Do we need a trade to get our offence going ?

[joesuffP 1,746]

Kindl has been injured that's why Ouellette has been a main stay on that 6th spot. If he wasn't, who knows, Ouellette probably still keeps that spot. Kindl was at the end of his leash when he got injured. I wouldn't be surprised if Ouellette gets moved for an upgrade. Holland has to be inquiring about Yandle, Green etc...

[wings4thecup06 504]

Kindl has been injured that's why Ouellette has been a main stay on that 6th spot. If he wasn't, who knows, Ouellette probably still keeps that spot. Kindl was at the end of his leash when he got injured. I wouldn't be surprised if Ouellette gets moved for an upgrade. Holland has to be inquiring about Yandle, Green etc...

Not all the time though. Only the last few weeks before the ASG was Ouellet in because Kindl was out with elbow problems. Before that, Kindl had been a healthy scratch a few times in favour of Ouellet. I just think he's way ahead of him now, and he's proven that he's clearly capable of being the #6 on the backend. About time they turned the job over to him and let him develop further in the NHL

[number9 3,297]

I don't see Holland trading anyone other than Kindl. It's clear he likes Q and E. XO is awesome and is not going to be traded in a package. Not sure why anyone thinks Holland would pull a move like that, he hasn't ever.

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

I don't see Holland trading anyone other than Kindl. It's clear he likes Q and E. XO is awesome and is not going to be traded in a package. Not sure why anyone thinks Holland would pull a move like that, he hasn't ever.

The only way I see oulette being traded is because he's the low man on the totem pole and babs wants a righty.

I don't think it will happen, but I'd it did, I imagine this would be the reasoning.

[number9 3,297]

The only way I see oulette being traded is because he's the low man on the totem pole and babs wants a righty.

I don't think it will happen, but I'd it did, I imagine this would be the reasoning.

I'm basing my opinion on Holland. If Holland traded XO it would be startling based on the strategy he's displayed over the years. I believe XO is probably one of the highest on his totem poll. He's always played the long game like that.

[joesuffP 1,746]

I wouldn't mind if Ouellette was used in a package for Yandle, Franson or even Meyers. Ouellette has been solid but he's not some exceptional talent. Other teams will be most interested in him over our other d prospects in GR and I don't think we lose a whole lot replacing him with Marchenko

[kipwinger 8,522]

I disagree. Ouellet has a good point shot. Its not as hard as Sproul, but very accurate.Much better than marchenko or Jensen. You need a good point shot to put up points from the back end in the NHL. I'm not opposed to moving him for the right package, but he will be a much more productive NHL defenseman than the others minus Sproul.

[Euro_Twins 4,475]

He's also a backup that only needs to be around 20-30 games a year, if that with a workhorse like Howard. And like Colo is a much smaller cap percentage than green would be.

You can't compare a guy like that to Green.

I didn't. You specifically said monster didn't have a terrible injury rep when he signed with us, which was false. The first time he signed here he was already well known for his untimely "groin injuries"

[number9 3,297]

I didn't. You specifically said monster didn't have a terrible injury rep when he signed with us, which was false. The first time he signed here he was already well known for his untimely "groin injuries"

Fair, but u jumped into an argument where my point was that Green is a very high-risk FA that I don't see Holland signing. Monsters history does very little to change that.

[Euro_Twins 4,475]

Fair, but u jumped into an argument where my point was that Green is a very high-risk FA that I don't see Holland signing. Monsters history does very little to change that.

I was merely correcting a point you made. I didn't refute your argument. I didn't jump into your argument. Am I not allowed to put my 2 cents in? I thought this was a public forum not your personal diary. You posted something with inaccurate information, I corrected you. Now you're getting defensive because you made a poor Example choice.

[number9 3,297]

I was merely correcting a point you made. I didn't refute your argument. I didn't jump into your argument. Am I not allowed to put my 2 cents in? I thought this was a public forum not your personal diary. You posted something with inaccurate information, I corrected you. Now you're getting defensive because you made a poor Example choice.

Your point is a good one, and is noted. Not getting defensive. Just pointing out that my argument has little to nothing to do with Monster. Fair? Indeed the forum is public. Feel free to respond.

[Euro_Twins 4,475]

Your point is a good one, and is noted. Not getting defensive. Just pointing out that my argument has little to nothing to do with Monster. Fair? Indeed the forum is public. Feel free to respond.

Yes but by basing your argument off inaccurate information you basically void any validity you may have had to begin with. If I said give green a chance because monster wasn't injury prone when we signed him so that didn't help. Someone can easily respond with yes he was injury prone, thanks for proving my point that it would be a mistake to sign him.

[number9 3,297]

Yes but by basing your argument off inaccurate information you basically void any validity you may have had to begin with. If I said give green a chance because monster wasn't injury prone when we signed him so that didn't help. Someone can easily respond with yes he was injury prone, thanks for proving my point that it would be a mistake to sign him.

