The Leafs journey to the first Stanley cup since '67. Joining Maple Leaf fans Worldwide !
Some fans miffed, some meh. Concede to Steve Yzerman.
It wasn't like Lou didn't have any competition on TD this year. Politically, he had to do something. At the end of the day the price on getting a McDonaugh was high and Yzerman, one of the best GM's in hockey was willing to pay at a time Lou wasn't. So, for a second round pick he landed Plekanec a 35 year old C to play 4th line and perhaps higher, if an injury occurs. He is a straight rental player and to be honest didn't look that thrilled about coming here, despite what the media may claim. The odds makers will now clearly favour Tampa Bay should the Leafs meet them in the playoffs. There are now fans saying the Leafs are still building, still have organizational gaps and have blown two 2nd rounders on two 4th line Centers of little impact and we aren't about to win anyway. And that is very true but when Mike Babcock flips out and says " How the hell do you expect me to beat that Tampa Lineup!!!?" Face it, Lou had to do something so he conceded to Yzerman and Babcock. The price was quite moderate in that this is an average draft. The last time we had a 2nd in that range we took Jeremy Bracco but in a much stronger draft class. The Leafs kept the higher 2nd rounder from San Jose and still have all their picks, unlike Tampa and Boston. Nash may or may not help Boston but does it put them past Tampa Bay? Yzerman won this round because he is going for it all now. Lou wins later in free agency and this summer. Toronto is now ready to river gamble and see what we have, as a complete underdog who isn't supposed to win this year anyway. Leaf fans will be happy to win one round, especially if it against Boston or even Washington.
The stars aren't quite aligning yet for Toronto.
One almost have to feel sorry for Lou right now. I'm not saying he has to make gold out of chop suey but he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't at this years TD. Boston, Tampa and even Pitts are closer and looking. If that isn't bad enough, what Lou needs isn't in abundance yet but will be in Free agency later. Unlike the other teams in the East our window to win a cup is at least 5 years. So Lou has to outfox the likes of Yzerman in a year he doesn't need to. I will bet Lou is looking at Babcock and telling him " I have bad news Mike...." Lou has been on a tear, dumping Phaneuff, landing draft picks, acquiring Andersen and getting Boyle on the rental at a decent price. But good luck this year. The reason for no movement yet ? The prices are high and GM's are now looking for term when trading for guys in their prime. The only thing Lou can do strategically is dump contracts in lieu of the summer Free agent feeding frenzy and let the other GM's overpay. That means move the likes of Leivo and Martin while acquiring the likes of perhaps a 4th line C on the cheap. Will that make anyone happy ? Not now but in a few short months it will. If you are a Leaf fan, don't miss work for this years Trade deadline.
Andreas Johnsson's arrival creates a logjam at wing.
Much like Connor Brown a past 5th rounder, Johnsson has exploded onto the scene from the 7th round. His play at the AHL level is arguably higher than Kapanen's was. But all Kapanen could do is get 4th line duty and bounce up and down. They also have Martin and Leivo sitting in the pressbox cheerleading. So, what is the problem ? 50 contracts plus there is no way Johnsson is a 4th liner, he is top 9 and screams it. Next year Korhskov, Grundstrom and likely Bracco will take over on the Marlies and Johnsson will simply be to good to keep down. The dilemna is can you trade Martin and Leivo just to make room for Johnsson? Does he play now or help the Marlies this year? He will most certainly steal a top 9 next year, bank on it much like Brown did. For certain it is a nice problem to have but someone must be moved by the summer to allow wiggle room. Lou and company may have their eye on a UFA this summer. When other teams call it will be " What about that Johnsson guy?" not Leivo. The price on Johnsson will not be a late first rounder like Leivo. Johnson is a gem from nowhere. Lou has the pieces, now we pull the trigger.
To note: Andreas had his Leaf debut March 14th versus Dallas. Congratulations Andreas ! He gets his first NHL goal against Montreal in his second game and was smiles all game. Looks like we found another sniper.
On November 25th 2018 Andreas Johnsson enters the arena and explodes for 3 goals in the first period, sealing the Flyers fate. Johnsson explodes for Hat trick in first !
Is it time for Lou to use some chips?
