2020-2021 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion
- Thread starter herman
- Start date
bustaheims
Active member
L K said:
Typically, the cutoff date on that would be July 1st, but, obviously, nothing is typical these days. Either way, I don't think he showed enough in his brief stint that I'd want to bring him back, regardless.
Yeah I really liked the idea of Clifford when we originally acquired him, but he really didn't do much as a Leaf. Obviously there's a big caveat that he didn't have much regular season time with us and then anyone could have been off during the return to play time. But I would have liked to see him throw his body around a little more in the playoffs.
I've been watching some Islanders game and I definitely see the value that their 4th line brings. But I feel like if you only have 1 guy on that line who can play that style like the Leafs tried with Martin or now Clifford it almost negates that value that they can bring.
I've been watching some Islanders game and I definitely see the value that their 4th line brings. But I feel like if you only have 1 guy on that line who can play that style like the Leafs tried with Martin or now Clifford it almost negates that value that they can bring.
dappleganger
Active member
CarltonTheBear said:
The Leafs shouldn't even dress a 4th line. Build a third line around Nylander at center. Play each line 20 minutes a night.
Play with 8 Defensemen and an extra forward.
We could have a guy like Marincin exclusively play the penalty kill every night.
Hot takes.
Dappleganger said:
That might be a tad unlikely, but I do hope the Leafs experiment more with a 11F/7D format. I've been saying that since they signed Tavares. The Lightning have had a lot of success with it in these playoffs.
Guilt Trip
Active member
I don't see the Leafs signing Clifford to change that 3rd pick to a 2nd. He didn't bring enough. Dubas is probably going to wait to see who becomes available with the Covid internal team caps first but if nothing comes from that I think the Leafs will go after Simmonds, if the price is right, and re-sign Spezza for the 4th line.
Guilt Trip
Active member
I would agree and think the Leafs should go this route also. Would rather see Matthews, JT, Marner, Kerfoot alternate on the 4th line before Goat.CarltonTheBear said:
bustaheims
Active member
Guilt Trip said:
Agreed. I think we're going to see a lot more guys signing cheaper 1 or 2 year deals this offseason, because the the cap implications of the pandemic. There are always Clifford types who sign cheap in free agency, but, this off-season, I suspect we'll see some higher quality bottom 6 types also signing on the cheap.
herman
Well-known member
Dappleganger said:
This sounds fun!
Jack Han has been pushing a 2 Front/3 Back configuration inspired by soccer
https://twitter.com/JhanHky/status/1303690152884269057
It is something Tampa already sort of does, and Keefe's high C sort of emulates.
https://twitter.com/JhanHky/status/1304586797645787136
Matthews-Nylander / Rielly-Dermott-Rosen or budgetBarrie
Tavares-Marner / Muzzin-Lehtonen-Holl
Kerfoot-Hyman / Sandin-Hollowell-Liljegren
Engvall, Johnsson, Rodrigues
bustaheims said:
This year's UFA class is just so weak that I'm not even sure the guys who do struggle to find teams will be anything to really write home about though. Like aside from the veterans at the end of their careers that I've talked about the only other player who really jumps out from the list is Jesper Fast.
Maybe we'll see some interesting RFAs who don't get qualifying offers though.
bustaheims
Active member
CarltonTheBear said:
It's not a spectacular group, but there are a few interesting depth type pieces that might be available on the cheaper side upfront: Craig Smith, Zemgus Girgensons, Tomas Nosek, Trevor Lewis, etc. No game changers, obviously, but some quality 3rd and 4th line options that are somewhat responsible defensively, can bring a bit more of a physical edge to the team, etc.
Guilt Trip
Active member
This is a def possibility. They've already speculated that the Leafs won't qualify Rodrigues because it will cost too much towards the cap, and he has arb rights, even though they like him. I know nothing about him so I won't guess what he's actually worth.CarltonTheBear said:
Highlander
Active member
Rodrigues is worth about 2 million, but in todays Covid world well worth a 1 mill hit. Very tenacious, hard working player, like Hyman in some ways. And a T.O. boy so he will want to shine.
Guilt Trip
Active member
Let's see what the Leafs do with him.Highlander said:
