God, I would love to see Jason Blake wearing the sightless eye. His speed is perfect for Mixmaster PL's on-ice schemes. (After actually reading the column, I see this: "The Islanders would not trade Blake to an Eastern Conference rival." Makes perfect sense. At least Buffalo can't get their greasy, grimy, gopher guts hands on him either. Same with the Trashers.) After thinking about the trade for Anson Carter, I really like it. We gave up a fifth-rounder for him. So he's rental. Big whoop. It's not like we broke the bank and gave up our future for him.
In his 11 seasons in Toronto, the Leafs have reached the conference finals twice and lost both times. I think you and I define "success" differently. Well, I think upsetting superior teams in the first while suffering through a gauntlet of injuries would be considered a success. Even then, it's still more "success" than say Ottawa has had. For all their "youth", "skill" and "planning", they're treading water as much as the Leafs. If you think that winning the Stanley Cup is the only definition of "success", then I think you're overreaching. I would say that the Maple Leafs' were one of 15-20 teams where winning the Stanley Cup was not in the realm of the "reasonably possible". They don't have the necessary pieces, and trading Sundin at the deadline for late first-round draft picks isn't going to swing the pendulum the other way. What package could the Leafs get for Sundin that is both: 1) acceptable to the other team 2) actually provides them an opportunity to grow in the near future Sure, if the Ducks made an offer of Getzlaf, Perry and a 1st round pick, the Leafs should jump all over that. But if the offer is Getzlaf and a conditional pick, or two lesser-ranked prospects and a draft pick, what's to say that the Leafs "improve"? I'll ask you what I asked Alex Cisneros of The Fan last season when all this same talk was swirling last season -- do you even want to win the Cup? Or are Toronto fans so beaten down and brainwashed that just making it in is good enough? It's not for me. Of course it isn't "good enough" for me. In the long run. But in the short term, what are you proposing? They are in the position to make the playoffs. You are suggesting they blow it all up right now on the chance that the meager package someone offers for Sundin is going to be enough to possibly improve the team 2-3 years down the road? Making a change for the sake of making a change is a ridiculous idea. Depends. Do you think Colorado, which currents sits 10 points out of a playoff spot, would benefit more in a year or two from an aging Joe Sakic or another couple of high draft picks and a prospect? I vote for the latter. Well, Colorado's management is considered one of the better one's in the league, and if they don't feel the need to trade Sakic then what makes it a better idea for the Leafs to trade Sundin? In the abstract, it might seem like a good idea to deal Sundin/Sakic ("We'll get a mountain of can't-miss-prospects and golden draft picks!") but if the offers are B+ prospects and a draft pick in the late 20s of the first round, is that really helping the team? The time to trade Sundin was in the offseason. You can work on a deal in secret and take your time to get the best offer from more teams (not just those making a playoff push). There is no "take the best offer" mentality like at the deadline.
Even then, it's still more "success" than say Ottawa has had. For all their "youth", "skill" and "planning", they're treading water as much as the Leafs. I disagree, and answer this -- who's team would you rather have right now, Toronto's or Ottawa's. The Senators at least are pretty much a lock every year to make the playoffs (the Leafs aren't) and when they do get knocked out, it's a disappoint and surprise (not when the Leafs go down). It's not that Ottawa hasn't done the right things in building a team; they just haven't played well when it really counts. Neither have the Leafs. Also, Ottawa F'd up by letting Chara go. They don't have the necessary pieces, and trading Sundin at the deadline for late first-round draft picks isn't going to swing the pendulum the other way. No, they don't. How do you suggest they acquire those pieces in a more expedient fashion than trading away an aging veteran for draft picks? And again, how is keeping Sundin advancing this team's chances? And no, you're not going to get the world for Sundin. But if Tkachuk is worth what the Blues got, you don't think Sundin is comparable? You wouldn't take a 15-25th pick, two third rounders and a serviceable player for him? Or Corey Perry and a first-rounder? You could certainly package your acquired first-round pick with another pick and move up to grab someone you really like (although given Toronto's track record in the draft, I agree it's a crapshoot). I think Colorado's in the same boat that Toronto is with Sundin. Unless someone presents the Avs with Jesus Christ in skates (plus a draft pick or two), they'd get hammered for pulling that deal. It doesn't mean, however, that they shouldn't take draft picks and prospects for him for the good of the team. I understand what you're getting at, Grum, and I concur to some extent. You can't just give the old boy away. Sundin doesn't even deserve that. But at some point, the Leafs have got to get younger, and you can either let the veterans walk, or you can get something for them. I say roll the dice and hope you can pull a Zach Parise (17th, 2003) or a Simon Gagne (22nd, 1998) out of the hat, or trade up for the guy you want. The money's always there to sign another veteran if you need one, and probably not for $6.8M a year.
Funny (semi-relevant) cartoon.
