Leafs Sign Nikolai Kulemin
by Chemmy on Jul 2, 2010 4:48 PM EDT
in News
Email
PrintThe waiting is over. Per TSN's Darren Dreger the Leafs have signed Nikolai Kulemin to a two year deal at $2.35M per.
This is an excellent job by Burke balancing Kulemin's desire to prove his increased worth to the team on par with the Gustavsson deal. It's clear what Kulemin needs to do now: light the lamp for two years and prove he's a first line winger in the NHL and he'll get paid.
Now let's hope his chemistry with Bozak and Kessel continues all season long; we're going to need it.
226 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
One word
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
People on TSN are stupid
Two guys thought Kulemin was getting a 2 year contract worth $4.7 million per year.
I am the commenter formerly known as Belligerent Burkie
Follow me on twitter @CoolJ90 or add me to XBox Live - CoolJ90
maybe the extra $2.35M/year is the rarely seen in-the-room-good-guy-character-bonus.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
I had the same thought for a minute when I got my TSN alert message, It wasn’t very clear, but thankfully it’s not true!
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
in my defence
I signed up for the alerts last night, and this is the first one I got.
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
nah
their alerts are sometimes misleading, or sometimes wrong.
When I got one about the Jeff Finger deal, it said the $3.5 mill was over the full length of his contract, not per year.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions
indeed
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
im pretty sure thats what fletcher ment but he fucked up the paper work
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, we’ll never know for sure.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
sadly it was still a raise for the guy
he was making like $60 and first crack at the leftovers from the concession stand.
by Death_By_Leafs on Jul 2, 2010 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe they can’t read? The total value of the contract he signed was $4.7 mil
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 2, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s been proven that the TSN message boards has an average IQ level slightly lower than a cage of chimpanzees
Boo hoo!
by Chris Stoikoff on Jul 2, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Reminds me of the old joke – what has a collective IQ of 80 and 23 teeth?
The first two rows of fans at a wrestling match.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
What has 100 feet and 24 teeth?
The queue at a methadone clinic.
"My country is the world, my religion to do good" - Thomas Paine
the first two rows at a Nashville Predators game
"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 Jul 2, 2010 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Funny to look back in hindsight
We should have a link in the article back to the (multiple) debates on what Kulemin’s contract should be.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
I don’t know why, but I get burned on trying to estimate contracts all the time. Guys come in way lower or higher. It’s really not as easy as you think.
I was thinking both Gustavsson and Kulemin would go a little longer term and at a higher dollar figure, in the $3-million a season range over four years. Gustavsson is way lower than I think he could have gotten, although the goalie market is very overcrowded. Knowing Kulemin’s agent, I thought they’d push for a match of Grabovski’s deal.
As it is, good news for the Leafs. And good work by Burke.
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
I don’t think anyone would have correctly guessed Gustavsson’s deal. I’m still surprised that the Leafs were able to ink him for $1.35M cap hit.
As for Kulemin, plenty of people around here thought he’d get $3M+
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
i was hoping for 2-2.5
but am surprised by the short term. I figured the Leafs would want to buy some of his UFA years but perhaps not.
Very very glad we stayed under 2.5. I love Kulemin and he’s projecting nicely, but as has been said ad nauseam, we are talking about an NHL player who’s yet to crack 40 points in a season.
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
I’m okay with one more deal before he hits UFA.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
You certainly weren’t alone—it’s not easy at all. I put your link in there because you were probably the most respected person throwing those kinds of numbers out there.
And of course term has a huge effect. If the deals had been 3 years, it would have likely been much closer to $5MM.
by The '67 Sound on Jul 3, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t feel bad. There was a vocal contingent here going for $3M+
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Me no understand
I don’t understand all the negativity. Who cares what we pay Kulemin? I don’t buy the cap argument, it’s obvious Burke has figured out the angles.
