2018 Off-Season Trades / Signings / News

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

30 minutes ago, Euro_Twins said:

It's about time. Maybe the team will surprise everyone this year.

"60 minutes of hell"

This is how I will describe the act of watching the Wings play this year. 

I'll be needing some of this.....

11 minutes ago, F.Michael said:

Much better option IMHO...

Since Buffalo Trace is tough to find - this is a good alternative...

 

 

[F.Michael 4,590]

Still surprised to see Nylander not yet signed.

 

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

6 minutes ago, F.Michael said:

Still surprised to see Nylander not yet signed.

 

But I thought, according to Kyle "Doogie Howser" Dubas, that it was going to be "no problem" to get Tavares, Mathews, Nylander, and Marner and 18 other guys all under the cap? 

[F.Michael 4,590]

10 minutes ago, The 91 of Ryans said:

But I thought, according to Kyle "Doogie Howser" Dubas, that it was going to be "no problem" to get Tavares, Mathews, Nylander, and Marner and 18 other guys all under the cap? 

Looks like he's gonna have his work cut out for the 2019/2020 season...

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs

The humor of it all is that this team just might disintegrate faster than the Blackhawks without winning 1 Cup.

 

Edited September 18, 2018 by F.Michael

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

37 minutes ago, F.Michael said:

Looks like he's gonna have his work cut out for the 2019/2020 season...

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs

The humor of it all is that this team just might disintegrate faster than the Blackhawks without winning 1 Cup.

 

What I wouldn't give to see the Islanders be better at hockey than the Leafs in 2 or 3 years

[F.Michael 4,590]

13 minutes ago, The 91 of Ryans said:

What I wouldn't give to see the Islanders be better at hockey than the Leafs in 2 or 3 years

Truth be told I could care less about the Isles considering they've been a complete joke of a franchise for the past 20 plus years (however it would be funny to see them, or even better us winning the Cup before the Leafs).

That said - I could see an implosion within the Leafs organization very soon when considering who they have up for RFA, and what their demands will be in the very near future.

Matthews alone will eat up a massive portion of the cap - so where does leave everyone else

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - signing Marleau was a bad move.

 

Edited September 18, 2018 by F.Michael

[Dabura 12,232]

4 hours ago, The 91 of Ryans said:

Ahahahah. Cute. FML SMH etc etc

Yeah, I can't wait to watch a team try and grind out enough 2-1 wins to screw themselves out of a top 10 pick when getting more elite skill (through the top of the draft) should be the only thing they are focused on. 

Also, be prepared to see 15 -17 minutes of Glendenning. 

Also, be prepared to see Abdlekader and Helm in middle 6 roles instead of being on the 4th line where they belong.

I was excited for this season to start...........

Yeah, the motto should've been "SUCK FOR 60." Playing hard and demanding more of yourself is overrated anyway.

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

10 minutes ago, Dabura said:

Yeah, the motto should've been "SUCK FOR 60." Playing hard and demanding more of yourself is overrated anyway.

Cuz that's what I meant

[Dabura 12,232]

Just now, The 91 of Ryans said:

Cuz that's what I meant

You:

"Yeah, I can't wait to watch a team try and grind out enough 2-1 wins to screw themselves out of a top 10 pick when getting more elite skill (through the top of the draft) should be the only thing they are focused on."

Personally, I've no interest in following a team that's only focused on not "screwing themselves out of a top 10 pick." But you do you.

[F.Michael 4,590]

3 minutes ago, Dabura said:

You:

"Yeah, I can't wait to watch a team try and grind out enough 2-1 wins to screw themselves out of a top 10 pick when getting more elite skill (through the top of the draft) should be the only thing they are focused on."

Personally, I've no interest in following a team that's only focused on not "screwing themselves out of a top 10 pick." But you do you.

The reality is that the players/coaches want to win, and that's a good thing.

The last thing this franchise needs is a 'loser' mentality which only extends for years to come.

