Leafs' Defensive Woes: Deadline Dilemma

Has Samsonov turned it around?

Ilya has turned it around in his last three starts. A goalie's ego is fragile, but a goalie can turn it around as fast as he lost it. Samsonov is finding the puck. He is making the big saves now that he wasn't making before. One source commented, "Samsonov not being waived was a wake-up call for him." Ilya knows the Leafs will not put up with bad goals; he is highly motivated to prove himself. It's a feel-good story that no one wants to see end.

Matthews on a 70-goal pace

Matthews has been on a roll of late. His shot might be the best in the game. He is focused. He's really taken on a leadership role for the team. What makes Matthews so dangerous is that he can score from nowhere. And having Marner, one of the best playmakers in the game, on his side certainly doesn't hurt.

Defense still needs to improve

Do not let this winning streak fool you; Samsonov has been Superman. There are many things that need to improve in the defensive zone. The Leafs are in dire need of a stay-at-home dman. I am not sure it is worth the future to make the playoffs only to get steamrolled again. Defensemen will be at a premium at the deadline, and just having the money to buy one doesn't guarantee success.

I am not giving up Nick Robertson in the stay-at-home man trade—either he or Topi Niemela, a brilliant young defenseman with all the potential in the world. The Maple Leafs have not been able to compete with the big boys consistently. They are too fragile and struggle to overcome mistakes. Yes, they're on a roll right now, but relying solely on Samsonov to carry the team isn't a winning formula.

Randy

Leafs Key Deals at Deadline

Another trade deadline has come and gone. Approaching the dealing, the Leafs needed a top-six forward and an insurance goalie. Their other priority was an extra defenseman for depth. And maybe an extra forward. How do I think they did? Here are my thoughts.

Reily Nash

Reily is a typical fourth-line banger who can bang with the best of them. A character guy who leads the team by example. You can never go wrong with having a Reily Nash on your team.  

Nick Foligno

Nick's best asset is his versatility. You can fit Nick anywhere in the lineup. He will fit in anywhere from the fourth line up to the first line. There is no task he won't do. And he will stick up for his teammates. He will have the Maple Leafs' backs. His greatest strength is protecting a lead; he is a beast in their end.

David Rittich

Nicknamed BSD (Big Save Dave), Rittich will give the Leafs every chance to win. A solid but spectacular goalie who gives you a chance to win everything. In Calgary, there is a lot of pressure to win. They can't afford to give up a bad goal. In Toronto, Rittich doesn't have to be perfect; his teammates will bail him out. All he has to do is be steady, which he has been for the Flames for years.

Ben Hutton 

Ben is essentially a fill-in dman. The Maple Leafs have been fortunate their back end has primarily healthy this season. The acquisition of Hutton will cover them if they are not. Ben is a stay-home dman who will fill in nicely as a number five or six when he is needed. Nothing flashy, but he does not have to be.

Maple Leafs to do list

Yes, it is this time of year, the General Managers all go to the shopping malls to haggle over prices. The Maple Leafs are no different. They would love to add another no-nonsense dman to make the opposition, let's say, more cooperative. Now, this is just me, but I think they should look into acquiring a seasoned backup goalie who has some playoffs experience. I have not heard that the Leafs are even sniffing for a backup at this point.

Let's look at the dmen the Maple Leafs are considering.

Radko Gudas

Radko means business. A big physical dman, he can fit in as a great number four or five. He has shown great strides in his play and will both add some offence to the game and shore up the defence.  He is solid in his own zone. But so far, they have not been able to coax him out of Philly. Keep an eye on him, especially if he goes on the market.

Adam McQuaid

You get what you pay for — a serviceable number six dman. Adam can give the Leafs precisely what they need as a third pairing defenceman. He won't hurt them in their own end. McQuaid is a stay-home dman who knows his limitations. He is a smart player who does not get caught pinching in. He won't add any offence, but he will shore up the defensive zone play, something the Maple Leafs so vitally need.

The third line gritty forward who can beef up the Maple Leafs for a matchup against the Bruins. Everyone knows the Bruins intimidated the Leafs into submission last year. The Maple Leafs would love to eliminate that problem this year.

Wayne Simmonds

Simmonds would add some beef to the team. The Maple Leafs have a very gifted forward who lacks the size to go to the net. Wayne fits this bill. His specialty is garbage goals. He will go to the net and find the puck. If he has to beat up someone to get it, so be it. He would get his share of goals, and maybe clear some room for Matthews and Tavares.

Marcus Johansson

Marcus is a solid winger with some speed. I have not heard him connected with the Maple Leafs, but he is being shopped around. He would add some offence, but his size would help give the smaller forwards some room to roam. He was very talented with the Capitals; he could just be able to regain his offence in Toronto. He would be a good fit for the Leafs.

Eric Staal

The last one on this list Eric Staal. He is the perfect faceoff specialist, with plenty of grit. Eric is on the market for a price; will the Maple Leafs bite? Only time will tell.

Here is one more morsel to chew on: The Leafs may be looking for a solid number four centre. They need a solid penalty-killer with some size to wreak havoc and get inside the Bruins' heads. The Maple Leafs need to get bigger; it is time to stand up to the bully.

