Churn, Churn, Churn: An Update on the Plan
Let’s get one thing straight: this year is a write-off. The rest of the games scheduled for the Maple Leafs are not happening, at least not in any meaningful sense. Instead, the events you will be watching on your large-screen TVs over the course of twenty-six evenings littered throughout the next two and a half months are best considered nought but a demonstration or experiment of sorts.
Brian Burke has opened up a chemistry lab; you better believe he’ll be looking at team chemistry very carefully for the rest of this year.
Last summer, I wrote an article for the Maple Leafs Annual that looked at where the Leafs were on the path to rebuilding. I argued that Burke would not be following the same path that teams like Washington, Pittsburgh and Chicago had before him. I argued that he couldn’t, for reasons related to the salary cap and the number of No Movement/No Trade clauses that the Leafs had to deal with. I suggested that Burke’s first halting steps toward building a competitive club down the road were an effort to simply add assets to the team in a non-destructive manner. Last summer, youth and economical talent were added to the mix via free agency where they could be acquired without compromising cap or roster flexibility; I suggested that what we were seeing was but the first step in an iterative process by which Leafs management would identify a sort of cohort of youthful talent around which their plans for the future would revolve. I suggested that the process was unlikely to be overly reliant on the draft and that what we were likely to see was a repetitive churning of the roster over a period of two to three years.
Today, Burke and the Leafs completed two trades that represent a significant overhaul of the roster. Six regulars (Stajan, Hagman, White, Mayers, Toskala and Blake) move on to other destinations. It is expected that the players coming to the Leafs will occupy three roster spots in the immediate future – Giguere, Phaneuf and Sjostrom – with prospect defenseman Keith Aulie set to report to the Marlies. These trades represent a churning of the roster in an effort to find that quixotic blend of players with just the right mix of offense, defense, goaltending, leadership and team cohesion. The occasion seems proper for at least a preliminary assessment of where we are now along the path to success.
For the reasons set out below, I think it’s safe to assume that a positive step has been taken towards contending, a positive step that is consistent with the big picture plan. It has to be stressed, though, that this is but a station stop on the way to respectability. These are moves that had to be made, but they do not represent an end or destination point.
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Goal – The Plan: In my article in the Annual, I suggested that this season represented a wait-and-see type of test for the Leafs’ goaltenders. Going in to the season, the Leafs were dealing with two unknown quantities: whether Gustavsson could make the transition from a Swedish Elitserien standout to an NHL regular, and whether a surgically repaired Vesa Toskala could regain any credibility as an NHL-calibre puckstopper. I think it was obvious that Toskala’s role was a limited one; after last season’s horror show, I doubt whether many truly foresaw the enigmatic Finn assuming a leading role on any competitive Leaf team in the years to come. Instead, it seemed clear that the plan was for a surgically repaired Toskala to hopefully bounce back enough to carry the majority of the workload in goal, at least for long enough to give Burke and Wilson the opportunity to pick their spots, working The Monster into games in carefully controlled situations. Gustavsson had to get enough work to permit them to evaluate whether they had found a long-term solution in net, but not too much to derail his development or jeopardize the competitive viability of the team. The idea was to get through the season (and a year of Vesa’s contract) and then determine whether it was necessary to continue looking elsewhere for our starting goalkeeper.