It’s a good deal. But I’m ultra impressed with Burkie’s overall job more—he’s dealt with the death of a son, among other dramas, and still had the presence to make this team ultra difficult to play against. This guy is for real—no shying away from the tough decisions or responsibilities.
Armstong for example. Add him to the hit list, at whatever the big price was, and every line seems to me a wall of truculence. An incredibly astute signing. I hope Burke DOESN’T pay for Kovalchuk. I look forward to a few years of restoring our pride and not quite getting Stanley instead. Fight, smash, be impossible to play against—that’s the spirit of 17. THEN we can go after a big scoring pansy.
I live in Sweden. So I miss most games. But this year, I’m going out of my way to beg, borrow, steal snippets from the aftermath. 2010/11 is our rebirth. We don’t need to win the Cup. We need to tell the league we’re back and make it exceptionally inconvenient for the unlucky bunch that meets us in the playoffs. I think Burkie’s set that up in spades.
by outgodalights on Jul 2, 2010 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Who cares what we pay Kulemin? I don’t buy the cap argument, it’s obvious Burke has figured out the angles.
I pretty much disagree with everything you said here. But…
I look forward to a few years of restoring our pride and not quite getting Stanley instead. Fight, smash, be impossible to play against—that’s the spirit of 17. THEN we can go after a big scoring pansy.
I did laugh at this.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
people need to stop with the fucking truculence
Leafs need goals and goals alone right now
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just thinking earlier today
that maybe we’re not truculent enough.
We should been more heavily involved in the Boogaard Sweepstakes.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
Boogaard seems like the last thing the Leafs need. I do not want lineups running out both Orr and Boogaard.
Oh a sarcasm detector, that’s a REAL useful invention.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, our truculence quotient has been filled.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
yup, and its not like Kovy is a pansy, he is a big body who goes into the tough areas and comes out with the puck
he may not throw many body checks but he doesnt shy away from getting hit
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
he also does like to fight
he’s a big boy (230) and people always assume he’ll pussy out.
KOVALCHUKULENCE!!!!!!!!!1
by Death_By_Leafs on Jul 2, 2010 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
No, they need to regain respect
There is no Stanley next year, Koval-too- much or not. Burke is making this team competitive. It’s the first real step back to respectability. How can they not have more goals than last year anyway? Baby steps, the ultimate prize has to be built on a solid foundation: respect.
by outgodalights on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
You know what gets repsect?
Scoring lots of goals and winning hockey games.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions
So we can't score goals?
Previous posts suggest otherwise. But I don’t care. I’ve suffered a long time. I want to see the Leafs compete, seriously, night to night. Truculence works for me, goals will come, and goaltending is significantly better. I’ll aim for the Silver once we’ve set some ground rules for the playa-hatas.
Kovie won’t sign with us, we’re just driving up his price for some other team. I don’t want him. We don’t need him.
by outgodalights on Jul 2, 2010 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Previous posts suggest otherwise.
Source something. We were second to last in goal scoring, and no one here has suggested otherwise. Goals don’t come as easily as “truculence” does, and for the team full of kids that we were last year, Orr and Phaneuf were covering a lot of “truculence.”
Kovie won’t sign with us, we’re just driving up his price for some other team. I don’t want him. We don’t need him.
Kovie may sign with us. We were reportedly “on his list.” I’ll find the article if you want my source – could I have yours?
No one is forcing you to want him, but to say “we don’t need him” is just lying to yourself. We need scoring depth. Kessel is not going to score 50 goals, and he is not going to be the SOLE goal-sniping weapon of this team if it’s going to win a cup.
Name two “truculent” teams that have ever had a serious amount of “respect” in this league. Bonus points if they have fewer than two quality snipers.
I thought we were 25th in scoring? anyway we were not good.
How many players have scored 50 and/or have the potential to score 50 again?
Ovechkin
Crosby
Kovalchuk
Stamkos
Heatley
Malkin?
Nash?
That’s it. 750 odd players in the league, unless I am missing something that’s pretty much your list.
