Remember When We Used to Joke About Needing Group Therapy?
by SkinnyFish on Jan 22, 2010 7:00 AM EST
in From The Branches
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PrintWhile many of us have joked about needing group therapy due to the Leafs poor play and utter state of disarray, few of us are strong enough to admit that we need help. Last week I decided that I needed some, so I sought out a support group for fans of terrible hockey teams. Senators fans; Canadiens fans; Flyers fans who mistakenly thought they were at a domestic abuse counseling session; many teams were represented. I didn't say anything at first, and people assumed the worst; they assumed I was a Leafs fan. They cried hared. I cried harder.
That night we had a speaker who really helped to ease my pain. I recorded the session and I'd like to share it with you all now as I hope it can help you as much as it did me.
Tonight, we're going to open the green door -- the heart chakra....and you open the door and you step inside. We're inside our hearts. Now, imagine your pain as a white ball of healing light. That's right, the pain itself is a ball of healing light. It moves over your body, healing you. Keep this going and step forwards through the back door of the room. Where does it lead? To your cave. Step forward into your cave. That's right. You're going deeper into your cave. And you're going to find your power animal....
There now. Don't you feel better already? Now you are ready for some links.
The Muppet wants you to take a guess at who wrote the included piece on the Ilya Kovalchuk to Toronto rumors [Battle of Ontario]
More on the Kovalchuk to TO rumors [Maple Leafs Hot Stove]
An insightful look at the peak age for PPG production [Behind the Net]
The pros and cons of Kovalchuk heading to a new city [Down Goes Brown]
What to do with Gustavsson in the summer [Maple Leafs Hot Stove]
Limus Omark, the guy who did this, tries another crazy move that doesn't go as planned [Youtube]
Could Ian White be the man on the move for Toronto? [T.O. Sports]
Last night's game recap [The Hockey News]
Last night's game was not compelling in the least bit [The Globe and Mail]
The answer to the questions posed here is no [Vintage Leaf Memories]
Latecomers to the therapy session:
Stanely, Mats, Killer, Armstrong, Turk, Solinger, and Sittler [Vintage Leafs Blog]
Ten overtime losses. That's right, ten. [General Borchevsky]
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Hi Spenceman!
Hi, my name is general borschevsky, and (clears throat) I’m a Leafs fan…I, uh, I sometimes even (sniff) blog about it. Like last night, I wrote this post, I’m not even sure why. Like really, why would anyone want to review this season’s 10 overtime losses? But that’s what I did. I obviously have a problem. That’s why I came here… for help. Thank you.
by general borschevsky on Jan 22, 2010 8:17 AM EST up reply actions
The lame thing is we have this penchant for losing in OT either immediately or with time expiring.
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by "penchant"
i assume you mean “inability to stop it from happening”
In my completely unscientific opinion, the Leafs problem is the same as my beer league team’s — as soon as they get a lead, they stop doing all the things they were doing that created the lead in the first place, and attempt to sit back and play defense for the rest of the game. And that’s when the goals against ensue.
Seriously, have the Leafs led a single game from start to finish all year? The philly game, maybe. Every other one of our few wins feels like it came with late heroics.
Remember the Anaheim!
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Also,
Hello. My name is Harold, and I too, love the Leafs. I’ll often look at pictures from years gone by for hours on end. I have a problem. I think I do it to help forget about the present, because the present can be so painful. I know I have a problem. I need to accept that and accept the team in its current state. But, I can’t stop googling. It just feels so good. Clouds the pain I feel. I can’t stop. Not yet anyways. There are still so many pictures left to post…
Welcome Harold.
Everybody, let’s all thank Harold for sharing with us today.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
/golf clap
Space Weed Says (Insert Generic quote about blog here)
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jan 22, 2010 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Welcome Harold!
No need for the tears though. Stiff upper lip and all that chap.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Hello
My name is, uh, Loser D. wait, I guess we are supposed to be anonymous, so I’m…L. Domi. I am a Leafs fan. I make up silly stories with them and sometimes I even (sigh) put silly captions on pictures of them. I feel like I’m powerless because it just feels so good
I'll roll up on you smooth and punch you in the jeans
I secretly hope that the leafs and sabres will play an epic playoff series so everyone else will realize the awesomeness of the rivalry.
I forever hate the NYI for ruining this two years ago. All you had to do was lose, islanders, and you couldn’t even do that properly.
Blame Sutter for not starting Marty that game
Space Weed Says (Insert Generic quote about blog here)
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jan 22, 2010 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
i don’t think there’s ever been a game between two non-leaf teams that meant so much to the leafs, and was that dramatic. when jersey tied it up with less than a second left i went f-ing bananas!
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
Me too!
I was following on the computer and everyone knew the result when I just slumped in the chair.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I was driving home from shitty Easter dinner listening to the fucking game in my stupid car on the cocksucking radio.
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we were watching it at my in-laws house. my brother-in-law is a habs fan, but the sheer drama of the situation was so great that he actually decided to cheer for the devils in OT.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
We had taped the Habs game because of a family dinner and we watched it when we got back to my cousin’s place.
One of the little kids, as soon as we got it, said “You’re not going to like the ending” so we were prepared for the worst the whole time until the last 2 minutes.
Turned out that the thing we weren’t going to like was that the fucking tape ran out before the game ended!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
ha!
was that the same year the leafs had beat the habs 7-5 or something on saturday night to eliminate them from the playoffs? or was that the year before?
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
Remember the Stajan goal from the half boards?
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not really.
when the leafs went down 5-3, or 4-2, or whatever it was, i was so f8cking irate that i turned the TV off and stormed upstairs to f8ck around on the computer or something. i only came down when my wife said she heard our neighbour yelling (we’re in a semi), meaning something good had likely happened. it had.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
He came screaming down the right board and fired a laser beam wrister over Halak’s glove hand.
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Same year
That was the game. It was 6-5 and the crowd was going nuts and then the tape ended so we asked the eldest if the Leafs had won and they did or I would have had to kill them all.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
i actually am an idiot
PPP/Steve – contacted gabe at behind the net re: 5 on 3 vs 4 on 3 scoring.
5 on 3 – 20 goals scored / 60 minutes
4 on 3 – 10 goals scored / 60 minutes
oh well, i don’t mind being wrong, at least i have the facts now.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
Darn
Well, now no jerk will call you an idiot for that anymore.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
From MLHS
Apparently the Leafs insulting Gustavsson with anything less than Toskala money “would also be a clear indication to Gustavsson that the struggling club he went out on a limb to join amid a myriad of stronger choices is showing a lack of faith”
I like the way the Monster carries himself and his aggression and his raw athleticism. But the above statement is ludicrous.
