Mike Augello: Matthews return, Leafs vs. Rangers; Top 40 Prospects - #13

Andy first

Andy first
- systemtool

Oh hi.

#FREEHOHO

Auston’s back kiddies.

Auston’s back kiddies.
- .OHOH.

Not sure how much longer Nylander could have carried around the top 6 dead weight by himself

Habs are 0-3...Who would have thought

Not sure how much longer Nylander could have carried around the top 6 dead weight by himself
- TheMussel

Will Marner show up now?

Habs are 0-3...Who would have thought
- Santo_44

Pain for Shane baby! Woo!

(continued from last blog)

For someone who is so focused on playoff results over regular season results I am confused...Kerfoot was great in JTs absence. If they didn't have Kerfoot the Leafs would be screwed at C last playoffs.

Love Kampf but he is not a fit on the 2C.

As for team fit for Subban I'd say there is one. He won't be playing 20 mins a night. He doesn't have to be the Subban of 3-5 years ago.

One things for sure the Leafs will need a LW. Thats a fact.
- Santo_44

Let me attempt to unconfuse you because my rationale is anything but convoluted or hypocritical.

This past playoff, Kerfoot wasn't consistently "great" though he did have a "great" Game 4 where he scored 3 of his 6 playoff points. He was decent for the rest of the playoffs but it's pretty clear that Nylander was driving that line anyway.

Having said that, recency bias may suggest Kerfoot is a playoff performer but, historically speaking, the numbers don't seem to support this narrative.

Per Kampf, he is most definitely not a 2C and I never suggested he might be. He was brought in to be our shutdown / defensive specialist 3C. Kerfoot lost his role as 3C to make room for Kampf so, barring more C injuries, Kerf's only going to be playing the role of 3LW. I'm thinking his 3.5M is a waste to spend on the 3rd line and his supposed versatility does not seem worth the overpay.

Subban is not an answer for the bottom 4. As mentioned before, he's a shell of his former self and has been a distraction his entire career. Hard pass.

Lastly, the jury is still out on whether the Leafs priority is a LW. I think Bunting deserves an extended look with Snake and Willie and I think Ritchie should be afforded one too with AM34 and Mitch. I'm not convinced either one of these guys are legit Top 6 wingers, but they could surprise. 🤷

Habs are 0-3...Who would have thought
- Santo_44

I did

(continued from last blog)


Let me attempt to unconfuse you because my rationale is anything but convoluted or hypocritical.

This past playoff, Kerfoot wasn't consistently "great" though he did have a "great" Game 4 where he scored 3 of his 6 playoff points. He was decent for the rest of the playoffs but it's pretty clear that Nylander was driving that line anyway.

Having said that, recency bias may suggest Kerfoot is a playoff performer but, historically speaking, the numbers don't seem to support this narrative.

Per Kampf, he is most definitely not a 2C and I never suggested he might be. He was brought in to be our shutdown / defensive specialist 3C. Kerfoot lost his role as 3C to make room for Kampf so, barring more C injuries, he's only going to be playing the role of 3LW. I'm thinking his 3.5M is a waste to spend on the 3rd line and his supposed versatility does not seem worth the overpay.

Subban is not an answer for the bottom 4. As mentioned before, he's a shell of his former self and has been a distraction his entire career. Hard pass.

Lastly, the jury is still out on whether the Leafs priority is a LW. I think Bunting deserves an extended look with Snake and Willie and I think Ritchie should be afforded one too with AM34 and Mitch. I'm not convinced either one of these guys are legit Top 6 wingers, but they could surprise. 🤷
- mjones242

So you'd rather have the Leafs shell out some high pick for someone capable of playing as a 2C in case of injuries? I wouldn't.

As for Subban being a distraction I don't see it, these guys are big boys they can handle some more media attention.

I never heard anyone say he is a bad teammate, just a player who has always been willing to show his personality which more players are doing these days.

There are no "answers" anymore, just additions that can help the team win a cup.

As for a LW they need a legit 2nd line winger in there...if JT,Marner or Nylander go down in the playoffs they need a better player to complete a line. I won't even mention AM because if he is injured they are screwed.

I did
- Zezel

I did too

I do feel for Price though, I hope the fans are kind to him if this team really goes south the next few months.

Habs are 0-3...Who would have thought
- Santo_44

Not the Leafs team from the 2021 playoffs.

I did too

I do feel for Price though, I hope the fans are kind to him if this team really goes south the next few months.
- Santo_44

Leafs in 4!

Habs started the season with like 30+ million dollars on the LTIR.

Not really surprising they're having troubles.

Prospect pipeline looking pretty rough.

Leafs in 4!

Habs started the season with like 30+ million dollars on the LTIR.

Not really surprising they're having troubles.
- Scabeh

I said it was a lucky run and they would not make the playoffs this year. So as long as this keeps going that will remain true..We'll see

Prospect pipeline looking pretty rough.
- Archaic

For a team being close to the top of the league the past 5 years and having all its stars at 24ish its not bad.

Ranked in the middle of the pack I can't really ask for more when you are competing against pools of teams that have lottery picks and extra picks from trading off talent.

- Garnie

boo yeah!

Leafs in 4!

Habs started the season with like 30+ million dollars on the LTIR.

Not really surprising they're having troubles.
- Scabeh

Cheaters.

Dirty cheaters.

Leafs in 4!

Habs started the season with like 30+ million dollars on the LTIR.

Not really surprising they're having troubles.
- Scabeh

has Brooks made it into any games yet?

has Brooks made it into any games yet?
- dmnted

Oh ya.

Dirty thieves too.

I said it was a lucky run and they would not make the playoffs this year. So as long as this keeps going that will remain true..We'll see
- Santo_44

It's all luck.

- James Tanner

I did too

I do feel for Price though, I hope the fans are kind to him if this team really goes south the next few months.
- Santo_44

It sounds like he really wanted to go to Seattle. Because of his contract that was probably the only way he was getting out of Montreal.