desperately needed rebuild, I ask you?

I respond to leaf fan like yourself, who see it as their life mission to tear down the Better of the two Ontario based teams, to make themselves feel better about the leafs.

Someone has to set the record straight, so I don't mind doing it.



BTW, when does the scorched earth, tear down re-build start?


Trading Daniel Winnik who was an impending UFA is usual for any team not making the playoffs, not one embarking on the mother of all re-builds.
- Doppleganger

This makes no sense... How would tearing down the Leafs make me feel better about the Leafs?


Also, are you suggesting that trading away UFAs is a sign that they're not rebuilding?

how was your vacation?
- the_cause2000

He got to listen to all the sports radio!

This makes no sense... How would tearing down the Leafs make me feel better about the Leafs?


Also, are you suggesting that trading away UFAs is a sign that they're not rebuilding?
- Feeling Glucky?

Trading away UFAs by a team that is NOT going to make the playoffs, is theprudent thing to do if the team is not going to re-sign them. This way they get "assets" instead of nothing.

This alone is not the sign of a team going through a total tear down, scorched earth re-build.

When the leafs trade away a top "core player" with term left on their contract, then you have the first sign of what the leaf management has said they're going to do.

With a group of prospects totally lacking of anything that projects to be an impact player, a group amongst the bottom in the entire NHL, I wouldn't count on that.

Personally, I think it’s telling. The Sens and the Leafs are nearly identical in terms of average age on the team. Right beside each other in the standings. Leafs already have a better stable of prospects. The Leafs are selling assets, the Sens are not.

Shouldn't you be asking Sens fans when THEIR tear down and rebuild starts? It's hysterical you rip into an article that talked about the Sens not having the team/prospects to go anywhere. It's true. Can you honestly look at the team, and the group of prospects, and see that group growing into the kind of team that compares to the top rosters in the league? Compare to Pittsburgh, LA, Chicago, etc, and you'll see pretty quickly that the group the Sens has will never, ever, ever, come close to equalling those rosters.

So, where is the Sens desperately needed rebuild, I ask you?
- prock

The Senators currently sit at 20th over all in the NHL with a .517 record, the leafs sit at 26th over all with a .442 record. Hardly "beside eah other".


In case you missed it the Senators started their re-build a few years ago (2010 11) when they traded away the likes of Mike Fisher, Chris Kelley and others in exchange for draft picks.

Since then they've drafted in the 2011 first round Mika Zibanejad, Stefan Noesen, Matt Puempel and Shane Prince in the 2nd round, Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the 4th. In the 2012 draft they selected Cody Ceci and Chris Driedger plus others. In the 2013 draft the selected Curtis Lazar and ALL of these players are playing on the Senators current roster with the sole exception of Stefan Noesen who was part of the Bobby Ryan trade.

So in terms of a re-build.............the Senators are mile and miles ahead of the leafs.


BTW the Senators were able to score some goals in California, while the leafs were shut out three times.


http://www.tsn.ca/hammond...tors-blank-ducks-1.216529


too bad Bobby Ryan is bolting to the Flyers this summer, he won't be around for the rest of the re-build, as he wants to go and play close to home in Philadelphia.

OH WAIT ! ! !

Uh oh, here comes the poop-storm. Hold all my calls, I'm ducking for cover for the next few days/weeks...

Trading away UFAs by a team that is NOT going to make the playoffs, is theprudent thing to do if the team is not going to re-sign them. This way they get "assets" instead of nothing.

This alone is not the sign of a team going through a total tear down, scorched earth re-build.

When the leafs trade away a top "core player" with term left on their contract, then you have the first sign of what the leaf management has said they're going to do.
- Doppleganger

Just had to clarify, given your commenting history.


Those Core players aren't likely to be moved until the offseason, when teams have more cap flexibility... So try to avoid getting your panties in a bunch after every UFA is dealt.

The Senators currently sit at 20th over all in the NHL with a .517 record, the leafs sit at 26th over all with a .442 record. Hardly "beside eah other".