Granted - this team isn't very good, and will likely be outta the playoff picture by the US Thanksgiving weekend, but we're owed a drop in the draft lottery.

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

2 minutes ago, Dabura said:

You:

"Yeah, I can't wait to watch a team try and grind out enough 2-1 wins to screw themselves out of a top 10 pick when getting more elite skill (through the top of the draft) should be the only thing they are focused on."

Personally, I've no interest in following a team that's only focused on not "screwing themselves out of a top 10 pick." But you do you.

Let me clarify.

If this team can win games by playing exciting hockey, getting great goaltending,scoring on their PP, getting 30 goals out of Mantha, 70pts out of Larkin, a solid effort out of AA, and good season from an acceptable number of rookies? Great. Then I don't care about where they finish or draft. 

If they plan on being hard on the forecheck and backcheck as part of this process and it's fun to watch? Great. Then I don't care about where they finish or draft. 

IF THEY HOPE TO MAKE UP FOR LACK OF TALENT BY GRINDING IT OUT AND PLAYING GLENDENNING, HELM, AND ABDLEKADER 15 - 20 MINUTES A NIGHT "BECAUSE THEY GIVE IT HELL FOR 60" FOR THE SAKE OF WHAT (???) THEN f*** THAT. 

*ahem* that's all I meant. 

 

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

7 minutes ago, F.Michael said:

The reality is that the players/coaches want to win, and that's a good thing.

The last thing this franchise needs is a 'loser' mentality which only extends for years to come.

Granted - this team isn't very good, and will likely be outta the playoff picture by the US Thanksgiving weekend, but we're owed a drop in the draft lottery.

Agreed. 

The risk is that, for Blashill, the low hanging fruit is to play your grinders big minutes in all situations at the expense of depriving your youth of valuable playing time and experience.  

 

 

[Dabura 12,232]

Just now, The 91 of Ryans said:

IF THEY HOPE TO MAKE UP FOR LACK OF TALENT BY GRINDING IT OUT AND PLAYING GLENDENNING, HELM, AND ABDLEKADER 15 - 20 MINUTES A NIGHT "BECAUSE THEY GIVE IT HELL FOR 60" FOR THE SAKE OF WHAT (???) THEN f*** THAT.

I undestand that concern. And I guess there's a part of me that does share it, based on recent history. But, honestly, I'm not getting that vibe from the piece I linked to or from comments players and coaches have made. I think they realize the Wings have been playing inconsistent, sometimes-soft, sometimes-lazy, sometimes-disinterested, often-plodding hockey and I think they feel that few (zero?) teams really dislike playing them. I suspect they're going to take a cue or two from an aggressive-forecheck team like the Knights or the Panthers under Gallant. Hopefully that doesn't mean looking to our grinders to win us games.

[Neomaxizoomdweebie 3,083]

49 minutes ago, F.Michael said:

Truth be told I could care less about the Isles considering they've been a complete joke of a franchise for the past 20 plus years (however it would be funny to see them, or even better us winning the Cup before the Leafs).

That said - I could see an implosion within the Leafs organization very soon when considering who they have up for RFA, and what their demands will be in the very near future.

Matthews alone will eat up a massive portion of the cap - so where does leave everyone else

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - signing Marleau was a bad move.

 

Doesn't even crack the 15 worst over the last decade.

https://www.thesportster.com/hockey/top-15-worst-toronto-maple-leaf-signings-in-the-last-decade/

42 minutes ago, Dabura said:

Yeah, the motto should've been "SUCK FOR 60." Playing hard and demanding more of yourself is overrated anyway.

Yep. Teaching kids how to lose is sooooo good for their development.

[Dabura 12,232]

The season needs to start already. I've got blue balls and I'm getting cranky. lol.

[F.Michael 4,590]

1 minute ago, Neomaxizoomdweebie said:

Doesn't even crack the 15 worst over the last decade.

https://www.thesportster.com/hockey/top-15-worst-toronto-maple-leaf-signings-in-the-last-decade/

But now that the Leafs are good - Marleau, and his $6 plus million cap can potentially hurt the Leafs...That $$$ should've earmarked for Nylander/Marner  IMHO.

