Toronto Maple Leafs

[lucafen4]

And rightfully so. The development of the players from the Marlies is going to be critical in the Leafs success considering how much they have to pay our top end guys.

Colin Greening's comments last year were really telling, calling the Marlies the 32nd NHL team based on facilities & support staff in place. Guaranteed it's better set up than a bunch of NHL teams. How all teams haven't figured this out yet...

[DusterDave]

Colin Greening's comments last year were really telling, calling the Marlies the 32nd NHL team based on facilities & support staff in place. Guaranteed it's better set up than a bunch of NHL teams. How all teams haven't figured this out yet...

A big reason why I am a firm believer in Kyle Dubas. The Marlies was his project and he has done a hell of a job so far.

[2014olympicgold]

It would be dumb if a GM would make a move like this without the thinking of AHL playoffs. There's no difference between 12pm and 3:01pm really, just paperwork.

[DusterDave]

Par Lindholm for Nic Petan. Nothing major but I like the deal.

[Axeman33]

I don't like this landing spot for Petan at all. He's an offensive type of player who wont get a great chance in TOR unless the Leafs plan on dealing away someone like Kapanen or Johnsson in the off-season.

[lucafen4]

opens up the roster spot for the Trevor Moore recall that is to come. That or, Leafs have another move in the queue

[DusterDave]

I don't like this landing spot for Petan at all. He's an offensive type of player who wont get a great chance in TOR unless the Leafs plan on dealing away someone like Kapanen or Johnsson in the off-season.

I think that is exactly the reasoning behind acquiring him... insurance. He’s a skilled winger that could possibly fill a hole left by a winger we may not be able to afford after this season. Also gives the Marlies a boost for their playoffs.

[lucafen4]

Lindholm a UFA vs. Petan RFA... so there's that. More control moving forward.

[Axeman33]

I can appreciate both of your comments but I was openly thinking about what was best for Petan while you are both thinking about what was best for the Leafs. I just don't like it for Petan. That was the point of my comment.

[DusterDave]

I can appreciate both of your comments but I was openly thinking about what was best for Petan while you are both thinking about what was best for the Leafs. I just don't like it for Petan. That was the point of my comment.

Yeah I can see that but is it really that much worse than Winnipeg’s situation? Pretty similar I’d say. But I do agree, he would have been better off in Winnipeg for his career.

[lucafen4]

Hard to believe that Austin Matthews is the first Maple Leafs player in franchise history to start his career with 3 straight 30 goal seasons - as a Leaf

[Axeman33]

Yeah I can see that but is it really that much worse than Winnipeg’s situation? Pretty similar I’d say. But I do agree, he would have been better off in Winnipeg for his career.

I certainly wouldn't say it's any worse but it's definitely no better. Oh well, it is what it is. Hopefully he can break through here.

[2014olympicgold]

It's a high risk high reward with Petan if Petan decides to re-sign.

You either end up like Leivo if he re-signs. Or you end up like Johnsson.

If he's able to play in the top 9, he's a sneaky add. Personally I'd want him in the AHL and let him learn the Leafs/Toronto and have this all be a 2019-2020 possibility player.

[lucafen4]

well... he's an RFA... he'll re-sign. He'll just have to resign himself to the fact he's in a familiar spot as with Wpg, battling it out for a roster spot. a 1 or 2 year minimal deal is what he's likely to get.

I can see Tor moving one of Johnsson/Kapanen this summer. they're pricing themselves out of both remaining.

[2014olympicgold]

Gardiner out tonight, undisclosed injury.

Rumour is back injury is gonna keep him out long term.