In case you missed it the Senators started their re-build a few years ago (2010 11) when they traded away the likes of Mike Fisher, Chris Kelley and others in exchange for draft picks.

Since then they've drafted in the 2011 first round Mika Zibanejad, Stefan Noesen, Matt Puempel and Shane Prince in the 2nd round, Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the 4th. In the 2012 draft they selected Cody Ceci and Chris Driedger plus others. In the 2013 draft the selected Curtis Lazar and ALL of these players are playing on the Senators current roster with the sole exception of Stefan Noesen who was part of the Bobby Ryan trade.

So in terms of a re-build.............the Senators are mile and miles ahead of the leafs.


BTW the Senators were able to score some goals in California, while the leafs were shut out three times.


http://www.tsn.ca/hammond...tors-blank-ducks-1.216529


too bad Bobby Ryan is bolting to the Flyers this summer, he won't be around for the rest of the re-build, as he wants to go and play close to home in Philadelphia.

OH WAIT ! ! !
- Doppleganger

I'd be very concerned if all the Leafs did was add supporting players and then decided that the tank&draft phase of the rebuild was done. I'd hope for at least 1 elite or sure-fire top line prospect.

Trading away UFAs by a team that is NOT going to make the playoffs, is theprudent thing to do if the team is not going to re-sign them. This way they get "assets" instead of nothing.

This alone is not the sign of a team going through a total tear down, scorched earth re-build.

When the leafs trade away a top "core player" with term left on their contract, then you have the first sign of what the leaf management has said they're going to do.
- Doppleganger

So, trading for someone like, I don't know, Ales Hemsky, when the team won't make the playoffs, is not prudent?

I'd be very concerned if all the Leafs did was add supporting players and then decided that the tank&draft phase of the rebuild was done. I'd hope for at least 1 elite or sure-fire top line prospect.
- Feeling Glucky?

Half of those guys don't even project to be "supporting" players. Bit players and never will be players.

So, trading for someone like, I don't know, Ales Hemsky, when the team won't make the playoffs, is not prudent?
- prock

Never understood that trade, and the only logical reason I can think of was to find a top six forward who might be interested in playing with Spezza and might sign as an UFA. But once Spezza asked to be traded, there was no need for Hemsky as he was asking to much, and Ottawa decided to pass.

I'd be very concerned if all the Leafs did was add supporting players and then decided that the tank&draft phase of the rebuild was done. I'd hope for at least 1 elite or sure-fire top line prospect.
- Feeling Glucky?

To get that type of player, this year, you would need to finish dead last to be assured of getting either McDavid or Eichel. If you can't finish dead last, then you'd need to win the lottery.


Ottawa did not go the total tank route, as you seem to think. They selected three players in the first round, 6th, 21st and 24th overall, the 2011 draft. And then selected 15th overall in the 2012 draft and 17th overall in 2013.

This upcoming draft the Senators could draft a player some where between 6th and 10 overall.


Ottawa, by far, is much better shape than the leafs are going forward, as their re-build is well underway and the leafs are, if they really truly do the scorched earth approach they're saying they will, are miles and miles behind.

To get that type of player, this year, you would need to finish dead last to be assured of getting either McDavid or Eichel. If you can't finish dead last, then you'd need to win the lottery.


Ottawa did not go the total tank route, as you seem to think. They selected three players in the first round, 6th, 21st and 24th overall, the 2011 draft. And then selected 15th overall in the 2012 draft and 17th overall in 2013.

This upcoming draft the Senators could draft a player some where between 6th and 10 overall.


Ottawa, by far, is much better shape than the leafs are going forward, as their re-build is well underway and the leafs are, if they really truly do the scorched earth approach they're saying they will, are miles and miles behind.
- Doppleganger

I would say drafting first or second will get you an elite prospect/player. From what I've read the three picks after that (Marner, Strome, Hanifin) would be among the first few picks in any other draft, and would be surefire first line players. The quote you referenced mentioned elite OR sure fire first liners.

I've also seen Kylington mentioned, but not consistently. And Crouse has made some pretty big leaps. Both on the outside looking in though. I was very impressed with Crouse at the world juniors. Solid young player.

