The ScribbleLive website calls these weekly chats an "event". Last week's certainly was, as I found myself defending Brian Burke and Ron Wilson from everything short of murder. That's what happens when the Leafs are losing. But, with consecutive wins... four in the past six games, I'm sensing peace and love again in the land of the Blue & White. What's on your dreamy minds today?
Kaberle trade talk will be mostly silent until the March deadline. Then, if Leafs are on the outside once again, speculation will be over the top about whether No. 15 will waive his vaunted NMC to play the final month-and-a-bit of his contract (and playoffs) with a contending team. Make no mistake, the player is fully in control of this situation.
I don't sense there was abundant love for him in the dressing room when he was traded last January. His play had really tailed off from the season he was nominated for Norris Trophy. But, neither do I believe that's a factor in tonight's game. Phaneuf will be booed by the Calgary fans mostly because they felt disappointed in his lack of performance toward the end. As Dion has often mentioned, he didn't ask to be traded.
Haven't seen much negative Grabovski stuff lately, Rod. But, his career pattern suggests hard work and results are unsustainable. If he can put together a good season, with few lapses, he'll start getting the respect you wish.
You never know with Brian Burke. I can tell you that no one expected the roster detonation of last Jan. 31st, not because it wasn't warranted, but as a result of salary cap restrictions. So, let's wait and see. I wouldn't put big money on another blockbuster; how many are made these days before the deadline (or even AT the deadline). But, if Leafs fall into the gutter again, Burke won't be far from his phone, I guarantee you.
James, there is no such thing in hockey as a "glut of d-men", even in the cap universe. Injuries to blueliners are very common, and good teams have lots of depth at the position. First round picks are gold these days; I cannot imagine the Leafs having an asset they're willing to trade that would prompt a rival team to consider moving a first-rounder. Special teams are a bit of a wild-card. I'm not sure there's a guru out there that can make it all work. Leafs need scorers, and more size and depth at centre. That is what Burke will concentrate on in the summer.
If Brad Richards is available... and I think it's a BIG if, he'll test the free agent market in July, particularly given that he'll likely be the best player available on July 1. That being the case, he could command a Kovalchuk-type deal, and Burke has repeatedly said he'll stay away from such contracts. So, it depends how much he wants; how badly Burke wants him, and what Brian is able to procure between now and then.
No to the first question, and Richards (maybe) to the second one. Best centre-man right now with Marlies is probably Christian Hanson, and he hasn't distinguished himself in the NHL. Doesn't seem to have the physical drive to match his size. And, I'm not sure it's an element that can be instilled.
I've written and said many times, Rod, that the initial talks between MLSE and Burke almost certainly involved a desperate plea to begin generating lucrative playoff revenue as soon as humanly possible. I'd imagine Burke probably has a healthy bonus in his contract for getting Leafs to the playoffs at a certain time. But, I don't think his deal is contingent on a time-frame, nor do I believe he's getting badgered from above. At least not this week.
Nice interacting with you, as well. Your question, again, is contingent on the Leafs position in the standings in late-February. Though they've shown life the past 10 days, the hole they dug with the three-week winless skid in October/November will be very difficult to crawl out of. Even with the little spurt, Leafs remain eight points out of playoff territory in the East with four opponents in the way. If that doesn't improve substantially, I believe any veteran player with an expiring contract will be available at the deadline. If Giguere continues to play well -- and he's willing to waive his NTC -- he could be worth something of value.
You're saying Komo really helps them from the press box, huh? LOL. No, I think the return of Phaneuf and Armstrong has given Leafs more confidence and life. When you have those ingredients, all parts of the game are better. Sustaining it is the challenge for a team without roster depth up front.
Mikey, the Devils are run by Lou Lamoriello, who doesn't have a reputation for donating his talented assets. The cap world has made it more difficult for him, but he isn't rushing toward a fire sale -- at least, it doesn't appear so.
Ahead of Subban and even with Pietrangelo this season. How about you?
Not unless Brayden continues to have trouble making the Kings' roster, which is fairly deep at the forward position. L.A. won't give up on him too quickly. He's got many redeeming qualities and tons of potential.
Best Leaf so far has probably been Clarke MacArthur, given his measley salary, one-year deal, and early production. Biggest surprise, to me, is Kessel. I thought he had more of an ability and willingness to create scoring opportunities when they aren't being created FOR him. He'll still finish with a respectable goal total, but his situational scoring is virtually non-existent. When the team is struggling, it cannot turn to him to lead the way. In my opinion, that's why Boston was willing to trade him.
Might not be a bad pick-up for a team further ahead than Leafs, but he wouldn't likely have been waived if his stick was hot, right?
No, I didn't. But, I look forward to seeing it -- HBO does everything first rate. Did you catch it? What were your impressions?
The people in charge of the Leafs' stick budget are probably getting annoyed. I have mixed feelings. Jonas is so laid-back around us -- typical Swede (said endearingly, not critically) -- that I kind of enjoy watching him lose his marbles now and then. It shows a competitive desire, and a loathing for defeat. On many nights, I'd imagine there are fans wishing to do the same to their TV sets. But, it doesn't send much of a message to youngsters, does it? And, I therefore believe he's probably been asked by Ron Wilson to tone it down.
No, nothing has to give... not on the blueline. I'm mildly surprised Aulie has been sitting recently, as I felt he was making strides. His decisions with the puck are still suspect, however. But, I sensde he'll be a top-four guy in the not-too distant future.
Most of them are showing good signs in the AHL. But, that rarely transaltes automatically to the same performance level in the big league. Cupboard doesn't seem quite as bare anymore, I'll give you that.
Yes, Tom, Luke has been a very solid player this season, and has he ever matured off the ice. If the Phaneuf trade hadn't gone down, there's little question in my mind that the initial plan to put the 'C' on Schenn's jersey would have materialized before next season.
Absolutely no question.
Don't think Leafs are particularly interested in trading Beauchemin. He hasn't been stellar on the ice, but he's a solid pro that has great respect among his teammates. And, he helped Burke win a Cup in Anaheim. I'd be surprised if he's going anywhere, but that's more instinct than fact.