Less than 1%
If you have a chance to get him, you get him as long as it doesn’t cripple your ability to ice the rest of your team.
EVERYONE wants a 50ish goal scorer… If you don’t then I don’t know how to convince you otherwise.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Just checked – we were tied for second last.
Panthers: 208
Leafs: 214
Oilers: 214
Blue Jackers: 216
But seriously. We need to be more truculent.
Who cares,
How many penalty minutes/fighting majors did we rack up?
We all know that’s the most important stat.
/sarcasm
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean, i loved the quote when it was first quiped by burke, but the “truculence, belligerence and testosterone” thing has leaked into to many peoples for-brain
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Burke was essentially saying the team needed to be tougher.
He has done that… doesn’t mean every single fucking player he signs has to be like that.
And I am so sick of the ‘Burke-type player’ bullshit.
Burke wants guys who will help the team win, that’s a Burke -type player.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, the leafs are plenty tough and gritty now, some more is always welcome, but after (or in the same package) as skill
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
And I am so sick of the ‘Burke-type player’ bullshit.
Thank you. Honestly its getting ridiculous.
by ShahofToronto on Jul 2, 2010 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s true – we did need to be tougher. But we have never needed to be truculent at the expense of being skilled.
The idea that someone would argue against a 6’2" 230 lbs, 40+ goal scoring, top-10 player, pure-gold sniper…in favor of someone that hits more? It’s…unthinkable, to put it kindly.
It’s Cro-Magnon.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
How does he skate?
we should sign him!
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Yah, I was going to write something a bit less polite, but I figured I should be good.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I mean, I’m not going to resort to insults (because in this instance, I definitely don’t need to), and everyone is entitled to their opinion (however unfounded or misguided), but I just don’t understand the 1+1=1.5. The only place for argument with Kovalchuk is on contract terms.
yup.
Bury your head in the sand and go ’don’t want him’
is not a viable strategy. If he wants to come here and his contract terms don’t handcuff the team, sign that deal.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
he has also never played less than 76 games in a season in the NHL, which points to him being incredibly durable and tough enough to handle the physical abuse of the NHL
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
But how many Selke nominations has he had?
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
not as many as kulemin and versteeg will have!
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
All three are currently tied.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
they will alternate every year until they retire as leafs
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
And Colton Orr will take home the Lady Byng.
He won’t WIN it, he’ll just beat up the guy who does after the award ceremony and take it home.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Semantics.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions
you are aware
some wag cast a 5th place vote for Laracque for the Lady Byng this year?
"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 Jul 2, 2010 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
That was my thinking.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
don’t forget cheechoo.
Kool as KuKumbers Kulemin.... I don't believe in C's, just like Ron Wilson (new signature under construction)
he’s a UFA right? i’m thinking a 10 year deal, front loaded of course to lower the cap hit. Bozak can get him going.
by ShahofToronto on Jul 2, 2010 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
the thing is, this might very well be the Leafs last chance at a weapon such as kovalchuck until they some how draft and develop one
the NHL is trending to locking up offensive superstars till their career twilight.
the main reason we want him (other than the 7 places in the standings he alone would bring us up) is that 45+ goal scorers are few and far between, especially on the open market
you grab em when you can and lock em up for ever
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you 110%
It’s great we can knock everyone out, but that doesn’t help us where it matters.
"This is not just another NHL team; this is the Toronto Maple Leafs ... This is one of the greatest brand names in all of sports." - Brian Burke
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I like this deal and I like that Burke called it a compromise.
Of note, it’s the same money and term as NYR gave Ryan Callahan in 2009 when he put up 40pts as an RFA.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
I feel like someone suggested that a month ago…
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I wish I could do a squiggly-screen fade away to reveal who and where….
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
by mf37 on Jul 2, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But... but...
Leafs fans are all mouth-breathing morons. They couldn’t possibly put together insightful, accurate analysis or be in communities using the forefront of statistical analysis in their discussions…
Very good contract by Burke & Co.