He has poor rebound control and finds himself out of position far, far too often. These are all coachable and fixable, but they can’t be ignored.
I’m also highly suspicious that any team would offer a 1st and a prospect for his RFA rights at this point.
I don’t see how his boxcar numbers can warrant anything more than $2M per year. $3 at the absolute high point.
Agree
Toskala’s contract has nothing to do with Gus’. The Leafs are going to be showing faith by offering him a real contract rather than just the qualifying offer they are required to present to him.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
$2 million is the absolute most he should get.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
agreed
Gus has done a lot of good work but he’s only been in the NHL for one season and still has plenty left to prove.
by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 22, 2010 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
and let’s no forget RFA status
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
I did!
Thanks for having my back sir, even though you may be doing nasty things there when I’m not looking
by PLAYOFFS!!!1 on Jan 22, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
If Gustavsson gets an offer sheet from another team that would net us a first rounder best of luck kid.
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yep.
our goaltending is a disaster, but i actually don’t feel that bad about it. it seems like a lot of teams goaltending situations are supsect. how many bona fide #1 stud goalies are there in the league, that have more than a 1 or 2 year track record of success? brodeur, luongo, miller, nabokov… ??? it seems like it’s harder than ever to find decent goaltending.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
I’d settle for “roughly average”.
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by Chemmy on Jan 22, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
roughly average only flies when you have above-average forwards and defencemen.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
Currently we have “terrible”
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he's a project
definite potential, but I dont think anyone’s eyeing him lustily as a solution to their goaltending woes right now.
I’d argue his peers are Harding, Howard, Price, Steve Mason or maybe Varlamov — could be the answer down the line, but not solidifying anything for a contender today.
Would you trade a 1st and a prospect for any of those five question marks right now? Would you sign any of them for more than $3M a year?
In an ideal world, I hope Burke inks the Monster for 2-3 years and about $2M per year. That’s long enough that he’s not rushed, but also cheap enough that it’s not a boat anchor if he turns out to be backup-quality at best.
2M$ is ‘decent backup’-level money, so even if he is just a backup you’re still paying him reasonably.
I have a feeling he’ll get closer to 2.5M$/3 years, (that’s what anderson got in his one-year deal wasn’t it?)
From NHL Numbers
Hiller 1.3 (not quite sure we can call him a back up)
Pavalec .850 geez, not sure which of these two are the back up… listed them both
Hedberg 1.175 see above
Rask .850
Lalime(HA) 1.0
Legace(remember when he was Detroit’s starter?) .5
McElhinney .5
Niemi .827
Mason, S .85 Raycroft anyone? Another one of these teams, who’s the starter
Garon 1.2 Who’s your backup???
Anderson 1.5
Budaj 1.25 This is getting crazy, does no one have #1 Goalie anymore?
Howard .75
Osgood 1.45 I guess not….
Deslauriers or Dubnyk .7
Clemmensen 1
Quick is the starter at .57
Ersberg is the back up at .75, I am noticing a trend
Harding 1.1
Price .85
Halak .75 For fucks sakes
Ellis 2
Rinne .75 wow, two goalies for under 3 mil again? WTF?
Danis .5 – and he never has to play…
Roloson 2
Biron 1.4 NYI are confusing
Zaba .575 The Rangers backup? Neva hoid o em.
Elliott .85
Philly is crazy: Their Three guys
Emery 1.5
Boucher .925
Leighton .6
LaBarbera 1
Johnson .525
Greiss .55
Conklin 1.2
Niittymaki .6 or
Tokarski .57
Gustavsson .81
Raycrap .5 (not counting what we and Colorado are paying him)
Varlamov/Neuvirth .85 a piece
2 million isn’t decent backup money, it is crazy good starter money for most teams. I didn’t do this to be all ‘in your face’ I was just curious if 2 mil covered the ‘decent backup money’ thing.
I wouldn’t give him more than 1.5 per and lock him up for 3-4 years… that way if he becomes the starter, you have a pretty good bargain, if he doesn’t then your backup isn’t ridiculously overpaid.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
I’m expecting the term of his deal to be however long it takes him to become a UFA.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
I think that’s 2 more years… and I would do the burke thing “we want either another year of UFA or we want one year of his RFA” a la Kessel
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
<—is pwnt.
I probably meant 1.5, but i put 2.
Though, im not far off, i was considerering peers (signed in the “maybe backup/ maybe starter” role) to be Clemmenson, LaBarbara (Bryz was pretty bad last year), Conklin, Garon, Anderson, Biron (he signed contract based on last year’s performances)
Though he’s RFA so you can underpay and make someone else pay you draft picks.
sorry, I didn’t do this to throw the 2 mil in your face, I was just curious if 2 mil was the right number for backups.
I was surprised how low it was.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
That doesn’t mean i wasn’t destroyed by data. Happens sometimes.
There are also a very high number of ELCs on that list, i’ve noticed.
It seems the “amazing goalie” market dried up after fernandez… vanished? whatever happened to him?
You may have Toskalol, but at least you don’t have Giguere at obscene dollars.
I’d take Giguere at obscene dollars over Toskalol and his patheticness
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Ooo… you’re right! i thought he was 7/3, not 6.25/2
He’s actually… almost tradable at the offseason. Almost.
Unlike Toskalol, who will be getting deported.
I’ve heard from quite a few places that Gustavsson is looking for $3.5M/year.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
That’s absolutely fucking hysterical.
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who knew the swedish calendar was 25 months
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been told by a few folks they’re asking for large dough because they don’t think there are legitimate alternatives in net for the Leafs.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
On the other hand Gustavsson is an RFA and $3.5M would net us a first from whoever signs him.
Any team in the league can have Gustavsson for a first round pick.
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They can go fuck themselves.
Minimum qualifying offer – if he wants to take us to arbitration, then he can lose on that too.
also, see chemmy above
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Well...
They aren’t wrong.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Not a factor in arbitration and we’ll stink with or without him.
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Is he even eligible for arbitration?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Not sure, he might not be eligible until after his second year of RFA. I might have to scan the CBA unless someone less lazy than me does it first
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Leafs have to qualify him at 1.05% of his current salary. Salary arbitration is like waivers, dependent on age and seasons played.