[Neomaxizoomdweebie 3,083]

1 minute ago, F.Michael said:

But now that the Leafs are good - Marleau, and his $6 plus million cap can potentially hurt the Leafs...That $$$ should've earmarked for Nylander/Marner  IMHO.

My point was:

[The 91 of Ryans 3,019]

12 minutes ago, Dabura said:

I undestand that concern. And I guess there's a part of me that does share it, based on recent history. But, honestly, I'm not getting that vibe from the piece I linked to or from comments players and coaches have made. I think they realize the Wings have been playing inconsistent, sometimes-soft, sometimes-lazy, sometimes-disinterested, often-plodding hockey and I think they feel that few (zero?) teams really dislike playing them. I suspect they're going to take a cue or two from an aggressive-forecheck team like the Knights or the Panthers under Gallant. Hopefully that doesn't mean looking to our grinders to win us games.

Yeah. I mean I guess we should be happy about a 60 minute effort. And Blashill's message will be good for floaters like AA and Nyquist. Maybe? My knee jerk over-reaction has more to do with the bolded part of what you just said. 

[Dabura 12,232]

19 minutes ago, The 91 of Ryans said:

Yeah. I mean I guess we should be happy about a 60 minute effort. And Blashill's message will be good for floaters like AA and Nyquist. Maybe? My knee jerk over-reaction has more to do with the bolded part of what you just said. 

Fingers crossed?

[Buppy 1,720]

1 hour ago, F.Michael said:

Truth be told I could care less about the Isles considering they've been a complete joke of a franchise for the past 20 plus years (however it would be funny to see them, or even better us winning the Cup before the Leafs).

That said - I could see an implosion within the Leafs organization very soon when considering who they have up for RFA, and what their demands will be in the very near future.

Matthews alone will eat up a massive portion of the cap - so where does leave everyone else

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - signing Marleau was a bad move.

In defense of the Marleau signing; they obviously didn't know at the time that they'd be signing Tavares. But with LTIR for Horton, they'll have about $35 million in cap space, plus any increase in the cap. They shouldn't be in any trouble, just might have to push bridge deals for Marner and/or Nylander.

[Euro_Twins 4,485]

2 hours ago, Buppy said:

In defense of the Marleau signing; they obviously didn't know at the time that they'd be signing Tavares. But with LTIR for Horton, they'll have about $35 million in cap space, plus any increase in the cap. They shouldn't be in any trouble, just might have to push bridge deals for Marner and/or Nylander.

Hoas that working with Nylander? He wants 8m for 61 points... makes larkin's contract look like a huge steal eh lefty. 

[LeftWinger 5,153]

19 minutes ago, Euro_Twins said:

Hoas that working with Nylander? He wants 8m for 61 points... makes larkin's contract look like a huge steal eh lefty. 

The difference is, they have $13M in cap space ATM. When Larkin signed, it put us well over the cap. That, I blame on Holland. He has too many overpaid, under performing players. It most definitely helps that we are able to utilize plenty of LTIR. Also, losing the contracts of Nyquist, Howard and maybe more helps a ton for next season.

[Dabura 12,232]

 

[F.Michael 4,590]

4 hours ago, Buppy said:

In defense of the Marleau signing; they obviously didn't know at the time that they'd be signing Tavares. But with LTIR for Horton, they'll have about $35 million in cap space, plus any increase in the cap. They shouldn't be in any trouble, just might have to push bridge deals for Marner and/or Nylander.

May I ask where are you getting the $35 million from?

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs

From what I can tell after Matthews gets his payday - there won't be much left over for anyone else.

[F.Michael 4,590]

13 hours ago, Jonas Mahonas said:

That defense isn't scaring anyone.  Toronto isn't going anywhere with that defense.

The Leafs will be the NHL's version of the NFL's GB Packers...Both need to score a poop-ton of pts/goals in order to win because their D is pretty weak.