The Official 2011/2012 Armchair GM thread

[CarltonTheBear]

Earlier I stated that I didn't expect St. Louis to be shopping Stewart, and that I didn't agree that they would be all that interested in Schenn. Well, Andy Strickland posted some thoughts that obviously make me re-think that:

Stewart is an interesting player to look at. He?s shown he can score with back to back 28 goal seasons but it?s no secret things haven?t gone his way this year. At minimum he?s due a 10% raise off of his $3.25 million salary at the end of the season. Will GM Doug Armstrong and the Blues be willing to part with Stewart knowing it could come back to bite them down the road? The other danger is holding on and waiting for a player to reach a certain level. The Blues publicly stated they expected 35 goals from Stewart this season and at the time it sounded very realistic.

For the right price Stewart is available but it would really have to make sense for the Blues to pull the string here. I?m not a so sure moving this type of potential for a rental would make sense. A strong month from Stewart could easily squash any possibility of a trade. Unfortunately these are the decisions you have to make when you?re a budget team.

...

As an organization the Blues believe their biggest need is a top four D-man who can play the left side. The idea is to find an experienced, rugged defenseman who can take pressure off of Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo especially in the playoffs. Opposing teams will certainly target both of these young players and finding a D-man who fits this bill appears to be on top of the Blues list. Whether or not the player Armstrong is targeting becomes available remains to be seen. Everyone, including the Blues, had their eyes on Hurricanes D-man Tim Gleason who recently re-signed with Carolina.

Time to start trying Schenn on the left side Wilson!

 

[Mack674]

Im torn as well and I honestly feel as though Schenn is worth slightly more than JVR. I might just be partial to Schenn but I was never really THAT impressed with JVR that I would spend a great deal of time trying to acquire him.

I think there could be better options but its hard to say one way or the other so I guess it would be an even trade.

 

[Britishbulldog]

Earlier I stated that I didn't expect St. Louis to be shopping Stewart, and that I didn't agree that they would be all that interested in Schenn. Well, Andy Strickland posted some thoughts that obviously make me re-think that:

Stewart is an interesting player to look at. He?s shown he can score with back to back 28 goal seasons but it?s no secret things haven?t gone his way this year. At minimum he?s due a 10% raise off of his $3.25 million salary at the end of the season. Will GM Doug Armstrong and the Blues be willing to part with Stewart knowing it could come back to bite them down the road? The other danger is holding on and waiting for a player to reach a certain level. The Blues publicly stated they expected 35 goals from Stewart this season and at the time it sounded very realistic.

For the right price Stewart is available but it would really have to make sense for the Blues to pull the string here. I?m not a so sure moving this type of potential for a rental would make sense. A strong month from Stewart could easily squash any possibility of a trade. Unfortunately these are the decisions you have to make when you?re a budget team.

...

As an organization the Blues believe their biggest need is a top four D-man who can play the left side. The idea is to find an experienced, rugged defenseman who can take pressure off of Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo especially in the playoffs. Opposing teams will certainly target both of these young players and finding a D-man who fits this bill appears to be on top of the Blues list. Whether or not the player Armstrong is targeting becomes available remains to be seen. Everyone, including the Blues, had their eyes on Hurricanes D-man Tim Gleason who recently re-signed with Carolina.

Time to start trying Schenn on the left side Wilson!

CTB, you know how to bring a smile to my face.

 

[groundskeeper willie]

Earlier I stated that I didn't expect St. Louis to be shopping Stewart, and that I didn't agree that they would be all that interested in Schenn. Well, Andy Strickland posted some thoughts that obviously make me re-think that:

Stewart is an interesting player to look at. He?s shown he can score with back to back 28 goal seasons but it?s no secret things haven?t gone his way this year. At minimum he?s due a 10% raise off of his $3.25 million salary at the end of the season. Will GM Doug Armstrong and the Blues be willing to part with Stewart knowing it could come back to bite them down the road? The other danger is holding on and waiting for a player to reach a certain level. The Blues publicly stated they expected 35 goals from Stewart this season and at the time it sounded very realistic.