How old is the Monster? If he’s 24+ he’s eligible for arbitration.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
25
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Like he said
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
24
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
They would have to offer at least 850,500 to qualify him
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t see how he can win a large arbitration case based on the fact he is a rookie and will have started probably less than 45 games this year.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed, but the fact that he can take the team to arbitration is yet more leverage.
Who else are the Leafs going to go with in net?
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Um, we haven’t won much WITH him in nets. We can get an average goalie on the FA market this year
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Gustavsson is gambling that the UFA options are either going to re-sign (Hillier, Elliis); be unpalatable (Lalime); or be bad and expensive (Turco).
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2010/1/22/1265313/the-monsters-contract
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he's not even played
one season…
and he’s 25.
We don’t need veteran goaltending now, regardless of how good he is. Gustavsson has been pretty darn good in net this season, and I don’t know that I’d blame him for the Leafs losses.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
maybe not, but a large percentage of starting goalies aren’t even making 3.5 mil a year.
He doesn’t have a leg to stand on when asking that type of money.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
for fun
I just averaged the total cap hit by for all the teams goalies, and it’s about $5.25M. Just for fun, I thought if your starting goalie comprises 75% of your goaltending dollars, then an “average” cap hit would be $3.95M.
Obviously there’s exceptions to the rule (ie VAN and NJD) and the exercise doesn’t factor in UFAs or RFAs. Still, I think for a WAG, that sounds about right to me…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
either way, still too much for a first year goalie playing half a seasons worth of games
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Gustavsson? Pretty darn good? The Gustavsson who plays for us?
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oh
i forgot, this is the “what have you done for me lately” fan section….
Ya, he’s been pretty darn good. He’s also made mistakes. He’s also in his first season at the NHL level. He’s also had to endure through two pretty huge hiccups in his first season with the heart ablation surgery.
That said, he still looks like a goalie with a lot of promise. More promise than drawbacks, that’s for certain.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
No, this is the “objectively he’s struggled a lot” section.
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For comparison, Miller let in some very suspect goals in his rookie season, too. Of course, he also got us to game seven of the ECF with no defensemen.
Did you sign Miller to a $3.5M deal after that season?
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Regier would have shit his pants if Miller asked for one.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
shit his pants, laughing
/fixed
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well that’s sort of my point. I’m not saying Gustavsson can’t get better but I sure as fuck wouldn’t line up to pay Gustavsson big money on that promise.
I put up a post all about Gustavsson on the front page. We should move this discussion there.
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According to CapGeek, in 2006 he signed a 3 year, $8 million deal.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
was it his second season?
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
It was after his third season and he put up a .914SV%.
So $8M/3 = $2.66M.
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An important caveat being that those first two season he played 18 games.
It’s semantics, but it’s worth noting.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
Miller signed the deal after his third season where he played 48 games and had a .914 SV%.
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he also basically made Biron obsolete and started throughout their playoff run to the conference finals that season. His pay benefited from that result moreso.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
imagine a Leaf goalie with stats like that.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Another consideration, how many years until Miller was a UFA? Monster is a UFA in 2 years…wonder if Gus’ alleged big ask is for a deal that bridges over and into his UFA years.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Hi, my name is
Kavel P., and I’m a Leafs fan. I have this blog that I use to put hilarious captions and ranted about the Leafs days on end, but I stopped updating it for reasons unknown. Though I discovered this thing called “Twitter” and I just “tweet” about things that come to my mind.
Hi
My name is B. Jalsille, and I hate math.
Space Weed Says (Insert Generic quote about blog here)
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jan 22, 2010 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
My Name is PPP
And I guess I can trace my fandom back to my dad. My mom was always trying to save me from it but I wouldn’t listen. Now I write about how they are killing me a different way every night for 82 nights of the year…but only 82 because they can’t make the playoffs.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jan 22, 2010 9:32 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
i'm more and more convinced
the best option for the Leafs, UFA-wise this year, is to sign a bunch of 2nd tier guys for 1-2 year deals at less money in mid-july.
Pump and dump. Pump and dump.
reply fail
that was meant for PPP’s next post
i feel bad for GMs these days, it’s f-ing impossible to really know what the right moves are. you have no idea where the cap is going, no idea which free agents are going to sign with their team or hit the market, no idea which of your prospects are actually going to pan out, no idea what kind of chemistry guys are going to have together. can’t we just go back to the days where we could pay anyone as much as we wanted??? life was simpler then, and more win-ny.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
it wasn't win-ny
but your point is still valid.
Christ, could you imagine if the leafs could sign elite UFAs and at the same time keep their prospects and see who pans out. How the fuck didn’t they win under that?
We could be sitting here trying to figure out how to sign Marleau and Kovalchuck AND wondering when we should try and bring up Kadri.
Because even pre-cap teams without a lot of money saw the inherent value in first round draft picks and young prospects on ELCs.
The salary cap made their model of building the best and eliminated our model of “we have a lot of fans who pay a lot of money we’ll buy what we need”.
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Behind The Net
That link is pretty damning evidence against signing a guy like Marleau this summer.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Marleau's PPG to Age
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
so he's due ;)
Plus, no Heatley or Thornton to play with
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
No Thornton or Heatley
but Kessel and Kulemin!
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
My Name is Inigo Montoya
you killed my father, prepare to die!
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 9:40 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
INCONCEIVABLE!!!!
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
my name's not really daoust
but we have the same initials, so close enough.
i love the leafs because my grandpa did, and because rick vaive was awesome and fun to watch, even when the leafs were losing most of their games. winning wasn’t that important to me as an 8-yr old, i just liked watching hockey on wednesday nights (the leafs on CHCH!) and being entertained. not expecting leaf success early in my hockey-watching career has positioned me well for the current state of affairs.
Yesterday is dead, but not my memory.
I've completed my therapy!
It boils down to this: I don’t worry about things over which I don’t have control, such as the f***ing Leafs management, players, Carlton, etc. And if I have control over things, then I don’t have to worry. It seems to work for the days when the Leafs are not playing.
My name is Pete
And I came to be a Leaf fan fairly late. Born in 1980, but I happily missed most of those dark days. My parents were British immigrants who didn’t give a toss about hockey, so i picked up a love of the sport from friends. I would say my earliest Leaf memories were abotu 1990 or 1991 or so. Doug Carpenter? Tom Watt? Daniel Marois? Peter Ing? yeah. In there somewhere.
