Toronto Maple Leafs

**argolio** · 03-08-2016, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by ArgoRavi

I gave up on the Leafs two decades ago so I admire those of you who continue to stick it out. I cannot recall how often I have heard the words that the "future looks bright" for the Leafs over the decades though. I almost never agree with Don Cherry but he has often said that playing hard and winning or losing close in March and April when you are out the playoffs really means nothing and I am inclined to agree with him on that.

That Don Cherry quote is about how bad teams can win meaningless games late in the season because there is no pressure. And I bet that's just him thinking back to his coaching days and games he hated to lose. Only Don could hold a 40-year grudge against teams that sucked.

Doesn't even apply to the current Leafs since they're not winning much, they don't have much talent, and there will be massive turnover in the roster over the next few years.

**PullTogether73** · 03-08-2016, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by ArgoRavi

I gave up on the Leafs two decades ago so I admire those of you who continue to stick it out.

I gave up on the Leafs in 2002.
I used to bleed blue and white, but after missing the playoffs, raising ticket prices, and a Toronto Sun cover showing Darcy Tucker skating at the first day of training camp with the excited proclamation of "Look Who's Back!", I had enough.

A team that makes so much money for providing so little entertainment/excitement does not deserve my support.
And when OMERS, an investment institution, became a co-owner, I knew I had made the right decision.

**Will** · 03-11-2016, 09:25 AM

Soshnikov has been a bit of a revelation. The Maple Leafs have had 2-3 Russians come in that weren't drafted high and surprised such as Nikolai Borschevsky and Sergei Berezin. Also, Zach Hyman hasn't looked out of place.

**Will** · 03-20-2016, 11:46 AM

Several of the new kids have contributed. Nylander had a goal and an assist yesterday although for him it's been a bit of an adjustment, but at 19 that's understandable unless you are a "knock your socks" off prospect like McDavid. That defenceman they got from Washington has also chipped in with a couple of goals.

**1argoholic** · 03-22-2016, 09:41 AM

The Leafs can't even get tanking right as now they've started winning. I like the look of the young guys who are playing their hearts out. It would be nice to have the best shot at the next superstar in Austin Matthews.

Edmonton should have to give up their pick. What a gongshow that team has become.

I'm actually not switching the channels as much as this team is fun to watch.

**AngeloV** · 03-22-2016, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by 1argoholic

The Leafs can't even get tanking right as now they've started winning. I like the look of the young guys who are playing their hearts out. It would be nice to have the best shot at the next superstar in Austin Matthews.

Edmonton should have to give up their pick. What a gongshow that team has become.

I'm actually not switching the channels as much as this team is fun to watch.

There is no reason to totally tank anymore. Even the last place team has a slightly better chance of picking 4th than they do picking top 3 the way the new lottery system works.

**Will** · 03-22-2016, 12:04 PM

I would be upset if it were veterans all of a sudden picking up their play now that playoffs are no longer a possibility. But, several of the young players are the ones contributing to these victories.

Nylander, for example, has 2 G and 3 A in his last two games. I also believe that Zach Hymab had a goal and an assist as well.

**AngeloV** · 03-22-2016, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by argofan87

I would be upset if it were veterans all of a sudden picking up their play now that playoffs are no longer a possibility. But, several of the young players are the ones contributing to these victories.

Nylander, for example, has 2 G and 3 A in his last two games. I also believe that Zach Hymab had a goal and an assist as well.

Agreed. Gautier and Lievo have also looked very good since being called up the last couple of games.

**Will** · 03-26-2016, 04:32 PM

The Leafs have my permission to beat Boston.

**Will** · 04-10-2016, 04:49 PM

The Maple Leafs finished the season with a 29-42-11 record which, yes, means last overall in the National Hockey League. I think that Mike Babcock did a solid job considering the talent level he had on this team. There were stinker games to be sure, but I felt that the team played harder than they did in previous seasons. Nylander flashed some very nice potential when he was brought up as did Connor Brown and Zach Hyman. I like Morgan Rielly, but do think the team isn't as strong in defensive prospects and goaltending prospects.