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 Jul 2, 2010 4:55 PM EDT reply actions
Eye Candy!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxk12zpWJFg
Toronto Maple Leafs: Looking at next year since 1967
Hey guys, first time posting after just reading comments solid for over a year. Please be gentle.
When it was said that there was about 7 MM left for a big signing, did that include this resigning? If not, that means we have >5 MM?
All depends on what happens to Kaberle/Finger. Per capgeek we had $7MM before the Kulemin signing.
by The '67 Sound on Jul 2, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
We ACTUALLY have
about $5M now.
However, There’s the Kabs/Finger factor… can give us another $7.75M potentially.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
yeah...
we’re not getting Kovy. My hopes have been dashed.
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
NEVAR!
at least not till he’s inked
If Burke needs to clear cap space, he will find a way
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I still don’t see this happening anymore, unless he asks for significantly less than what is currently being speculated.
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
he wont sign anywhere unless he asks for significantly less than what is currently being speculated
in north america that is
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Doubt the KHL wants to pay him that much either.
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
rumours are that they’ve already offered $12 – $14 mill a year… but only short term, I believe.
I should find a link.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy crap! That’s crazy. WHY?!?!
"This is not just another NHL team; this is the Toronto Maple Leafs ... This is one of the greatest brand names in all of sports." - Brian Burke
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
KHL is crazy
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
he’d be by far the biggest start as well
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Why dash your hopes already, when you can wait until he signs in LA and get them dashed later?
#HoldOutForHope
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
I thought LA gave up on him?
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
You’re allowed to go 10% over the cap, so almost 6m, so we could, in theory, sign Kovy and then trade Kabby and waive finger when the season starts.
but...
that’s a little risky. Plus other team will figure that we are desperate to get rid of Kaberle, therefore his value might drop a bit…ect.
"Every day you guys look worse and worse. And today you played like tomorrow." - John Mariucci
by whyevenbother on Jul 2, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a bit of a silly attitude, though. Although Burke would probably paint himself into a bit of a corner signing Kovalchuk without having already moved Kaberle because of the cap concerns, it doesn’t affect Kabby’s trade value much. Shift him for a centre and bask in the glow of a Kovie – that guy – Kessel PP lineup
if burke has kovy signed im sure he sits on it until he ships kabby off for the highest bid he has had
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear LA might have some cap space to use on a puck moving D-man…..
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Best bet is to go to capgeek and play with the Leafs page.
As per 67 Sound much of it is dependent on what the Leafs do with Kaberle and Finger. Also of note, teams can exceed the cap in the summer by 10% so the Leafs will have an additional $6M to play with, but they have to be back down to $59M by end of training camp.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
We have somewhere around $4M in cap space right now. If the #Leafs trade Kaberle that puts them around $8.5.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
If Kulemin is the Leafs first line winger, we are in trouble. No offense to Kulemin, but he isn’t a first line guy. He had one good month last year and everyone thinks he has first line potential. He is a 2nd or 3rd line player. Versteeg will get first line minutes over Kulemin.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HockeyAnalysis.com - Taking a Deeper Look at the World of Hockey
we have Kovulchuk coming…..no worries…….hehehe…..no doubt…most here think hes a good second line forward
Toronto Maple Leafs: Looking at next year since 1967
Don’t hold your breath on Kovalchuk being a Leaf.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HockeyAnalysis.com - Taking a Deeper Look at the World of Hockey
by HockeyAnalysis on Jul 2, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
KEEP THE FAITH
#offseasondreaming
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
IF we do land Kovalchuk
Does he get to continue wearing #17? :D
by CancerousRocket on Jul 2, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
So what will the Top 2 Lines Look Like?
Kessel and Versteeg both RWs…?
Kulemin not really a 1st liner — and not paid like one
as it stands now probably
Kulie – bozak – Kessel
Armstrong/Caputi – Grabbo – Versteeg
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming Kadri doesn’t make the jump, and grabbo get sent down to 3rd line minutes.