The infection took hold with the Fuhr trade and became a full blown epidemic once I saw the early returns of the Gilmour trade. That 1993 playoff run remains one of my happiest memories (culminating with being in the building at Joe Louis in Detroit when Borschevsky tipped it in from Rouse)
Mid 1990s were dark times, and the Quinn era was yet another high point. I’ve become a lot more cynical since the shitshow that has ensued since roughly the lockout. But I’m confident we shall overcome.
My name is jo4nny
I grew up in Mississauga and learned to love the Leafs early. Felix Potvin was my hero, and when he beat the shit out of Hextall I was pissed that YouTube didn’t exist yet because I’d have to wait another 8 years before it became readily available on-demand. I lost interest in the Leafs (and hockey) while I was navigating the perils of high school in London, ON, before finding my passion again in college in 2003. Sadly, this coincided with the Turd Fergusson era of management, however I feel galvanized by my experiences and am optimistic for a speedy recovery.
"I will take the subway - we were on the subway last night...I'm not above riding the subway or riding on a bus, I don't care. As long as people don't hit me." --Ron Wilson
My name is stucky
And I’m a Leaf fan. My father is also a Leaf fan, and so was my maternal grandfather; the latter is where I get most of my fandom. My father is more calm and rational but my grandfather would rant and rave and swear about the Leafs, just like I do. The Leafs have given me good times and memories but also more than their share of bad. I also may be masochistic as I am not living in the belly of the beast known as where the Snes play, Ottawa (hockey country, my ass!). Despite all this I cling to the hope that things will get better soon, because it’s what keeps me going and it makes me feel this will all be somehow worth it in the end.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
My name is b. 1974
and i…have a ….errr…..i’ve been……(exhales)…
I, uh… I didn’t think it would be so hard
/(voice shaking, cracking and quivering.
OK. my name is b-b-b-b-b…….
….blurr1974. I’ve been doing this for a long, long time.
//tears welling up
It’s been hard man, ya know? There have been times when…when I…(oh man, here goes)…when I DIDN’T WANNA WATCH! I’M SO ASHAMED! I’M SO ASHAMED! SO ASHAMED!!!! SSHHHHAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I…I…I just can’t take it anymore! It’s true…
(tears, waterworks, sobbing uncontrollably, snot bubbles)
I’M NOT A HUGE FAN OF HOKEY GAMES LIKE FARMVILLE AND ALL THAT CRAP! OK!?!? HAPPY NOW? I SAID IT! I KNOW EVERYONE LIKES THE STUFF, BUT I JUST DON’T THINK IT’S FU…nn……..
(what’s that? Support group for what? Hockey fans?)
Uh. There, uh. I misunderstood…the, um…the….the…
People. I’m a Leafs fan. I’ve had my ups and downs, but it could be much, much, much, much worse.
So suck on that. And that.
(PS, all SFW links. Loved the theme this AM SkinnyFish!)
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 11:14 AM EST reply actions 10 recs
EPIC
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
blurr
that’s a rec’ing. You were very brave today. I think you made a real breathough today
I'll roll up on you smooth and punch you in the jeans
nice
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Pretty sure that’s the greatest comment in the history of this blog.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
i dunno
one time some goof posted a pic of a wang. That went over surprisingly well…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
heh
wang
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
sublime
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Hi
I don’t even have a name, just a number with this odd “ers” thing behind it. It wasn’t even my name, I just liberated it from a particularly annoying troll and now I’m stuck with it.
Not only do I feel compelled to watch the latest disasters, I’m always struck by how much it reminds me of some other disaster I saw years and years ago. I comfort myself by remembering times that sucked marginally less.
Leaf, the universe and everything.
Hi. My name is
Mike Pelyk’s Hairdo.
I am a Buddhist monk.
I have acheived nirvana and require no counselling.
One of the tenets of the Buddhist faith is to eliminate one’s attachment to worldy things: possessions, expectations, hopes, ambitions for wealth and glory.
I began watching the Leafs in 1967 and have actually seen one cup win.
The following years of the Harold Ballard, King Clancy and Punch Imlach era lowered my expectations and hopes to virtually nil and led me to this level of no-expectation peace.
Eventually I even gave up whacking-off all the time..
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 12:15 PM EST reply actions
Kingston FebFest Limestone Classic
If you’re going to be in eastern Ontario on Feb 6, check out the Limestone Classic. It’s a 4-on-4 shinny game from 9 am to 5 pm behind city hall featuring lots of NHL (and quite a few former Leafs) alumni. Johnny Bower is the Ambassador of the tournament this year as well. If you want autographs, the guys are very accessible and approachable throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the players expected to be there:
* Johnny Bower
* Troy Crowder
* Jim Dorey
* Lori Dupuis
* Pat Fladey
* Lou Franceschetti
* Doug Gilmour
* Doug Jarvis
* Paul Langlois
* Gary Leeman
* Ken Linesman
* Dennis Maruk
* Alyn McCauley
* Marty McSorley
* Kevin Miller
* Bernie Nicholls
* Kraig Nienhuis
* Gary Roberts
* Meaghan Sittler
* Rick Smith
* Jason Wooley
Marty McSorley and Doug Gilmour on the ice together again? Someone let DGB know.
Go Leafs Go!!!
by Another Good Kingston Boy on Jan 22, 2010 12:39 PM EST reply actions
I’d ice that team right now…including Bower and Meaghan Sittler.
also
McCauley is Awesome!
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
When I went on 60s night, the team all came out in retro jerseys. I wanted to know whether the Bruins were getting the Vesa welcome or might have to face a real goalie.
“Who’s Bower? Is he a callup from the AHL or something?” Luckily I figured it out before I asked someone.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
… indeed
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Jan 22, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
way back when i was at queens
i went to the first 2 feb-fests. nice time. i froze my ass off standing around watching some idols play with an orange ball, but it was worth it. they had beaver tails and i got to see gilmour, clark, coffey, etc etc.
highly enjoyable way to squander a morning when you should be studying.
by Death_By_Leafs on Jan 22, 2010 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
Bob McKenzie says
Kovalchuk will be traded, and no Toronto is not one of the teams. Well, he doesn’t say that, but he doesn’t say they are. Found this interesting however:
Legitimate bonafide NHL players is what Waddell is looking for in return, and he is looking for a couple of them.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 12:51 PM EST reply actions
I think
Chicago will make a good pitch. They need to get under the cap for next year and getting Kovalchuk is the justification they need to the fanbase to be able to move some of their guys.
Even if they don’t re-sign Ilya, they still can say ‘Sure we traded some good guys, but we were going for the cup.’
