Random Thoughts As The Leafs’ Buns Are Still Red Hot
* Justin Pogge got his “pants pulled down”, plain and simple. Considering he was playing his second NHL game, and his teammates were displaying their best Andy Wozniewski impersonations, I’d say he’s deserving of a mulligan. While a couple of the goals were stoppable, it begs the question if ANY goaltender could of garnered a solid performance with the abysmal performances that were displayed in front of the netminder last night.
* I’m just throwing this out there, but does anyone notice Lee Stempniak on the ice? I sometimes forget he’s on the team.
* Stajan has 0PTS in his last 6 games. This is a little concerning considering his production during the first half of the season, but it’s nothing to burn police cruisers over. A quick glance at the Leafs’ roster will prove that every player, in every position, has endured cold streaks. It’s part of the process of rebuilding, as the Leafs’ core consists largely (and will only continue to) of young players.
* After watching the Leafs’ dismal performance last night, I can’t help but wonder if Pogge should stay clear of the Leafs altogether this season. While easing him in with the occasional game sounds like a logical plan, the Leafs’ defense will play no part in this thing we call, “logic.” One could argue that more time in the AHL will only halt his progression, but I can’t help but think the Leafs will only shatter his confidence if he were to assume the goaltending duties for the Blue and White . I mean, as nice as it is to blame the defensive woes on Vesa Toskala’s struggles, yesterday was a clear indication that the Leafs’ defense are not capable of maintaining order in their own end – even Schenn was a walloping -4.
* While Ron Wilson’s comments are considered egocentric by many, even Don Cherry had to respect his comments towards his fallen goaltender last night. “Obviously the first goal was not very good but then we pulled down his pants,” Wilson said. “Our goaltending has not been good this year. This is an opportunity for Justin. He’s going to get more opportunities. He’s going to be a great NHL goalie.” That may not seem like a Hallmark moment, but for Wilson, this is an act of defending his goaltender and placing the blame almost squarely on his defenders, who, deservingly so, need a serious adjustment in their own end. Wilson said it best: “We don’t have enough guys who care about each other. We have a few guys who should look in the mirror and say: ‘I’m not trying hard enough in my own end. I’m cheating in order to get easy points.’”
* “Enjoy Michael Cammalleri the rest of the season, because on July 1, he’ll be a Toronto Maple Leaf, making almost as much money as Jarome Iginla” – Eric Francis, The Calgary Sun. A player like Cammalleri is exactly what this franchise needs. His speed and offensive prowess would be instantly recognized, and considering his age (26), how can you go wrong? 7 million per season seems a little excessive, but if Burke can lock him up anywhere around the 6 million vicinity, the Leafs will have possession of an integral piece to their rebuilding plan.
You stay classy, MLHS.
ronguillet@gmail.com
January 28th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Great tidbits of info, again it’s nice to see some credibility in the rumors this site discusses as opposed to Eklund. Eklund’s about a week off from stating this on his site, where your reporters here have already mentioned it, with the likelihood increasing on a daily basis.
I enjoyed the article, you stay classy too, Ron.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Pogge doesn’t need to come in and win and every game for the Leafs, thats not why they are letting him play. As long as he shows glimpses of being a solid goalie and plays well once returning to the Marlies then his stint with the Leafs will be successful. Next year Pogge will be the back up and will have to challenge for the starting spot, if he is able to be ‘good’ next year then Burke will no doubt trade Toskala. As for Cammalleri he is a great hockey player and has consistently put up points, he would be a great building block for this team but I’m not convinced he is worth more than 5 million, and is he the type of player Burke will want? Wouldn’t it be sweet though if the Leafs could land Cammalleri, Bouwmeester, Beauchemin, and not to mention whoever we draft in the first round. The thought is very exciting, the Leafs should be able to contend in another season.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
5 to 5.5 is where Cammalleri should ideally fall. I’d be hesitant to give up that much more cap space toward him, especially if Burke is as hot for Bouwmeester as the rumours suggest. He alone will ring in at 6 or 6.5. Of course, all of this is assuming Burke moves both Kaberle and Kubina … moving only one of them, and then signing the other two, would leave the cap a bit tight for bolstering the rest of the squad.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
According to NHL Numbers the Leafs cap is roughly 48 million. If Burke deals Kaberle, Poni, Kubina, and Antropov that clears 13,405,000 so the cap would total 34,595,000 that will leave almost 21 million in available cap space for next season. Any of the players who’s contracts are up next season won’t be asking for a lot because they are mostly role players other than Grabovski who will get a bit of a raise. Bouwemeester and Cammalleri’s salaries would equal roughly 12 million leaving a good chunk to either bring in another decent player via free agency or trade. Our cap situation would get even more interesting if Burke can get rid of Blake that would be a huge bonus for the Leafs. Free agency is becoming a lot more interesting as more and more young players are hitting the open market. Like I said it is going to be a defining off-season for the Leafs.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
If anyone has enough confidence to afford being brought down a peg it’s Pogge. Don’t worry about that cocky SOB, he’ll be fine. He played decently last night and while we can blame the D all day long in the end the goalie, if talented enough, will keep those pucks out. It wasn’t long ago that the Leafs had that kind of goaltending but it feels like forever ago. On every shot now I’m prepared for it to beat the ‘tender.