**PullTogether73** · 04-11-2016, 07:17 AM

Now that the Leafs have cleaned house in terms of players, have finished dead last in the standings, and have seemingly put in place a plan to build from within, I think I will "buy low" in investing terms and follow them again as they start their second century next season.

I may have lost my mind with this decision though.

**R.J** · 04-13-2016, 12:55 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/maple-leafs-lock-u...deals-1.470894

Kadri and Reilly inked to new 6 year deals - $4.5 million annual hit for Kadri and $5 million per for Reilly. I think the Leafs made the right decision with Reilly, but not on Kadri. Not a fan of Kadri at all, and IMO is ridiculously overrated in this market.

**Golden Fleece** · 04-13-2016, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by SnowRogue

http://www.tsn.ca/maple-leafs-lock-u...deals-1.470894

Kadri and Reilly inked to new 6 year deals - $4.5 million annual hit for Kadri and $5 million per for Reilly. I think the Leafs made the right decision with Reilly, but not on Kadri. Not a fan of Kadri at all, and IMO is ridiculously overrated in this market.

I only saw Kadri live once this year so take the following for what it's worth, but he made a number of great tape to tape passes through traffic to guys standing in front of the net and none of them could finish. If he was feeding a sniper, it seemed like his playmaking ability would be talked about more.

**gilthethrill** · 04-13-2016, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by SnowRogue

http://www.tsn.ca/maple-leafs-lock-u...deals-1.470894

Kadri and Reilly inked to new 6 year deals - $4.5 million annual hit for Kadri and $5 million per for Reilly. I think the Leafs made the right decision with Reilly, but not on Kadri. Not a fan of Kadri at all, and IMO is ridiculously overrated in this market.

I don't follow NHL anymore, but Kadri is the team's leading point getter with around 60 points? Lots of NHL players getting over paid for mediocre performances.

**argolio** · 04-14-2016, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by gilthethrill

I don't follow NHL anymore, but Kadri is the team's leading point getter with around 60 points? Lots of NHL players getting over paid for mediocre performances.

He played on a bad team, concentrated more on improving his defensive game this season, usually played with mediocre linemates, and his shooting percentage was well under his career average. I don't really see him as being overpaid by NHL standards, and if the Leafs could find a taker for Phaneuf and his $7M contract, they should easily find one for Kadri if they ever want to unload him.

**jerrym** · 04-14-2016, 03:03 AM

I can remember all the Leaf Stanley Cups of the 1960s. The way things are going for the Leafs it is more likely I will be dead before they win their next one.

**PullTogether73** · 04-14-2016, 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by SnowRogue

http://www.tsn.ca/maple-leafs-lock-u...deals-1.470894

Kadri and Reilly inked to new 6 year deals - $4.5 million annual hit for Kadri and $5 million per for Reilly. I think the Leafs made the right decision with Reilly, but not on Kadri. Not a fan of Kadri at all, and IMO is ridiculously overrated in this market.

Mostly agree with the above.
My only dissension is that Kadri is not necessarily over-rated for his skill set.
But I don't like him because he's a bit of a nut job.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him traded before this contract runs out.

**R.J** · 04-14-2016, 03:01 PM

Most pro atheletes are overpaid, when I stated that Kadri was overrated I meant how often he's talked about and thought of as a potential top end talent, which IMO he's not even close - at best a mediocre 2nd line centre that can dangle. $4.5 million for his production nowadays seems to be the going rate, but the Leafs should trade him; he doesn't add much to the team IMO and Nylander has a lot more potential as a second line centre. If by some miracle the Leafs and not the Oilers land Matthews; it makes Kadri even more disposable.

**AngeloV** · 04-14-2016, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by SnowRogue

Most pro atheletes are overpaid, when I stated that Kadri was overrated I meant how often he's talked about and thought of as a potential top end talent, which IMO he's not even close - at best a mediocre 2nd line centre that can dangle. $4.5 million for his production nowadays seems to be the going rate, but the Leafs should trade him; he doesn't add much to the team IMO and Nylander has a lot more potential as a second line centre. If by some miracle the Leafs and not the Oilers land Matthews; it makes Kadri even more disposable.

If the Leafs were to somehow win the lottery, I would try and move the pick to Arizona and see if they can get Dylan Strome and Arizona's pick back.