Monster Yes, Monster No
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 5:00 AM EST
in From The Branches
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This is apropos of nothing, it just makes me laugh, and I'm drunk on night time cold medicine...(via kqe.de)
- Sure, Keith Ballard gets all the press, but it's a little known fact that teammates inflict injuries on one another quite often. Don't take my word for it though, ask Down Goes Brown.
- The Far Away Leaf looks on the bright side of things, of which for the Leafs, there seems to be plenty.
- You think you know pimp, but Turk Broda proves, you don't know jack. Vintage Leafs has this and more...
- Leaf & Lion is a taking a step back to get a good look at the big picture.
- There are a pair of post on MLHS. The first takes a look at Nazem Kadri's chances of sticking with the final roster selections for Canada's WJ team. They then ask some questions. It's up to you to provide the answers.
- With Christmas fast approaching, some of you are probably wondering what to get that special someone. Might I suggest this forgotten piece of Olympic hockey lore?
- Jonathan Willis has a double dose of Leafs' thoughts: Ponikarovsky is obviously a top six forward and Joey Joe Joe is a clear upgrade in net over Toskala (and possibly Gustavsson)
As always, if I've missed something, toss it in the comments.
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Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I think everyone is just depressed because our goaltending may be some combination of Toskala/Valiquette/Biron for the next month.
that could be the new intermission game: ticket holder number 2355313 gets to suit up for the next period
THIS IS A JOKE
The winning ticket holder should pick who they get to play in place of on the Leaf roster. I have a feeling Jason Blake would be a popular choice.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
ha
i just read this. that might be a record for longest post without a comment on the front page. go me!
i blame my doped up blase writing above. i didn’t have the energy to say much last night…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Um, why haven’t they announced that the Leafs claimed Valiquette yet?
Unless Gustavsson is suiting up tonight, we only have the #3 goalie in our system available. (And #5 is on an AHL contract, and #6 just got called up to the AHL) Picking up Valiquette is a no risk move.
I’m really going to be ticked if Gustavsson is out and we passed up a chance to give us a respectable tandem to get through this December schedule.
Resident Capologist
maybe the leafs traded for Huet and versteeg?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
No way. The only goalies the Leafs would trade for are Biron (maybe) or Giguere (unlikely now that he’s playing so well)
heh, yeah, was said very tongue in cheek, the only way that deal would go down is if the hawks got a goalie back, and the leafs have none to spare
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
yeah, I was mostly thinking about Huet. If you’re going to take on that much money, just go get Giggy.
true, but it being a salary dump, you could probably pry more high value away from Chicago by taking their excess money
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Huet has a year more than Giggy
and both are too much money for the Leafs. Gustavsson is the present and future goalie. Until his career is in jeopardy, there’s no need to make a panic move.
If a deal with Chi was made for Huet, and included picks/prospects, there would still be the problem of an overpaid back up (albeit, one more talented than our current…)
As Dana Carvey channeling George Bush Senior would have said : Stay the course, 1000 points of light, stay the course
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Too much money depends on what goes the other way. If Hagman, hypothetically, went to Anaheim for Giguere, then you’re only adding 3 million to next season’s payroll.
but
why add Giguere? Is Gustavsson not good enough? He’s only 24. Yes the heart issue is concerning, but if you’ve read McKenzie’s last write up on it, it doesn’t sound as serious as the media wants to make it.
If he’s having the same procedure done, his chance of success rate doubles. This years Leafs will not be a playoff team. Gustavsson seems to be doing fine without a proven netminder as his mentor, which means Allaire is doing his job and earning his money.
I just don’t see it making any sense to add salary to this team. Even if guys like Hagman and/or Kaberle are being traded, it will be for the picks and prospects, and not Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe winning goalies.
Giguere’s contract is not what I would define as “bad” considering what he brings to the team, and Anaheim may not be all that hot on unloading it. To add another level to the problem is his NTC.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
yah, chicago would take expiring contracts back to clear some room for Huet,
but then im one of the few who would take on Campbel for the right price so i lose on the sanity vote
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Toskala may be dressed as back up to J-Mac-Dub Joey Joe Joe Shabadoo
Unless the Leafs call up another goaltender Thursday, it is expected that Toskala will back up MacDonald against Rick Nash and the Jackets
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the link Blurr.