Life of a Blogger

There are times I really wonder when to mention a rumour. More to the point, it is so difficult to figure out when a rumour is true. I have not been able to find a reliable source until recently.

Even with a source, the next step is trying to figure out what to report. Over 80 percent of the info I get on discussions does not end up happening. There is an art to determining what has the best chance of happening. That does not mean the information was not true; but just because a team is talking, it doesn't mean they will agree on a package and announce deal.

The Flames have talked to many teams about receiving a number one pick in a trade. Trust me on this; in trying to figure out which ones are going to happen, I am bound to be fooled from time to time.

It is already going full tilt. Canes, Habs, Rangers Oilers, Islanders, Sens, Canucks, all with rumours of their picks in play. Then there is the John Rivers saga. Rumours of Habs, Sharks, and Knights leading the pack. Up to 15 teams want his services. Then there are the Flames trying to make a major trade to dump one of the top four dmen. It is common knowledge that the Flames have three young dmen who could be ready now. The Leafs, meanwhile are desperately looking for a top right dman. They need to shore up their defensive core. Meanwhile, in Long Island—my kingdom for a goalie. The Isles are in dire need of a starter.

Then there is the Lou sweet Lou. Say it isn't so. Are you leaving or are you staying? Oh, the dilemma. Again, I have been assured by every hockey insider in North America that he is leaving.

So please forgive me if I have a mental breakdown as we enter the most active offseason in years. I expect it to get even crazier as we get closer to draft day.

So sit back and share some of the popcorn.

Maple Leafs Draft

Who will the Leafs pick in the draft? The Maple Leafs' priority has to be a puck-moving defencemen.  We must fill up the cupboard.

With the first round pick, I predict the Toronto Maple Leafs select:

Nicolas Hague

A big defender, who is very mobile and moves quickly from side to side.  Hague is a very responsible defencemen who very good in the defensive end.  Nicolas has tons of strength. He will take out the trash when there is a need. Love this kid's guts. He will play with an edge. I am really excited about this defencemen.

With the second round pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs select:

Aleksi Heponiemi

I was told to watch out for Aleksi, a small, talented who can skate with the best of them. He is a pinpoint passer, who has eyes in the back of his head. Aleksi might be the most skilled forward in the draft, simply because of his hockey IQ.  He is like the Energizer Bunny. Everyone wants to hit him, but nobody can. He makes people miss and intimidates defensemen with his ability and speed.   Defense tends to back up when he rushes into the offensive zone.

The Leafs may very well be looking to grab a dman to help this year.  They realize that their weakness this season is the defense. They will attempt to shore up the defense with this draft. They are also looking to trade from strength to a weakness.  Meaning trading one of their skilled forwards for a top three defenceman.

On to the next picks:

Fourth round, Jack Rathbone defense.

Fifth  round, Dylan Ferguson Goalie

Sixth round, Kirill Maksimov RW

Seventh round, Josh Patterson C

Leafs down the Stretch

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a couple of trades at the deadline.

Bringing in Boyle will only help the team down the stretch. The rookies will look to him for leadership. He should be able to help the kids relax and keep level-headed. His leadership will help the young guns nerves. I know mistakes will happen, but Boyle will try to keep those to a minimum.

Eric Fehr was merely doing the Pens a favour of freeing up some cap space. But Eric can do some good here. He is a  solid fourth-liner who can be useful down the stretch. He is a solid penalty killer and is a good spark plug who can help the Leafs' spirits. He will help the team with his hustle and example. He will do whatever it takes for his team, which will only motivate the rookies to higher heights.

As the Leafs continue to stay in the playoff hunt, this will only help the young players' development. The big three: Mitchell Marner,  Auston Matthews, and last but not least, William Nylander, will become better players for being in the playoff hunt. They will learn how to deal with high pressure situations and will learn to do what it takes to win.

Regardless of whether the Leafs make the playoffs, they will be a better team in the future.

Flame trade deadline

Reblogged from Flames Scratch Pad.

I understand how everyone looks at the deadline as insignificant.  I can completely understand that it was, well, pretty boring.  But dare I say that if we take a deeper look, it was significant for the Calgary Flames players. What I am getting at is the message it gives the players: "We believe in you."

Most people seem to think that if you don't bring in a stud, you are sending the wrong message. But I think if it's not broke, why fix it? The Flames management believes in this team and its chemistry.   Chemistry is vital to a team's success.

So what do we get in Lazar? We get a young forward with tons of potential. What I like most about Curtis is his speed. He will fit right in. Curtis has a quick release and is an excellent passer. His weakness is in the faceoff circle. For that reason, I think he will be on the wing.   He is worth the gamble. A second rounder plus a dman who never plays is not too steep of a price. This year's draft is pretty weak.

The other thing I am pleased with is the acquisition of Stone to fill a weak spot in the line-up. Before the Stone trade, the Flames were extremely weak on number 4-6.  Think I am overestimating him? Look at their record since he was acquired!  Bringing in Stone to solidify the defense might just have saved their season.

