he could be getting paid like this:

Yr1 – $8M
Yr2 – $8M
Yr3 – $6M
Yr4 – $5M
Yr5 – $2M
Yr6 – $2M
Yr7 – $1M

That averages out to $4.57M

The ultimate goal will be for it to be better in both the short term and long term, like acquiring Kessel. He gives us an elite scorer presence now, and at only 22, he should be able to provide that for several years.

hahaha, i had the same conversation

He did have the right idea – eventually – but it looked to me like he hesitated just for a second (prolly because PPP and Bill Shankly were shouting “SHOOT” in his ear, not incorrectly) and then decided only at the last moment to make the play for the tap-in. It was a good idea, but he seemed to panic a little bit and hurriedly dump the puck half at the far post and half at Kessel rather than making the smooth east-wester that would have allowed Kessel a gimme. FWIW, Kessel seemed a little faked out by it too – I don’t think there was anybody more startled than him to see the puck going towards his front foot.

Shooting is almost never a bad play. I like the pass option better, given the way Miller was playing, but I suppose as a left handed shot, Matty’s angle had to be pretty good too. Obviously, he didn’t have as much time to consider it from every angle as we have; my point is simply that once he decided what he was going to do – he didn’t execute very well, and that’s going to be typical and commonplace for a team with a mediocre talent level.

this year Marleau, next year Parise

mmmmm

i think Chemmy proposed that.

I guess it could work. i’m just at a point where I worry about signing someone who will take the spot of guys like Bozak, Hanson Stalberg or even Kadri…

Next year, I’d really like to see Bozak as the #2 center, and move Grabovski to the third line where he can play the irritant role, and still pot some goals. I just don’t see him as the best solution to the scoring woes. Grabbos face off work is miles ahead of where it was last year, and defensively he’s more responsible. Put Blake on his wing and then put Mitchell on the other wing for a bit of size to the line. Let Stajan walk and resign Primeau as the 4th line center.

depending on Poni, Kulemin could play LW with Bozak as the center. If Poni’s resigned he would play LW on the top line, or at least be battling with Stalberg for it. If Poni is traded or allowed to walk (who knows what Burke’s plans are with him) then Stalberg should have first shot at the top LW slot lining up with Kessel on RW (speed+speed) and possibly, depending on his camp, Kadri as the #1 center.

Now, if Poni is resigned, we’re heavy on the LW as Tlusty is still a question mark. I’m leaning towards Burke not resigning him (sad as that may be) because of this fact. Stalberg, Kulemin and Tlusty would be battling for two slots. Since Blake isn’t going anywhere, and Poni isn’t a 4th liner, he’s kind of superfluous.

Stempniak, Mayers and Wallin are all gone the end of the year, one way or another. That gives Hanson a shot at the 2nd line RW slot. With another season under his belt, I’d expect him to be able to grab it. that gives the Leafs a power forward option on that 2nd line, with Bozak playing pivot and one of Kulemin, Tlusty or Poni potting the goals.

that’s a whole lotta ifs and maybes but I’d be curious how a team like that could shake down. The biggest problem is (and it’s a good problem) is the depth at LW and D. If Burke can flip someone for help at center, that puts the onus on Bozak and Kadri to prove their worth.

agreed, on year contract wonder!

well, he had a bad ass beard in the playoffs last year after putting the blues on his back and taking them on a miracle ride to the playoffs…