Sorry, folks, for tardiness. Okay, Leafs said to be in pursuit of John-Michael Liles from Colorado. Do you, as Leaf fan, want a playoff spot, even if it's for only one round? Let's fire this up.
I'm not at all certain I'd take Myers over Schenn in the NHL today. Different types of defensemen. But, how anyone could deem Luke a "draft mistake" with his development this season is beyond me.
He took the first one too defensively. I asked Brian if he had any conflicting thoughts about trading Kaberle, based on eight-point rise in standings the previous two weeks. There was no implication he should sell the farm for a quick playoff exit, yet I think he looked at it that way. I have trumped the "Kaberle needs a change of scenery" notion for three years. So, I sure wasn't against the deal Brian made for him with Boston.
Not sure a GM can add "too much money" on blueline, providing players perform to expectation. Unfortunately for Mike Komisarek, that hasn't happened, and it seems to have soured many Leaf fans on adding more cap committment on defense. But, Liles is three years younger than Kaberle; probably hasn't yet been influenced by a constant losing environment, and would be a good addition to Leafs, who will have the cap room to accommodate him.
They just started on Tuesday, but they'll have to move along quickly if you take Burke for his word. He said if the negotiations are not showing promise by the weekend, he'll listen to offers for MacArthur. But, I don't believe the two sides are that far apart. An extension will get done.
One is an apple, the other an orange.
How about not rushing Colborne into the NHL for no other reason than "looking" at him. Seems like he will gain lots of confidence with scoring touch in the AHL. Leave him there and assess him again at training camp in September.
I'll be part of our coverage on Monday, yes.
I agree with you, but more in the long run. Right now, Burke needs some facsimile of Kaberle on the back end... not a physical fcsimile, by any means, but a guy that can move the puck a bit. Liles can do that. The centre Burke is looking for probably wn't be available by Monday. If Joe Nieuwendyk is serious about putting Brad Richards up for trade, Leafs will have to look at it, but not sure what they could offer at this point. Other teams are more deep at NHL and minor-league levels.
Score more goals. Win more games. Easy.
Miss you too, Mats. Can I hit you up for a loan? I'll even take Euros. And, no, I think Nieuwendyk would be looking for something fairly established in return for Richards, given the Stars are having a good season and will almost certainly make the playoffs. If I'm a betting man, I say Richards is going nowhere 'til at least July 1.
Sorry, PK. Watching you on the tube.
No last laugh. Andrew will be back on our airwaves soon. He's a good man.
When have I EVER been a defender of Phil Kessel? Yes, the guy can score, but I spoke out against the dealing of two first-round picks the night the trade with Boston was made.
Whichever way it could possibly happen, my view is the team, the players and the fans would derive so much value from even one round of playoff experience, it would be worth a bit of a sacrifice. I think we know Burke will not do anything stupid for that shot. But, if it comes via the current squad continuing to prosper, the entire city will be turned upside down. Most young people don't remember the last playoff appearance almost seven years ago.
Theoretically, no. But, Schenn is virtually untouchable and there's no way Burke could unload the contracts of Phaneuf or Kessel. So, stop worrying.
Doubt it. Kessel for Brayden Schenn? Might help the Kings right now, but Dean Lombardi would eventually be strung to a tree.
Look at how the Devils are playing now... perhaps hottest team ever in one stretch (16-1-2). Add Parise to this group and it becomes even better. If I'm Lou Lamoriello and have made the best move of any team in the NHL this season (replacing John MacLean with Jacques Lemaire), I'm counting the hours until Parise is healthy again, not thinking about unloading him. The guy is a stud.
Gunnarsson has been steady and that's all we can really expect of him. He'll never be spectacular at any element of the game, yet I believe Burke could include him in a trade and receive value back. If Phaneuf, Schenn, Aulie and Komo are all playing to potential, you will have no further concerns about their similarities. Trust me.
Burke has already sworn he will not sell the farm for an established defender. That includes Liles.
No. I think his groin decides, then Ron Wilson.
Keep all three and keep 'em together on a line.
Why are so many folks willing to throw away Kadri. This has been the Leafs' problem for decades: failure to patiently develop good prospects. Nazem may have been the best junior player on earth last season, given all parts of his game. But, the leap from junior to the AHL is big, and the leap from AHL to NHL is enormous. GIVE THE KID MORE TIME. He'll be okay, I promise you.
