I'm so excited!! I'm so scared!!
by birky on Jun 18, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
in From The Branches
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Inhale.....Exhale......repeat. The next few weeks have the potential to be a highly stressful time for fans of the blue and white. Brian Burke & Co. are expected to be extremely busy as they build towards next Friday's NHL Entry Draft and the start of Free Agency (also known as The Brad Richards Experience) the following weekend. James Mirtle of Globe & Mail fame summed up the situation in yesterday's article on the Buds:
It almost goes without saying that the next 14 days are huge for Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are trying to avoid missing the playoffs for a seventh straight year this coming season.
To do so, Burke needs to upgrade his roster, likely both at the draft with a deal or two and then in free agency.
The good news is that the Leafs have plenty of cap space (roughly $23-million with three notable restricted free agents still to sign). The bad news is it won't be easy finding top-end talent to spend it on.
I would still put my bet on some kind of a deal to fill the hole on the first line. If Burke waits until July 1st for Richards and misses out again, he'll be in a significantly worse position than if he makes his move earlier. Just remember to not take any rumors you hear or read this week too seriously.
Links after jump...
Saturday links:
Kaberle earned respect in Toronto; now he's got a cup
VLM on Kaba, his time in Toronto, and his exit
What should we expect from James Reimer?
I demand 82 shutouts. Blue Chip Prospects slightly more realistic projections
Good news for the young Norwegian and the Leafs as well. MLHS has the scoop
Puckin' Eh has a fantastic little table to help keep track of who owns who's draft picks
Devils file for team-initiated arbitration with Zach Parise
Rumored for months. Story from the Hockey News
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I’m starting a Get Jurco campaign, who’s with me?
GWWWHAAAA!
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jun 18, 2011 7:08 AM EDT reply actions
I’d be happy with Jurco, but assuming the draft pans out like it’s supposed to and we don’t have any catastrophic, Fowler-esque collapses, I’d prefer taking Puempel or Jenner. What I don’t get is where this new Scott Mayfield bandwagon’s come from – our defense looks pretty healthy going forward, and I think this draft should be about continuing to restock the forward corps.
Defenseman whose number one noted strength is his great skating ability and may fall around our picks? Grab. Him. It’s about best player available, not drafting for position.
This is where a witty signature might go.
This is where a witty signature might go on drugs.
My only confusion is his jacked up PIM. I’d rather not be picking a future enforcer (epecially at D) with one of our picks, but then EliteProspects has his next season listed as U Denver, so it’s not like he’ll be fighting in the NCAA.
This is where a witty signature might go.
This is where a witty signature might go on drugs.
I'm hoping
for forwards this year, scoring forwards, and maybe Ryan Murray next year or more forwards, and forwards in 2013 with skill, scoring, and intensity.
I’m hoping for trolls this year, insulting trolls, and maybe Dwayne Sciswe next year or more trolls, and trolls in 2013 with skill, insults and persistence.
Popped a Colboner - Certified Joe Colborne Fanboy
03/08/2011 - I saw THE Wookie score his 1st NHL goal.
03/19/2011 - Watched Kadri's 1st NHL goal from the West Bank
Twitter me this.
by happiergilmore on Jun 19, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I agree, you take the best player available. If you’re drafting late in the first round, like we are, you’re drafting a guy who is at least a couple of years away from being a regular on your roster, and no one knows what their team might look like 2, 3, 4 years from now (let alone 7-8 years away when that player is in their prime).
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly this.
"You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 18, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Puempel / Phillips / JT Miller / Mayfield / Morrow / Grimaldi / Jenner / Jurco
Honestly unless Burke trades up or trades our picks away, there are a ton of good choices I wouldn’t be mad at.
What’s with Brendan Saad, I’ve seen his name as high as 15 and as low as 40 in mock drafts.
Crazy would be NOT overanalyzing everything.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 18, 2011 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions
To me, Jurco has that flair, the potential to be special. His draft ranking doesn’t really imply that, but his skillset is off the charts and from what I’ve seen watching the Mem Cup, he isn’t shy to play the body either.
GWWWHAAAA!
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jun 18, 2011 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Hell we got 3 picks in that top 40, we might end up grabbing him.
But ya as I said, unless he goes way off the board, or drafts a Russian (Burke? unlikely) that never comes over the pond, I think we’re good.