Win WIn for Chicago.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Move out Sharp, Versteeg and a late first for Kovalchuk? That could get insane.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I’d have to look at the cap numbers… I can see Chicago giving up a little more to get some prospects back from Atlanta… some cheap replacements.
Waddell almost has to do it to keep his job
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
add Byfuglien
to that list. Both because of salary and usefulness.
And I hate to add, in these politically correct times when everyone is afraid of saying anything at all, but a “person of colour” may be a seller in Atlanta.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
evander kane
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Jan 22, 2010 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
From the McKenzie article Calgary is interested. Does Atlanta take Jokinen and Phaneuf? I think Calgary would be ok with that deal.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Both are out of conference trading partners, I could see that working… but I think Flames fans would freak out – especially if Ilya fucks off to the KHL after this season. It would leave Calgary holding the bag…they would NEED to win the cup this year for that deal to make sense.
Jokinen for sure could go away, but I think Phaneuf is a bit more of a concern.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Phaneuf’s luster has worn off in Calgary. I think they’re ready to sell high on him.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Sell high only works if Ilya doesn’t play 24 games with Calgary, has a few rounds in the playoffs and takes off for Russia.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Or even worse
Signs with a Western conference team in the offseason…
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
But you get exclusive negotiating rights to Kovalchuk before July 1st.
Let’s do a thought experiment. Kovalchuk joins the Flames who run roughshod over whoever draws them in the first round. The city goes crazy for Kovalchuk. The Red Mile has his face in every bar and on every lightpost.
That’s a convincing argument for a really good player who’s been out of the spotlight for a long time.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Sure, but it is Calgary… CALGARY
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah it’s a Canadian city with a good team that flips their shit in the playoffs.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I am talking more about the weather and ‘nite life’
If he wanted the equivalent, he could go play in Minsk
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
If you’re in the discussion for “best in the world” at your job there’s probably a strong desire to do that on the biggest stage against the best talent.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
ON the other hand, it’s effin Calgary.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
its like edmonton only with a rodeo instead of a mall
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
At least the mall is there all year round.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
in Calgary it’s the pompous attitude that is there year-round. I unfortunately have to go there for meetings periodically. I usually stay in Edmonton and drive in for the day for the meetig and get the hell out as fast as possible. Calgary is insufferable.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
agreed, at least people in edmonton dont think they are king of shit mountian
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
guys become far more modest and unassuming
once Chris Pronger has fucked their wives
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
We don’t really know WHAT is in his head – what his motivation is.
Who knows? He has been in Atlanta so long, maybe he wants to go to a contender, even if it is Calgary.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Calgary's was thinking cup run at one point this year.
They’re 9th, but only 4 points out of their division lead (the west is freaking tightly bunched in the standings)
I’d pull the trigger and ship off Phaneuf and Jokinen for 24+ games of Kovalchuk in a heartbeat. It frees up space for Iggy, and gives you two big bodied bonafide 50 goal scorers. Kovalchuk has already proven he can handle being the focal point of a teams d.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
If they win the cup, great deal
If they don’t and Kovalchuk walks… it won’t be pretty at the Saddledome
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
also, if they don’t win the cup and Kovalchuk signs there, it’s a wash
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Jokinen’s a UFA, Phaneuf isn’t the go to guy on D anymore.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Jan 22, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not disagreeing with you, but you are talking about reality, I am talking about perception.
Look at the stock market, perception becomes reality when the mob mentality rules
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
perception would be
an above average UFA center and a quickly fading former can’t miss blue chip prospect for one of the most exciting goal scorers in hockey today?
why not? at the end of the season, the most the Flames will lose is Phaneuf in that deal. I don’t think anybody would lose too much sleep over it.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
As stated below, would Waddell even want Jokinen? a UFA?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
I’d imagine that would hinder this deal. But Jokinen might stick in Atlanta
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Jokinen has only played well for shitty non-playoff teams.
We should sign him. He’ll get 100pts.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
until we become playoff contenders in x number of years.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
nm, he might be retired by x
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
i agree
Jokinen’s not in their plans, and Phaneuf isn’t panning out as people hoped when he signed that deal. Bouwmeester sealed that.
This crazy idea makes sense. Even of Kovy walks, all of a sudden Sutter has $11M+ to play with once Phaneuf and Jokinen are off the books.
Yeah
It could help Atlanta make the playoffs in the crappy East.
Calgary has no picks in the first two rounds this year so they’ll likely have to throw in a couple of prospects and 2011 picks.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I still think if it happens, it will be Chicago
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
An out of left field thought;
What if Vancouver jumped into the fray?
They have just enough cap space to fit him in. Would Kesler, Hodgson, Schneider and a 1st get it done?
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
not sure, that depends on if Waddell can sell that deal to his owner(s).
Kesler would be important to that deal, but two young guys with little NHL experience might kibosh that deal.
Throw in Burrows instead of Hodgson, maybe that deal goes down… would Vancouver do that deal?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
take Kesler AND Burrows out of the Canucks? Losing one of them might be a stretch for them, losing both I would think to be a no-go, even if they could re-sign Kovalchuk.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
kesler and burrows may be the most popular Canucks (and 2 of the 4 best). They are almost untradeable. For the Canucks to be a realistic destination for Kovy they would need a right-handed offensive center to feed him the puck. I hear that Mats Sundin may be available next January once he has made up his mind.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
kesler is probably a non-starter for vancouver.
in terms of grime, he’s probably the best 2nd centre in the nhl this year (jeff carter hasn’t been great)
i dont think they can expect to go far if sedin-sedin-kovy gets shut down.
by Death_By_Leafs on Jan 22, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
can't win a gamble if you never take the bet
and a cup run is a gamble for all 16 teams that make it.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
If I’m Calgary’s GM I don’t think twice about losing Phaneuf or Jokinen.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I can’t see Atlanta biting on Jokinen.
If they’re trading away the guy who’s been the face of the franchise more or less from the start because he’s a UFA, the fans won’t be happy with getting back a lesser player who is himself a UFA.
That’s why Waddell is so screwed on this one, because he needs someone that’s both under 25 but also an establshed player, and someone who along with Kane can be the new face of the team, but also skilled enough to be one of the top two players.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
Chicago will be the preferred dance partner
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
Boston could probably put together a good enough package, especially since they have our pick to dangle.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
Waddell doesn’t want picks – picks won’t save his job.
He needs to have players – and good players -under contract to be able to justify this trade.
Going to be hard, because everyone else has leverage over him… only those teams who want to make a run this year and have a plethora of good young players under contract can make the deal.
