Mike Augello: Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects - #32

Leafssssssssss

The Leafs under Treliving have been focusing more on adding BIG HARD D to their prospect pool as free agents on AHL contracts and with late-round draft picks. They may have struck paydirt in 2023 with big WHL blueliner Oliver Klohzoff and may be hoping to do the same with 2024 seventh-rounder Hugh Janus.

The 6’8”, 270 lb. defenseman was selected 400th overall at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas after his first full season with the Yellowknife Seal Beaters, where he scored 16 points (16 goals, 0 assists) and 888 penalty minutes in 21 games.

The Hockey Prospect Black Book indicated that Janus is steady defensively and “shows good awareness of his surroundings when awake. He is overly mean and enjoys pummeling smaller players into a fine meat paste. When defending the net front, he's not afraid to spear junk, cross check necks, or drop the occasional stone cold stutter,"

Offensively, “Janus keeps it simple, shooting the puck in the general direction of the opposing goalie"

Sounds like exactly the player we need.

This ghost town looks like the CBJ blog….

BooneTangClan 👍

This ghost town looks like the CBJ blog….

BooneTangClan 👍
- mr.sir

fully agree

(frank) the Turks

fully agree

(frank) the Turks
- systemtool

we just need a whole lotta booneanny 👊

(frank) The Turks!🤬

free Kurdistan!😍👊🏿🌹🌹🌹

what a (frank)ing joke 🤦‍♂️

edit:nice alliteration 👍🏿

Sounds like exactly the player we need.
- GalacticStone

I overheard my wife talking about wanting BIG HARD D. I didn’t think she cared much about hockey.

Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
·
3m
Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.

_____________________________________

Wow. Didn't think they'd actually do it.

Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
·
3m
Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.

_____________________________________

Wow. Didn't think they'd actually do it.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Good. Now get the list of teams Tavares is willing to accept a trade to next.

I finally did it - saved enough money to buy an authentic Tavares jersey.

Looks great - especially the cresting.

$450 - but so worth it!

Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
·
3m
Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.

_____________________________________

Wow. Didn't think they'd actually do it.
- GreatGigInTheSky

It’s always been Matthews team.

Happy he’s the captain now though. Honestly he should’ve been captain 5 years ago if wasn’t for that one mooning.

I finally did it - saved enough money to buy an authentic Tavares jersey.

Looks great - especially the cresting.

$450 - but so worth it!
- Atomic Wedgie

Damn mine cost $479 must be because the C was still on it

It’s always been Matthews team.

Happy he’s the captain now though. Honestly he should’ve been captain 5 years ago if wasn’t for that one mooning.
- bryant

Actually don't really see him as a great captain, especially not a heart and soul rah rah type of leader.

In a way, it might be bad adding even more pressure to him given the playoff history.

But it's still best to move on from Tavares so that's a positive move.

I finally did it - saved enough money to buy an authentic Tavares jersey.

Looks great - especially the cresting.

$450 - but so worth it!
- Atomic Wedgie

Hope it was without the C other wise a fake or a "previously enjoyed" jersey

It’s always been Matthews team.

Happy he’s the captain now though. Honestly he should’ve been captain 5 years ago if wasn’t for that one mooning.
- bryant

It was the right thing to do. Not saying Matthews is a better leader but let's face the facts. Matthews is the future, Tavares isn't at his prime and best anymore. Tavares with less pressure could help. Also what isn't working and hasn't for years isn't the time to keep status quo.

Actually don't really see him as a great captain, especially not a heart and soul rah rah type of leader.

In a way, it might be bad adding even more pressure to him given the playoff history.

But it's still best to move on from Tavares so that's a positive move.
- Rare_Jewel

But also, you don't know a (frank)ing thing.

But also, you don't know a (frank)ing thing.
- joel878

Didn't expect it to happen until next year, regardless if JT stayed or went but I think it's the right thing. I think it'll have a better outcome.

I think it also writes on the wall JT isn't getting resigned unless at a steep discount.

1000% right move for Matthews to be C. 👍

1000% right move for Matthews to be C. 👍
- GalacticStone

i concur

Good. Now get the list of teams Tavares is willing to accept a trade to next.
- Rare_Jewel

Not happening. In fact, the chances are better now that he signs an extension.

Not happening. In fact, the chances are better now that he signs an extension.
- mikeinbuffalo

I'd be interested to see the evidence that would make that an actual fact.

But even if that was case, the chances of winning a Cup decrease as per usual Leafs MO of signing over the hill players.

I'd be interested to see the evidence that would make that an actual fact.

But even if that was case, the chances of winning a Cup decrease as per usual Leafs MO of signing over the hill players.
- Rare_Jewel

I'd be interested to see the evidence that would make that an actual fact…pretty sure he was just stating his opinion bud. I agree. I feel he will sign a super friendly deal and slide into 3C role bumped up to 2W if they need more offence and play on the PP

Everyone (especially yourself) make claims (opinions) on here. You know why? Cause it’s fun. Nobody on here has a clue how to run an nhl team. Nobody knows what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s just fun.

I'd be interested to see the evidence that would make that an actual fact…pretty sure he was just stating his opinion bud. I agree. I feel he will sign a super friendly deal and slide into 3C role bumped up to 2W if they need more offence and play on the PP

Everyone (especially yourself) make claims (opinions) on here. You know why? Cause it’s fun. Nobody on here has a clue how to run an nhl team. Nobody knows what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s just fun.
- Big23Questions

There's plenty of evidence, how many over the hill Leafs acquisitions do you need to believe it?

Giordano, Klingberg, Spezza, Thornton, Marleau, Nolan, Francis, Wesley, Leech, Housley, Corson, Marchment...how many do you need?

Tavares, at his best and at his most overpaid, did not do enough to get the job done for the Leafs. Tavares at 34-40 will not be better than what we just had for the last 6 years. Unless he's playing for league minimum (hint: he won't) he's not going to be worth his next contract just like he wasn't worth his last one. He's slow, he sucks on defense and will not age well.