Crazy would be NOT overanalyzing everything.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 18, 2011 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Yah, Burke’s tendencies scream no Jurco. Hence the campaign! :D
GWWWHAAAA!
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jun 18, 2011 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Apparently Saad has an attitude problem that can push him lower than his talent would dictate (usually I hear it manifested as “bad work ethic”). Since Mirtle said that Burke is looking for “character as number one” I doubt he’ll ever be a Leaf if those reports are true.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Gotta love the second priority though!
The only priorities he said they had were “character” as No. 1 and “footspeed” as No. 2.
As a Toronto sports fan I proudly follow the lessons of lachrymology.
"He drives that new car around town and feels really good about it." - Ron Wilson
"Vancouver, BC: A massive inferiority complex with a city." - TheOtherAndrew
"HOPE is more than a postponed disappointment" - Epica
You're all suffering from a Leafitis induced drive to mediocrity. With lack of fan support like this the team will never do well and will keep being sucked dry by the pension plan.
I demand eighty THREE shutouts next reg’lar season, the Calder, the Vezina, the Stanley cup, the Rocket Richard, Selke, and the super bowl, order of Canada and a knighthood, order of the garter minimum.
Go Leafs
by Wan Ihite on Jun 18, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like your use of stats to back your opinions up.
83 shutouts should, in fact, win us some silver.
Follow someone else on Twitter.
by not norm ullman on Jun 18, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
83 shutouts should, in fact, win us some silver
But silver is for first losers! We demand a Stanley Cup made of gold!
History. Leafs. Drawing. In no particular order!
My Portfolio
by CanadianMaple09 on Jun 18, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
With diamond encrusted bling
Can’t believe you mouth breathers lacked the minimal level of ambition to ask for this stuff before.
RE: Team arbitration with Parise
Nashville did the same thing for Shea Weber, so no offer sheets for those two this summer.
Crazy would be NOT overanalyzing everything.
CAR letting a number of UFA's walk. The internal cap strikes again
"With Pitkanen, Jokinen and LaRose, we know what their position is," Rutherford said, referring to their financial demands. "I’ve given our position. It does not appear we will be able to sign them."
I know there aren’t a ton of fans of Pitkanen, but Jokinen or LaRose? Mid-level talent at best I guess… wonder if they’re snapped up quick or might do 1-2 year deals later in the summer.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/06/17/1279758/canes-ponder-options-with-their.html
Crazy would be NOT overanalyzing everything.
I’m a fan of Pitkanen.
GWWWHAAAA!
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jun 18, 2011 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions
haha, nice.
This is where a witty signature might go.
This is where a witty signature might go on drugs.
What we want to get is a big centre men.
i really think we mand Puemel. But Jarco is very skillful and i wouldnt mind this pick.
by Jt Malley on Jun 18, 2011 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for spelling skillful correctly.
Either you have an enviable memory, or a pitiable life, to know nothing of regret.
- Sten, of the Qunari
by GreatKingRat on Jun 18, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
+1 for
Jessie Spano reference
http://www.cripzthecomic.com
by prest0 on Jun 18, 2011 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I actually saw Burke at the airport yesterday, he was going to Boston with what looked like his daughter and grandkids. Maybe he’s going to watch the Bruins parade? ;)
OMG he’s tampering with Kaberle!
GWWWHAAAA!
by Mislav Xterratu Jantoljak on Jun 18, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Loose lips sink… franchises!
History. Leafs. Drawing. In no particular order!
My Portfolio
by CanadianMaple09 on Jun 18, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
People do realize he is from Boston… rumour has it he is now in charge of the Irish mob, and that is where he got his hatred of the Russians. Also he values good character guys and all his Mob people need good footspeed and a good level of truculence.
That being said his family does live in Boston so going home for the week I’m assuming and will go straight to Minny on tuesday or Wednesday
I want us to draft Khokhlachev, just so we can have Khokhla, Fratt and Aulie.
Either you have an enviable memory, or a pitiable life, to know nothing of regret.
- Sten, of the Qunari
For some reason I want to call him Khlav khalash
"I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I'm afraid i have something of a mess on my hands."
"There's just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence."
Well, he is meat with a stick.