Goal – Update on The Plan: Well, we all know how that worked out. For starters, every Tom, Dick and Gianni from Woodbridge is now intimately familiar with what an “ablation” procedure is: Gustavsson’s year-long developmental audition was derailed almost from the very beginning by medical concerns and two lengthy stays in hospital. Alarmingly, however, “Gustavsson’s two heart surgeries” is not the answer to the question “What’s the worst thing that has happened in the Leafs’ net this year?” That fact alone ought to tell you how Toskala responded to the task set out for him. Whether he was injured, disinterested or just flat-out completely washed up, Toskala so vigorously and spectacularly shat the bed when called upon to play that he had officially entered the Andrew Raycroft zone: a sullen, baseball-cap wearing opener of doors. There were exceptions to the general rule: two wins against the Capitals, a December 9th game against the Islanders and a shutout performance against the Flyers are some occasions that come to mind. All too often, however, Toskala’s incompetence or inability was readily apparent to even the most casual observer. Burke says it was coincidence that the trade happened today, after Toskala and the Leafs surrendered a 3-0 lead to the Canucks in a sixty-minute monument to futility last night, but it is no coincidence that action at the goal position was taken before this year came to an end. Toskala’s struggles had forced Wilson and Burke into the position of designating the rookie Swede as their number one goaltender. That was bad news for a number of reasons, among them being the fact that Gustavsson has, for his own part, failed to impress. Having given up on Justin Pogge, however, and with little youthful help in net evidently available from their minor-league affiliate, the Leafs were about to get themselves in a bit of a bind when Jonas Gustavsson’s agent started to make unreasonable demands. The point is that it is still too soon to say one way or the other whether Gustavsson can do the job long-term; he’s shown flashes of brilliance at times, it’s true. He’s also struggled noticeably with at least two key aspects of his game: puck handling and (more troublingly) the tendency to aggressively over-commit to a shooter by moving laterally with such decisiveness that he is unable to recover to defend against cleverly disguised passes or fortuitous bounces. With those questions and issues surrounding his health still to be answered, Gustavsson nevertheless stood to come to the bargaining table in a relatively strong position as the only credible existing suitor for the job as Leafs’ starter.
By acquiring J.S. Giguere, Brian Burke has likely stabilized the Leafs in goal until next year’s trade deadline. Giguere, as a player who achieved his greatest successes under the instruction of Leafs’ goaltending coach Francois Allaire, will be called upon to carry the mail as and when required, and to mentor Gustavsson. Giguere carries an enormous contract and a sizeable ($6 Million) cap hit; his addition to the club reduces roster flexibility at the position somewhat, but (as we have seen), when it comes to challengers for the number one job, there is little reason to look beyond Gustavsson within the organization. A look at the list of pending RFA goaltenders this summer ought to be enough to convince you that no such challenge is coming from without either. The important point to remember in understanding today’s moves is that is unlikely that Giguere himself is seen as the final piece of the puzzle by Burke or Wilson. Giguere has himself struggled with poor play this season. The bottom line, however, is that he can’t be worse than Toskala and the Leafs won’t be competing for a Cup next year anyway, so it doesn’t matter if Jiggy is eating up cap and roster space in 2010-11. Rather, the expectations for him are much more modest: provide a limited upgrade over Toskala and pass along the wisdom of a Cup champion goaltender to the prospect. I would be absolutely shocked now if Gustavsson were not signed by the Leafs at the end of this year, likely to a deal that is modest in term (two years?) and quantum. The evaluation of Gustavsson can and will continue, and with Giguere available to put in minutes as required for the next year or so in either a leading or supporting capacity, the plan to watch, evaluate and continue to await the answer in goal will carry on. The unplanned development here is adding the additional year of big salary/cap hit for a goalie that probably won’t be around when the team truly competes.
Goal – Evaluation: Many in Toronto would consider it a success for Burke to get another GM’s signature on any trade of a living body for Vesa Toskala; any time that can be achieved without resort to extortion, hypnosis or outright fraud, you’d have to declare the transaction a success. The attractiveness of this trade is only enhanced by the cap and roster space relief it will provide the Leafs in 2012 by relieving the club of the aging and underachieving Jason Blake.
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Forward – The Plan: In August of last year, I wrote that:
[t]he odds are not good that Jason Blake, Matt Stajan, Lee Stempniak, and Jamal Mayers will all finish the season with the Leafs. It would not be surprising in the least if none of these four returned to the Leafs roster next year as Stajan, Stempniak and Mayers are all scheduled to become free agents and Jason Blake (who will be 36 in September) will be an expendable – and possibly marketable – piece of the puzzle at this year’s trade deadline…The bottom line is…that a great deal of churning may be expected to occur over the next two years or so, as players come into the organization via trade or free agency to replace failed prospects or aging players who are moved out.
Significant roster space at the forward position has rather obviously been created. Space has been cleared for the young prospects in the organization to challenge for everyday roles. Expect many of them to struggle in that regard. Keep in mind that this is part of the plan, or (perhaps more accurately) that it is planned for. The most obvious and immediate benefactors of these opportunities will be Jay Rosehill, Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg and Christian Hanson. Nazem Kadri may find his path to the bigs a little clearer come next season as well, though I personally believe that he ought to spend a full season in the AHL. There will be other forwards to come, to replace those among the present crop who prove unequal to the challenge, or who fail to provide the requisite chemistry (particularly as it relates to Phil Kessel’s linemates).