We have a really weird C position.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
We do, could be great, or just mediocre.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m going to assume the latter.
Our best potential C’s (Bozak and Kadri) are all too young to know whether or not we have legit 1st line C in the making or not.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
Of course, but I don’t know what the alternative, unless we’re getting someone who would be a guaranteed top flight center (savard) why both signing someone to take minutes from these guys.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
bozak's not that young.
24 y-o. played 4 years of college.
by Death_By_Leafs on Jul 3, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
only 2 years of college. 1.5 if you consider his knee injury
In loving memory of #21 Chris Higgins......I never even got the chance to say "I Love You"
damn you're right. what a slacker.
spent too much time in victoria playing bchl.
by the time he left u-denver i had finished 2 degrees…he’s only a year younger than me, so i assumed he played 4 in college.
by Death_By_Leafs on Jul 3, 2010 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
OK young in terms of NHL games played
37 career NHL games.
Better?
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jul 3, 2010 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, i just dont want people to think hes a development project
hes got the vision, the hands, the passing touch, and evidently the scoring skill to play at the NHL level, he just has to put it together.
like, now.
hes not a progression in due time kind of player, he has to be (and should be) ready to make the lateral step right onto the pro ice.
if not, it didnt cost us anythign but OTPP money, so no harm no foul.
by Death_By_Leafs on Jul 3, 2010 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Move Grabs to the wing, demote Caput + Armstrong to the third line?
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Id rather pay Hanson to Center the 3rd line and trade grabbo for picks and prospects
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks
i’m from Pittsburgh (Pens fan), so I know Armstrong and Caputi pretty well
Colby is a RW
both are best as 3rd liners, but Colby would give more in terms of forechecking and experience — at least right out of the chute.
keep small scoring wingers on different lines, put our best power forward with kessel and 2nd best with the steeg
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
This. And like you said as it stands right now, Cuputi and Arsmtrong are best suited to that role. and judging by what Burke has said about Armstrong he’ll likely get 3rd line minutes. If Sweatt has a decent camp I can see him getting an audition on the second line.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Ron Wilson
uses the “blender” method of line combinations, so ya I bet we’ll see that experiment a number of times.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
yeah, we’d like to have em on the 3rd too, but right now they are the best options on the wing for the leafs
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
What’s the fascination with Caputi. Hasn’t proved anything yet. He’s at the most a third liner. But I would like to him back in the AHL .
because there is no one better at current
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
1st line will be Curly Larry Moe
2nd line will be Groucho Harpo Zeppo
October 25, 1966. Thank you Lord Kelvin
the rat pack is a great energy line
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Versteeg plays either wing
"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 Jul 2, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
he played C when Bolland and Sharp were both out, if I recall correctly. I don’t think it was really anything but an act of sheer need by Quenneville
"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 Jul 2, 2010 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
haha. Leafs still need better players, these signings make the team better than last year, but still are not significant compared to the top teams. I love the leafs, always have and always will, but maybe there’s blind hope with every season when you’re a leafs fan.
No shit
They are a rebuilding team, the whole point is to become better each year. You can’t simply sign 3 or 4 guys, and immediately become a top team in the league.
by CancerousRocket on Jul 2, 2010 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I love it!
I am not 100% sold on Kulemin yet. If he continues to improve, then this is a good ‘transitional’ contract.
I like this deal so much, I want to take it behind the middle school and get it pregnant.
by Hungry Leafs Fan on Jul 2, 2010 5:20 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Who in the hell voted Eh?
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 5:31 PM EDT reply actions
same guy who voted 1 on every single Reading the Tea Leafs post
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
boob gainey?
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
LOVE it.
That’s a fantastic contract. Can’t wait to see what he’ll do!
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
this deal is so good even Väiski Vemmelsääri is floored by it.
October 25, 1966. Thank you Lord Kelvin
Well actually you taught me Rynnas means boobs and Toskala means terminal cancer.
