The Leo Komarov Question
- Thread starter Arn
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Kin
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Bates said:
The Leafs reported attendance this year is higher than it was last year. That suggests to me that the team built up some genuine excitement by starting to go in the right direction and that any "hit" the fanbase took was so temporary as to be inconsequential.
Besides, the team didn't collapse because of those trades.
I'm talking more of resale market for tickets. No collapse was not from trades but team was pretty close to unwatchable after the deadline. I think there will be a little more emphasis on entertainment value this season and trades will be a little more thought out as we are a lot further along on rebuild as opposed to same time last year. Another decent first round pick and a few potentials and we will continue to grow. Just trading half the team for picks every year is not a guarantee of success. Sometimes it's better to keep some players to aid in growth.
Nik the Trik said:
Kin
New member
Bates said:
Doing something twice does not constitute doing it every year. Additionally, trading away players at this year's deadline opens spots that can be filled by Marlies, something that would probably move the needle in the right direction in terms of what fans want to see.
All true and generally a good idea to get picks or prospects for expiring contracts who are not part of future plans. That's where Leo is different, he has years left and fits well here. I would still trade him for good return but would want him kept if offer is not good. 1st round pick sort of good or A level prospect.
Nik the Trik said:
Kin
New member
Bates said:
I think we broadly agree. How I'd phrase it is that if the Leafs only receive offers for Komarov that reflect a general opinion that his increased scoring this year isn't really indicative of any real growth on his part then trading him now might not make sense. If the offers they get value him as the 35 points in 104 games player he was before this season, you might as well keep him.
Where we disagree is that A) I think the above happening, of no GM looking at Komarov this year and overpaying, is almost so remote as to be not really worth entertaining(especially as, like you say, he's got term left and is therefore more valuable than a rental) and B) what the price point is at which trading him makes sense.
hockeyfan1
New member
Bates said:
Smart management includes smart risk & assessment. The management team the Leafs incorporate now exceeds any that we have had or seen before. Considering the decisions and choices made at last year's Entry Draft, including but not limited to player/personnel changes/additions, trades, eto. that we've seen take place up to now, we fans shouldn't cry over spilt milk, so to speak, even if a player we like (such as Komarov) can yield a good rate or two in return.
That is, even if the Leafs are lousy but (hopefully and eventually) improving.
There is hope for the near future and the excitement of that does not dampen my not watching any of the televised games whenever I can. If I could afford to attend the games, or if were a subscriber, my interest wouldn't wane a bit.
I'm certain that once the Leafs start resembling a contender, no one will be able to get enough of this team.
hockeyfan1
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Tigger said:
How 'bout the ladies? LittleHockeyFan, hockey_gal, AlmosGirl, and perhaps some others, where are you?
Kin
New member
2badknees said:
Sure, except that article says that viewing numbers were down virtually across the board. The late game on HNIC and the Sunday night game(which the Leafs never play) are both down sharply as well. If viewing numbers are down when the Leafs aren't playing it's hard to attribute the drop for the Leafs to any specific decisions they made.
2badknees
New member
Nik the Trik said:
I think there's more to it than that. The late game on HNIC generally draws carryover viewership from the previous game, and Shoalts goes into specifics on the other markets (McDavid injury, etc).
I really doubt that average fans are "genuinely excited" to the point where revenues haven't been affected. Perhaps its not evident directly in ticket sales, with a huge base of legacy season ticket holders, but fan interest is clearly down specifically in the toronto market. I've had constant offers for free tickets this year, and even on fan websites game day threads are pretty sparse.
Highlander said:
Merry Christmas to you and all. I am back on here , and will be popping back in here most days. I hope all is well with everyone.
Oh ya ... I like the road the Leafs are on, and can not wait to see how things go in the next year or two. I have been going to some London knights games and think we have a real gem in Mitch Mariner.
Nik the Trik said:
Living in BC, it's very rare this year for me to get the opportunity to watch the Leafs. From what I can tell, I have every channel available (except the NHL channel this year) but most of the games so far have been on TSN4 which doesn't seem to be available out here. Very frustrating. I don't remember it being this difficult to catch a Leaf game in the past.