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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Feb 9, 2007
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If I was Cliffy Boy here is what I would do.
First of I would bring back Sundin, I don't care about the cap right now, with the deletions I make later on the 7 million will be fesible. Sundin really helped Antropov develop last year, and with one more year of Sundin's tutalige I think Antropov can peak at about 65 points.
Second. Find a taker for McCabe's outrageous salary or buy him out. People are saying McCabe or Kubina, the choise for me is clear. Kubina, younger, smarter defensively, same offensive potential, and a minute muncher. Kubina has the shot to get Kaberle's feeds and pot McCabe like goals.
Third. Draft Kyle Beach, this kid is a playmaker who gets into the rough stuff and is a + player.
Fourth. Keep Mark Bell. Strange isn't it to hear that after this season, but he showed a bit late in the season and he could be a good checking line LW to go along with Moore and Devereaux. He has the potential to put up numbers, and we can't just have a checking line of brand new kids right away.
Five. Bring up Greg Gilbert to coach the club. He turned the Marlies around in a big way this year, and he knows all about Pogge and his tendencies, along with Kronwall, Tlusty, Earl and Williams, all of whom should be with the Big Club next year.
Six. Trade Raycroft if possible, if not, buy him out. He is still a good goalie and we have been way to hard on him, but its Toskala's team next year and Pogge should be our back-up next year.
Seven. Sign a guy like Brian Rolston to a 2 year, 8 million deal (NO NO-TRADE CLAUSE), a class act and a great center.
Eight, Trade Kyle Wellwood for a 4th or 5th round pick.
With all that Said, here's what the Leafs would look like next year.
LW
Blake
Ponikarovsky
Bell
Earl
C
Sundin
Rolston
Moore
Stajan
RW
Antropov
Tlusty
Devereaux
Williams
D
Kaberle
White
Kubina
Stralman
Kronwall
Colaiacovo
G
Toskala
Pogge
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 25, 2008
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I like your ideas dude. Not sure about the Rolston bit just because of the cap...would we be able to handle that?
Sundin is very important to re-sign in my opinion because if we're going to bring in a youth movement (which is really the only option here) they need leaders. Why not develop in the company of the best scorer in Leafs history?
I remember hearing rumblings on Islanders being interested in McCabe's contract for some bizzare reason...and I think he would want to go wherever he can to get away from the Toronto media. If we could trade him for a bag of pucks just to get rid of the cap hit that would be good. I like him and I think the T.O. fans are way too hard on him, but that salary has got to go. That no trade clause is another reminder of the Fergie days.
I'm not too draft educated this year, but I know it is deep, so the 7th pick isn't too shabby. I personally would like a stay at home d-man to develop, but in hockey drafts positional need isn't as important as just taking the best player available. Whoever that is I just hope it isn't a bust. We can't afford to have a pick that high be a waste.
I'm not sure what Mark Bell's price tag will be like, but if it's cheap I wouldn't mind having him as a checking line guy. Always nice to have some sand paper, especially when you have a stable of young guys on the roster like we should next year.
With Raycroft I feel the same as my bit on McCabe. Too much criticism, too much pressure, he needs a fresh start somewhere. I already said my bit on Rolston as well, and Wellwood was really a non-factor this year, so I wouldn't miss him. I really liked him last year on the PP, but he struggled this year. He may deserve another shot, but he needs to produce like he did on '06-07.
One positive to take from this train wreck of a season is we saw that there is some young guys who might be able to play. I really thought Stralman and Kronwall showed that they can play a bit at this level, which is encouraging. Williams and Tlusty both showed a bit of scoring touch so that was good. I think we have some solid young guys who can develop into 2nd and 3rd line guys to provide secondary scoring in Williams, Earl, and Tlusty. The future is looking brighter than it once did after seeing some of those guys look like they belong in the NHL this season.
Just one question. Where is Alex Steen?
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Feb 9, 2007
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Yikes.. how could I forget him... damnit.. i knew i missed someone. I guess either Earl or Williams gets bumped then, most likely Earl so he gets more seasoning
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 25, 2008
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Competition for the last couple roster spots is certainly not a bad thing. It's also good to have a guy in the A who can come up and belong when called upon. Keeps the 3rd and 4th liners on a short leash because they can be replaced at the drop of a hat.
Good thread. Lets hope management reads a takes a couple tips.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 10, 2006
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love the ideas ddriver. also love the analogy of the bag pf pucks from nyg-tml, LMAO! i would definitely like to see sundin return. other ideas also sound good, and not to hard to execute. about Brian Rolston, i think hed be a great signing just because minnys youth seems to be stepping up and they probably wont want to take on his salary again. also with rolston, it brings up the question about other free agents. i know iggy was coming up to free agency, but calgary signed him with good reason. so who else is out there? anyone know?
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 10, 2006
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well heres the link to a page that answers my question.
p.s. im liking Kristian Huselius, simply because hes been in the dog house recently and with iginla and kipper harnassing big time salaries next season, they will probably also want to keep Craig Conroy who is a older, but also more well rounded player. what do you guys think?
here is the link: http://hockeyworld.wordpress.com/2008-nhl-free-agents/
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 25, 2008
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Well if we're putting together a wish list I would put Ryan Malone on mine. I really like the way that guy plays. Too bad though, because he will almost certainly take a home-town discount in Pittsburgh. I could be wrong, but considering he grew up there and his dad was a Penguin, he will likely want to stay there.
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