Therefore – Chicago?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
how can chicago keep being the dance partner
they’ve had cap hell looming for more than a year now. they can’t keep top-loading and squeeze it all in, even for this year.
They trade off some of their signed players right now… exactly what Waddell is looking for.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
exactly
add to that, Kovalchuk is off the books next year.
for Chicago, it’s a pure playoff rental.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
Yup, and they can somewhat justify it by saying “we were going for the cup and we couldn’t afford the guys we traded anyway”
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Also, losing Phaneuf gives them cap space to resign Bourque next year.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
shhh
I want Bourque!
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Bourque’s going to be effin expensive.
I think Colby Armstrong is a much cheaper, yet just as effective Plan B.
Kulemin and Armstrong on the same line would be a nightmare on the forecheck.
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
how far north of 5mil per year on say, a 5 year contract, would Bourque be?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
bourque's dreaming in technicolour if he thinks he can get $5m per
kessel, pominville, simon gagne, st louis, carter, gionta, ribeiro, havlat, huselius, doan, malone, erat.
those are guys in the $5.4 to $4.5 range, and one of those names (malone) is quite overpaid.
i don’t think bourque has proven enough to get into that range. he should hit $4m, but over that will be overpay disaster territory
by Death_By_Leafs on Jan 22, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
That’s what I was hoping for.
Also, I would rather be paying him 4 mil than another 4mil/year player we currently have on our team
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
armstrong is a 3rd line winger … that’s his top end … good hitter, solid on PK, defensively responsible, will pot the occasional goal, rumoured to be a great guy in the room ….. but still a 3rd line winger
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
I’d take him, even as a third liner, but the money would be the sticking point on that.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
instead of picks and prospects eh?
so I guess the Leafs do have a chance
UFAs for a UFA would be an equal opportunity risk
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I’m going to god damned cry if we trade for Kovalchuk.
If Burke does some finagling and signs him as a free agent I’m going to have a terrible feeling but I’ll live.
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yeah, I don’t really want him either, but at least we know he can score a shit ton of goals on a shitty team
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Say goodbye to Finger, Exelby, Van Ryn, Toskala, Stajan and Ponikarovsky.
Does that let us bring in Kovalchuk and Marleau?
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tease
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Well? Marleau at 6 and Kovalchuk at 9 is 15.
Toskala is 4, Finger is 4, Stajan is 3ish and so is Poni but both need raises.
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if the Leafs have a first line of Kovalchuck – Marleau – Kessel next season I will have a perm-a-boner
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
I’d think you’d split up Kovalchuk and Kessel.
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probably, but you need a goal, or the PP
hell, kovalchuck on the point with Kabby on the PP….
great now im drooling
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Kessel sucks on the power play.
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eh, id give it a shot
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
would you buy Rene Bourque as well?
Hell if we are getting rid of guys like Stempniak, Poni, Stajan etc etc might as well buy up some young UFA’s?
Get one big one and the dominoes start to fall.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
just say in some world Burke was able to land Kovalchuck and Marleau, and retain White and Kulemin while letting all the UFAs walk, there wouldnt be room for another free agent unless he wants to make league min
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
unless they trade Kaberle or finger (or both) for non-roster assets
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
waive blake?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
Likely outcome: we sign neither Kovalchuk nor Marleau.
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by Chemmy on Jan 22, 2010 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yup, but this is a fun exercise, nonetheless
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Bourque and Armstrong at the right price would be ok too
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Kovalchuk Marleau Rene Bourque
Blake Kadri Kessel?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
If we bring in Marleau and Kovalchuk somehow there’s no way the Leafs could afford anything else.
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Was doing the numbers.. if we did everything we needed to do, we would only have about 8 mil for about 9 forwards…
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
how much could we save
by not signing any goalies at all and just playing 6 skaters all year??? We’re not that far off that now anyway. We’ll have to re-sign Ian White of course, to block shots in the crease.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sounds like something Burke would love to do
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Kovalchuk Marleau Kessel?
well that just seems unfair… too bad we can only play with one puck.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Stalberg – Marleau – Kessel
Kovalchuk – Bozak – Hagman
is more like it.
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Kulemin for Hagman
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Whatever, the point is that Kovalchuk’s never had a good center so why bother at this point?
Give Marleau to Kessel and let Kovalchuk carry two pretty regular guys.
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works for me
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Kovalchuk did pretty well with Savard.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
His numbers didn’t change without Savard.
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His highest full-year PPG is with Savard.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
by how much?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
But not any sort of astonishing drop off without him.
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Well, no. I still think Savard’s a good center.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
He is a good centre, but he doesn’t necessarily make his linemates a whole lot better.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
He’s great at thread-the-needle passes. Whether his linemate will put that home is another matter.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
How many years are you signing Marleau for?
Cause unless the answer is greater than 10, there’s no way you get Marleau at 6 next year.
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complete speculation
but i really think Boston could be in the mix, as horrifying as it sounds.
They could turn a bunch of NHL starters now + the Leafs pick, for example, to do one of those classic “Three quarters for a dollar” trades
That would be really awesome until this summer.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
@jonas640 with the lines from practice
Ponikarovsky, Stajan, Blake
Hagman, Bozak, Kessel
Kulemin, Primeau, Stempniak
Mayers, Mitchell, Orr.
Extras: Wallin, Rosehill.
I personally like Kulemin with Bozak and Kessel, and Hagman with Poni and Stajan.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
Nicky K.
is very quietly becoming very good with whoever he plays with
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
whomever
sorry Aunt Ruth and other grammar nazis
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Kessel FOR Kovalchuk
Waddell won’t get a better offer
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:21 PM EST reply actions
and when Kovalchuk doesn’t re-sign, we paid 2 firsts and a second for half a year of Kessel and 24 games of Kovalchuk.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
any deal like that would be dependant on a contract inking
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
sorry
should have added “dependent on sign-and-trade” (which I know is technically illegal in NHL but is still done in practice)
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
what about a 3 way deal with one team getting Kovalchuk, one team getting picks/prospects and Atlanta getting the players they want?
Not that I think Toronto should be involved in such a trade, but does that make the trade more or less feasible?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather have Kessel.
Kessel will give you 75% of Kovalchuk’s offence for 50-60% of the cost.
Kessel’s still developing towards his peak, Kovalchuk is in the middle of his.
Kessel actually backchecks occasionally, so we don’t have to introduce him to the goaltenders at the end of every year like Atlanta does with Kovalchuk,
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I agree with this.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Actually to elaborate Kessel will give you 100% of Kovalchuk’s even strength production.