The Senators at least are pretty much a lock every year to make the playoffs (the Leafs aren't) and when they do get knocked out, it's a disappoint and surprise (not when the Leafs go down). Who cares if they are a lock to make the playoffs if they don't win the Stanley Cup? ;) But if Tkachuk is worth what the Blues got, you don't think Sundin is comparable? That's a special case. Davidson bent Waddell over the table and Waddell said "Please sir, I want some more." in the process. I can't honestly believe that Tkachuk would have gotten that sort of package from any other team in the NHL. You wouldn't take a 15-25th pick, two third rounders and a serviceable player for him? Craig Johnson Patrice Tardif Roman Vopat 5th round pick (Peter Hogan) next year 1st round pick (Matt Zultek) in two years Eleven years ago on Tuesday, a team that wasn't going to make the playoffs decided to trade away their aging icon player in order to improve their team for the future, and this was the bounty they got. Oops. I'm pretty sure they would have helped their team much more if they had hung on to their most popular player and let him play out the string in that city.
What player?
What player? You might have heard of him...
That's a special case. Davidson bent Waddell over the table and Waddell said "Please sir, I want some more." in the process. I can't honestly believe that Tkachuk would have gotten that sort of package from any other team in the NHL. Who knows? If Ferguson had gone to Waddell (who should have been the first call for anyone in the NHL, his ass is hanging out so badly right now) and said, "Look, you want to make a big splash? Send us Braydon Coburn, Michael Forney, and a first-rounder and we'll talk." Maybe he bites, maybe he doesn't, but I bet the call wasn't made. As for the Gretzky trade, he was an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season in which he was dealt. Gretzky had also expressed displeasure that the team seemed not to making progress and had requested a move. The Kings made the right decision -- they just did a shitty job of picking out the talent they got in return, but hell, at least they tried. Remember also that no matter how bad that trade now looks, St. Louis had Mr. Gretzky for a whopping 20 games and gave up three prospects and two picks for that.
In more trade news: The Islanders pick up Richard Zednik from Washington for a second-round pick. Vancouver makes a pair of moves, acquiring Bryan Smolinksi and Brent Sopel from Chicago and L.A. in moves that cost them a second-round pick and second and fourth rounders, respectively. Hitting waivers were names like Bryan Berard, Petr Cajanek and Aaron "Enjoy Telling Your Friends At The Bar How You Mouthed Off About Sidney Crosby, You Unemployed Turd" Downey.
Zednik gives the Isles added depth up front and provides them with another scoring threat. I don't really consider a former one time 30 goal scorer a threat. He was eating up about 15 minutes a game. 15 minutes of mediocrity that is. You gotta love that Isle front office.
MindyK, Fraze is dead on...Davidson, Andy and the new management team are trying to turn this thing around, starting with the Brewer and Legace signings, but be patient. Losing "Tuk-chuk" (a local joke) may sting now, but who knows which draft choice could be the next Crosby? We were crap two months ago, and now we're talking, "how many points are we out?"... Bleed blue, too...
but who knows which draft choice could be the next Crosby? You want a hint? It's this kid. That's why no one is going to be trading their first round pick in the season he becomes available for the draft. The Kings made the right decision -- they just did a shitty job of picking out the talent they got in return, but hell, at least they tried. Remember also that no matter how bad that trade now looks, St. Louis had Mr. Gretzky for a whopping 20 games and gave up three prospects and two picks for that. "Trying" isn't good enough in a deal like that. If the Leafs make a similarly terrible deal, then how could you spin that? Also, I don't think St. Louis really suffered by making that deal as the prospects were terrible (look them up on hockeydb.com) and the players picked up with the draft picks didn't do anything either. As for the Gretzky trade, he was an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season in which he was dealt. Which is the only reason the Kings should have considered dealing Gretzky. However, Sundin isn't a free agent as the Leafs hold an option on him for next season. They aren't going to lose him in this offseason, so there is no rush to deal him before this deadline.
Gary Roberts could be on his way to Pittsburgh.
Bill Watters is saying this morning referee Stephane Auger and linesman Jean Morin blew a late high stick on Sundin last night because they were under pressure being Canadian not to make a call against Montreal on its home rink.
but who knows which draft choice could be the next Crosby? Can we at least wait a couple seasons of production until we start anointing the next "so and so?"
Any fan of any team that's ever played the Leafs in the playoffs knows it's not uncommon for non-calls to benefit the hosers-- I mean Canadians. Right guys? Right? C'mon back me up on this one, you know you've thought it.
"Trying" isn't good enough in a deal like that. If the Leafs make a similarly terrible deal, then how could you spin that? Easy -- at least you tried, instead of standing pat and being content to finish 7-12 in your conference every season. It works out or it doesn't. I just don't think the Leafs' fan base has the ability to stomach the possible fallout, which is sad. As I've said, I prefer being awful and having hope to being mediocre and having none. Also, Patrice Tardif had averaged a PPG in the IHL and was highly thought of, Craig Johnson was a second-round pick, and the drafts picks the King screwed up. (Gretzky was a UFA) Which is the only reason the Kings should have considered dealing Gretzky. Well, aside from the fact Gretzky was pissing and moaning about the direction of the team and would have most likely walked for nothing in 20 games. There's that.