October 25, 1966. Thank you Lord Kelvin
by Chuck Diesel on Jul 2, 2010 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I didn’t think you could turn the words ‘terminal cancer’ into a joke, but you have.
well done.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I was talking to some children with terminal cancer the other day about the DMV. They asked what the DMV was; I told them they’d find out about it when they were older.
Pumps out more male with one thrust of the pelvis than the United States postal service over the last 146 years.
POSITIVITY!!!1
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 Jul 2, 2010 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Perfect thing to say – I hate it when children suffer
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
BREAK OUT THE COCAINE!!
Keep Firing, Assholes!
Have you accepted BROCKLESNARRRRRR!!!!!!! as your personal Heavyweight Champion?
Like it. It’s right in line with what I thought he would get.
...rely a bit to heavily on alcohol and irony...
by My Poor Friend Me on Jul 2, 2010 6:55 PM EDT reply actions
i like this
and am feeling extremely validated that it is 100K off my prediction of $2.25M per year.
I would have liked a longer term, but on second thought, this works for me. after 2 years we will know exactly what we are dealing with. If’ he’s a legit star, he’ll get his money at 26. If he’s a solid 40 point player, we’ll know that too.
To sum up the offseason so far, LOVE the gus contract, LIKE the deal for Versteeg, INTENSELY DISLIKE what we paid for Colby Armstrong and REALLY LIKE this move
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
the only thing i hate about the Armstrong deal is the cap hit
and i really hate it
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
a perfectly serviceable player. Solid contributor in a few ways on the ice. But not someone we need to pay a premium for to ship in.
Unabashed fan of the surprise 2012 Stanley Cup champs
A commenter in today’s FTB pointed us to a link where Armstrong said he took less to sign with the Leafs.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Whoa
Would be interesting to know who offered him more.
by CancerousRocket on Jul 2, 2010 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Yaaaaa
I’m not sure I believe that for even 1 second.
What team out there was offering him more than $3M/year?
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
Calgary, New York…
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
Burke gets an F- for not having signed Kovalchuk with a $7M cap hit at 12:01 yesterday.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
Not sure what he means
Cox: Kulemin 2.35m for each of 2. Amazing what earns you what in today’s NHL.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:07 PM EDT reply actions
derp, leafs did bad 1967 derp
You may be taking Jared a little too seriously
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2010 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
derp is a lol everytime
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Jul 3, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Ya I can’t tell if he thinks thats a good or bad thing.
MYSTERIOUS
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
He has to do it that way or PPP’s girlfriends will go after him.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I asked him to clarify
@DamoSpin What do you think he is worth?
No response yet.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
His point is
That it is bad to drink too much laundry detergent.
by CancerousRocket on Jul 2, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s a duality to Cox’s reporting.
He’s likely right in that $2.35 is a lot of money for a guy that’s never cracked the 40 point plateau and Cox has been very consistent in questioning the big dollars that players sign for. Where he falls short is in not looking at comparables and market rates.
It’s like railing against real estate prices in Vancouver. Sure it’s crazy what people will pay for a former crack den or grow op but it’s the going rate and people are willing to pay it.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Good answer.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
dammit
It’s like railing against real estate prices in Vancouver. Sure it’s crazy what people will pay for a former crack den or grow op but it’s the going rate and people are willing to pay it.
So I’m like Cox now? BOOOOOO ;)
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
You must have seen the web site Vancouver: Crack Shack or Mansion
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
that website is misleading because it doesn’t show you how much land you get. It’s the land prices that are high, not house prices.
Unfortunately in hockey, there doesn’t seem to be a comparable separation in player prices. Unless we’re now talking points vs. intangibles….
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Unless we’re now talking points vs. intangibles….
Talking about our bottom 6 guys?
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
reaching for a joke that didn’t work
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that the new tag-line for the site?
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Wasn’t a joke, see the recced comment earlier in the thread.
Besides, mf37 has already debunked the value of intangibles.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
my comment was a joke…..