As for Camalleri… I’m not sold on him being a franchise player. He certainly had a lot of promise a few years back and this season he’s rebounding a bit but look who he’s playing with. I wouldn’t give more than $5 million over three.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
The D sure didn’t help him out….AT ALL!
January 28th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Camalleri is not worth anything more than 5mil
January 28th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Camalleri will be our Perry from Anaheim. Btw, any of you guys notice where’s Hollweg these days? LOL. We kinda got ripped with our 5th round draft pick.
January 28th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Cam is a stud. 4-6 mill for a 4-5 years would be fantastic. But knowing free agency and how many teams approach him we will be lucky to get him under 6.
Lets hope he and his agent does not pursue Hossa money (Hossa only has 2 more assists and 1 more goal in Stats and is a lock for 7+ mill).
January 28th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I agree, Persuasion.
Under 6mil would be a bargain by free agency standards…problem is, free agency standards are INSANE! (I somehow find JFJ responsible for all of this, bwhaha)
Still, the Leafs have the upper-hand considering Cammy wants to play here.
Whens the last time we signed a big name UFA? I say go for it, Burkie..even if it’s 6.5M….his contributions to the team will be VERY appreciated amongst Leafs Nation.
January 28th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Stajan hasn’t been the same since the freak eye injury.
January 28th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
The max i would give for Cam is 5.5 mil i just don’t see him being in that elite 6+ mil a season player. Is he as good as zets cause he just signed for 6mil
January 28th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Copied from my comment in Gus’ blog, which applies here:
Step 1) Acquire picks and prospects while disposing (such a hateful word..) of players like Poni, Antropov, Toskala, Kaberle, etc.
Step 2) Team would clearly not withstand a winning record, thus the chances of a top 5 pick (holding on to the current one they have, rather) increases.
Step 3) Sign Cammareli in the off-season (he’s 26!) and make him the main cog to the Leafs offense next season.
Step 4) Happy Dance of Joy and fist pumps all around!!!
And to Leafs_WinGP:
Soccer is responsible for all our problems…it messed up Stajan, and it’s a disgrace to sports! Yea, I said it!
*Doesn’t actually believe this, but lets bias do the talking anyway*
January 28th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Yes Damn Soccer Damn it to hell
January 28th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
As a proponent of the world’s game, you two are nearing a ban right now… not one more word.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Ron, I agree with your approach. Add signing Jay Bouwmeester to the list and you’ve got me sold. You know Burke will be looking to replace Kaberle, if he deals him. Cammalleri has played the wing a fair bit in his career, and could look mighty good on a line next to Grabovski. Try keeping up to those two on the ice!
January 28th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Cam is looking better and better. Thats 2 goals so far from him tonight.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Off topic question for you all how good do you think Hedman will be? And if the leafs are drafting second overall are they forced to pick him?
Also make that 3 for Cam
January 28th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I don’t know if Burke would draft him, I’m sick of all this comparison between him and Pronger. Pronger is a tough defenceman who hits and hits and gets points, Hedman gets points and is soft. He is a big guy, but won’t use his size to his advantage. Not to mention if he was hurt in the WJC and just played like a baby then I wouldn’t want him to be on my contending team, a guy like Pronger would play through and suck it up, and play his game regardless, Hedman looked terrible most of the time, and on occasion chipped in with some offence. I can see Burke moving down to pick up a guy like Schenn instead, wouldn’t bother me either.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
If Burke is lucky enough to get the 2nd overall pick, he’d be foolish not to draft Hedman IMO.
After watching him at WJC, I’m just drooling at the thought of him on our defense pairing. He does everything. Offense and defense. He’s quick, has vision, he’s just overall SOLID.
Tavares would be amazing, obviously, but Hedman is almost just as good considering the Leafs’ needs.
Imagine…just…..imagine….for one second:
Hedman – Schenn
Yowza!
January 28th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I don’t know whether the Leafs need offence more or defence. Right now, i think the Leafs need both. So an offensive draft pick or defensive? lol!