Kessel doesn’t score on the power play, Kovalchuk does.
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So in other words, thanks but no thanks.
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Why are we playing Kessel on the PP? We might get more goals from him by playing him on the high right side spot on the PK…
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Mirtle suggested double shifting Kessel at even strength and resting him on the PP.
Makes sense to me, Kessel’s a transition scorer on the rush, not a down low threat.
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the more I think on Kessel on the PK, the more I like it. Our PK can’t be worse and at least we will have a rushing threat on the ice… cross ice passes between D-men could result in some great rushing chances shorthanded.
Why not try it?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
I have been pleasantly surprised by Kessel’s backcheck and his defensive responsibility. With this team’s PK it surely couldn’t hurt to put him on PK and have the offensive threat on PK.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely ups the speed on the PK which could help pressure the puck more.
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Especially for a player who doesn’t pass in the offensive zone.
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yah, I know you know that is a load of BS. CH, is that you?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmmm?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
yanking your chain – Savardlover
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
He’s having a really really mediocre season right now at 0.79 PPG, and that includes playing hurt for a bit of that.
LEAVE MARC SAVARD ALONE! …sob…
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
we want Tuuka Rask back too.
You can have …. umm … Stempniak
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Questions
Does anyone think we could get Armstrong and Bourque combined for the same money it will take to sign Kovalchuk.
Part 2 is: Would you take those two players for the same or a bit more cost over Kovalchuk?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:36 PM EST reply actions
Kovalchuk will cost more than Armstrong and Bourque combined by a wide margin.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
part 2?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
part 2
short answer – yes.
Long answer, within the context of the Leafs current team, it doesn’t make much sense to add a player of that caliber when we’ve already got one who’s younger and being paid less. Guys like Borque and Armstrong don’t make the Leafs world beaters, but they do bring a higher level of skill than some of the current crop.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, with the leafs in the situation they are currently in Bourque and Armstrong make more sense.
Kovalchuk would be a waste, as we still wont be competitive for probably 3 years… by then his best years will probably be behind him.
If we were close to competing with the best teams in the league, then go and get a Kovalchuk, if you can
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Armstrong and Bourque will cost significantly less than Kovalchuk; at least a million.
I’d rather spend 13-14 million on Kessel, Bourque and Armstrong than on Kessel, Kovalchuk and John Mitchell.
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Kessel’s a 40 goal guy in theory.
Kovalchuk’s a 50 goal guy.
Bourque’s a 25 goal guy.
Armstrong’s a 20 goal guy.
Mitchell’s a 15 goal guy.
Kessel + Kovalchuk + Mitchell = 95 goals.
Kessel + Armstrong + Bourque = 85 goals.
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Why do we want Rene Bourque and Colby Armstrong again?
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Bourque to replace poni and Armstrong to replace Stemp?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
I want Colby Armstrong because we need a dependable third line winger to replace Stempniak, and he’s pretty much exactly what Burke has said he wants from his bottom six forwards.
I’m lukewarm on Rene Bourque just because he’s going to cost a lot for a guy that isn’t a guaranteed 60 points.
Having Kessel and Kovalchuk on the same line means you’re hoping to win every game 7-6, and the two need to combine for 5 goals, because we’ll have no money to improve the other forward lines or the goaltending.
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Not saying I would love Armstrong and Bourque…. matter of fact I would probably not go after Armstrong at all. Someone else in this thread was wanting Armstrong.
I am looking for dollars alternative to trying to get a Kovalchuk or a Marleau… younger guys who will be peaking when we are actually ready to take that next step.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
Armstrong is a 13 goal scorer
71 goals or so in 5 years and often injured.
He’s Lee Stempniak without the Stempniak.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
for those two it all comes down to price
4 or under for Bourque sure
around 2 for Armstrong, why the hell not
anything extra? no dice
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
ummm
since being called up, Armstrong has played 47 (split time between Wilkes-Barre and Pitt), 80, 72, 82 and currently at 49 games played this year (Atlanta has played 50.)
How exactly is he “often injured” when he’s averaging almost 80 games played a year?
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
maybe I’m wrong blurr but as an avid “deep league” fantasy hockey player I remember him out with shoulder injuries regularly. I have also often been wrong before.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
not according to his GPs on hockeyDB and NHL.com.
That said, he might play hurt…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
no-one gets $10 mIL +
with next year’s cap. Unless one plays for one of 3 KHL teams.
18% escrow?
empty seats in that cow-patch outside of Ottawa (The Town That Never Wakes!!!!1)??
empty seats in Atlanta, Florida, Phoenix, etc etc
I don’t think Kovalchuk gets over $7.5 unless someone hires Milbury as a GM again
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 1:45 PM EST reply actions
true, if Ovechkin and Crosby make 9 mill, how can Kovalchuk garner more than 10? Seems unbalanced. He’s still a peg below them. A short peg, but still.
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by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Because they signed lifetime deals early and like the cities they’re in and the players around them. No one’s suggesting Kovalchuk is better than Crosby or Ovie.
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no-one who has been to Pittsburgh or Washington
likes the cities they are living in.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
ha
i guffawed
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
DC’s a cool enough place if you don’t commute.
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but where can a guy live besides Maryland? And far outside downtown Baltimore
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t think anyone was. I think that someone will desperately overpay for him, but honestly, it will be a front loaded long termer.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Looking at the possible UPA's this year
Top Flight Kovalchuk or Marleau
Big step down, but youngish – Armstrong(least offensive minded) Bourque, and Torres
Then everyone else is either old, broken, or fighters.
Would anyone be interested in Torres? He is crazy, and he has been scoring at a pace that would put him around 25 goals this year. Shouldn’t be too expensive.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:11 PM EST reply actions
If Torres could stay healthy. A third liner with occassional first line PP scoring streaks.
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
UPA=UFA
whoah, I need to put my contacts in
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:12 PM EST reply actions
AND a reply fail.. geez
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s who I’d focus on:
Patrice Bergeron, 2011 UFA
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Joe thorton!
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by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
only if he wins in SJ between now and then. No retirement deals please.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
nah
i just talked myself into Logan Couture from the Sharks over in the Ian White post…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
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what?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
fffffffffffffffffffffff
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Couture: drafted 7th overall, 2007 by San Jose.
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San Jose traded our first and a late second to get him.