Forward – Update on the Plan: Burke is far from done at the forward position, you can bank on that. Of the forwards leaving the team, the only one who I felt had a chance to play a role on the Leaf team of the future was Nik Hagman, who represented scoring talent at an economical price. Significant turnover at the forward position was expected. Leaf fans should be glad that Burke seems to have managed to turn a number of rapidly expiring assets (Stajan, White and Mayers are all scheduled to become free agents at the end of the year) into other assets. Leaf fans should be overjoyed that Jason Blake’s contract, the salary cap equivalent of a pulmonary embolism, has been removed from the mix.
Forward – Evaluation: In the near term, the Maple Leafs will suffer at forward. The team has become significantly more inexperienced up front and almost laughably thin down the middle especially. The injured Mikhail Grabovski is probably the best of the remaining centres with any significant previous NHL experience prior to this season; beyond the diminutive pineapple-hating pivot, a badly regressing John Mitchell and a horribly incompetent Rickard Wallin are noticeably inferior to promising rookie Tyler Bozak. You don’t have to be the Amazing Carnac to see Burke’s attention turning to the centre ice position as the trade deadline approaches and the summer free agent season begins. Obviously, the group that’s listed on the roster right now will not all be around in two years’ time. Today’s moves fit the plan by clearing space for the moves of tomorrow; tomorrow’s moves will determine how much progress is made towards the ultimate goal.
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Defence – The Plan: I believed that Burke had likely addressed most of his concerns on defence last summer with the signing of Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek. It was pretty clear then that the plan was for a top four consisting of Komisarek, Beauchemin, Schenn and (provided he remained with the club) Kaberle. It would be left to the depth defencemen, guys like Ian White, Jeff Finger, Garnet Exelby, Mike van Ryn and Jonas Frogren to fight it out for minutes at the fifth and sixth position. Moves might be made at the margin, but the basic building blocks seemed carefully arranged, with the only major move likely relating to a trade of Tomas Kaberle. White, of course, ended up developing into one of the Leafs’ more consistent defenders this season, playing top four minutes at times while (at various times) Komisarek has battled injuries, Schenn has battled inconsistency and Exelby and Finger learned the path to and from the pressboxes of the league. Meanwhile, van Ryn (injury) and Frogren (assignment to the Marlies) have been non-factors, and Carl Gunnarson has emerged somewhat unexpectedly as a pleasant and apparently capable surprise.
Defence – Update on the Plan: Acquiring Dion Phaneuf really puts the cat among the pigeons on the blueline. The most obvious signal that may arise from this move is that Tomas Kaberle’s time as a Maple Leaf is coming to an end. It is difficult to believe that Burke would give up on either of his own free agent acquisitions, so Komisarek and Beauchemin must be presumed to be safe for the moment. Schenn’s combined youth and talent are an unbeatable combination in a salary cap league, likely meaning that he and the newcomer Phaneuf are at least targeted to play top four minutes. That likely leaves Kaberle on the outside of the top four looking in, if not at the trade deadline this year, certainly before next year’s deadline. For the moment, the plan may be to rely on Kaberle and Phaneuf to present a threat on the powerplay’s backline, demanding some attention from opposition penalty killers and hopefully opening up some space for Phil Kessel to get something done with the extra man. In that short term time horizon, Schenn may play third-pairing minutes while Burke searches for the right opportunity to move Kaberle and clear a spot. In the long term, however, unless Burke determines that either Beauchemin or Komisarek is expendable, Kaberle’s days in the Blue and White seem numbered.
