Armchair GM 2018-2019

[Phileas Fogg]

So now that you've got Tavares in the fold do you maybe get real aggressive about going out and getting a defenseman?

I'm not sure who's available but I think you could still keep the big 3, excuse me, big 4 and put together some pretty attractive packages by skimming maybe a little bit of depth/offense off the top.

Say...a 1st, Brown, Grundstrom and Zaitsev? Or even be open to the moving of Liljegren?

I think the leafs have really now established declaring their window of contention as of this season with Tavares and the expiring entry level deals. So it would make sense to see a trade at this point for the back end, particularly due to the lack of FA options.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

So now that you've got Tavares in the fold do you maybe get real aggressive about going out and getting a defenseman?

I'm not sure who's available but I think you could still keep the big 3, excuse me, big 4 and put together some pretty attractive packages by skimming maybe a little bit of depth/offense off the top.

Say...a 1st, Brown, Grundstrom and Zaitsev? Or even be open to the moving of Liljegren?

Yeah I think we have to be prepared to trade guys we wouldn't have wanted to a day ago. That includes all the guys you mentioned plus even a Kapanen.

 

[Frank E]

How about Karlsson?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

How about Karlsson?

I think that book has closed.

 

[Kin]

How about Karlsson?

Yeah, I think Melnyk would probably be even more receptive to that now. He's always been clear about wanting to help the Leafs win a cup.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Might be an unpopular opinion, but I'd also still like to see a bit of size added to the wing.

With JVR/Komorov/Polak and Martin (assumed) no longer in the lineup, I wouldn't mind a bigger body out there along the boards, as long as he can keep up. Another hyman type.

 

[Frank E]

How about Karlsson?

Yeah, I think Melnyk would probably be even more receptive to that now. He's always been clear about wanting to help the Leafs win a cup.

I honestly think that Melnyk would do it if the deal was good enough...you?d have to take Ryan.

 

[Kin]

I honestly think that Melnyk would do it if the deal was good enough...you?d have to take Ryan.

I think in this context "if the deal was good enough" would almost certainly start with Marner or Nylander and, quite frankly, I'm not sure Nylander would do it.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I honestly think that Melnyk would do it if the deal was good enough...you?d have to take Ryan.

I think in this context "if the deal was good enough" would almost certainly start with Marner or Nylander and, quite frankly, I'm not sure Nylander would do it.

Yeah, If I was Nylander, I wouldn't report to the Sens after the trade either.

:-*

 

[Kin]

Might be an unpopular opinion, but I'd also still like to see a bit of size added to the wing.

With JVR/Komorov/Polak and Martin (assumed) no longer in the lineup, I wouldn't mind a bigger body out there along the boards, as long as he can keep up. Another hyman type.

Maroon on a short term?

 

[herman]

With our complement of forwards, I think a cadre of mobile puck retrievers with good skating will be more than fine. Upgrade a Marlie or two and dump the slow.

 

[Bates]

Please no.

Might be an unpopular opinion, but I'd also still like to see a bit of size added to the wing.

With JVR/Komorov/Polak and Martin (assumed) no longer in the lineup, I wouldn't mind a bigger body out there along the boards, as long as he can keep up. Another hyman type.

Maroon on a short term?

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/billius27/status/1013492707434655746

If you?re still thinking, but what about Boston/Tampa... JT solves it. Now check out my hook while DJ Smith revolves it.

 

[Kin]

With our complement of forwards, I think a cadre of mobile puck retrievers with good skating will be more than fine. Upgrade a Marlie or two and dump the slow.

I still think you can make upgrades. Especially if you can maybe find someone who might be easier to fit under the cap long term than Gardiner might be after next year.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

With our complement of forwards, I think a cadre of mobile puck retrievers with good skating will be more than fine. Upgrade a Marlie or two and dump the slow.

Fair enough, that's the modern hockey take. That said, the marlies that Dubas built weren't exactly devoid of size and physical play - so I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I'm certainly not advocating going full clarkson as an overreaction to the boston series, but a well rounded team not a bad thing -as long as speed isn't compromised, no?

 

[Phileas Fogg]

If you?re still thinking, but what about Boston/Tampa... JT solves it. Now check out my hook while DJ Smith revolves it.

winner

 

[herman]

With our complement of forwards, I think a cadre of mobile puck retrievers with good skating will be more than fine. Upgrade a Marlie or two and dump the slow.

I still think you can make upgrades. Especially if you can maybe find someone who might be easier to fit under the cap long term than Gardiner might be after next year.

I don?t disagree that upgrades should be made whenever they are possible, but I definitely mean we don?t need to be desperately shopping for defensemen the way it?s been generally characterized these two years. Like there is no need to part with Nylander. Brown or Kapanen, sure. Hyman even. In other words, no thanks to breaking the bank for Tanev because I?m pretty happy with Holl/Carrick too.

I think you hold onto your centre and RHD prospects a little closer due to value, but freely move one if it brings in a needle mover.

Fair enough, that's the modern hockey take. That said, the marlies that Dubas built weren't exactly devoid of size and physical play - so I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I'm certainly not advocating going full clarkson as an overreaction to the boston series, but a well rounded team not a bad thing -as long as speed isn't compromised, no?

Size is traditionally conflated with defensive (and general hockey) effectiveness. I?m not saying it doesn?t help: longer and taller players can be stronger in full extension so it is an obvious advantage.

Speed and shifty skating and smart passing breaks down a strength advantage pretty quickly as strength is almost meaningless away from the puck. Yeah it?d be great to get some balance in the play styles and body types back there, but Polak was specifically there for strength and hard mashing and basically it resulted in the other team having the puck all the time.

 

[Kin]

I don?t disagree that upgrades should be made whenever they are possible, but I definitely mean we don?t need to be desperately shopping for defensemen the way it?s been generally characterized these two years. Like there is no need to part with Nylander. Brown or Kapanen, sure. Hyman even. In other words, no thanks to breaking the bank for Tanev because I?m pretty happy with Holl/Carrick too.

I agree re: Nylander but I do think they should really be looking to maximize the next couple of years and their shot at things. Not so much because of a window closing but just because of a sense of fearing the unknown.

So desperate? No. Aggressive? Yes.

 

[herman]

I don?t disagree that upgrades should be made whenever they are possible, but I definitely mean we don?t need to be desperately shopping for defensemen the way it?s been generally characterized these two years. Like there is no need to part with Nylander. Brown or Kapanen, sure. Hyman even. In other words, no thanks to breaking the bank for Tanev because I?m pretty happy with Holl/Carrick too.

I agree re: Nylander but I do think they should really be looking to maximize the next couple of years and their shot at things. Not so much because of a window closing but just because of a sense of fearing the unknown.

So desperate? No. Aggressive? Yes.

Yes that?s a good way to put it. I dont think we need a top flight minute eating 1RD, but if one is available for a reasonable price, it should happen. Our next 7 first rounders are trade down options anyway.

 

[rdowdall]

https://twitter.com/billius27/status/1013492707434655746

If you?re still thinking, but what about Boston/Tampa... JT solves it. Now check out my hook while DJ Smith revolves it.

That's hilarious.  I wanted to go with a "Good Vibrations" rendition as song by Auston Matthews.

"Johnny T's on my backup.  Defence free, so run the score up"