What time do players clear waivers, noon? I wonder how quickly Valiquette or a Marlie can get to Columbus…
My guess is the Leafs don’t put in a claim and just roll with Joey and the Vesa.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Ditto, and honestly, I think I’d prefer it. Maybe if we’re lucky, Toskala can redeem himself a bit and some team come deadline is in desperate need of a goalie…
or worst case scenario, he plays like his usual self and he’s a Leaf until the end of the season instead.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
For me, the biggest benefit of picking up Valiquette would be the security issue.
Let’s face it; right now, our two goalies are injury risks. Toskala has a number of problems with his hip and groin, and who knows how long this heart thing will plague Gustavsson. Joey has been saving us through emergency recalls, but I’m not really in favour of interrupting Reimer’s development by jerking him back and forth on emergeny recall either.
Valiquette would have just been an insurance policy if the injury problems persist.
Resident Capologist
this team
will not make the playoffs. No sense adding salary.
MacDonald has proven he can perform at the NHL level, and Toskala has proven he can be adequate at the NHL level. If Gustavsson is only expected out for 2-3 weeks, then when he’s healthy, by adding Valiquette we’ve robbed playing time in the AHL from Reimer, as he and Joey would be sent down I’d assume…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Valiquette only makes 750k and is a UFA at the end of the season
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
ok, but
by adding Valiquette we’ve robbed playing time in the AHL from Reimer, as he and Joey would be sent down I’d assume…
If the team is all about developing for the future, then this move is counterproductive.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
for the whole season?
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
No but we don’t need to actually play Valiquette over Reimer. Plus Valiquette would probably get scooped by someone else if he played well for us and thus eliminate the problem.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
and
as you pointed out, we’ve already got 50 pro contracts on the books.
that pretty much kills it right there.
I’m thinking the fraud reads PPP, as after you posted that I noticed he “just confirmed” Valiquette will not be a Leaf. the timing was curious…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Munro is 2-3 with a GAA of 2.4 and a SV% of 0.922…
maybe he gets a look…?
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
I think we need to trim some fat to be honest.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Meaning, we don’t have a minor league system full of amazing talent, it boggles the mind that we’re out of room to sign people. Does anyone think Alex Foster will contribute at the NHL level?
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
RFAs = Hanson, J Mitchell, White, Gustavsson, Rogers, Tlusty, Brent, Oreskovic, Foster, Deveaux, Hamilton
UFAs = Stempniak, Ponikarovsky, Stajan, Primeau, Mayers, Wallin, Van Ryn, Exelby, Toskala, MacDonald, Frogren, Ondrus
That’s almost half our total list (23) who’s contract expires at the end of this season, and I only see about 9 names on that list I’m interested in approaching to re-sign. Needless to say we should have some room going forward.
Resident Capologist
yup
and if Valiquette is really the answer for back up, he’s a UFA at season’s end…
There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of UFA’s that I’d deem as interesting, but it’s been said before I’d look at:
- Patrick Marleau
- Rene Borque
- Colby Armstrong
Even with that, I’m quickly talking myself out of Marleau, only because I’d like to see the playing time go to Bozak and hopefully Kadri…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Bozak and Kadri could be converted to wing.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Marleau already happens to play wing.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
ya
what she said
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
how's this for a position to succeed?
You can have either Bozak or Kadri centering Marleau AND Kessel…
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
could be
or Marleau could stay on wing
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
Alright, then no problem.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
well
if he’s LW, and you keep Poni and add Marleau you’ve still got Hagman, Tlusty, Kulemin and Blake.
Tlusty and Kulemin would be waste on the third line, Hagman could play third line, but that still leaves Poni as either 2nd line, or convert him to RW.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t mind seeing Valiquette as backup next season.
Bourque and Armstrong are very intriguing possibilities. Bourque particulary is having a breakout year, and I don’t think the Flames have the cap space to keep him.
Assuming for whatever reason Marleau isn’t available, would it be insane to try and re-sign Stajan for 2 years? He’s obviously not the #1 center we eventually need, but he seems to be playing pretty well with Kessel.
Grabovski probably is going to top out as a #2/#3 centre, and keeping Stajan around for another year or two keeps us from rushing Bozak and Kadri into a first-line role they might not be ready for.
Resident Capologist
no Stajan
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
we need to give Bozak and/or Kadri his spot.