I would say drafting first or second will get you an elite prospect/player. From what I've read the three picks after that (Marner, Strome, Hanifin) would be among the first few picks in any other draft, and would be surefire first line players. The quote you referenced mentioned elite OR sure fire first liners.

I've also seen Kylington mentioned, but not consistently. And Crouse has made some pretty big leaps. Both on the outside looking in though. I was very impressed with Crouse at the world juniors. Solid young player.
- prock

Lets assume the leafs don't win the lottery and end up selecting somewhere between 5th and 7th. Who would you think the leafs should select?


Also who do you hope is still available for the pick from the Predators?

Lets assume the leafs don't win the lottery and end up selecting somewhere between 5th and 7th. Who would you think the leafs should select?
- Doppleganger

Assuming Strome, Hanifin, and Marner are gone, then Crouse or Kylinton. Probably Crouse over Kylington. Tough choice. Dman or Winger. I'd prefer a dman over a winger, but dmen are not as easily predictable.

EDIT - Preds pick? Maybe Sebastien Aho. Was good in the world juniors. Jens Looke was even better, but I'd imagine he'll be gone by the time that pick rolls around.

Assuming Strome, Hanifin, and Marner are gone, then Crouse or Kylinton. Probably Crouse over Kylington. Tough choice. Dman or Winger. I'd prefer a dman over a winger, but dmen are not as easily predictable.

EDIT - Preds pick? Maybe Sebastien Aho. Was good in the world juniors. Jens Looke was even better, but I'd imagine he'll be gone by the time that pick rolls around.
- prock

Well doesn't the Preds pick rise the sooner they're eliminated? So couldn't that pick end up much higher than 30th, which is where it's ranked now on the over all standings?

Well doesn't the Preds pick rise the sooner they're eliminated? So couldn't that pick end up much higher than 30th, which is where it's ranked now on the over all standings?
- Doppleganger

Not really. The new pick order is a little convoluted. But long story short, assuming they continue as is, and win the presidents trophy, it doesn’t matter when they get eliminated. It goes by regular season standings. Unless they win the cup, and it drops to 30th, or lose the cup, and it’s 29th. Look up the new rules, if the Preds go out in the first couple of rounds (again, assuming they win the PT), it’s the 26th pick overall, and doesn’t change.

EDIT -

30th overall - cup winner
29th - cup finalist
28th and 27th - conference finalists, least points first
26th to 15th - regular season standings, reverse points order, divisional winners first

To get that type of player, this year, you would need to finish dead last to be assured of getting either McDavid or Eichel. If you can't finish dead last, then you'd need to win the lottery.


Ottawa did not go the total tank route, as you seem to think. They selected three players in the first round, 6th, 21st and 24th overall, the 2011 draft. And then selected 15th overall in the 2012 draft and 17th overall in 2013.

This upcoming draft the Senators could draft a player some where between 6th and 10 overall.


Ottawa, by far, is much better shape than the leafs are going forward, as their re-build is well underway and the leafs are, if they really truly do the scorched earth approach they're saying they will, are miles and miles behind.
- Doppleganger

If the goal is to build a team that will be mediocre for a long time, I believe you are correct. The senators are doing everything in their power to make sure this happens while the Leafs are going the route of trying to build a team that might one day win a cup.



I suppose it's not even worth comparing the two teams, as their goals are so fundamentally different.

Assuming Strome, Hanifin, and Marner are gone, then Crouse or Kylinton. Probably Crouse over Kylington. Tough choice. Dman or Winger. I'd prefer a dman over a winger, but dmen are not as easily predictable.

EDIT - Preds pick? Maybe Sebastien Aho. Was good in the world juniors. Jens Looke was even better, but I'd imagine he'll be gone by the time that pick rolls around.
- prock

If they're picking 5th, one of those guys you mentioned will be there.

I really hope they don't go with Crouse.

If they're picking 5th, one of those guys you mentioned will be there.

I really hope they don't go with Crouse.
- Feeling Glucky?

Why?

Have you seen him play?