All of a sudden Toronto is looking at a 25th overall pick in an average draft. Lou also has 2 - 2nd round picks. The organization is blessed with a plethora of wingers and can't find playing time for the likes of Kapanen who has spotted 4th line, Leivo and now Martin. Next year Grundstrom and Korshkov likely arrive with the Marlies and Andreas Johnsson is ripping it up in the AHL demanding a look next year. Bracco has showed some promise as well. With the arrival of Travis Dermott the defense doesn't look to be the concern it used to be and Borgman has been a nice free find as well. The organization does have some weakness at Center, will Bozak return ? But Aaltonen has been playing well lately with the AHL Marlies. The point is will our late first land us a top 6 C or even a top 4 Defenseman? Not very likely and Dmen takes years to develop. Toronto can look at using a first rounder along with players like Leivo and a winger prospect, say a Bracco as real trade chips for what they need now? I would be willing to offer NYR our 2018 first, Leivo and perhaps even a Johnsson to get defenseman McDonough still in his prime at 28. We could alter that offer with Borgman instead of either Leivo or a winger prospect. Toronto has acquired a future stacked team and thus has an overabundance upfront they can never use. It also highly unlikely we get anything better at 25th overall in the draft than what we will get in our 2 - 2nd rounders. This is somewhat a similar situation to the Konecny for Dermott and Bracco trade. Lou has a chance here to use assets we can either afford to lose or may never get to use anyway. We also have 50 contracts. So, here is my offer:
Leivo, our first in 2018 draft, Borgman or Johnsson or even Bracco for McDonaugh. We may even have a team interested in Martin as well. The Leafs could go down one or even two contracts in the trade, creating space for UFA's this summer. The offer is fair and we can afford it while getting a defenseman in his prime who won't cost a fortune to resign. I think the Rangers would look and not many teams could match that offer.
Leivo, our first in 2018 draft, Borgman or Johnsson or even Bracco for McDonaugh. We may even have a team interested in Martin as well. The Leafs could go down one or even two contracts in the trade, creating space for UFA's this summer. The offer is fair and we can afford it while getting a defenseman in his prime who won't cost a fortune to resign. I think the Rangers would look and not many teams could match that offer.
Don't look now, Toronto is getting hot when it matters.
All of a sudden Babcock changes the lines putting Marner with Marleau and Kadri. He also pulled Matt Martin in favour of speedy Kapanen and the results? Scarry. All season fans criticized Babcock for his stubborn use of vets and his line combinations. Was he framing some of the vets for trade? Did Kapanen really need more time? We may never know. What we do know is a few minor alterations have had huge consequences as Toronto is suddenly hot right when it matters most. Last night Toronto impressed everyone beating the much vaunted Tampa Bay Lightning. Toronto has been kicking everyone except red hot Boston Bruins/ Rask and suddenly Lou will be looking for help down the stretch. Why? Because one very important sign is the play of a team down the stretch when the games matter and get toughest. In the past the Leafs consistently wilted now at the speed of light falling backwards in loss after loss. They would even invent new ways to lose. Last night, once again the difference was goaltending but we could say that since November, and many teams ride hot goaltending into the playoffs. Montreal even built their team around it but then couldn't get Price to help score as well. What is my point? When the playoffs start look at which teams have been hot down the last third such as 2 Time Stanley Cup Pittsburgh. The good teams know, and have always known that is when the games matter and the good teams gel and start to build momentum. The real season starts with the playoffs and right now the Leafs look top 5. It is now upto Lou as Babcock has done his magic and wants help. Babcock has forced Lou's hand and so have the Leafs, we are buyers!
The dilemna for Lou.
After the way he fleeced Ottawa, plucked Andersen and found Boyle the expectations for Lou to
" pull one off " will be high. Not just from many fans and the media but Babcock himself. Toronto now faces the likes of Tampa Bay, Boston, Pitts. and Washington in the playoffs and that is just to get into the cup finals. Rumours are Josh Leivo has now requested a trade as well. Mike Babcock has given Lou a list of demands since losing any year isn't in his DNA/ belief system. So, who is this player who can magically lift Toronto past the big 4 into Stanley Cup contention ? Karlsson maybe. Babcock has said he would love a defenseman perhaps a Jossi or a Subban or a Doughty or... opps let's stay real here! The cost for Karlsson will be high in trade, as will re - signing him. He has said " Show me the money this time...no discounts! " The fact he will want $12M per year and has had some injury issues will lessen his value right now. The demand for Karlsson will be Reilly or Gardiner plus Liljegren and a first rounder, potentially disrupting the team. The Leafs would have to send either Reilly or at least Gardiner just to afford Karlsson's stated future demands. So, where does that leave Lou who already fleeced Ottawa once dumping Phaneuf they surely don't want now, into their laps? It leaves him looking for the exact same thing all the other GM's want too. A cheap, potential top 4 defenseman rental type guy. Lou has some pieces he may recognize don't have a future in Toronto. Leivo being one, he also has 2 -2nd round picks this year. Karlsson seems a big summer trade and Ottawa will want full value for their franchise guy. So, somehow Lou has to turn Leivo a second round pick and another prospect into what everyone wants, including his excited coach? The fans will want a miracle and so will the media. I don't think it is time for Toronto to throw a first rounder this year into that mix.
