Toronto Maple Leafs

[Axeman33]

And you honestly think this would't make Toronto a better team? I've heard this Karlsson character is a pretty good offensive defenceman and he's right handed ta boot. exactly what the leafs need to get over the hump no? EK's a savior.

No, I don't think he makes Toronto a better team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL aren't playing fantasy hockey. In case you haven't noticed, offense isn't their issue so bringing in another offensive Dman does little to solve their problems, no matter what hand he shoots. I think most would agree that the Leafs biggest issue is the fact that they don't have actual DEFENSEMEN, not offensive players. If they Leafs are actually going to get better, they need to keep the puck out, not worry about how many they score. They are already set in that regard.

But hey, keep bringing in more players that doesn't solve their problems, wasting more cap space to do it. That will sell more tickets while other teams are bringing in players to win the Stanley Cup.

Im not saying Karlsson isn't a good player. Im saying he's exactly what the Leafs don't need to change their fortunes, and losing Marner to boot.

[DusterDave]

Pretty sure Marner himself, or his agent for that matter, have not spoken a single word to the media saying what he does and doesn’t want this offseason. So how do people suddenly just know what he wants? Because a reported with a somewhat tarnished reputation lately said so on the radio? I don’t buy what Dreger is feeding listeners. He hasn’t had any accurate news of significance in a few years. He may as well start a blog with that Howard Berger fellow. Are do we have another board member is friends with Mitch’s second cousin’s girlfriends dog?

[lucafen4]

Pretty sure Marner himself, or his agent for that matter, have not spoken a single word to the media saying what he does and doesn’t want this offseason. So how do people suddenly just know what he wants? Because a reported with a somewhat tarnished reputation lately said so on the radio? I don’t buy what Dreger is feeding listeners. He hasn’t had any accurate news of significance in a few years. He may as well start a blog with that Howard Berger fellow. Are do we have another board member is friends with Mitch’s second cousin’s girlfriends dog?

Silence is a deadly weapon to the media

[ericdaoust]

Pretty sure Marner himself, or his agent for that matter, have not spoken a single word to the media saying what he does and doesn’t want this offseason. So how do people suddenly just know what he wants? Because a reported with a somewhat tarnished reputation lately said so on the radio? I don’t buy what Dreger is feeding listeners. He hasn’t had any accurate news of significance in a few years. He may as well start a blog with that Howard Berger fellow. Are do we have another board member is friends with Mitch’s second cousin’s girlfriends dog?

The main purpose is to get people to react and consume the content. So from that end it worked on you.

[DusterDave]

Reacting in a way that thinking it is a bullshit report isn’t very effective. It’d be different if i believed any word Dreger said.

[havanablast21]

No, I don't think he makes Toronto a better team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL aren't playing fantasy hockey. In case you haven't noticed, offense isn't their issue so bringing in another offensive Dman does little to solve their problems, no matter what hand he shoots. I think most would agree that the Leafs biggest issue is the fact that they don't have actual DEFENSEMEN, not offensive players. If they Leafs are actually going to get better, they need to keep the puck out, not worry about how many they score. They are already set in that regard.

But hey, keep bringing in more players that doesn't solve their problems, wasting more cap space to do it. That will sell more tickets while other teams are bringing in players to win the Stanley Cup.

Im not saying Karlsson isn't a good player. Im saying he's exactly what the Leafs don't need to change their fortunes, and losing Marner to boot.

I think my intended sarcasm was lost. Never mind. Erik Karlsson failed to stand out in San Jose this year (injury had lots to do with that and playing 2nd fiddle to Burns perhaps as well). Karlsson most definitely would do so (Stand out) more in Toronto but all they'd be doing is shifting an offensive minded player (albeit ELITE in both cases) from the RW to the Right Side D. Definitely would make the Toronto blue line more lethal offensively and perhaps shift the scoring balance slightly, but in the end lots of steps but not necessarily in a forward fashion. And not what the Leafs should be spending Marner style money on.

There are few teams where the addition of Karlsson would NOT make the team better, however, at what cost.

[Axeman33]

Ya, sarcasm isn't easy to read/see through a monitor.

Either way, I don't think he makes this team much better and there's better way for the Leafs to spend their cap if they truly want to move forward and deeper into the playoffs.

[Dennis]

Bob McKenzie✔@TSNBobMcKenzie

MIN and TOR have a trade for the rights to unsigned junior Fedor Gordeev, who goes back into the draft if not signed before June 1. 7th round pick if he signs in MIN. Which is fully expected to happen.

[Eskimo Brother]

Better to get something than nothing.

[ericdaoust]

I know nothing about the player so can't really tell if it's a good move or not. It would seem Minny likes him and thinks another team would re-draft him.

[DusterDave]

A Lou pick that was heavily criticized by the Leafs analytic community portion of the fan base. Not surprising Dubas doesn’t see a fit for him in the organization.

[Eskimo Brother]

I saw a couple OHL games he was playing in, and never really stood out for making the right plays. Seemed a little behind most of when I was watching him.

[ericdaoust]

Seems a bit odd for a 5th round pick to be so heavily criticized. I mean, the vast majority turn into nothing anyway. It's not surprising for a big body to not look good in analytics on draft day. They usually peak later.

[2014olympicgold]

was on a terrible Flint team, moved to Guelph Storm, ended up being like +21. He could be a 5/6/7 d-man in the NHL. Leafs prospects on D are pretty filled.

Better to get a 7th for him if you aren't signing him.

[DusterDave]

Seems a bit odd for a 5th round pick to be so heavily criticized.

Dude, it’s the friggen Leafs.