For the right price Stewart is available but it would really have to make sense for the Blues to pull the string here. I?m not a so sure moving this type of potential for a rental would make sense. A strong month from Stewart could easily squash any possibility of a trade. Unfortunately these are the decisions you have to make when you?re a budget team.

...

As an organization the Blues believe their biggest need is a top four D-man who can play the left side. The idea is to find an experienced, rugged defenseman who can take pressure off of Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo especially in the playoffs. Opposing teams will certainly target both of these young players and finding a D-man who fits this bill appears to be on top of the Blues list. Whether or not the player Armstrong is targeting becomes available remains to be seen. Everyone, including the Blues, had their eyes on Hurricanes D-man Tim Gleason who recently re-signed with Carolina.

Time to start trying Schenn on the left side Wilson!

CTB, you know how to bring a smile to my face.

Stewart would be very interesting, but I feel adding him would be like adding another Kulemin-level player, which, while very good, isn't the star player the Leafs are looking for.  He would be nice to have, but not if it means the end of the Ryan/Getlaf etc talk. Trading Schenn for him likely results in that though.

If Stewart could be had for Franson/Aulie and a pick or something then that would be worth looking at. I imagine St. Louis tries to hold out for a more established player than the Leafs could offer unless Schenn is involved.

 

[maplesyrup]

You know, how long ago was it when the feeling was we only had 1 legitimate top 6 forward? I mean there were still some questions about Grabovski and all we really were sure of was Kessel. Now that we've struck gold with Lupul and Grabovski has proven himself as a true #2 centre, we're discussing the possibility of bring in a 4th "real deal" top 6 forward now. - Seems this happened rather quickly. Just a little observation (as obvious as it may be) that I thought was a positive thing to share...

 

[Britishbulldog]

BY LANCE HORNBY TORONTO SUN
"Amid heightened speculation of what the Maple Leafs will do with Grabovski, their red-hot impending unrestricted free agent centre, Greenstin could be here to talk about the same kind of extension the Leafs gave defenceman John-Michael Liles last week."


Is Lance suggesting Grabovski going from a $2.9 MIL cap hit to a $3.875 MIL cap hit??

 

[Britishbulldog]

While I feel like I'm in the minority here, I still don't see a straight up Schenn for JvR swap being good for the Leafs.

Mack674 and I are also with you in that feeling.

 

[Zee]

You know, how long ago was it when the feeling was we only had 1 legitimate top 6 forward? I mean there were still some questions about Grabovski and all we really were sure of was Kessel. Now that we've struck gold with Lupul and Grabovski has proven himself as a true #2 centre, we're discussing the possibility of bring in a 4th "real deal" top 6 forward now. - Seems this happened rather quickly. Just a little observation (as obvious as it may be) that I thought was a positive thing to share...

Grabovski has just turned 28, I really hope last season and this season aren't him just "peaking" and then we'll never see this kind of play again.  If we re-sign him and he goes on to score 60-70 points for the next few seasons then fantastic, if he suddenly drops off to a 30-40 point guy we got hosed and should have dealt him when his value was highest.  I glad I'm not the GM, I wouldn't know what to do.

 

[Champ Kind]

You know, how long ago was it when the feeling was we only had 1 legitimate top 6 forward? I mean there were still some questions about Grabovski and all we really were sure of was Kessel. Now that we've struck gold with Lupul and Grabovski has proven himself as a true #2 centre, we're discussing the possibility of bring in a 4th "real deal" top 6 forward now. - Seems this happened rather quickly. Just a little observation (as obvious as it may be) that I thought was a positive thing to share...

Sarge, I'm going to do my best Nutman impersonation here and say I think the glass is even more full.  I think you can make a pretty darn good argument that McArthur is close to cementing himself as a legit lower half Top 6, and despite his offensive struggles this year I never doubt that Kulemin belongs on the second line.  Would Stewart bean upgrade on McArthur?  Sure, and I would love the Leafs to land him.  But I, too, can remember surveying the landscape 18 months ago and thinking there was just nothing there.  Now, there some substance.

