Nonis using depth to go shopping....

[CarltonTheBear]

Unreal. The worst thing about this is unless this guy just stops on his own he'll always have idiots following him.

 

[bustaheims]

Unreal. The worst thing about this is unless this guy just stops on his own he'll always have idiots following him.

I think the funniest part of all of this is that he actually believes he can have an impact in the Leafs' dressing room.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Unreal. The worst thing about this is unless this guy just stops on his own he'll always have idiots following him.

I think the funniest part of all of this is that he actually believes he can have an impact in the Leafs' dressing room.

Well, he did single-handily get Prince Fielder to sign with Detroit.

 

[Zee]

Unreal. The worst thing about this is unless this guy just stops on his own he'll always have idiots following him.

I think the funniest part of all of this is that he actually believes he can have an impact in the Leafs' dressing room.

Well, he did single-handily get Prince Fielder to sign with Detroit.

;D

Legend in his own mind.

 

[groundskeeper willie]

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 thoughts:

22.Mentioned last week that there was some interest in Korbinian Holzer, a Toronto defenceman playing for the AHL's Marlies. Afterwards, heard one of the reasons the Maple Leafs are trying to move an NHL defenceman is to make room for Holzer on the big club.

23. Wasn't hugely surprised to hear the Maple Leafs may consider dealing Mikhail Grabovski. (They are listening to pitches). He's a UFA and Toronto may see a contract issue. Was very surprised to hear they were listening to talk about Nikolai Kulemin. He's an RFA having a down year, but I really like his game. Is the poor season just a blip, or a really bad omen?

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2012/01/thomas-white-house-snub-all-star-game-30-thoughts.html

 

[drummond]

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 thoughts:

22.Mentioned last week that there was some interest in Korbinian Holzer, a Toronto defenceman playing for the AHL's Marlies. Afterwards, heard one of the reasons the Maple Leafs are trying to move an NHL defenceman is to make room for Holzer on the big club.

23. Wasn't hugely surprised to hear the Maple Leafs may consider dealing Mikhail Grabovski. (They are listening to pitches). He's a UFA and Toronto may see a contract issue. Was very surprised to hear they were listening to talk about Nikolai Kulemin. He's an RFA having a down year, but I really like his game. Is the poor season just a blip, or a really bad omen?

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2012/01/thomas-white-house-snub-all-star-game-30-thoughts.html

The Holzer thing is interresting

As far as Grabbo and Kuli I would be very hesitatnt to move Kulemin and in some extent Grabbo too.

 

[Champ Kind]

In case anyone is still questioning whether or not incarceratedbob is a fraud, he pretty much outed himself as one last night, after flipping his lid over the officiating in last night's Leafs-Isles game (he's a fish sticks fan, apparently). At least, according to some of the more, umm, interesting quotes poster by some of those of at HFBoards, he did.

Some highlights:

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
Go #HABSGO **** YOU LEAFS! Now you will see what happens when you get on my bad side.. Watch what happens 2the locker room courtesy of #IBN

Which, of course, was followed by:

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
**NHL BLOCKBUSTER RUMOR**Source: Leafs have offered Schenn / Grabo / Kadri / Komi for Nash & another player... CBJ thinking it over

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
If CBJ takes the deal *NOTE* Burke has already worked it out with Komi waiving NTC : Leafs hoping it goes through after break

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
**PROPOSED TRADE ALERT** Kadri / Schenn / Grabo / Komi (Will waive NTC) for Rick Nash + Top 9fwd #CBJ Still mulling over offer #HOTRUMOR

And, then:

Incarcerated Bob @incarceratedbob
Post that on you're #LAME ass team forum.. I got #Umad huh wait until i post the RUMORS about the "SEXUAL ASSAULT" #NHL Player #TMLTALK

Good heavens, this is abnormal.

 

[bustaheims]

As far as Grabbo and Kuli I would be very hesitatnt to move Kulemin and in some extent Grabbo too.

I would as well, though, it comes down to what's coming back and what they're looking for contract-wise for next season. Burke admitted yesterday on Prime Time Sports (I think) that he had opened up contract negotiations with Grabovski earlier in the season and couldn't come to an agreement, so, that could be a sign that he's looking for more money than the Leafs can/are willing to pay him.

 

[Corn Flake]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

Nash or Carter.  Probably both (not to one team) since Carter really has not had any impact on the team at all.

Would they dare let Howsen make those trades though?  I mean really, how could you tell your fanbase you still believe in this guy?  Feels more like draft day deals and not rushed mid-season, unless they get some insane offer (ignoring Crazy Bob's crazy talk) they can't refuse.

Nash would get them two top young players + something, Carter one top young player + something.  Yeah maybe that is your re-re-rebuild start right there.

Man. What a mess.