Defence – Evaluation: I am a little surprised that so major a move involving the defence was made so soon after last summer’s upgrades. That having been said, it occurs to me that this is the sort of deal that is full of potential for the Leafs. If Phaneuf can regain even some of the promise he showed early in his career, at age 24 he is potentially a long-term cornerstone on defence. Likely all that remains at this point is the shuffling of the extra pieces; something will have to be done about Jeff Finger and his enormous contract. Garnet Exelby will be shuffled out and Mike van Ryn won’t be re-signed; any return for Exelby will be a bonus. The move is consistent with the plan; youth and talent have been acquired (admittedly at the expense of some salary cap flexibility). My gut feeling is that Burke was somewhat surprised that this deal was there to be made; he got an (admittedly struggling) but potentially franchise-calibre defenceman with offensive skills in exchange for a second-line scorer (Hagman), and the rental of Matt Stajan, Ian White and Jamal Mayers. This trade has the potential to cost Darryl Sutter his job if Phaneuf reverses his course.
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Overall Assessment: These moves are generally consistent with the long-term plan. Some roster and salary cap flexibility for next season have been sacrificed, but it seems clear that the Leafs do not expect to seriously contend for a championship next year. That may be the single most important thing to remember when evaluating these moves; it’s not about this year or even next. It’s about setting the table for what comes after that.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:46 pm
BeLeafer wrote:
Not to mention, and I don’t think anyone mentioned this, but Phaneuf is A YEAR YOUNGER than White.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Charlie wrote:
Oops.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Ron Guillet wrote:
Coach no, watch and learn yes.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Teach Kaberle to win face-offs. He would make a good Centerman. He’s an awesome passer and would be defensively responsible.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@ Charlie:
Hes Ok Charlie haha, I would not have ripped on ya anyways lol
February 1st, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Charlie wrote:
so what’s reasonable then? $8-9mil? 7-8 years? I’m sure a lot of teams can afford him at that price.
Toronto only comes into play if Kaberle and Finger are axed and the contract is $10mil+….otherwise, more competeive teams will come knocking with visions of a Stanley Cup…soemthing we’re about 3-4 years away from
February 1st, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Christian Hanson has been called up from the Marlies
February 1st, 2010 at 1:53 pm
paso wrote:
You can apply the “wonder why he was available” comment to EVERYBODY who gets traded!! Calgary needed help up front and they were deep on defense. So they did the obvious, they got solid short term offensive help and had to trade away a solid dman. Hey, I wonder if Gretzky was an issue… I mean, he WAS traded. Gotta wonder why he was available.
My two cents on the return is that Toronto was the only team able to part with offense. Every other team can’t afford to part with their offense, as they’re in the playoff hunt. We don’t have that issue.
Giguere is anything but an issue!!!! A guy from Anaheim was on the radio and mentioned that. So I don’t know where you’re getting that from.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:55 pm
the_cause2000 wrote:
That’s my point!!! A lot of teams will want him and he will choose the Leafs. Hence my guarantee…. you’re finally catching on.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Interesting Blog : http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/?p=10691
February 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Let me clarify my Kovalchuk guarantee:
If Kovalchuk hits free agency, he WILL be a Leaf.
The only two things that will stop that is:
1) If he hates Toronto for some reason
2) If his demands are crazy. As in, league maximum crazy.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:58 pm
The Captain wrote:
.
.
Nonis just said on The Fan 590 that The Leafs can not make a roster move to move a player up from the Marlies until after 5pm when the trade is amde official. Having said that he said he expects a player or two to be called up
February 1st, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Charlie wrote:
.
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I would love this to be true, problem is it will be for the league max or there abouts. He will get 10 yrs at 10 mil per.
.
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So he will not be a Leaf, though I still hope
February 1st, 2010 at 2:00 pm
The Captain wrote:
Works for me…Hell, put Dion on his wing as the new Wendel.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:01 pm
@charlie-so sutter decided to give up on a 24 yr old supposed elite d man instead of any one of his other assets to acquire scoring? it’s like the kessel deal-if a 22 yr old 36 goal scorer is so rare why did Chiarelli give up on him? I actually support this trade unlike the Kessel deal but shit man, please I understand your excitement but try to analyze objectively.
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Giguere is not known as the easiest guy to get along with-however, in form he is a great tender.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pm
The 2pm sports update on The Fan 590 says NOBODY called up yet. But somebody will. I bet the Marlie players are all hoping its them
February 1st, 2010 at 2:04 pm
paso wrote:
.
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You mean “was” and we hope can be again. Here’s to hoping he gets it back on track.