As an aside, and further to Sarge's optimism, I want to bring up again what a great trade Grabovski has turned out to be.  For me, old Fletch redeemed himself with this one, making me forget the lopsided Steen / Cola deal with the Blues (for the player whose name escapes me, currently with Calgary).  I still have a bitter taste for Holweg, though 

 

[maplesyrup]

I just think the 3 guys I'm talking about wouldn't be out of place among some of the better teams top 6 on an individual basis.... I have a hard time saying the same of MacArthur.

 

[nutman]

Like I  said a while ago, the leafs have a lot of stars in the makeing. I believe I also said this team is way better then it was playing, well nothing has changed in those opinions. I think a #1 center would be all we need to go join the top groop of teams. and I will add I also said we will finish 5th or 6th, and I still stand by that.

 

[ZBBM]

Alright. Now lets hear your forecast for Schenn.

It's harder to find good statistical comparisons for defensive blueliners, but, I still think the Adam Foote comparison fits. Foote was a little shaky in his early years as well, but, he didn't contribute quite as much offensively as Schenn has so far (though, the difference isn't drastic and, like with JvR and Fedotenko, can be largely attributed to their era). Foote was heavy-hitting, shot-blocking guy, much like Schenn is, who didn't necessarily skate all that well and took some time to learn to make the proper adjustments.

I agree with this.  Schenn isn't there yet -- he hasn't become the "Lockdown" of my dreams -- but he's still very young.  He makes some really bad decisions with the puck, and sometimes irritates the hell out of me by giving away the puck along the boards, but I think every franchise needs a D-man like Foote to build around.  Personally, I think Schenn, Gunnar, and mayeb Gardiner are the core of the Leafs defense going forward into what I hope will be a period of playoff appearances and, hopefully, some runs at the Cup.

I just wish Schenn had even one iota of offense in him ... he seems to get a lot of glorious scoring chances.  Of course, that could be because opponents let him have them, knowing he can't cash in.

 

[bustaheims]

I just wish Schenn had even one iota of offense in him ... he seems to get a lot of glorious scoring chances.  Of course, that could be because opponents let him have them, knowing he can't cash in.

While I don't think he'll ever become a major offensive producer, he's not as offensively bereft as people like to make him out to be. His 22 points last season placed him in a tie for 76th in the league, which, while not spectacular, is still solid 2nd pairing defenceman production - especially considering how little PP time he gets - and he's on pace to equal that mark this season.

 

[lamajama]

I hope they do everything they can (read: pay him) to keep Grabbo.

Pound for pound I doubt anyone on the team works harder - and he's a great #2 center. We just need the #1 center and Bozak drops to a #3.
Connolly is a bust in his slot unfortunately - but that's why Burke did the smart thing with only a 2 year deal and he may even get moved on his
last year (my opinion only). A place for Joe C. is what may throw everything loopy - but I have a hard time thinking Joe C could replace Grabbo for at least a few years.

 

[AvroArrow]

I just wish Schenn had even one iota of offense in him ... he seems to get a lot of glorious scoring chances.  Of course, that could be because opponents let him have them, knowing he can't cash in.

While I don't think he'll ever become a major offensive producer, he's not as offensively bereft as people like to make him out to be. His 22 points last season placed him in a tie for 76th in the league, which, while not spectacular, is still solid 2nd pairing defenceman production - especially considering how little PP time he gets - and he's on pace to equal that mark this season.

Honestly, all I see is, "Schenn has 0 offense, none, zip, zilch..."  20-25 points is nothing to sneeze at from a defensive dman.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

I just wish Schenn had even one iota of offense in him ... he seems to get a lot of glorious scoring chances.  Of course, that could be because opponents let him have them, knowing he can't cash in.

While I don't think he'll ever become a major offensive producer, he's not as offensively bereft as people like to make him out to be. His 22 points last season placed him in a tie for 76th in the league, which, while not spectacular, is still solid 2nd pairing defenceman production - especially considering how little PP time he gets - and he's on pace to equal that mark this season.

Honestly, all I see is, "Schenn has 0 offense, none, zip, zilch..."  20-25 points is nothing to sneeze at from a defensive dman.