Around the league: Kyle Calder heads to Philadelphia and Jason Williams lands in Chicago after a three-way deal including Detroit. Oh, hell, just go read Jay Onrait's blog.
Kyle Calder left Philly for Chicago. Lasse Kukkonen goes to Philly. That has to be one of the best-ever hockey names.
I mean Kyle Calder went to Dretroit. Kukkonen came to Philadelphia from Chicago. Also, TSN's deadline tracker is pretty cool. A little late to post it, but it's still cool.
Bertuzzi. Whoop-de-fucking-do. He may be a decent player, but I don't think he should even be allowed to play after the Steve Moore incident. If he can help the Wings win a Cup, great. I just hope his stay is a brief one.
Holy shit. Please close and lock all high-rise windows in the Edmonton area.
With the additions of Richard Zednik yesterday and Ryan Smyth today, here's a look at the Islanders' line-up: Smyth - Yashin - Blake Simon - Kozlov - Satan Zednik - Sillinger - Hunter Tambellini - Nielsen - Asham Those would be some good lines, ya know if Nielsen wasn't part of the trade that brought Smyth to the Island.
Holy shit. Please close and lock all high-rise windows in the Edmonton area. Why should Edmonton fans be suicidal? Their team isn't going to make the playoffs and Edmonton should get something for Smyth. Who cares if he's the heart and soul of the team? The fans should stop accepting mediocrity from the Oilers and support the idea of rebuilding. /snark ;)
Seriously though, that's a HUGE haul for the Oilers. If the Leafs were offered that same package for Sundin, they should have taken it. What would have been funny is if they DID take the package and then finished in a better position than the Islanders...
I don't think he should even be allowed to play after the Steve Moore incident. If he can help the Wings win a Cup, great. So which is it, exactly?
Why should Edmonton fans be suicidal? For the same reason Leafs fans would have been -- no good one. This was an excellent deal for the Oilers, and again, Edmonton can resign Smyth over the summer if he really wants to play there. Any Oiler fan who cries over this has no sense of the future, and guess what -- if Ryan Smyth had REALLY wanted to stay in town, he would have signed a deal already. Get what you can while you can. Instead, Toronto traded for Yanic Perrault for a third tour of duty (not a bad deal -- we had little use for Brendan Bell in the grand scheme of things, but the second-round pick irks me) and resigned Darcy Tucker for way too goddamned long with a no-trade clause. Thank God I'm a Blues fan.
So which is it, exactly? I should have been a bit more clear. I don't think he should still be allowed to play, but I don't have any say in the matter what so ever. I think he is a goon, but I'm willing to suppress the feelings if Bertuzzi can help bring the cup back to Detroit. However, I hope his stay is as short as possible.
Instead, Toronto traded for Yanic Perrault for a third tour of duty (not a bad deal -- we had little use for Brendan Bell in the grand scheme of things, but the second-round pick irks me) and resigned Darcy Tucker for way too goddamned long with a no-trade clause. The Perrault pick-up is probably a direct result of the Montreal game the night before, when the Habs scored two goals just seconds after winning an offensive-zone face off. Perrault is the top face-off expert in the league. I think the deal was Perrault/5th round pick for Bell/2nd round pick, so it's not as bad as it seems. The Tucker signing, in my eyes, was a good one. They got him for cheap (compared to what he would have gotten in the open market), and his contract ends when he's 36, so it's not like he'll be that far gone. Thank God I'm a Blues fan. That's a rarely heard phrase...
Thank God I'm a Blues fan. Grum got there first.
Thank God I'm a Blues fan. That's a rarely heard phrase... Yes true it is but as a Blues fan I think we have the loyalty more than anyone else. Look at our team we have been horrible but people still go and say Go Blues when they see ya wearing a jersey or shirt or hat. We don't need big names to win games like the Red Wings they can be number one when they have the big names but where are they without them, in 4th and falling farther. And yeah they may be in a playoff spot but will they be there next year????? Should be interesting!! GO BLUES!!!!!!!
Apparently the names Henrik Zetterberg, Nicklas Lidstrom, Dominik Hasek, and Pavel Datsyuk don't ring a bell with you. No matter than Hasek is currently leading the league in GAA and third in wins. That Zetterberg and Datsyuk are 17th and 18th in the league in scoring respectively. And let us not forget the four time Norris Trophy winner who is also leading all defensemen in points. Obviously you don't follow hockey much, so I'll just shoot you a little update on the standings. The Red Wings are currently tied with the Thrashers for best record in the Western Conference and are one point behind Buffalo for most points in the NHL. Just about the perfect pace for a playoff berth. Factor in their 4-1-1 record against the St. Louis so far and I'd say the Wings are having an excellent season and are well on their way to a 16th straight playoff appearance.
And yeah they may be in a playoff spot but will they be there next year????? considering how long it's been since detroit's missed the playoffs, i'd say odds are way more likely they'll be there than the "perpetually two years away" blues.
Look at our team we have been horrible but people still go Not that many. St. Louis has the 3rd lowest capacity % (74.7), and 4th lowest per game average (14,213).