Either you have an enviable memory, or a pitiable life, to know nothing of regret.
- Sten, of the Qunari
by GreatKingRat on Jun 18, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
You got a bathroom in there?
Charter member - Grabbo Lover's Union, Local 84
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 18, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
No fork stick! stick!
The Leafs are my Rushmore
Certified Grabbo Lover and member of the PPPPP
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on Jun 20, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I really shouldn’t read the comments on TSN articles. Half the comments are along the lines of “Can’t wait until the Habs get Weber to replace Markov” or “Canucks should take a run at him, he’d look great alongside Hamhuis again”. The whole point of the article is that the Preds filed for arbitration to make sure he’s still on the team next year! Gah, stupid people are stupid.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
While voting for Grabovski in the play of the year showdowns, I made the mistake of joining in the chat and got sucked into arguments that lasted for hours. Admittedly, it was quite fun at times, especially when I could point out the following to Habs fans who still think that getting rid of Grabovski was a good move:
Habs players who had less points than Grabovski this season: all of them.
by stevesmith19 on Jun 18, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That Greg Pateryn jersey is looking awesome on you, dude.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
At one point, someone tried to defend the Gomez trade by pointing out he made more points than Bozak (38 versus 32). Of course, he failed to mention that Gomez had twice the cap hit…
by stevesmith19 on Jun 18, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
“he made more points” should be “he had more points”
by stevesmith19 on Jun 18, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, Scott Gomez’s actual salary last year – $8 million. Bozak’s actual cap hit – about $1 million. $7 million extra sure doesn’t buy what it used to.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Bozak’s actual salary, rather. Typing is fun!
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
$1M per additional point. Now that’s value!
Charter member - Grabbo Lover's Union, Local 84
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 18, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess in about 2 hours we should know if anyone is getting bought out in this round of buyouts. Noon today is the deadline to put players on unconditional waivers to buy them out. Next chance for buyouts isn’t until some time in July, I believe.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
I thought that was yesterday?
elephant shell
never question our ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory - yardly
So did I, but Mackenzie said something yesterday about their being a second deadline today. I’d try to find it, but his Twitter timeline is full of #crazyhockeydad stuff now so it would take forever.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
“There”, not “their”. Good thing I don’t have to grade essays anymore!
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s a 48 hour period, and everyone has to clear waivers, which takes 24 hours.
This is where a witty signature might go.
This is where a witty signature might go on drugs.
by Bower Power on Jun 18, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I pulled up some statistics on what we might be able to expect from Reimer next year
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
birky really should’ve linked that. Maybe in like the second link or something. birky’s a dick for not linking that.
This is where a witty signature might go.
This is where a witty signature might go on drugs.
by Bower Power on Jun 18, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Giant dick. Happened after that radioactive accident in Ottawa.
Pension Plan Puppets
I hope YouTube comes down to film this.
by birky on Jun 18, 2011 11:09 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
so that's why they call you "dick"
Y'all Heard About Me, You Just Didn't Know It was Me
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 18, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
repeatedly. and he appears to be charging like a bull…
Charter member - Grabbo Lover's Union, Local 84
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 18, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Do not speak ill of Suge Knight.
"You said you didn't give a f#%k about hockey. And I never saw someone say that before..."
Good call, I don’t want to be hung by my ankles from a hotel balcony like Vanilla Ice.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sounding more and more like Marc Savard’s career is over at this point:
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/bruins/post/_/id/6929/savard-speaks-it-was-a-weird-feeling
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
Whoa, that article does NOT sound promising for Savvy.
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator) CERTIFIED GRABBO LOVER
ON TWITTER: warwalker
Umm, guys, I guess you didn’t hear, but Burke has bigger fish to fry right now, like that trade for Stamkos that’s going down on Tuesday.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone want to set the over under for the number of times “kicking the tires” is mentioned in relation to Burke’s draft day trade talk?
Bitter Leaf Fan: Skepticism, not cynicism.
my bet is he wears black shoes so the scuffs don’t show
Y'all Heard About Me, You Just Didn't Know It was Me
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 18, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I know that’s the reason why I wear dress shoes while playing NHL11.
My Adidas shell toes would be a deep charcoal from my attempts to trade Komisarek.