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Do remember Giguere is a short term fill in. He finishes the year and plays next but will be gone after that as we get cap relief for UFA spending
February 1st, 2010 at 2:07 pm
The King wrote:
If that was his contract, I wold be very happy that Burke says no.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
paso wrote:
Where do you hear this about Giggy?!
Again, apply all those questions towards every player traded! Sometimes players are available for whatever reason and it doesn’t mean there is something fishy to it.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:09 pm
@ Flavor:
it’s 6 Mill for Giggy next year. you totally don’t understand this move do you??
February 1st, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I still think Kovalchuck will go to LA and then sign there. But hopefully Im wrong and we can get and finally have a legit superstar and also one of the most consistent players in the NHL
February 1st, 2010 at 2:10 pm
@ The Captain:
Its funny you say that. The one time I ever remember him taking a faceoff (5 on 3 situation and the forward was thrown out) he won it ridiculously easily haha.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Hanson’s been playing some center again in the A so look for him to gets some time there tomorrow.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Charlie wrote:
I’m with you, Kovalchuk should not be making anymore then Crosby, so if we could get him around there or maybe a lil bit higher then Crosby I’d go for it other then that, I would pass, How ever if that price was the case, every team would try to sign him (who don’t have cap problems), and I bet he would have re-signed, but never know he could want out of Atl, but playing it off like they just can’t afford him, only time will tell.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
SeanTML wrote:
Rumour is that Burke is trying to sell his rights to Basille but Jim cant afford him and a new team too!
February 1st, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Interesting talk on Hockeycentral. They have a Sportsnet guy from Calgary and he’s saying the reason Phaneuf was traded is because Sutter HAD to do something to shake it up and besides for Iginla, Phaneuf is the only one with value. He is the only one other teams wanted.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@ 2 Minutes for Looking so Guru:
exactly, every person only expected minimal returns for Hagman, Stajan and White (maybe a couple 2nd’s and a prospect) but look what we got instead.., Highway robbery!!!…
and too boot Mayers is gone, so are vesa and Blake who we thought we would get nothing for ….
Burke will build up this forward group at the deadline and at the draft/ Free agency .. Book it!!@ BeLeafer:
February 1st, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Defenceman Jeff Finger played left wing in Monday’s practice but he was just holding a spot for Christian Hanson, who is expected to be promoted from the Toronto Marlies farm team in time for Tuesday’s game. Hanson was given the day off because the Marlies just finished playing three games in three nights.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I still can’t believe we got Phaneuf not and Aulie, I’m so pumped for tomorrows game though, as I’m sure all of you guys are to!!
February 1st, 2010 at 2:32 pm
I no that Burke won’t trade Komisarek but his signing should be in regret of Burke and management, his money could be used on a top line forward. If Komisarek was moved and Finger is placed in the minors, suddenly you save your self 8 million very quickly.
Kaberle – Phaneuf
Beauchemen – Schenn
Gunnarson – Aulie
PP:
Kaberle – Phaneuf
Gunnarson – Beauchemen
February 1st, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I was just looking at some UFA’s for 2011 and Patrice Bergeron looks like he could be a good center for kessel….I know he has a history of injuries but the guys only 24 after all, he could still develop into a really good play maker. Perhaps his history could warrant a cheaper contract? If I was BB i would at least kick the tires on this guy.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
@ LeafsRyan.:
Great looking PP tandems on the back end. Up front hopefully Special K can play the entire two minutes.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Pearcey88 wrote:
He is already a good playmaker. Anyone that makes Team Canada is worth a look, IMO.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Kesler and the Canucks are ending talks until after the season. He’s an RFA, but it would sure be nice to get him.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
LeafsRyan – I think almost all players are available if its the right deal. Your comments make sense. I know he brought Komi in and doubt he would be afraid to move him. I think Komi’s contract would make it tough to move him.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Charlie, BB – Gilles relations arent great. Can you sense another Kessel situation? We cant give up more picks
February 1st, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Andrew R wrote:
“I am really surprised people are critical of this move.. we basically traded a bunch of spare parts for Phaneuf… White and Hagman are the only worthwhile pieces and White is a top4 guy on a contender and Hagman is a top6-top9 guy on a contender.. Phaneuf is a top pairing guy on any team and hasnt even come close to hitting his prime yet, while still leading in 5-6 key categories for D since coming into the league.. this is a heist.. I am been very critical of many of Burkes moves (and rightfully so) – but, you have to give the man credit here.. he pulled off a miracle..”
