Blues @ Leafs - Jan. 2nd, 7:00pm - CBC, TSN 1050

[bustaheims]

Well, he leads by example, and, has a high work ethic... I think we need a player, or two, like this around during our rebuild.  This is the type of player the young guns in Edmonton have not been exposed to IMHO.

As has been stated over and over again, these kind of role model types are available as UFAs every summer. They're easy to find.

And, the problem in Edmonton hasn't been that at all. They've brought in so-called "character" guys. The real issues in Edmonton are lack of depth, poor defensive talent, and awful goaltending - all of which comes from their poor drafting outside the 1st round, and the fact they haven't been able to add a lot of early picks. For a team that's been terrible, the fact that they've only been able to add a total of three picks in the first two rounds over the past eight drafts has been exceptionally unhelpful. That's something the Leafs need to avoid, and, an easy way to add picks in the early rounds of the draft is to take advantage of trading players like Komarov when their value is at their highest.

 

[2badknees]

I'm wondering at this point why Boyes is getting playing time ahead of guys like Leivo and Panik.

 

[Al14]

Well, he leads by example, and, has a high work ethic... I think we need a player, or two, like this around during our rebuild.  This is the type of player the young guns in Edmonton have not been exposed to IMHO.

As has been stated over and over again, these kind of role model types are available as UFAs every summer. They're easy to find.

And, the problem in Edmonton hasn't been that at all. They've brought in so-called "character" guys. The real issues in Edmonton are lack of depth, poor defensive talent, and awful goaltending - all of which comes from their poor drafting outside the 1st round, and the fact they haven't been able to add a lot of early picks. For a team that's been terrible, the fact that they've only been able to add a total of three picks in the first two rounds over the past eight drafts has been exceptionally unhelpful. That's something the Leafs need to avoid, and, an easy way to add picks in the early rounds of the draft is to take advantage of trading players like Komarov when their value is at their highest.

It's up to Shanahan, Lou and company to decide.  We'll see what their decision is. Nothing we say counts.

As for Edmonton, I'd put money on them doing far better with Komarov, instead of the UFA character guys they've brought in.  Again, JMHO. 

 

[ZBBM]

Jagr could always eliminate Scott by butt-checking him into the first row.

 

[2badknees]

One thing I've noticed with Komarov, is that for a "role" player, he has remarkable playmaking vision. I've seen some really impressive plays with the puck, going through to last year.

No doubt his shooting percentage isn't sustainable, and yes, he should likely be traded, but I think it isn't all that common to have a guy that can play up and down the lineup, and not look out of place.

 

[Kin]

Well, he leads by example, and, has a high work ethic... I think we need a player, or two, like this around during our rebuild.  This is the type of player the young guns in Edmonton have not been exposed to IMHO.

In what way is Andrew Ference not that sort of player?

 

[Al14]

Jagr could always eliminate Scott by butt-checking him into the first row.

Would Jagr have long to live after doing it though?  It's John friggen Scott!

 

[Al14]

Well, he leads by example, and, has a high work ethic... I think we need a player, or two, like this around during our rebuild.  This is the type of player the young guns in Edmonton have not been exposed to IMHO.

In what way is Andrew Ference not that sort of player?

Ference?  LOL

Ference going hard to the opposition's net takes him way out of position.  Doesn't have the speed to get back!

 

[Al14]

Holland scores!  As I expected.

 

[ZBBM]

But -- Kadri is a weakling compared to Stastny.  So that didn't really happen.

 

[2badknees]

Nice snipe. Easily replaced role player with the screen.

 

[ZBBM]

Sorry, but that WAS hot-dogging.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Sorry, but that WAS hot-dogging.

He was scoring on that type of move a lot a couple of seasons ago, but it's been ages since it worked.

 

[Kin]

Ference?  LOL

Ference going hard to the opposition's net takes him way out of position.  Doesn't have the speed to get back!

That's not an answer.

 

[ZBBM]

Sorry, but that WAS hot-dogging.

He was scoring on that type of move a lot a couple of seasons ago, but it's been ages since it worked.

Yeah, and in the other examples they showed after (none of them goals) he wasn't all alone in front like there.  A more conventional move would have been better IMO.

 

[Al14]

Ference?  LOL

Ference going hard to the opposition's net takes him way out of position.  Doesn't have the speed to get back!

That's not an answer.

How is it not an answer?  Ference can't show the young Edmonton forwards how to drive to the net, work hard, and, take abuse, in the prime scoring area!!!

 

[x.jr.benchwarmer]

Gardiner was starting the last two power plays which resulted in a goal and then a post  (and near goal) by Holland.  He brings so much more to the power play IMHO.

 

[Kin]

How is it not n answer?  Ference can't show the young Edmonton forwards how to drive to the net, work hard, and, take abuse, in the prime scoring area!!!

Ference isn't a forward. I asked what ways he's not a high work ethic player or doesn't lead by example.

 

[ZBBM]

The Good Bernier is here tonight.

 

[bustaheims]

How is it not an answer?  Ference can't show the young Edmonton forwards how to drive to the net, work hard, and, take abuse, in the prime scoring area!!!

No player can really do that. If players haven't learned to do those things by the time they get to the NHL, it's unlikely they ever will. These qualities are very much dependent on a player's personality. Some guys are willing to take a hit, some guys are not. Watching some of their teammates play a different style than they do isn't going to change that.