I already conceded the point..

And as I already stated you can't compare a backup goalie worth a few mil, risk wise, to a an often injured regular D-man worth 3 times that. Fair?

[wings4thecup06 504]

I disagree. Ouellet has a good point shot. Its not as hard as Sproul, but very accurate.Much better than marchenko or Jensen. You need a good point shot to put up points from the back end in the NHL. I'm not opposed to moving him for the right package, but he will be a much more productive NHL defenseman than the others minus Sproul.

This is exactly how I feel after watching Ouellet, and the few games I've seen out of Marchenko. There's an air of maturity in XO's game, he doesn't make many mistakes, and when he does, he seem to instantly be able to rectify them.

[krsmith17 7,191]

I got to disagree with you on this one wings4thecup06. It's not that I think Ouellet isn't ready or not good enough to fill the bottom pairing hole, I just don't see it happening full time yet. Of course there are somewhat likely scenarios which could take place but I think Holland will do what he can to keep him down in Grand Rapids for another half to full season after this year, and personally I'd be quite okay with that. One scenario being, he absolutely dominates down the stretch (assuming he gets called up again), giving Holland no choice but to have him on the team (doubtful). If two defenseman (Kindl and Smith or Quincey) get traded at the trade deadline or prior to next season (doubtful two, although I do think Kindl will be traded/waived before next season), or if we completely strike out in free agency (I really think we're going to land a big name this offseason... Hopefully Franson). Or if we have a couple injuries on the backend during camp, leading into the season...

I think Ouellet is a good young player, but he just doesn't wow me in any aspect of the game, and other than having a good hockey IQ and positionally sound, he isn't all that spectacular. I think a lot of people are so high on him just because he is probably the most NHL ready, but he isn't our top defense prospect, Sproul takes that by a landslide in my opinion. The kid is still just 21 years old, and he could still use some developing down in Grand Rapids. Why rush him if we don't need to? He's getting a good taste right now, due to injury and the fact there isn't a better option right now. However, with an option like Franson available, I'd much rather go into next season with something along the lines of...

Kronwall - Ericsson

Smith - Franson

DeKeyser - Quincey

Lashoff or Jensen

I don't have these pairings based on which player is better, more so for balance. There's no reason all three of those lines can't play between 18-22 minutes a night. Whether people like it or not, I believe Kronwall and Ericsson will be a staple on the top line until someone flat out takes Ericsson's spot. I think Smith and Franson have the potential to be a very good pairing, and DeKeyser and Quincey have already gained a ton of chemistry and proven to be very solid pair.

The kids continue to develop their game in Grand Rapids for another season with Ouellet, Sproul, Jensen and Marchenko getting looks throughout the season...

[e_prime 1,936]

Here you go kr:

Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talk around the league is that the Maple Leafs are looking to get a 2nd round pick for Cody Franson.

[krsmith17 7,191]

Get. It. Done.

[number9 3,297]

Here you go kr:

Hell, give em a first

[e_prime 1,936]

Hell, give em a first

How about a first in the form of a former first rounder?

...Kindl.

[kipwinger 8,522]

If the Leafs only want a second rounder for Franson, what do they want for Franson and JVR? A second and roster player?

Edit: Just imagine a top six of...

Tatar-Dats-JVR

Gus-Hank-Abby

I drool.

Edited February 3, 2015 by kipwinger

[frankgrimes 1,836]

Here you go kr:

Or sign him for nothing but $ in the off-season.

[kipwinger 8,522]

Or sign him for nothing but $ in the off-season.

A second isn't too much to pay. If teams are asking the world for a guy, then wait and sign him later, but if the price is reasonable you should get the jump on it. Aside from the fact that he'd be useful for our playoff run, there's no guarantee we'll be as good next year as we are this year. What if we wait and injuries are a problem again? Or Jimmy has a bad year? Or Babs leaves and we've got a rookie coach?

If teams want you to overpay, then wait until the offseason. If they want a second for Cody Franson, give them the second plus Landon Ferraro and kill two birds with one stone lol.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Franson isn't that good. He might be better playing for a team with better structure but he might also get banished by Babcock. I'd rather stand pat if they can't make a major move.

[kipwinger 8,522]

Franson isn't that good. He might be better playing for a team with better structure but he might also get banished by Babcock. I'd rather stand pat if they can't make a major move.

You seriously wouldn't trade a 2nd round pick for Franson? He's already got 29 pts. on the season.

I get your concern, I'm reluctant (in some ways) to take cast offs from bad teams too. But I'd certainly give a second round pick for him.

[krsmith17 7,191]

Dickie, are you serious? Franson isn't that good? Not good enough to warrant a 2nd round pick? Give me a break... Have you watched Franson play? He is a great 2/3 defenseman, and is EXACTLY the type of defenseman this team needs.

Give up the 2nd, I'd even throw in another conditional if he signs after this season.