Game Day! +Rumors
Pregame:
Toronto is about to step into HSBC Arena for the 2nd time this week. There is no doubt in my mind that Buffalo is going to be craving for a win against the Leafs considering the recent slide they have seen in the standings and the fact that the team they used to be able to write off as a win in their schedule, has finally started showing up to play.
Buffalo is an interesting team to look at, as a Toronto fan. With the new owner, the pressure to win has intensified to the level of all other NHL franchises that spend to the cap. The fans are getting irritable with their lack of success, considering that with more cap space last year, they produced similar results to this point in the season.
I predict much of the same from this team as we have seen from the Leafs over the past 10 years (until recently). Money will be spent to the max each year, and the prospects will start flowing out of the system for players that can help now.
It’s interesting to watch for any Leaf’s fan, and while I don’t wish them ill, it’s nice to see that we are on the way up at the moment, and they seem to be treading water.
The Leafs enter today’s game as the only undefeated team in the new year and hope to keep the streak alive.
Gustavsson is confirmed to get the start (as per a site I trust), which would mean Reimer should be getting the start in New York on Saturday.
Gusty has been solid as of late, with 2 shutouts in his 3 starts, and a .975sv% over the span. The Leafs have been getting some secondary scoring as of late, with Kulemin and Grabovski getting on the scoreboard in their last game.
While the goals against on the PK has improved, it is mainly due to the huge reduction in penalties the Leafs have taken in the past little while. Fans may criticize, saying that this isn’t an improvement for special teams, but in the end, fewer penalties is the best way to combat a bad penalty kill.
Expect a huge game from Phaneuf tonight, as even though he replied to the comments of being ‘overrated’ as classy as could be asked, I’m sure it is still sitting in the back of his mind at the moment, and he’ll be out to prove his worth. I fully expect him to drop the gloves tonight, perhaps against Kaleta? Would be a nice heavyweight fight for the fans.
Rumors:
These aren’t as much rumors as it is speculation based on what I have been hearing as of late.
Philidelphia:
It has already been speculated that Toronto and Philly have been in talks over Luke Schenn. While this makes a ton of sense for Philly, seeing as they have his brother in uniform, as well as missing their captain in Pronger, I see this as a difficult trade to make.
Schenn is coveted by Burke, as he is the typical defense first player Burke likes to build his team around on the back-end. That said, there is a premium to be paid for a player like Schenn at the moment, considering the lack of availability at the position. When reviewing Burke’s past trades, it is only fair to assume that Burke would ask for the moon for Schenn, if he the main piece in the discussion.
My offer?
Schenn for JVR + 3rd.
While JVR may be enough, Philly is the team that has a need for a defenceman. It is unlike Burke to go easy on a team he knows to be on the desperate side of the trade negotiaton. As such, I have a feeling that if Burke were to make the trade, he’d be getting more than my offer. I have a feeling he may ask for the Kessel brother, seeing as he is letting the Schenn brothers unite in Philly.
Burke’s offer?
Schenn + 2nd for JVR + Kessel
Overpayment for sure, but doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Anaheim:
It is no secret thatAnaheimhas been receiving offers for the likes of Ryan and Getzlaf recently. The GM even came out and stated no one was untouchable aside from Koivu and Selanne. While both Ryan and Getzlaf would be incredible, it would take a king’s ransom to pry them away. Most teams would shy away from offering up what it would take to bag either, but that is one area where Burke has never shied away from. The number of ‘Mega’ deals that Burke has constructed is absolutely unbelievable, and there is no reason to believe he wouldn’t offer one up for one of his former, elite players.
Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where Burke is on the wrong site of the deal. There will be plenty of buyers, but only one seller. Therefore Burke is going to have to compete with around 29 other clubs should they be available. He has also made it clear no one is untouchable, should he feel that the trade can improve his team. So what would Anaheim want? Depth on D, and depth on forward. Something we have quite a bit of. So let’s give this a shot.
Burke’s offer?
Schenn + Gunnarson + Grabovski + 2012 1st + 2012 2nd for Getzlaf + 2012 3rd.
A lot, I know. I’m sure most of you cringe at the idea that Burke would give up yet another 1st rounder, but when a player of Getzlaf’s calibre becomes available, you offer up whatever it takes (and considering the competition, this is what it would take). A 15th-20th overall pick will not land you a Getzlaf on a regular basis. Not even close.
With this trade, Getzlaf jumps in between Kessel and Lupul, and we give Blacker the shot as our 6th D until Liles returns.
Well that’s it. Puck drops is at 7:40 tonight in HSBC Arena. Go Leafs!
I’m sorry, but I can’t see Burke putting together either of the deals you have suggested, especially the one for Getzlaf! He’d never be able to show his face in the city again. You are WAY over-valuing Getzlaf. If Murray gets anything close to that for him, he should be GM of the year for the next decade.
While I think that Schenn + gunnar + 1st might be equal value, keep in mind that we have to outbid 29 other teams. Thats why the extra is there, and in the end, it probably is too much, but if he was available, I have a feeling that is what it would take to get him.
Actually not all 29 other teams, not every team can take on his contract
Check this out:
TBLhockeymedia Micheal Sandlind
unconfirmed but hearing Schenn+Kadri+1st rounder is the asking price of the ducks Havent run numbers but think leafs need to shed more $$$
Apparently this guy works for TSN, from what someone else said
So the question is, would you pay that much for Getzlaf. Seems like a lot to me, we’ll see. He also tweeted that Burke and Nonis are/were having serious disagreements about trading both Schenn and Kadri.
Something tells me the Leafs may have both Getzlaf and Van Riemsdyk in blue & white by the all-star break.
Part of me wants to take a flyer on Colton Gillies, but that would put us at the 50 man contract limit. Maybe if he clears waivers we can swap minor leaguers with Minnesota for him.
That seems like a lot. If we are including the 1st I doubt it’s going to be Schenn or KAdri let alone both. If it’s a 1st I think it might be a MAc +Grabo deal. The $$ works out better
Sure Schenn got caught looking at the puck on the winning goal, but how does he only play 14 minutes, while Gunnarsson plays over 23? Gunnarsson was the worst player on the ice tonight. I don’t get it.
And watching games against divisional opponents who play larger lines against Kessel and Lupul, it’s pretty evident that having Getzlaf would help them compete. They were not good again tonight and have not done well against these types of lines all season. BTW, Connolly is fucking useless against divisional teams, he has been invisible in every game against Buffalo and Boston this season. When is Bozak due back?
I think they said another week till Bozak is ready.
only 2mins for Schenn in the 3rd. Brutal. I agree about Gunnar. I’ve liked his game most of the time, but tonight he was brutal.
What was most worrisome about the 1st line being shutdown by Buff the last 2 games, was that (A) they beat them in the offensive zone (HArd work by sabres coupled with lazy plays by Leafs) x2 and
those guys just aren’t that good. I mean come on Kaleta and Eillis?? Really? they shut them down and potted 2?
Depending upon the cost, I would be OK with that. As you say, I think Getzlaf would help Lupul and Kessel against bigger opponents. Van Riemsdyk might look good on LW with Grabovski and Kulemin, assuming neither is part of either deal.
If Schenn is to be dealt, and it seems more and more likely, I would really like to see Schultz (Washington) brought in as his replacement.
That would be huge!!
No Van Riemsdyk I guess, he’s out with a concussion
Jake Gardiner has been sent down to the Marlies. He will wear #19.
Holzer brought up to sit in the pressbox
I have an idea though, why not sit Gunnarsson in the pressbox for a game or two, let’s see what Holzer can do
I’m not surprised. He hasn’t played in a while and in Burkie’s 590 interview he said that he’d send him to the minors soon if he doesn’t get any games in. No point in having him sit around doing nothing.
It’s kinda interesting why they’d bring someone up. Their next 4 games are all at home and the Marlies don’t go further than Hamilton in that stretch.
Since they have brought him up, I’d like to see him too. But there isn’t someone they’d take out at this point. Gunnar is playing north of 20mins/game. He’s not flashy, but they seem to like and trust him.
This is not the PF we are looking for!!
http://puckinghockey.com/2012/01/14/james-van-riemsdyk-is-now-an-actress/
Ya, something funny about that eh
Luke Schenn asked for a trade? WTF!!!
Alec Brownscombe @LeafsHotStove 5h Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
http://yfrog.com/eupamz “Gary Valk on SN hockeycentral just said Luke Schen asked to be traded???? #wtf #leafs #TMLtalk …
Dear Brian Burke: Do not trade Luke Shenn. My household will be ground 0 for something that is not far off from a nucular explosion.
I’d be somewhat surprised if that were the case, but I’m willing to bet Schenn voted for Wilson as the coach he’d least like to play for. And I can’t say as I blame him.
I don’t think I’ve seen a coach who was as (blindly) loyal to his “favourites” as RW since I played minor hockey. For example, was Schenn any worse on the 3rd Buffalo goal Friday than Komisarek was on the one Ranger goal on Saturday night? NO! Was Komisarek benched for most of a period? NO!
As I’ve said before, there is a long list of decent hockey players, especially Dmen, who have come to Toronto in the last few years and SUCKED, only to go back to playing good hockey again once they’ve been moved out. There HAS to be a reason!
The problem with this team isn’t in the dressing room. It’s in the coaches’ office. Wake up BB … before it’s too late … AGAIN!
Well that can’t be good. Just imagine if both Kadri and Schenn go.
I like Noz, but I would be a kitten compared to what you know who will be if her boy Shenn is moved.
I have a feeling you’d better brace yourself!
She is already getting hit with idiocy from posters at HB, I don’t like it either, big mistake if he is traded, imo.
I’ll agree, Schenn is still young, and he may well develop into a good shut-down Dman. Personally, I have issues with his skating (both speed and agility), and his decision-making … he often takes too long to move the puck or pick up the man he should be covering. Besides, a GOOD coach can (theoretically) teach ANYONE willing to work hard how to play good defense, right?
I NEVER thought I’d say this, but from top-to-bottom, I believe the Senators currently have a tougher lineup than the Leafs. The Leafs need size up front (and I mean guys who actually play a physical game … not Van Riemsdyk-types), and are in desperate need of a legitmate #1 centre. They are going to have to move something of value to get that. However you look at it, Schenn, in part due to his “stagnation”, but also his “upside”, may be part of a package moved out in exchange.
I’d be more concerned about losing guys like Grabovski and Kulemin.
BTW – I haven’t had a favourite Leaf since Dave Keon left.
DavidAlter590 David Alter
Jake Gardiner recalled from the #Marlies who don’t play again until Saturday. #Leafs
uh oh.
Not to worry … Burke probably just promised Gardiner he’d do his best to pay him his NHL salary while getting him some icetime with the Marlies. Pissing away CAP space (and money) to be a “player-friendly” GM and keep the kid happy … you know, that “niceness” that draws players to him like flies to $#!t … makes everyone want to be a Maple Leaf.