Schenn will definitely throw down some assists (and the odd goal), but watching him the other night against the Pens (first game?).  He skated in on the right side of the slot with lots of time right in front of the net and square to the target, pulled the puck just to the outside and fired it 2 feet wide of the net.  Not sure if anyone will remember the play I'm talking about, but it was a glorious opportunity to score with a big piece of net open and such a stone-handed play.

 

[Zee]

I just wish Schenn had even one iota of offense in him ... he seems to get a lot of glorious scoring chances.  Of course, that could be because opponents let him have them, knowing he can't cash in.

While I don't think he'll ever become a major offensive producer, he's not as offensively bereft as people like to make him out to be. His 22 points last season placed him in a tie for 76th in the league, which, while not spectacular, is still solid 2nd pairing defenceman production - especially considering how little PP time he gets - and he's on pace to equal that mark this season.

Honestly, all I see is, "Schenn has 0 offense, none, zip, zilch..."  20-25 points is nothing to sneeze at from a defensive dman.

Schenn will definitely throw down some assists (and the odd goal), but watching him the other night against the Pens (first game?).  He skated in on the right side of the slot with lots of time right in front of the net and square to the target, pulled the puck just to the outside and fired it 2 feet wide of the net.  Not sure if anyone will remember the play I'm talking about, but it was a glorious opportunity to score with a big piece of net open and such a stone-handed play.

I know the play you're referring to and he actually made a good move to get the goalie to commit, it was just a bad finish, it could happen to the best of them (see Kessel late in game with chance to win and whiffing on a shot).

I'm not trying to sell Schenn's offense by any stretch cause I don't think he'll ever put up points, I'm just saying that play in particular isn't the best example.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

I just wish Schenn had even one iota of offense in him ... he seems to get a lot of glorious scoring chances.  Of course, that could be because opponents let him have them, knowing he can't cash in.

While I don't think he'll ever become a major offensive producer, he's not as offensively bereft as people like to make him out to be. His 22 points last season placed him in a tie for 76th in the league, which, while not spectacular, is still solid 2nd pairing defenceman production - especially considering how little PP time he gets - and he's on pace to equal that mark this season.

Honestly, all I see is, "Schenn has 0 offense, none, zip, zilch..."  20-25 points is nothing to sneeze at from a defensive dman.

Schenn will definitely throw down some assists (and the odd goal), but watching him the other night against the Pens (first game?).  He skated in on the right side of the slot with lots of time right in front of the net and square to the target, pulled the puck just to the outside and fired it 2 feet wide of the net.  Not sure if anyone will remember the play I'm talking about, but it was a glorious opportunity to score with a big piece of net open and such a stone-handed play.

I know the play you're referring to and he actually made a good move to get the goalie to commit, it was just a bad finish, it could happen to the best of them (see Kessel late in game with chance to win and whiffing on a shot).

I'm not trying to sell Schenn's offense by any stretch cause I don't think he'll ever put up points, I'm just saying that play in particular isn't the best example.

No, I'm agreeing with you.  He actually has some good offensive sense to his game, and that really was a smart move.  He makes quite a number of good offensive plays... picking spots to shoot, sneaking in, the one above, but it's rare he ever finishes.  If he could get that one aspect of his game together he'd probably double his point production.

 

[maplesyrup]

Clifford was mentioned in another thread... You know, the way this team is going, if all we did is say, trade Aulie (who I'd also be happy to just keep) for a Clifford or a Bickell type player, colour me happy... If we have to wait 'till the summer to A) land a top 6 and B) purge ourselves of Tim Connolly, so be it.

 

[Britishbulldog]

Clifford was mentioned in another thread... You know, the way this team is going, if all we did is say, trade Aulie (who I'd also be happy to just keep) for a Clifford or a Bickell type player, colour me happy... If we have to wait 'till the summer to A) land a top 6 and B) purge ourselves of Tim Connolly, so be it.

A 4th Line of Clifford / Steckel / Brown would be decent.  Clifford was arguably the Kings top player in last years playoffs  and was only 20 years old. 

I think that Eager is more realistic in getting though if we need a guy who can fight a heavyweight but still play hockey.

Upcoming UFA Prust might be a decent pick up.