Janne Lahti

[stevkrause 1,247]

So you can score 21 points in 19 playoff games and be a perimeter player these days? Either NHL's level has dropped drastically or Philadelphia's water has some magic powder in it. Or MAYBE just maybe, everything's not so simple as it looks on the ice.

Maybe there's a reason Leino played like he did here and how he did in Philly. I find it very hard to believe that the only thing that mattered in the change was Leino himself.

He didn't fit here, and wouldn't have under any role here, he just flat out did not fit the Red Wing system and he's a niche player. Did he prove to be effective when used in that niche? yes. but does this make him a great player, no.

There's also a reason why Philly is most likely walking away from him instead of paying him 3m+ as he's reported to be looking to get and unless he finds another team that plays Philly style, chances are, he will not repeat the year he had... he is a complimentary player and he needs those around him such as he has in Philly, to help him be effective.

As I admitted, I was flat wrong about him not being an NHL caliber player, but unless he finds a team where he can fit back into the niche he had in Philly, he will not be very effective... with that said, I could see him working pretty well in Columbus, granted they hold onto Voracek and put them on a line together...

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

So you can score 21 points in 19 playoff games and be a perimeter player these days? Either NHL's level has dropped drastically or Philadelphia's water has some magic powder in it. Or MAYBE just maybe, everything's not so simple as it looks on the ice.

Maybe there's a reason Leino played like he did here and how he did in Philly. I find it very hard to believe that the only thing that mattered in the change was Leino himself.

Leino was a big contributor. He didn't like the city, the structure, or his role.

Instead of making the most out of it, he cowered to the perimeter. He was a joke here and it showed in his effort.

(Let's not forget that even with the freedom in Philly some fans there are starting to turn on him after one year)

[Finnish Wing 110]

He didn't fit here, and wouldn't have under any role here, he just flat out did not fit the Red Wing system and he's a niche player. Did he prove to be effective when used in that niche? yes. but does this make him a great player, no.

There's also a reason why Philly is most likely walking away from him instead of paying him 3m+ as he's reported to be looking to get and unless he finds another team that plays Philly style, chances are, he will not repeat the year he had... he is a complimentary player and he needs those around him such as he has in Philly, to help him be effective.

As I admitted, I was flat wrong about him not being an NHL caliber player, but unless he finds a team where he can fit back into the niche he had in Philly, he will not be very effective... with that said, I could see him working pretty well in Columbus, granted they hold onto Voracek and put them on a line together...

I agree that it may not be a wise decision for him to leave Philly. At least it's risky.

I've been thinking about that line. Sometimes it seems Leino is good because of the other two, sometimes it's the other way around. Hartnell to me feels like the one in that line who would be the easiest to replace. Flyers may want to re-sign Leino because of Briere, who they have a lot of money invested in.

Leino is not a great player. I wouldn't give him over 3 mill unless I were the Isles (or some other team's like that) GM. He's proven he's a good NHLer, but things can always change. Just ask Jonathan Cheechoo.

[Finnish Wing 110]

Leino was a big contributor. He didn't like the city, the structure, or his role.

Instead of making the most out of it, he cowered to the perimeter. He was a joke here and it showed in his effort.

(Let's not forget that even with the freedom in Philly some fans there are starting to turn on him after one year)

True. But I see Babcock etc. as major contributors as well. I know Leino is a moody guy, but I think that "likes or doesn't like the city" thing goes together with the way your game goes. If you play like s*** it may not feel so sunny in Philadelphia (or even in Florida) anymore. Players are humans and skilled coaches know which buttons to press. Maybe Babcock had already pressed all the buttons and nothing really worked out.

He's a moody guy like I said. Of course that's a bad quality. But you can always think if he'd be himself on and off the ice if reacted or had always reacted differently to those kinda situations. I'm proud there are those kinda players - those "artists" - coming out of this country as well, because the typical Finnish player is a hard-worker who will never become anything than a fast skating bottom line guy and can't do s*** with the puck.

There are always haters. Leino didn't play as well as in last year's playoffs and of course that means more haters, doubters etc. That argument really doesn't mean anything one way or the another.

Edited June 16, 2011 by Finnish Wing

[stevkrause 1,247]

I agree that it may not be a wise decision for him to leave Philly. At least it's risky.

I've been thinking about that line. Sometimes it seems Leino is good because of the other two, sometimes it's the other way around. Hartnell to me feels like the one in that line who would be the easiest to replace. Flyers may want to re-sign Leino because of Briere, who they have a lot of money invested in.

Leino is not a great player. I wouldn't give him over 3 mill unless I were the Isles (or some other team's like that) GM. He's proven he's a good NHLer, but things can always change. Just ask Jonathan Cheechoo.

As long as he is willing to take a little less to stay in Philly and they can find someone with a little snarl to put on that line to replace Hartnell, I think it could work out...

One way or another though, they need to shed salary and if Leino doesn't lower his reported asking price, he may be one of the casualties...

[Konnan511 1,736]

So Doc is pro enforcer and GMR would take Hudler over Mike Richards.

So back on topic... Lahti sucks and Do.Not.Want.