January 28th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Mizuno – That question is too mind boggling this late at night.
So let’s all agree on one simple answer:
The Ottawa Senators are complete and utter failures.
Oh, and you’re going DOOOWWNNNN red light Raycroft! :@
January 28th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
I wasn’t impressed by Hedman either. If the Leafs draft second overall and Tavares is gone, I’d be all for trading the 2nd pick for two first rounders as long as one is top 5. You really can’t go wrong this year anywhere between 3 and 8 most likely.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Brayden Schenn, he brings both defence and offence.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:34 am
Keep in mind Hedman’s only 18. It takes defencemen a while to develop, especially the bigger ones who might be less co-ordinated. Chara had a few terrible seasons with the Islanders when he first broke into the league.
Also, I loves me some Calamari but I don’t know if either him or Bouwmeester are the kind of guys you build a team around. They’re first-line players, but they aren’t centerpieces, if you get my meaning. We’d have to have another guy in the room, a real face-of-the-franchise, wears-the-C type player.
January 29th, 2009 at 8:50 am
betterforsome, I agree with you that neither Cammalleri nor Bouwmeester are franchise players. I think that they are much better players now then they will be in 3-4 years when we will be more competitive. Having said that if we can sign Cammalleri to a front-loaded contract around 5.5 cap (6+ to start and 4+ later) I would say go for it since trading would be much easier later on. Given that we have virtually no large contracts come July (assuming we get rid of Kubina and Kaberle and Blake’s will run out soon or bought out) we should sign quality players to long-term front-loaded contracts.
January 29th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I would draft Hedman before Tavares … without a doubt.
January 29th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Care to elaborate, Gus? I’ve always wondered if Tavares is really THAT good (for the Leafs’ needs) compared to Hedman. It wasn’t long ago Hedman was ranked ahead of Tavares, and considering the Leafs’ defensive woes (mega woes…rather), Hedman may fit the bill. Then again, the Leafs’ offensive skills are not exactly, in the words of Ron Burgundy, “Super duper!” quality.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Hedman displays skills that someone his size simply shouldn’t have .. he’s a more mobile Pronger, with a better set of offensive skills, better skating ability, better physical side, and smartness to find holes in the offensive zone that is comparable to a Mike Green. He’s a PP QB, has a good, hard low shot, takes direct routes to the net on offense, and cuts space just as adeptly when defending.
He’s the real deal, and this is just my preference.
Tavares is a great prospect, don’t get me wrong, but you build from the net out and Hedman is the best dman that has, and will, come along for a good while … you don’t pass up that kind of opportunity.
With him and Schenn on the blueline, the Leafs would smash any little flies buzzing around the net.
January 29th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Why not draft Tavares and Cowan, depending on what picks we have and where guys end up.
January 29th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Gus you couldn’t be more wrong about your comparison of Hedman to Pronger, more physical are you serious?
January 29th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Wook,
I respectfully disagree.
Typically, players perform at their best in their late-20s to early-30s. The so-called “prime” of their careers.
Cammalleri will turn 27 this summer. Bouwmeester will turn 26 in the fall.
Which means, in 3 years when this team has an honest shot at playoff success, these guys will be 30 and 29, respectively.
Or, as some would say, two veteran players who are smack dab in the middle of their prime.
Sounds pretty darn good to me.
(Although I will say, 3-4 years is far too pessimistic. Thanks to league-wide parity, this team has a good shot at being competitive in 2 years’ time. Next year, continue to rebuild. Year after that, playoff threat. It can and does happen that quickly, when parity is the endgame of the league.)
January 30th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Garrett,
You are certainly right. I guess I am not sold on the idea of shelling out a large portion of the cap for the long haul on these two players as I just cannot envision them as the leaders on a cup run. However, as you have pointed out, their best years are most likely in the near future. Just out of curiosity, do you think that Dany Heatley’s best years are yet to come?
I do hope that the Leafs will be competitive very soon, but in 2 years? I don’t know how parity applies here since the Leafs are so behind other clubs when it comes to both the current talent and prospect pools. I would argue that league-wide parity makes things more difficult for the Leafs to be competitive in a shorter time scale.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Ryan:
I should have qualified that .. pronger is a mean hitter, and physical in a punishing way. Hedman’s skating ability and agility puts his body in the way of incoming forwards .. he’s physical, using his body better than Pronger but misses his mean streak, which would really make him an all round player. It’s an offshoot of his skating ability and on-ice presence.
He does lack a mean streak, but that sometimes puts Pronger out of position looking for the big hit.
Clear s mud?
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