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i know
it’s a sign…
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
so
no?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
haha, what about pavelski?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
yes, this is a great option. No point betting the farm on next season, when the Leafs are digging out of this season’s rubble. in ‘11 though the team might start up that crest we’ve been waiting for, and Bergeron would be an excellent addition.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
If Chiarelli is remotely intelligent, Patrice won’t make it to UFA
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
Lucic for $4.25M would suggest that he’s not.
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You seriously underestimate the importance of energy
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
is red bull that expensive?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So
Armstrong and Bourque can expect to get about $4.25M each…?
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t see Armstrong getting more than the $2.4 he makes now.
Resident Capologist
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probably less, rumbling is that he is having a shite season
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
unless
Chiarelli signs him….
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Jan 22, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Savard for $4M would suggest that he is.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Or that Savard and his agent are stupid
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
:(
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Savard took a huge discount to stay in Boston. Why he did that is entirely his business but Chiarelli probably didn’t have a lot to do with it.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
The story floating around said that Savard was bugging Chiarelli to re-sign him.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
Chiarelli COULD have had a lot to do with it, but if he could have signed Savard to that deal pre-Lucic it would have been easy to say “C’mon Milan, Savard’s on for $4M” sign Lucic for $3.5 and keep Kessel who would tie for your team lead in goals with six fewer GP, and be only 2 pts behind your team lead in points with 3 fewer GP.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
And, you know, strong possibility Kessel’s numbers would be even better on a team with actual talent.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
And my Team USA jersey would be an easier choice, to boot.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, sometimes I dream about what could have been as well. It’s better for my sanity that way.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Milan Lucic reminds me a lot of Darcy Tucker in his prime, if Lucic suddenly went crazy and became some sort of psychopath.
I loved Darcy Tucker in his prime. He was entertaining as fuck. I wouldn’t have blinked to lose a guy like him to keep someone who can score 36 in a shortened season at age 21.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Lucic fought a guy last night for no reason at all…not quite at psychopath levels though.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 22, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
I’d like to see what team we ice in 2010 before making that jump.
What about a 31 year old Brad Richards?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Simon Gagne?
Well, I guess he would have to be healthy…
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Just throwing them out there,you can choose to swing or let them by
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
ball 2
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
All and all, the UFA class for this year and next year is pretty crappy
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Which is why it makes no sense to go after these guys.
Address the goaltending, address the White/Kaberle issue on the point, address depth issues on the forward lines, and roll the dice with kids like Bozak, Stalberg, Hanson, Kadri, etc. fitting in the empty spaces on the top two lines.
Getting a second or third tier goalltender in free agency does more to make this team better (and decrease our 2011 draft pick that Boston holds) than getting a second or third tier scorer
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
I made a similar point to this in another thread…. reduce GPG by .5 – which we should be able to do with who we have NOW – would make this team a ton better.
It’s not the goals we are scoring, its the ones we are allowing.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Sign them and then trade them at the deadline for picks!
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Jan 22, 2010 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
And submarine our chance of acquiring anyone worthwhile because we’ve been immediately shipping out anyone who signs here. Great idea!
Resident Capologist
Toskala Cap Counter - only $1,689,840 to go!
I’d love to know if players don’t sign with teams that trade vets at the deadline. You’d think if a guy was worried about it, he’d ask for a 1 year NTC like Hagman did.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Simon “Eric Lindros” Gagne??
Hit him one more time near the head and he’ll start talking fukheaded like Sarah Palin.
Too much risk for any reward. He’ll be a Flyer until he dies. Probably by being stabbed on a bus trip to New Jersey. Or being hit on the head with a battery. Or by having the Philthadelphiia City Council burn his entire city block to flush out a drug peddler. Or doing charity work at a Philadelphia children’s hospital and being mistaken for Santa.
Go Flyers!!!!1
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
he’s hit and miss.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
agree
one of the most complete players in the NHL
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
reply fail ... I'm drunk
I’ll see if I can re-position it appropriately
"I'd walk into the Leafs dressing room to get ready for the day and Harold would be there in his boxer shorts shaving. King Clancy would drop by a little later, play the fool, and then head off to the racetrack." John Brophy
by Mike Pelyk's Hairdo on Jan 22, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
David Backes in 2011? He will be a whole 27 years old.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:22 PM EST reply actions
wow. If St. Louis doesn’t have the all American hero wrapped up with a contract by then, they’ve been huffing glue
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
what if the ‘All American Hero’ decides to test the FA market?
Money talks, and FA’s walk.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
true, it does, I just think St. Louis is ponying up huge for him. Unless something unforeseen occurs to him and his play
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Semin?? ahahahah
just joking, He will be in Moscow by then
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:23 PM EST reply actions
Sorry if this has already been mentioned guys, but Kulemin has been added to Russia’s roster, taxi squad, but hey, promising nonetheless.
Leaf related ulcers, 34 years strong, and growing.
by Halifax Hockey Hooligan on Jan 22, 2010 2:50 PM EST reply actions
Great news
This will in no way impact his contract negotiations.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Touche' ppp. Me thinks it will.
Leaf related ulcers, 34 years strong, and growing.
by Halifax Hockey Hooligan on Jan 22, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t know there were taxi squads this year?
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think that they are but the Russians are operating under their own rules. What a shock.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
and the IIHF says nothing… also, what a shock
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’d have a problem with it if Nik weren’t added. As it stands now, I can deal with it, lol.
Leaf related ulcers, 34 years strong, and growing.
by Halifax Hockey Hooligan on Jan 22, 2010 3:06 PM EST reply actions
One more thing
Dominic Moore is a UFA after this season..
Does Burke offer him a job at less than the 1.1 he is making right now?
I’d do it, if he takes it(crawling back), Blake has someone to play with. If he doesn’t, it’s still a ‘screw you, buddy.’
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:08 PM EST reply actions
He’s on pace to score about 15 goals after a horrible start. I’d throw him a one year, $1M deal.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Agree
If only to read the post Chemmy writes when the Leafs sign him.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
it would be a doozy
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
it would be a John Mitchellesque f-bomb rant
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jan 22, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
except with talent involved.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Hi. My name is...
Birky. And I’m a cutter Leafs fan. Born to the hard streets of Oakville, Ontario, I now live in North Carolina, where the Leafs are never on tv (unless you get center ice). I spent 160 bucks this year to watch the Leafs lose over 50 games. For fun, I propose ridiculous trades on HFboards to drive Jared crazy.
a little late to the party, I know
For fun, I propose ridiculous trades on HFboards to drive Jared crazy.
You’re my new favorite.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
so true.
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 22, 2010 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
too late
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Jan 22, 2010 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
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