Stajan hasn’t played Wing very well.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Matt Stajan
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
Stajan is a capable 3rd line center. His increase in production is due to his linemates, and not his skill.
It can’t be merely coincidental that when Kessel finally dressed as a Leaf, Stajan’s point totals increased? Last season, as Antropov and Poni slumped, did Stajan keep putting up points?
No Stajan.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
i love
the bi-weekly Stajan debates.
To recap, he is what he is. Useful as a defensively sounds, 2 or 3-line centre. Occasionally flashes of seft hands but not consistent. Anything more than $2.5M per year and you’ve way overapid, IMHO.
Conclusion: The Leafs have too many Stajanesque players already.
Forgot Kulemin
i’d add him as a want-to-keep personally
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Toskala is not adequate.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
if we play team defense every game like we did against Montreal, we could win even with Toskala’s horrible goaltending.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
They will need to be very mentally strong then, as Tosk’s habit of giving up soul crushing goals can be really deflating to a team’s confidence.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
yes this is true
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
another wrinkle to consider
The Leafs can only have 50 players under pro contract. Do they have space on that list to add Valiquette?
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Globe says it's surgery for Monster
Shoalts’ article is <a href=“http://Shoalts: Monster needs another operation. ”http://tgam.ca/Egu" target="_blank">http://tgam.ca/Egu" target="new">here
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Wow, what a mess. Let me try that again.
Shoalts’ article is here. Says Gustavsson is only out one week.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
did you fanshot it? probably worthy of the front page…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Anybody else see Ballard hit Craig Anderson last night?
Saw the video on Puck Daddy.
Just curious what other people think. Looks to me like Anderson was playing pretty far out of his net and caught Ballard buy surprise.
Yeah, no fault of Keith Ballard.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Here's a doozy
Lyle Richardson’s latest article in The Hockey News has this to say:
Recent reports suggest Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be in the market for a defenseman after Rostislav Klesla was sidelined four-to-six weeks with a groin injury. But despite having depth in wingers to shop as trade bait, finding a suitable fit won’t be easy because of the cap and constraints on swapping significant salaries.
Let the speculation being. Again…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 11:58 AM EST reply actions
I am on pins and needles waiting to hear how the Hawks got their tagging room
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
i’m wondering if it’s just a matter of contract value depreciation…? i really have no idea how these things work..
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Columbus has $10M in cap space, so unless they’re up against their own budgeted salary cap they shouldn’t have as much of an issue acquiring someone to replace Klesla.
Resident Capologist
from the sounds of it, it’s not them but the teams they’re trying to deal with…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
i could just link it
but here’s Lyle’s take:
With 25 of the NHL’s 30 teams currently committing $50 million or more to their respective payrolls for this season, there simply aren’t enough teams with the cap space to make any significant trades at this point.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
so
we give them Jeff Finger, they give us someone cheap.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Vorachek!
RICK NA…..never mind
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
No Valiquette
@TSNBobMcKenzie Noah Welch and Valiquette both cleared waivers today
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 3, 2009 12:21 PM EST reply actions
Joey Joe-Jop-Jabootle
will have to be our rock for the next week-to-10 days
Is Tosk even going to be ready to be backup tonight? I think I remember reading a quote from Burke saying since Anaheim, he would never be without goalie depth again. Ack…
Leafs Nation: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Dec 3, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
your random BS rumour for the day
Kaberle and Hagman to LA for Schenn and Frolov,
picks and prospects also included somewhere
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions
all star defenseman and 2 line scoring winger for yet another lazy, perimeter playing winger and a prospect? no thanks.
but there might be other prospects and picks attached!
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
apparently it was from MMM, what ever the hell that is
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
yeah
Lombardi would have to think that those two would win him the Cup to make that deal.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
and Lombardi is smarter than that…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 3, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
i think its pretty tilted in the other way, especially since floater Frolov will probably paper chase at the end of the season
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 3, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
I would highly doubt the Leafs would re-sign Frolov, so you’re sending Kaberle and Hagman for Schenn? Burke doesn’t do that either. He’d have to get several picks. Makes no sense for either side.
If he's anything like his brother..
…the Leafs should wait for his second NHL season before swinging a trade for Brayden Schenn. Might as well buy cheap.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
by mf37 on Dec 3, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
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