I don't envy Lou's job right now, the team has played well lately, as asked for. Many fans want cup now ! Myself, I see it in the next 4 to 5 years but doubt a late season trade will have the impact many want.Well Lou, here is your rabbit, put in the magic hat and turn it into gold somehow or at least a big silver cup with all those names on it. Do you make the safer play or go for it now?
" pull one off " will be high. Not just from many fans and the media but Babcock himself. Toronto now faces the likes of Tampa Bay, Boston, Pitts. and Washington in the playoffs and that is just to get into the cup finals. Rumours are Josh Leivo has now requested a trade as well. Mike Babcock has given Lou a list of demands since losing any year isn't in his DNA/ belief system. So, who is this player who can magically lift Toronto past the big 4 into Stanley Cup contention ? Karlsson maybe. Babcock has said he would love a defenseman perhaps a Jossi or a Subban or a Doughty or... opps let's stay real here! The cost for Karlsson will be high in trade, as will re - signing him. He has said " Show me the money this time...no discounts! " The fact he will want $12M per year and has had some injury issues will lessen his value right now. The demand for Karlsson will be Reilly or Gardiner plus Liljegren and a first rounder, potentially disrupting the team. The Leafs would have to send either Reilly or at least Gardiner just to afford Karlsson's stated future demands. So, where does that leave Lou who already fleeced Ottawa once dumping Phaneuf they surely don't want now, into their laps? It leaves him looking for the exact same thing all the other GM's want too. A cheap, potential top 4 defenseman rental type guy. Lou has some pieces he may recognize don't have a future in Toronto. Leivo being one, he also has 2 -2nd round picks this year. Karlsson seems a big summer trade and Ottawa will want full value for their franchise guy. So, somehow Lou has to turn Leivo a second round pick and another prospect into what everyone wants, including his excited coach? The fans will want a miracle and so will the media. I don't think it is time for Toronto to throw a first rounder this year into that mix.
I don't envy Lou's job right now, the team has played well lately, as asked for. Many fans want cup now ! Myself, I see it in the next 4 to 5 years but doubt a late season trade will have the impact many want.Well Lou, here is your rabbit, put in the magic hat and turn it into gold somehow or at least a big silver cup with all those names on it. Do you make the safer play or go for it now?
Do the Leafs even make any moves at TD?
Last year the Leafs even surprised management and played better than anyone really expected. This year they are playoff bound but teams like Tampa Bay, Boston, Washington and Pittsburgh look to add since they will feel their chances are as good or better than ours. It won't be easy for a team full of very young players and some past their prime veterans to beat them. Andersen is this year's MVP to date and will have to be in the playoffs as well. Toronto had a hole on defense, especially when Zaitsev, then Reilly and finally Hainsey went down. This forced the emergence of defenseman Dermott who has played well indeed. If everyone is healthy defense is no longer the concern it was prior but wouldn't a top 4 rental D be nice ? Too bad everyone is thinking that. So, where does that leave Toronto's hole? Babcock said himself "There is never enough!" Last year Lou picked up big Center Boyle from Tampa for a 2nd rounder. This year that will be harder to find and it will be of dubious usage. Toronto will be keeping its 3 UFA's as is. So in essence, they have 3 rentals already.
The Leafs do have some holes in the organization and players such as Martin, Bozak and Komorov are declining and will need replacement as may JVR. The good news is Toronto is flush with wingers in its system. Kapanen,Johnson, Grundstrom and perhaps Korshkov and Bracco can help replace some of what will be lost. So will a first rounder and 2- 2nd rounders this June. The best move may be the one we never make, this year.