Deadline Day Approaches!

Reblogged from Flames Jamalaya:

Today's Flames panel is on what the Flames should do at the deadline. And what they will do?

Randy's answer:

What they should do 

I know I am going to get slammed for this, but I truly believe that they should sell, and invest more of the future. Build on the assets they have now. I just do not see them beating out LA this season or Vancouver.

So what does selling involve?

Curtis Glencross 

We really need to get his influence out of the dressing room, the problem is we may have trouble finding a home on him. I have been told that the Flames will find him a home.

Karri Ramo

Simply put, the Flames are not going to re-sign him. Ortio is on a one-way contract next season, and Hiller is locked up for one year. Making Ramo the odd man out. The Flames should send him packing.

Dennis Wideman

This is where I am going to get in trouble with my readers. I feel that the Flames should try to get younger on defense. Send Wideman to a contender. Again, I know I will get flamed for this, but that is life.

Generally, I think the Flames should try to continue to rebuild for the future, and not simply going all out for the playoff push for one year.

What the Flames Will do?

I suspect they will do a little tinkering, for some reason they really don't care what I think! <Sigh> I suspect the Flames will make three moves at the deadline.

Pick up additional top 6 forward

The best option: Chris Stewart

The Buffalo Sabers power forward would be perfect fit. His size would help the Flames with some gritty goals. He needs a new environment, and the Flames may very well fit the bill. He can get the job done.

Go after another 4 or 5 number defence-man.

(Preferably a young one, to replace or improve our last pairing.)

Best options:

Braydon Coburn

Not having the best year in Philly. But I still believe that he can be a solid defenseman in the Flames roster. Not as much pressure. He might very well thrive in the Flames dressing room. A solid upgrade if he becomes available at the deadline.

James Wisniewski 

If the Jackets are serious about taking offers, the Flames should call. James is a solid defenseman. He has some offensive skills to add on the rushing to the ends. He is a solid addition.

Trade Glencross

Of course, the last transaction is that they will trade Glencross.

The Flames may very well have some trouble finding a him a home. The problem is there so many sellers, that teams may very well find other suiters. His rep is not exactly solid, and why would teams take him when they can find another forward with less baggage?

I am sure that the Flames will be able to trade him, I am just worried that we will won't get as much as they want. I have no doubt that he will be traded for a draft pick.

Dearen's answer:

What should the Flames do at the trade deadline?

I am a believer in going for it. In the NHL today it is extremely difficult to make the playoffs any given year. Look at the Kings, they barely make it into the playoffs, but dominate the playoffs once they get in. I am not saying we can compare ourselves to the Kings, but making it in can lead to magical rides. The puck was in.

I would like to see Treliving add to help this current Flames group. I know, I know do not mortgage the future for a rental player. I am not suggesting we trade the likes of Bennett, Monahan or Gaudreau to bring in a player like Evander Kane, who went to Buffalo. But this team needs help if you want to see playoff hockey at the Saddledome this spring. And not just Hitmen playoff hockey.

The Flames in my opinion need to upgrade on Engelland and Diaz/Smid pairing. Bringing in a capable #4 d-man is ideal. But with the current prices, I am not sure that will be possible without mortgaging the future, which I already said we should not do. But if a move makes sense that brings in a Wisniewski or Andrew Ference; I would be in favor. Both Wisniewski and Ference have another year left on their deal and would not be classified as rentals. "Siedenberg" to throw out another name that could potentially be available.

Another area for me is the face off issue. Granted this a significant issue that one center cannot fix. Having a future of Bennett-Monahan-Backlund up the middle is appetizing, so I would not spend a lot now to bring in a temporary center, like Vermette. So maybe this is something we do not address and Granlund, Colborne, Jooris and Stajan rotate behind Monahan and Backlund for the remainder of the season. I would suggest a guy like Letestu or McClement to provide some depth and experience down the stretch.

Another area I want addressed is a right handed sniper. I know I am asking for a lot here. Lupul or Kessel would cost too much and can Lupul even stay healthy for 10 straight games? Maybe more realistic is a guy like Cam Atkinson; but he would not be my first choice.

What do I think the Flames WILL do?

Order a round of coffee, talk about the Canadian Dollar and how it will affect the NHL salary cap. Call to see if Freddie Modin is still skating. Every five minutes Brian Burke comes over the intercom "trade deadline is the day GM's make the most mistakes".

I think we may be in for a quiet day. If Glencross is still around on Monday, we may see Brad Treliving move him for a third round pick. Or maybe he deals him to a playoff team for their disgruntled forward, who knows. But besides Glencross I am not so sure the Flames will be active. It is an easy sell for Treliving to address the media and say "this group has worked hard, and deserves to stay together. We are not going to jeopardize the future, the prices were too high for our appetite".

My only glimmer of hope is that news leaked that the Flames were heavily interested in Tyler Myers and Cody Franson. Treliving didn't want to spend what it was going to take to acquire those guys, but he was interested. This has me to believe that upgrading the d-core is on Treliving's mind.

I don't think we will see a Reto Berra for a second round pick type of move this year.