 

[bustaheims]

Howson is fighting for his job right now, so, for him to agree to a trade involving Nash or Carter, it would have to be an absolute homerun for the Jackets - especially for Nash, since he's the face of the franchise. I really don't see the Leafs getting seriously involved in trade talks for either because of that - the price on both is going to be silly, and we know Burke wasn't interested in the price Carter went for this summer. Add that to the fact that Dreger says the Leafs aren't discussing him, and, I'd say, if any deal goes down with Columbus, it will be of a much less impactful variety.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I would as well, though, it comes down to what's coming back and what they're looking for contract-wise for next season. Burke admitted yesterday on Prime Time Sports (I think) that he had opened up contract negotiations with Grabovski earlier in the season and couldn't come to an agreement, so, that could be a sign that he's looking for more money than the Leafs can/are willing to pay him.

I listened to it, and it is Prime Time Sports. The feel I get from that is that he'll trade him, but not for the 2nd rounder that he mentioned, it seems it would have to be one heck of a deal for him to trade the player. I hope I'm right on that, because I think Grabbo is an important part of this team and taking a 2nd for him just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I think it's worth trying to sign him later in the season, or in the summer. The Leafs have enough assets that they don't have to worry too much about not getting something back for him, he's more important to us than what will probably come back for a rental, which he essentially is.

 

[bustaheims]

I listened to it, and it is Prime Time Sports. The feel I get from that is that he'll trade him, but not for the 2nd rounder that he mentioned, it seems it would have to be one heck of a deal for him to trade the player. I hope I'm right on that, because I think Grabbo is an important part of this team and taking a 2nd for him just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I think it's worth trying to sign him later in the season, or in the summer. The Leafs have enough assets that they don't have to worry too much about not getting something back for him, he's more important to us than what will probably come back for a rental, which he essentially is.

Yeah, he's not going to be dealt for the sake of making a deal. Either Burke's going to get an offer for him that's more than just fair value or he'll be moved to try to recoup some assets that were used to make another deal or as part of a big deal (and, not as a throw in, despite what Doug MacLean wants us to believe). He's not a lock to be traded, but he's certainly what I'd classify as available.

 

[Corn Flake]

I listened to it, and it is Prime Time Sports. The feel I get from that is that he'll trade him, but not for the 2nd rounder that he mentioned, it seems it would have to be one heck of a deal for him to trade the player. I hope I'm right on that, because I think Grabbo is an important part of this team and taking a 2nd for him just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I think it's worth trying to sign him later in the season, or in the summer. The Leafs have enough assets that they don't have to worry too much about not getting something back for him, he's more important to us than what will probably come back for a rental, which he essentially is.

Yeah, he's not going to be dealt for the sake of making a deal. Either Burke's going to get an offer for him that's more than just fair value or he'll be moved to try to recoup some assets that were used to make another deal or as part of a big deal (and, not as a throw in, despite what Doug MacLean wants us to believe). He's not a lock to be traded, but he's certainly what I'd classify as available.

I think Grabbo gets moved in a Schenn+Grabbo+whatever for top end forward or he doesn't get moved at all.  To trade him on his own, like you said, it doesn't make a lot of sense. 

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

Yeah, he's not going to be dealt for the sake of making a deal. Either Burke's going to get an offer for him that's more than just fair value or he'll be moved to try to recoup some assets that were used to make another deal or as part of a big deal (and, not as a throw in, despite what Doug MacLean wants us to believe). He's not a lock to be traded, but he's certainly what I'd classify as available.

Yeah, I think there is reason to believe that Burke likes the guy and wants him to be part of things, or he wouldn't have tried to get a deal done earlier.

The Leafs are in a tough spot right now. We know they need certain pieces to make this team into a legitimate contender, but the pieces we need are hard to come by and cost a lot, not only dollars and cap space, but assets leaving the team also. It's hard because to make that deal, you're most likely giving up pieces that you would otherwise not trade, because then you have to replace those pieces.

The best case scenario would be for a youngster to bloom into that piece, but I don't think we have that time right now to wait for either Kadri or Colborne to become a top line center and a good one that will lead the forwards. If Burke could trade Connolly or Colborne as key assets in a deal for one, that would IMO, be optimal.

 

[Champ Kind]

I listened to it, and it is Prime Time Sports. The feel I get from that is that he'll trade him, but not for the 2nd rounder that he mentioned, it seems it would have to be one heck of a deal for him to trade the player. I hope I'm right on that, because I think Grabbo is an important part of this team and taking a 2nd for him just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I think it's worth trying to sign him later in the season, or in the summer. The Leafs have enough assets that they don't have to worry too much about not getting something back for him, he's more important to us than what will probably come back for a rental, which he essentially is.

Yeah, he's not going to be dealt for the sake of making a deal. Either Burke's going to get an offer for him that's more than just fair value or he'll be moved to try to recoup some assets that were used to make another deal or as part of a big deal (and, not as a throw in, despite what Doug MacLean wants us to believe). He's not a lock to be traded, but he's certainly what I'd classify as available.

I think Grabbo gets moved in a Schenn+Grabbo+whatever for top end forward or he doesn't get moved at all.  To trade him on his own, like you said, it doesn't make a lot of sense.

While I understand your point here, I have to disagree.  Presumably, the Leafs are intent on acquiring a top flight forward.  The teams looking to deal this type of p;ayer are more than likely floundering (Anaheim, Columbus, Carolina).  I just don't see these type of teams wanting or, better yet, valuing a rental player.  They would be interested in the Schenn, prospects, picks, etc. scenario, not a late 20's, UFA-to-be, 2'nd line centre.