In NHL 11 Komisarek plays on my top defensive pair and throws amazing body checks all the time. It reminds me how good the Leafs defence might be if Komisarek actually played up to the level of his contract.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
So the Preds and Devils have elected for arbitration with Weber and Parise to prevent other teams from trying to offer-sheet them. On the other hand, the Lightning and the Kings both chose not to seek arbitration. What do you guys think, does that mean that those teams are willing to match virtually any offer those players get, or that they’re close enough to having a contract in place that they’re not worried about it? Or something else entirely? I can’t remember two RFAs that big being unsigned by July 1 any time recently.
Also, I’ve got to say that I’m still worried about another team, especially the Oilers, offer-sheeting Schenn for something crazy like $5 million per year if we don’t get him signed by July 1.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
Does Schenn have to agree to the offer sheet?
Popped a Colboner - Certified Joe Colborne Fanboy
03/08/2011 - I saw THE Wookie score his 1st NHL goal.
03/19/2011 - Watched Kadri's 1st NHL goal from the West Bank
Twitter me this.
by happiergilmore on Jun 18, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
As far as I know yes. I bet his agent and the NHLPA would pressure him to sign it though.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Jun 18, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Schenn will just look Fehr in the eyes and plant ocular embryos inside him
Popped a Colboner - Certified Joe Colborne Fanboy
03/08/2011 - I saw THE Wookie score his 1st NHL goal.
03/19/2011 - Watched Kadri's 1st NHL goal from the West Bank
Twitter me this.
by happiergilmore on Jun 18, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes he does
That being said, I wouldn’t ever rely on an RFA’s “loyalty”. If you’re offered an insane contract to a team that might be a contender, you probably take it.
Crazy would be NOT overanalyzing everything.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 18, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
that might be a contender
So Edmonton is out of the question…
Popped a Colboner - Certified Joe Colborne Fanboy
03/08/2011 - I saw THE Wookie score his 1st NHL goal.
03/19/2011 - Watched Kadri's 1st NHL goal from the West Bank
Twitter me this.
by happiergilmore on Jun 18, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If the Oilers offer sheet Schenn for 5million we take the picks and laugh our asses off next year when we draft Nail yakupov.
Doesn’t have to be the Oilers necessarily, and I would never count on a team finishing dead-last.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
A deal with a cap hit of $4.7 million per year would net us Edmonton’s 1st and 3rd rounders next year. If Edmonton moves out of the top 2-3 picks this year, which isn’t inconceivable, then the return for Schenn wouldn’t really be that great. If Edmonton offerred us next year’s 1st and 3rd in a trade for Schenn right now, would you take that? I wouldn’t.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure where the $4.7M number came from but $5M is first, second and third I believe. Also, you have account for being forced into a “bad contract” in this “trade”.
First, Second and Third round picks vs. Schenn on a bad contract – depends on your valuation for Schenn (I think I let him go at $5M). Even First and Third vs. Schenn at $4.7M a year; I’d have to think very hard on that one (I think I let him go).
He didn’t mention term which may also affect the decision.
President of the Emotional Hedging club.
24/02/2011: I was there when Brett Lebda scored.
Also, you have account for being forced into a "bad contract" in this "trade".
I am accounting for it, that’s why I’m saying I hope we get him locked up beforehand. I don’t want to see a situation where we’re forced to choose between an over-paid Schenn or a package of picks that probably won’t yield good value.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
the Lightning and the Kings both chose not to seek arbitration. What do you guys think, does that mean that those teams are willing to match virtually any offer those players get, or that they’re close enough to having a contract in place that they’re not worried about it? Or something else entirely?
Fairly sure Stamkos and Doughty aren’t eligible for arbitration, so that option wasn’t made available IIRC.
Crazy would be NOT overanalyzing everything.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 18, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahh. Makes sense. I definitely expect one or both of them to get offer-sheeted if they aren’t signed before free agency opens up. I’ll bet there are GMs readying contracts as we speak.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I looked it up, if a player signed their first contract before they were 20, they’re eligible for arbitration after 4 seasons, and Stamkos and Doughty have both played 3. Since an ELC is 3 years, presumably that rule is to prevent players from going to arbitration until at least their 3rd contract.
I'm on Twitter too! - draglikepull
by Draglikepull on Jun 18, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
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