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Obv that one didn’t work either…
Definitely should be the new tag line for the site as suggested above.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
haha
agreed
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Jul 2, 2010 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Rec’d.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jul 2, 2010 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 2, 2010 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Kulemin has soooo much potential. Hope he is not cranky about the protracted negotiations, and takes that out on us. Wildcat white Russians.
Came outta the gate slowly last year after attending the Russian Olympic camp, but looked increasingly excellent as the year went along. VERY nice to get him signed.
I’m betting he turns into something very very special for Toronto over the next two years as long as he stays healthy. Either a superb power forward that scores a lot. Or potential Selke candidate with less scoring. Would prefer the former. We need the goals because we ain’t gittin’ Kovy.
What comes next? Kabby for who? No use speculating. Only BB and DN know what may or may not come next.
Your optimism and positive outlook flatter you. I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
On a more serious note, it might be a slight overpayment but Kulemin will be useful. If he can reach the 35-50 plateau (yes, 50 points might be a stretch) that will make the deal more palatable. Also, he wants to be here and he’s youngish. That goes a long way toward Burke’s future plans for the franchise…having born and bred guys stick together makes a room gel, results are in the offing.
Or it turns them into bitter old Leafs that Damien Cox mercilessly attacks because he hasn’t had his morning bagel.
Either way, I’m pumped!
"According to the statistics, Bester outperformed his teammates in every league that he ever played in, and was easily the best goalie the Leafs had in the 1980s. Despite this, the Momesso goal was essentially the end of Bester's NHL career."
http://brodeurisafraud.blogspot.com/2009/10/underrated-allan-bester.html
by BesterThanYesterday on Jul 3, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
The Sergio Momesso goal. Ouch Bester ouch!
On a serious note, a great writer once said ‘sarcasm is the wit of fools’ with all due respect.
Notice I stressed ‘potential’. I admit I have long drank from the Kulemin Kool-Aid Kanister, but I see a lot with this kid including perhaps a PPG man perhaps not next year and maybe not even the year after that.
“………..Kulemin will be useful.” I think he will be far far more than merely ‘useful’ in the two years ahead of this contract, and hopefully far beyond that. Bruising nasty power forward very responsible defensively and putting up a PPG playing with Kessel and Bozak. Or on the second or third line and a true shut down defensive player with, dare I say it, somethiing near Datysyukian skills. THAT is stretching it, the kid will never be as good as Datsyuk I do not THINK but I surely will hope.
I sheepishly confess I did read that Cox article Chuck, and I hope he is indeed ‘very happy’ and Greenstin is not putting that out there for public consumption.
by Pyramid Power on Jul 3, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Cox
Kulemin’s agent, Gary Greenstin, said his client received an offer to move to Russia’s KHL but that the player never used it as leverage in negotiations with Toronto. He said he never even discussed it as an option with Kulemin.
"Nikolai wanted to stay in Toronto. He is a very loyal person," said Greenstin. "He is very happy."
October 25, 1966. Thank you Lord Kelvin
I can't find the right word
Thats not even awesome. Thats like mega-truculiciously-super-mega-awesome
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Saturday’s Three Stars: Another Malkin 5-spot; Price spoils Sundin night
- The Chicago Blackhawks’ losing streak is bad for everybody
- According to NHL, here’s why Dominic Moore escaped suspension for Fedotenko hit
- How Mats Sundin’s no-trade clause controversy made fans reconsider loyalty in NHL
- Nordiques Nation invades Hockey Day in Canada
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- WHL Roundup: A look at Saturday's games
- Shinnimin scores twice and adds assist as Americans beat Chiefs 5-3
- Reid with three goals and an assist as Winterhawks beat Thunderbirds 7-2
- Willick scores twice, including winner, as the Blazers beat the Rockets 3-2
- Simpson 41 saves, earning the game`s first star, as Silvertips beat Giants 4-2
SBNation.com Recent Stories
StatCounter
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