The Leafs do have some holes in the organization and players such as Martin, Bozak and Komorov are declining and will need replacement as may JVR. The good news is Toronto is flush with wingers in its system. Kapanen,Johnson, Grundstrom and perhaps Korshkov and Bracco can help replace some of what will be lost. So will a first rounder and 2- 2nd rounders this June. The best move may be the one we never make, this year.
A glimmer of the offense returns against Dallas with Kadri.
Kadri hadn't been scoring much lately but in the last 2 games netted 3 big goals as Toronto won both games. Last year Kadri scored 30 goals and was a huge part of their offensive surge. Toronto showed some size issues but countered with their opportunistic play. Dallas (10 -1 in last 11 home games) played well but Toronto could have had at least 6 goals, continually breaking up plays mid ice then countering quickly. While Dallas carried much of the play backup McElhinney made 2 key saves(39 in total) while Kadri scored twice. It was a battle of styles. The young, quick offense against the reliable defense and speed won. Babcock deserves some credit as he exploited Dallas' weakness. At every instance Toronto raced for the puck or intercepted plays, breaking out quickly while only Sequin managed to counter with a goal for Dallas. In the end Toronto showed some killer instinct even having a goal disallowed by Connor Brown when the ref whistled play over on a loose puck. Toronto was outplayed but in this matchup their speed proved too much as the Leafs take a 4 to 1 win in Dallas into the AllStar break. Is the offense returning ? At the very least, let us hope Kadri is back to his old form as he has been sorely missed the last 20 games or so.
Fans want to rate Hunter's record ?
He hasn't been with us long but already Leaf fans are questioning Hunter's draft record. I think it is a touch early but let us examine the standard. As I recall, the GM Dave Holland of powerful Detroit once said " You want to draft 2 or 3 players per year." Let us first assume a bust is a player who will never play in the NHL with any significance unless he is a first rounder, in which case the standard becomes a top 9 forward, a top 4 defenseman or a starting NHL goalie. The average prospect must be given 3 to 4 years to mature and develop and it is often longer with defensemen and goaltenders. As such, it is too early to clearly judge Hunter and his work but let us give it a try. He started his legacy at the 2015 NHL draft, where the rumours were Hunter and Babcock disagreed on Marner versus much vaunted defenseman such as Hannifin, Provorov and Werenski. As history shows Hunter was GM of the London Knights and covered in sweat and consternation took Marner that day due to being convinced he had an NHL star player and that like his older brother, Marner might have a growth spurt upto 6ft 2 inches. Marner became an NHL player one year later but never grew much. Hunter then traded the next first round pick Konecny to Philly and turned it into Dermott, Bracco and Dzerkials. Later in the draft he took Timashov who is progressing in the AHL with the Marlies but is a darkhorse prospect. Dermott is Toronto's top defensive player in the AHL and is seeing time in the NHL at present. He has played well and looks to develop into a top 4 defensive dman who can skate, pass and hit with some flair for offense. So in 2015, Hunter came up with Marner and Dermott, a success. Hunter also took small but skilled forward Jeremy Bracco who was snubbed by WJC Team USA. He is getting more comfortable in the AHL as the season progresses but it is hard to see how he will squeak into the Leaf line up due to size and a plethora of skilled wingers in the Leaf system.
Fast forward to 2016. The last place team, wait for it... won the lottery ! The Leafs had a hole at centre since the departure of Sundin. The race was down to an American Auston Mathews and a huge scoring winger Patrick Laine from Finland. Hunter made the right choice for Toronto but likely had orders to take Mathews from high above. He then surprised by taking Korshkov an overaged big, skating Russian winger who had been passed over in other drafts as the first pick in the 2nd round. The reports are he may one day help replace the likes of JVR but at this time he needs to show his game in North America as is rumoured that he will do so next year. Hunter then took Swedish winger Grundstrom, who to me looks a perfect top 6/9 banging in your face, scoring winger who could play with Mathews down the line. Next was an American goalie named Woll. Woll played for the US at the World Junior Championships in 2017 and played well but was hammered on badly in a loss making some wonder about his number one abilities at the NHL level. In the 3rd he also took big skating defenseman Greenway from College. Greenway missed much of this season with personal issues.
In the 4th round, Hunter took centre Adam Brooks a smallish, high point WHL center with leadership tags on him. Brooks is currently playing with the AHL Toronto Marlies, slowly adapting to playing against men.
Finally in 2017, with the parting of the Red Sea, top prospect Timothy Liljegren got mono. and bounced from team to team in Sweden falling to 17th overall. The Swedish defenseman has adapted quickly as an 18 year old in the AHL and played as a top 3 defenseman on Sweden's WJC silver team which starred Dahlin, this years top prospect. He accounted himself well and is still progressing with the Marlies with 1 goal 9 assists for 10 pts. in 19 games. At this time many consider him one of the top 10 prospects owned by an NHL team. The second pick was Rasanen a 6ft 7 inch, Finnish defenseman playing in the OHL . Rasanen is garnering comparisons to gulp... Chris Pronger! He was invited to play for Finland at the WJC but didn't play much. Currently he is contributing offensively at the OHL level and provides a booming shot from the point. As many big men , he needs to grow into his frame and work on his skating to make the NHL.
In the 3 years Hunter has been leading the draft in Toronto he has taken : Marner,Dermott,Mathews,Grundstrom,Liljegren who are players who I feel strongly either are or will play in the NHL making contributions of significance. There is a good chance Korshkov and/ or Rasanen will play at the NHL level but it is too early since neither is at the AHL level yet. Hunter has some long odders in Bracco, Brooks, Woll, Timashov but other than that nothing yet to point at in the later rounds. No Connor Brown or Andreas Johnsson hiding in there. Hunter has gone from smallish,skill upfront(2015) to size and defense(2016,2017), using later picks to take goalies such as Scott in the 4th round last year. I think Hunter has found 6 NHL players in his first 3 drafts. His darkhorses are there but haven't shown enough to get prospect analyzers excited. Hunter may also have had some influence from upstairs on draft philopshy in certain years such as drafting size, big defensemen etc. Hunter has fulfilled the minimum requirements while having high picks but his later round drafting looks soft at this time. Given he has provided Toronto with Mathews, Marner, Liljegren, Dermott as well as Grundstrom, Rasanen. I have to give him a grade of B provided Korshkov or even Bracco makes the NHL. At year 3 it is hard to accurately judge Hunter's work, especially compared to the work of Steve Yzerman in Tampa Bay but he has provided a stream of prospects so far, while opting to use late rounders on goalies and big defenseman who take much longer to develop. If Korshkov does score 20 goals one day and just a single darkhorse pick pans out from these 3 drafts then history will remember Hunter well, as his critics will always point to that one Parayko who slipped by him and every other GM. We await Korshkov and Rasanen to hand in any final grades. Even Lou said " five years" and in a way that is the true standard.
With the announcement of Kyle Dubas as new GM , on May 21st 2018 Hunter has moved on leaving Marner as his mark. Thanks Mark best of luck.
Fast forward to 2016. The last place team, wait for it... won the lottery ! The Leafs had a hole at centre since the departure of Sundin. The race was down to an American Auston Mathews and a huge scoring winger Patrick Laine from Finland. Hunter made the right choice for Toronto but likely had orders to take Mathews from high above. He then surprised by taking Korshkov an overaged big, skating Russian winger who had been passed over in other drafts as the first pick in the 2nd round. The reports are he may one day help replace the likes of JVR but at this time he needs to show his game in North America as is rumoured that he will do so next year. Hunter then took Swedish winger Grundstrom, who to me looks a perfect top 6/9 banging in your face, scoring winger who could play with Mathews down the line. Next was an American goalie named Woll. Woll played for the US at the World Junior Championships in 2017 and played well but was hammered on badly in a loss making some wonder about his number one abilities at the NHL level. In the 3rd he also took big skating defenseman Greenway from College. Greenway missed much of this season with personal issues.
In the 4th round, Hunter took centre Adam Brooks a smallish, high point WHL center with leadership tags on him. Brooks is currently playing with the AHL Toronto Marlies, slowly adapting to playing against men.
Finally in 2017, with the parting of the Red Sea, top prospect Timothy Liljegren got mono. and bounced from team to team in Sweden falling to 17th overall. The Swedish defenseman has adapted quickly as an 18 year old in the AHL and played as a top 3 defenseman on Sweden's WJC silver team which starred Dahlin, this years top prospect. He accounted himself well and is still progressing with the Marlies with 1 goal 9 assists for 10 pts. in 19 games. At this time many consider him one of the top 10 prospects owned by an NHL team. The second pick was Rasanen a 6ft 7 inch, Finnish defenseman playing in the OHL . Rasanen is garnering comparisons to gulp... Chris Pronger! He was invited to play for Finland at the WJC but didn't play much. Currently he is contributing offensively at the OHL level and provides a booming shot from the point. As many big men , he needs to grow into his frame and work on his skating to make the NHL.
In the 3 years Hunter has been leading the draft in Toronto he has taken : Marner,Dermott,Mathews,Grundstrom,Liljegren who are players who I feel strongly either are or will play in the NHL making contributions of significance. There is a good chance Korshkov and/ or Rasanen will play at the NHL level but it is too early since neither is at the AHL level yet. Hunter has some long odders in Bracco, Brooks, Woll, Timashov but other than that nothing yet to point at in the later rounds. No Connor Brown or Andreas Johnsson hiding in there. Hunter has gone from smallish,skill upfront(2015) to size and defense(2016,2017), using later picks to take goalies such as Scott in the 4th round last year. I think Hunter has found 6 NHL players in his first 3 drafts. His darkhorses are there but haven't shown enough to get prospect analyzers excited. Hunter may also have had some influence from upstairs on draft philopshy in certain years such as drafting size, big defensemen etc. Hunter has fulfilled the minimum requirements while having high picks but his later round drafting looks soft at this time. Given he has provided Toronto with Mathews, Marner, Liljegren, Dermott as well as Grundstrom, Rasanen. I have to give him a grade of B provided Korshkov or even Bracco makes the NHL. At year 3 it is hard to accurately judge Hunter's work, especially compared to the work of Steve Yzerman in Tampa Bay but he has provided a stream of prospects so far, while opting to use late rounders on goalies and big defenseman who take much longer to develop. If Korshkov does score 20 goals one day and just a single darkhorse pick pans out from these 3 drafts then history will remember Hunter well, as his critics will always point to that one Parayko who slipped by him and every other GM. We await Korshkov and Rasanen to hand in any final grades. Even Lou said " five years" and in a way that is the true standard.
With the announcement of Kyle Dubas as new GM , on May 21st 2018 Hunter has moved on leaving Marner as his mark. Thanks Mark best of luck.
Leaf fans ask is this the year to go for it ?
With the trade deadline looming and 3 of our vets entering UFA this summer, many fans are asking do we go for it now ? The answer lies in how Lou and the management see this team. Can the likes of JVR, Bozak and Komorov offer the playoff leadership this young team needs to win a round or more? Or does Lou get something for them now and continue "The build" ?
First, let us consider that this team already seems to be on a collision course with arch nemesis Boston, who are playing very well these days. At the same time Florida and Detroit are unlikely to catch Toronto if they play .500 from here on in. It can't be said Toronto has played well this year as some of their offense has dried up and they still need help on defense. Luckily though the Leafs are in the Atlantic. Last year Lou traded a second to get rental Dan Boyle from Tampa Bay, and of course he has 2 second round picks(one from SJ) in this summer's draft. On the one hand we have strong willed Babcock who will want success now, something far less likely if we lose JVR or Bozak. Unless Lou gets a "Knock your socks off!" type of deal, he won't be a seller, much to the chagrin of the "asset management" fans we now have in abundance in Toronto. I'm one but realize big trades rarely happen at TD and rarely produce fruit as the players have trouble adjusting in such a short span of time. Lou likes to start early on his trades as he did when he dumped Phaneuff into Ottawa's hands, a problem they are still trying to deal with themselves. The most likely outcome is Lou will try and get a reasonable rental and keep his vets. After all, all of them could be resigned, as JVR is rumoured to be open to. Don't expect any big news from Toronto this TD. They know this team won't win it all but they don't want to see their 3 UFA vets walk after exiting in the first round of the playoffs either. The Leafs aren't in a good position to trade their first rounders yet as the system still has gaps such as Centre depth and Goal. The compromise ? Add a vet defenseman and see what the team can do. If they lose in the first, maybe it is time to move on and give younger guys like Kapanen, Gauthier, Soshnikov and perhaps Johnsson their chance. Youth served Toronto well last year. The focus will be on gaining playoff experience and winning a round and that means adding not subtracting this TD, albeit judiciously. It is a gamble to play the vets and risk them walking for nothing but getting the kids some valuable playoff experience will be the priority with this management group.
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