Airing of Grievances - Matt Stajan

by PPP on Dec 23, 2009 1:15 PM EST

Matty - is it okay if I call you that? - you're quite the discussion topic in the Barilkosphere. We're not quite sure what we've got in you. Are you putting up more points because of smoke (Antropov) and mirrors (Kessel)? Or are you just naturally developing? A lot of virtual ink has been spilled trying to figure out what to do with you because you're a pending UFA and out-performing your contract by a large margin. It might be nice to keep that going but it won't happen if you try to get paid.

We've watched you grow from a frightened 19 year old scoring in his first NHL game, against Ottawa no less, into a 20-something with a seeming death wish. Look at that hit up there! Yes, you tried to make the play but that kind of hit is usually a momentum changer. You can't jump on the trolley tracks whenever you feel like it because it could cost the Leafs. Not to mention, this is far from the first time you've been lit up like a Christmas tree. Now, it's not so much that the Leafs will shrivel up at the sight of blood like in the past (witness TOMAS KABERLE leading the charge for revenge) but that if you get your brains scrambled we can't trade you for a draft pick at the deadline.

So keep your head up!

Tweet Comment 22 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It's Festivus!!

Stajan can convince me with a feat of strength.

A Nation of Masochists Waiting is the hardest part.

by furcifer on Dec 23, 2009 1:19 PM EST reply actions

Yes

But it’s gotta be a hit that he delivers. We get that he can take hits. That’s clear. But I want to know that he can dish one out.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Dec 23, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Let’s hope he hits Tavares tonight.

A Nation of Masochists Waiting is the hardest part.

by furcifer on Dec 23, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

You have to love the fact that he was on the bench minutes after his face exploded.

by Its Cold In Here on Dec 23, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

I’m completely indifferent to the fact that we was on the bench moments later and would prefer he just skate with his head up.

Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...

by mf37 on Dec 23, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Of course it would be better if he dished out a few more hits and took a few less. And no player’s long term durability is helped by getting levelled.

But every player’s going to take a big hit now and again, and the ability to pick themselves up fast is a plus.

by Its Cold In Here on Dec 23, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think it’s an “ability” I think he just got lucky he wasn’t significantly injured.

Far smaller hits and far more inocuous plays have put guys out long-term.

Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...

by mf37 on Dec 23, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

He's been getting better year after year

Burke should sign him for another 4 years at 2.75 mil per year, no no-trade clause. He seems to play a little better when there’s some talent around him Kessel, and like the rest of the team, with more confidence when The Monster is between the pipes.

Wallin will be gone next year and Raycroft’s buyout will be finished so the money will be available for Stajan’s raise.

On the other hand, if he has to be part of a package to get a 1st round (top ten at least) than so be it.

"Is there an ih-sue Papa?"

by Another Good Kingston Boy on Dec 23, 2009 2:20 PM EST reply actions

I think signing him to another cheap contract or getting a 1st rounder for him are optimistic.

by Its Cold In Here on Dec 23, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed. At his scoring rates, his young age and with an absolute dearth of centres on the UFA market he’ll be in line for $3.5M/year minimum.

Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...

by mf37 on Dec 23, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

I still hate Matt Stajan.

"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky

by Karina on Dec 23, 2009 2:31 PM EST reply actions

Leads the team in scoring for the month of December.

by general borschevsky on Dec 23, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

Leads the team in scoring for the month of December.

That’s like being the world’s tallest midget.

Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...

by mf37 on Dec 23, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions

Brian Gionta wears that crown with pride.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Dec 23, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

probably like a belt

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Dec 23, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

Someone should set up a death cage match between all the vertically challenged Habs. Winner gets the crown, er, belt.

Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...

by mf37 on Dec 23, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

25 years ago, the WWE would be promoting Hal Glll vs the rest of the Habs.

But apparently that’s not PC anymore…

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Dec 23, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

If Hockey Related Revenues continue to plummet, don’t be surprised if you get a call from theNHL about programming some of your ideas being turned into a PPV spectacle.

Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...

by mf37 on Dec 23, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions