Poni to Pens for prospect Luca Caputi

New acquisitions...

Kessel, Bozak, Hansen, Stalberg, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Phaneuf, Gunnarsson, Giguere, Orr, Primeau, Lundmark, Caputi…

Can anyone say 12 months ago that they could have possibly predicted this roster? Any of it?

I barely even recognize the Toronto Maple Leafs anymore.

And I guess that’s a good thing.

Leafs Nation: A drinking team with a hockey problem.

by nhlcheapshot on Mar 2, 2010 10:19 PM EST reply actions

Forgot

Sjostrom, Gustavsson, Aulie and Kadri….

Leafs Nation: A drinking team with a hockey problem.

by nhlcheapshot on Mar 2, 2010 10:21 PM EST reply actions

Blacker, Ryan, Devain, Walin

Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That

by JaredFromLondon on Mar 2, 2010 10:34 PM EST up reply actions

And Paradis!

by JP Nikota on Mar 3, 2010 1:22 AM EST up reply actions

Oh yeah.. him, easy to forget when he’s playing in the Q

Ask Yourself This: WWGRD? (What Would Gary Roberts Do?)

by PassivelyTruculent on Mar 3, 2010 1:42 AM EST up reply actions

Gunnarsson and Stalberg weren’t exactly new acquisitions, they were previous draft picks.

by laser358 on Mar 2, 2010 10:31 PM EST reply actions

Ya, but they weren’t roster players… I guess I mean how they look now. Poor wording on my part.

Leafs Nation: A drinking team with a hockey problem.

by nhlcheapshot on Mar 2, 2010 10:33 PM EST up reply actions

Stalberg wasn’t drafted was he?

by Leafies on Mar 2, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

Nevermind. lol

by Leafies on Mar 2, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions

He was

6th rd 2006

by agj88 on Mar 3, 2010 12:23 AM EST up reply actions

Kadri to Caputi

has a nice ring to it.

by Robot Godzilla on Mar 2, 2010 10:35 PM EST reply actions

So does Kadri to Kessel

We require, as a team, proper levels of pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence.
DION F*****G PHANEUF

by Belligerent Burkie on Mar 2, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

I like it. I prefer the acquisition of prospects who have already developed for a couple of years to the acquisition of draft picks (in the 2nd round or later). This way the Leafs know how he performs in the AHL and have seen some of his potential in the NHL. Prospects > Draft picks (2nd round or later)

Is that the kid you want? Follow me on Twitter

by kessticle on Mar 2, 2010 10:45 PM EST reply actions

I’m excited to see how Skoula looks with the Marlies. That team is so hapless that they really could use anyone right now.

by handknit on Mar 2, 2010 10:51 PM EST reply actions

No kidding

I was there over the break, it was bleak. Very bleak.

Not a lot of talent floating around.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions

I’ll miss you Poni.

by Huey2k2 on Mar 2, 2010 11:45 PM EST reply actions

PREDICTION!!1

Poni will win the cup, then re-sign with the Leafs July 1.

…

by unavoidable on Mar 2, 2010 11:47 PM EST reply actions

I would love this.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:08 AM EST up reply actions

not a bad deal…. but I was hoping to get some picks out of Poni.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:09 AM EST reply actions

me too.

Who wants to hear a funny ass joke?

by ohshrit on Mar 3, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions

From Hockey's Future on Luca Caputi

Caputi has all of the physical tools to develop into a power forward at the NHL level. At 6-2, 184 pounds, Caputi’s game is based upon paying a price physically. He scores a lot of his goals from in front of the net, and is more than willing to muck it up in the corners. One area where Caputi must improve is his skating, where his initial stride is not as quick as it needs to be.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:10 AM EST reply actions

and from Darren Dreger

Luca Caputi does have some upside. Some describe him as a power forward, and he maybe he has to work on his skating a little bit. In doing a run about scouts and executives around the National Hockey League, some describe him as a very good prospect, and some say that he has some questions. But he’ll get thrown into the mix immediately.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions

I wonder if Burke kicked the tires on Pierro-Zabotel. He was pretty good with the Vancouver Giants.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:14 AM EST reply actions

Caputi

has skating issues, so I’m not sure he fits the Ron Wilson mould exactly.

He won’t replace Poni in an identical fashion, but he is a body that goes to the front of the net. He also scores a lot in front on the PP. 11 goals out of his 23 are with the man advantage.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

- Sir Winston Churchill

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.

by Steve Burtch on Mar 3, 2010 12:16 AM EST reply actions

been lurking around Pensblogs...

They’re all reasonably upset to see Caputi go. Bringing up great points about how rare it is for a 4th round pick to dominate the AHL like that, and calling him their best forward prospect.

Obviously everybody gets attached to their own guys, but his production and growth over the last 2 years is definitely impressive.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:20 AM EST reply actions

yup

I’m there too – a bit ticked at their 24 hr waiting period for new members, but being the home of Crosby and the Cup champions they probably get a lot of trolls – and I’m definitely heartened to see that they wish they hadn’t given up Caputi.
Though they seem to think Tangradi is a better bet to be a top 6 forward.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:25 AM EST up reply actions

ah interesting

Caputi’s more NHL ready than Tangradi.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:26 AM EST up reply actions

strange

because Tangradi is 220 lbs. He’s only got 30 pts with the baby Pens this season to Caputi’s 47.

Trying not to get excited, but he may be a bit of a steal…

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Mar 3, 2010 12:33 AM EST up reply actions

that's all well and good

but what I really want to know is; how does he look in a suit?

I have nothing interesting to say.

by blurr1974 on Mar 3, 2010 12:25 AM EST up reply actions

I'm on it.

And they REALLY don’t seem to care about Poni’s suit game.

That would be my first question if I were them.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:26 AM EST up reply actions

here's Caputi at the draft... not quite a suit, but almost.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions

I have a source in Pittsburgh (lori)

That tells me that Luca is attractive.

I’m working on her finding me picture proof.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:30 AM EST up reply actions

good job

the google search doesn’t have much of any quality

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:31 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

it’s tough, he hasn’t played in the NHL enough and he wasn’t a college kid.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:31 AM EST up reply actions

Looking at his AHL.com picture

Damn…

This is a tough looking kid.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:33 AM EST up reply actions

from HF Boards

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:40 AM EST up reply actions

lol

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

That’s Simon Despres, not Caputi.

by lostprophetRJX on Mar 3, 2010 1:39 AM EST up reply actions

thank goodness.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 2:48 AM EST up reply actions

Skoula

Isn’t possibly going to get a look, right?

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 12:45 AM EST reply actions

McKenzie says he’ll be flipped

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:46 AM EST up reply actions

What can we flip him for?

Phaneuf Phever, an upgrade in skill and alliteration!

by Shield on Mar 3, 2010 12:51 AM EST up reply actions

no idea, I haven’t a clue how good he is.

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

by Karina on Mar 3, 2010 12:54 AM EST up reply actions

a few years ago

he was definitely durable, if nothing else. Held the active ironman streak for a time, at something like 5 seasons or so. I recall him being a steady Top 4.

But based on his salary and the fact that he was an add on, I’m assuming he’s lost a step.

A good PK is Club Truculence's cover charge

by pevans on Mar 3, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

that would be nice

I’m down with the idea of a 21 year old prospect being theoretically more useful than a 2nd rounder, but the Leafs getting yet another UFA defenceman seems weird.

My guess is he’s either a swallowed contract for 20 games, or, superawesomely, flipped for a pick. in which case Poni becomes a prospect AND a pick.

A good PK is Club Truculence's cover charge

by pevans on Mar 3, 2010 12:53 AM EST up reply actions

i’m liking this deal right now. Caputi looks like a solid prospect and if we get lucky we can flip Skola or waive/demote to minors/let him play and he walks on july 1. Good deal imo.

by 6rick6 on Mar 3, 2010 1:06 AM EST reply actions

If I recall, Caputi played in the rookie tourney in Kitchener and played pretty well. Anybody remember this happenning, or am I just balls crazy?

The Luck of the Irish Leaf: Because when the Irish are short on luck, at least there's tons of booze.

by seankelly on Mar 3, 2010 1:12 AM EST reply actions

not specifically

But he had 111 points with Mississauga his last year in the O

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 1:18 AM EST up reply actions

I have a sad.
That is all.

As per new community rules; all signature tags on PPP must contain the word "truculent".

(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score

by Wrap Around Curl on Mar 3, 2010 1:25 AM EST reply actions

you'll feel better

when he sings back with us.

But till then, saying goodbye is hard.

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Mar 3, 2010 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

LOL

when he SIGNS back with us. But if he also wants to sing I’m not arguing.

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Mar 3, 2010 1:31 AM EST up reply actions

You know… I imagine Poni sounding like McBane if he were to sing.

by JP Nikota on Mar 3, 2010 1:35 AM EST up reply actions

except less Austrian

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Mar 3, 2010 2:33 AM EST up reply actions

I’ve actually heard Poni sing before. During my only foray into the Leafs dressing room, he wouldn’t stop singing the bass line to ‘Disturbia’ by Rihanna.

Willing to trade humour for cash, straight up.

by Archimedies on Mar 3, 2010 2:49 AM EST up reply actions

Luca Caputi

He’ll soon write his autobiographical novel: “In Cold Blood: The Story of How I Executed Half of the Players in the NHL”.

I’ve seen this kid play a few preseason games with the Penguins against the Leafs. He impressed me. His game sort of reminds me of Ryan Malone.

by Frag on Mar 3, 2010 1:41 AM EST reply actions

Pens fan perspective

We made a pretty solid trade here. You guys got our second best forward prospect. Give Caputi a couple years to put on some strength and he’ll be crashing nets and screening on PPs with ease. He’s just not strong enough right now to play his style at the NHL level, but a lot of Pens fans are upset about losing him. He should look perfect alongside Kadri in the future.

by lostprophetRJX on Mar 3, 2010 1:44 AM EST reply actions

thanks for stopping by

Always good to hear from the flip side on these things.

Enjoy your poni rides this June :)

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Mar 3, 2010 2:35 AM EST up reply actions

Tomas Kaberle is now the only Leaf to have played with Mats Sundin

Just…let that sink in.

by Bower Power on Mar 3, 2010 1:56 AM EST reply actions

Wow!

Really weird looking at that Roster… seems like a lot longer ago than it was. Weird though that our team is doing worse than that thing, I can honestly say I’m glad that about 90% of them are gone.

Phaneuf Phever, an upgrade in skill and alliteration!

by Shield on Mar 3, 2010 2:01 AM EST up reply actions