Toronto Maple Leafs

[2014olympicgold]

Dermott and Holl making strong cases to stay in the lineup

The whole team is just cruising

[lucafen4]

Dermott and Holl making strong cases to stay in the lineup

The whole team is just cruising

after the game Babs was asked what would happen on Sat night to Holl & Dermott if Rielly & Hainsey are both able to return. His answer was simple and pure gold

"they'll play"

He also clearly acknowledged last night that since he's removed Martin from the line up that 4th line is a lot faster and a much larger threat offensively. 'All four lines are flying. We're noticeably better and faster all over the line up'

I had a good feeling Dermott would be here doing what he is doing... Holl is a real pleasant surprise.

[2014olympicgold]

after the game Babs was asked what would happen on Sat night to Holl & Dermott if Rielly & Hainsey are both able to return. His answer was simple and pure gold

"they'll play"

He also clearly acknowledged last night that since he's removed Martin from the line up that 4th line is a lot faster and a much larger threat offensively. 'All four lines are flying. We're noticeably better and faster all over the line up'

I had a good feeling Dermott would be here doing what he is doing... Holl is a real pleasant surprise.

Rielly-Hainsey
Zaits-Gards
Dermott-Holl?

Polak, Borgman the odd men out? So Borgman to the AHL.

[2014olympicgold]

No Carrick?!
This will be an interesting test for Babcock. If he continues to force Polak into the lineup... well... fist meet wall.
Plenty of better options.

Unfortunately, as well as Holl has played, I can't see room for him. Dermott and Carrick should be the 5 and 6 guys. Borgman the extra.

Totally forgot about Carrick haha. He's even gotten PP time, dude has a hard shot, but just doesn't seem to get it right on net.

Rielly-Hainsey
Zaits-Gards
Dermott-Carrick/Holl/Borgman.

and one of Borgman and Holl goes to the AHL again.

[lucafen4]

Dermott & Holl have been partners all year for the Marlies... the chemistry they have together is obvious. I can see Holl going back down shortly, but Dermott won't be the same for the next 5 or so games as he adjusts to another Dman. Holl's a RHD, so that's a plus for him.

To go deep you need a bunch of Dmen that can step in... the fact we now have Dermott, Holl, Borgman, Carrick, Polak that can step in.. is huge. I wouldn't hesitate to push Dermott out in any situation already. Not sure I can say that about any of the others yet. I remember when the Leafs drafted Dermott the comparison was Duncan Keith. Slick skater, efficient with the puck & great passer. He's a more of a hitter than DK.. but we've 'he's a beauty!'

[Cdot588]

What move do you guys think the leafs should make at the deadline now? It seems the "mid year acquisition" of Dermott has calmed the need for a defenseman, the leafs are stacked at forward and have good goaltending.

[JagrBomb]

What move do you guys think the leafs should make at the deadline now? It seems the "mid year acquisition" of Dermott has calmed the need for a defenseman, the leafs are stacked at forward and have good goaltending.

No big moves this year. JVR will probably be their "rental" piece, instead of trading him for assets I think they'll keep him and let him walk in the summer. They aren't making a playoff run until their D is fixed anyways.

The leafs homer in me says Doughty already knows he's going to sign a contract to finish his career in Toronto

[Cdot588]

No big moves this year. JVR will probably be their "rental" piece, instead of trading him for assets I think they'll keep him and let him walk in the summer. They aren't making a playoff run until their D is fixed anyways.

The leafs homer in me says Doughty already knows he's going to sign a contract to finish his career in Toronto

I agree but I also worry about how much he'd want to get paid! Not that he wouldn't be worth every penny

[JagrBomb]

I agree but I also worry about how much he'd want to get paid! Not that he wouldn't be worth every penny

I want the Leafs to walk away from JVR given he'll want 6M minimum and a lot of term.

I'm guessing he'll sign with the Devils in the offseason, 6Mx7 years (Okposo's contract).

[Cdot588]

I want the Leafs to walk away from JVR given he'll want 6M minimum and a lot of term.

I'm guessing he'll sign with the Devils in the offseason, 6Mx7 years (Okposo's contract).

Would miss him for sure. Not many guys with the skillset and frame he has. His play in front of the net is arguably the best in the league. Just cant afford him with all the forward talent the leafs have... Good problem to have I guess

[lucafen4]

Would miss him for sure. Not many guys with the skillset and frame he has. His play in front of the net is arguably the best in the league. Just cant afford him with all the forward talent the leafs have... Good problem to have I guess

if he's willing to come in at 5.. .I say lock him up

[Cdot588]

if he's willing to come in at 5.. .I say lock him up

That would be quite the hometown discount... Maybe a 1 yr deal for a cup run? But after that, the guy needs to get paid what he's worth

[lucafen4]

That would be quite the hometown discount... Maybe a 1 yr deal for a cup run? But after that, the guy needs to get paid what he's worth

Tell that to Tom Brady

[Mr. Guru]

Komarov Bozak JVR Moore Martin will most likely be gone IMO.

I wouldn't mind if they decided to trade them before the playoffs either. Although I would love the depth in the playoffs, I'd be happier with the long term outlook.

[lucafen4]

Komarov Bozak JVR Moore Martin will most likely be gone IMO.

I wouldn't mind if they decided to trade them before the playoffs either. Although I would love the depth in the playoffs, I'd be happier with the long term outlook.

of those... JVR is the one I can see them resigning.. Nylander's about to command his own line as C.. so bye-bye Bozer... Martin just doesn't seem to fit. Leafs look to really be pushing toward a 4 scoring line system - almost by accident. Moore -- meet Gauthier. Komarov - Sosh & Grundstrom can do what you can do and more.... well minus the 8 language thing... although I can see Uncle coming back cheap as well.