Grobovski does have undeniable value, in my mind.  A second round pick?  Back away from the pipe.  Domenic Moore fetched a second round pick.  Grabovski is easily in the late first+ category in terms of return.

 

[ZBBM]

Eklund is a joke, but I will predict that IF the Leafs land a top-rank scorer it will be Rick Nash.  I think CBJ is poised for a complete top-to-bottom, start-over-again overhaul.

Nash or Carter.  Probably both (not to one team) since Carter really has not had any impact on the team at all.

Would they dare let Howsen make those trades though?  I mean really, how could you tell your fanbase you still believe in this guy?  Feels more like draft day deals and not rushed mid-season, unless they get some insane offer (ignoring Crazy Bob's crazy talk) they can't refuse.

Nash would get them two top young players + something, Carter one top young player + something.  Yeah maybe that is your re-re-rebuild start right there.

Man. What a mess.

Well, I never heard of this Incarcerated Bob asshat, and I posted my prediction independently of reading any of the rumor sites (which I don't read).  The reasons I think Burke will target / is targeting Nash are (1) he's a power forward, who, with the right linemates, could be among the leagues top scorers every year, and (2) he is a guy who would have killed to have been drafted by the Leafs.  I think if he came here he would be the next captain if Phaneuf is not re-signed. 

I remember when he was in his draft year and he was on that segment Cherry used to do with top Canadian prospects.  Everyone is asked who his favorite player is.  Nash is the only Canadian guy I ever heard who answered "Mats Sundin."

Nash bleeds blue & white.  His motivation would be off the charts in a Leafs uni.

Unfortunately it appears to me that Grabs is on his way out.  I could see Grabs + Gunnarsson + first + another pick for Nash.  Maybe Burke could do a little better.

Will any of this happen?  I'm predicting yes, but what do I know?

 

[Erndog]

I listened to it, and it is Prime Time Sports. The feel I get from that is that he'll trade him, but not for the 2nd rounder that he mentioned, it seems it would have to be one heck of a deal for him to trade the player. I hope I'm right on that, because I think Grabbo is an important part of this team and taking a 2nd for him just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I think it's worth trying to sign him later in the season, or in the summer. The Leafs have enough assets that they don't have to worry too much about not getting something back for him, he's more important to us than what will probably come back for a rental, which he essentially is.

Yeah, he's not going to be dealt for the sake of making a deal. Either Burke's going to get an offer for him that's more than just fair value or he'll be moved to try to recoup some assets that were used to make another deal or as part of a big deal (and, not as a throw in, despite what Doug MacLean wants us to believe). He's not a lock to be traded, but he's certainly what I'd classify as available.

I think Grabbo gets moved in a Schenn+Grabbo+whatever for top end forward or he doesn't get moved at all.  To trade him on his own, like you said, it doesn't make a lot of sense.

See, the problem I have with that is that if we are looking for a top end forward it's probably coming from a non-playoff team.  You don't see playoff teams deal first (or second) liners too often.

So how much value does a pending UFA have to a non-playoff team?  Not much.

The teams interested in Grabs are likely playoff teams.  They won't be trading a core piece.  They would look at the traditional UFA at the deadline deal which would be for a pick or prospect.  Something that the Leafs likely don't want.

Trading Grabs doesn't make much sense.

 

[Erndog]

Unfortunately it appears to me that Grabs is on his way out.  I could see Grabs + Gunnarsson + first + another pick for Nash.  Maybe Burke could do a little better.

Will any of this happen?  I'm predicting yes, but what do I know?

No offense, but I just don't understand how people view Grabs as "value" to a non-playoff team.

What happens on July 1st when Grabs bolts?  They basically gave Rick Nash, their star player, captain, fan favourite, City 'icon' away for.... nothing?

Sorry.  I don't see it.

Grabs is only valuable to a playoff team.  Unless of course he agrees to a contract extension mid season with a non-playoff team who he is not even currently a part of.  How often does that happen? 

 

[maplesyrup]

I really don't quite get the idea that Nash wouldn't be a fit because we already have Lupul and Kessel on the top line thing... I mean, assuming you keep Kessel and Lupul together (and the possibility exists you wouldn't) couldn't you feature Nash on a line that got pretty close to equal minutes? Heck, Nash with just about anyone else might be the first line. Point being, Nash is a guy you just fit into your line-up.... because he's um, Nash, right? Or, maybe I'm crazy.

 

[Erndog]

I really don't quite get the idea that Nash wouldn't be a fit because we already have Lupul and Kessel on the top line thing... I mean, assuming you keep Kessel and Lupul together (and the possibility exists you wouldn't) couldn't you feature Nash on a line that got pretty close to equal minutes? Heck, Nash with just about anyone else might be the first line. Point being, Nash is a guy you just fit into your line-up.... because he's um, Nash, right? Or, maybe I'm crazy.

I think it's obvious.

And who knows, the Lupul-Kessel well might run dry.  We've seen it first hand with Kule-Grabs-Mac. 

Nash is an obvious choice to throw up there with Phil.