Andrew. It’s not very often you post something I can agree with, but apart from the “(and rightfully so)” part, you’ve done it here. Finally. Just a bit of advice though. It’s probably a good idea to keep the Toskala Quandary on the back burner for a while. LOL
February 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
What these two trades have taught is is that we are not going to know something is happening until after it has happened. There were no leaks whatsoever, even all the major hockey insiders had no idea this was going on. That really tells me Burke is truly focused on maximizing the teams development from here through the draft day dealings and then throughout the summer.
It also makes me not even wanna bother speculating on trades or reading the rumour sites because they have no idea what is going on behind closed doors. The confidentiality of this deal was superior and contributed to a far better deal than would be done if there were leaks and crap.
Well done Burke and Sutter. Youre both professional winners here.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Kinger wrote:
Whoever signs Kovalchuk won’t have a 10 million dollar cap hit. Likely, it will be similar to the Hossa deal excpet more money. Hossa has a cap hit near the 5.2 million dollar range. Excpet Kovy’s cap hit to be around 7 million which is pretty affordable for what he brings. His salary for the first few seasons will be 10 million, maybe a bit more though.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:09 pm
The King wrote:
No, not for picks. I was thinking more along the lines of Kaberle.
The thing is, their need for defense is now because of three significant injuries, not next year.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:10 pm
kaz wrote:
If that were the case, my guarantee applies. (Again, unless he has something against living here)
February 1st, 2010 at 3:17 pm
@Charlie
Kessler is one of my fave players..that would be sweet
I still think that if you package Grabs, Poni along with Kabs, could snag a couple good players who are equal to the same cap hit…for some reason this comes to mind…
TOR trades
Grabs-26yrs old–GP42/G7/A18/P25– 2.75M
Poni-29yrs old–GP56/G19/A20/P39–2.50M, (UFA)
Kabs-31yrs old–GP56/G5/A38/P43–4.25M
Cap hit-9.5M
to Dallas for
B.Richards-29yrs old–GP53/G15/A44/P59– 7.8M
B.Morrow-31yrs–GP50/G14/A15/P29– 4.1M
2nd round pick
cap hit-11.9
We get an instant first line C and LW to play with Kessel, captain material in Morrow, and both are only 30ish and have some good years left in them. We also recoup a pick for taking on such a big contract.
Dallas, on the other hand, gets a real good puck mover in Kabs, get a relatively young player in Grabs who has some upside, and Poni who actually is younger than Morrow and has better numbers, this year anyway, and they also trim 2.4 million of the books, almost 5M if they don’t resign Poni.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Next trade finger for Rostislav Olesz. IMHO not lol
February 1st, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Pazuzu wrote:
Call me crazy, but I’d be pretty close to pulling that trigger.
Richards would be excellent as #1 centre. And Morrow is an absolute beast! The very definition of a power forward, plus his leadership qualities are excellent. Poni is a UFA, Grabo could be an odd man out if Kadri and Bozak pass him and Kaberle, well we need him to get forwards.
I like it a lot.
Question is, does Dallas 1) trade away their captain and 2) trade away their top scorer.
I’m not sure they do.
February 1st, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Charlie wrote:
Right. I get what you said, but you’re wrong.
If Toronto is trying to compete with 15 other teams to sign Kovalchuk at a reasonable price, and the majority of them are contenders, your guarantee makes little sense. Why would he pick Toronto over a better team also in a large market?
Toronto’s ace in the hole is cap space, and the only way they can get Kovalchuk, other than dumb luck, is to overpay and outbid every team for his services.
Being condescending doesnt validate your hollow gaurantee
February 1st, 2010 at 7:41 pm
the_cause2000 wrote:
No shit it’s a hollow guarantee. What the hell else can it be. I don’t work for MLSE or Kovalchuk, nor do I have naked pictures of them mounting Burkie’s son. It’s a personal prediction/guarantee. So get over it.
And my point is, he WILL choose Toronto even with other teams bidding for him. That is part of the guarantee.
I’m not trying to be condescending, but holy hell I have never experienced someone trying so desperately to find fault in a prediction I have.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:08 pm
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