Dave Bolland

[bustaheims]

Congratulations Shrimp, you win the internet for today.

Yup. That's the best thing I've seen in a while.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

Very nicely done!

 

[moon111]

All party in the front, business in the back.  Like a reverse mullet.

 

[Heroic Shrimp]

Congratulations Shrimp, you win the internet for today.

Yup. That's the best thing I've seen in a while.

Credit goes to Jeff O'Neill for posting that on Twitter a few days ago.  Well worth passing on.

 

[slapshot]

With Bolland returning at some point and the trade deadline approaching. How should the Leafs lines going into the playoffs stack up? And, who might you deal away or get? I can't see much happening on the back-end now that things appeared settled there, so let's talk line combinations. Here are some possible or likely alignments...

Option 1
JVR                Bozak          Kessel
Lupul              Kadri          _____
Mason/Kulemin  Bolland      Clarkson
___________  McClement    Bodie

Extras or trade bait...Holland, Mason, Kulemin???

Option 2
JVR                Bozak              Kessel
Lupul              Kadri              Clarkson/Bolland
Mason            Bolland/Holland Clarkson
___________  McClement        Bodie

If Bolland was moved to wing 2nd line, Holland could be 3rd line center.
Or Clarkson could be moved to second line, Holland center, Bolland wing 3rd line
Kulemin bumped to fourth line.

Option 3 (However you see it?)

I think top line stays intact
I think second line Kadri and Lupul on left wing stay intact
I think the most obvious change when Bolland/Clarkson come back is that Bodie should replace Orr (pretty much permanently...unless things get ugly) as the fourth line right wing. Skates better, works hard, more skill and score the occasional goal or helps create one. Apart from the odd scrap, where Orr may hold a slight advantage, Bodie wins this comparison hands down.
I like Bolland at third line center but I like Holland too. Could Bolland be as effective on a wing?
Essentially what all this says is that there are question marks around...
1. Right wing second line. I think we could and should upgrade on Kulemin. Would love to see Matt Moulson, but not sure what it would take.
2. Precise make up of third line alignment
3. Left wing on fourth line. I am okay with McClement and Bodie. I actually think Jerry D'amigo brought some energy, is good skater and penalty killer. Would like to seen him get a longer look.

Would like to hear everyone's thoughts on the forward group. There will be some extra bodies (no, not Bodie plural) kicking around. How do we achieve the right fit?

 

[Redleaf]

Bolland skating with the team this morning.  As Rob Ford would say, "folks, he's close"

Yeah, but, if Rob Ford said it, it likely wouldn't be true.

Even if it carried a Jamaican accent?

Now there's someone you'd want to avoid at the swim-up pool bar.

 

[Redleaf]

With Bolland returning at some point and the trade deadline approaching. How should the Leafs lines going into the playoffs stack up? And, who might you deal away or get? I can't see much happening on the back-end now that things appeared settled there, so let's talk line combinations. Here are some possible or likely alignments...

Option 1
JVR                Bozak          Kessel
Lupul              Kadri          _____
Mason/Kulemin  Bolland      Clarkson
___________  McClement    Bodie

Extras or trade bait...Holland, Mason, Kulemin???

Option 2
JVR                Bozak              Kessel
Lupul              Kadri              Clarkson/Bolland
Mason            Bolland/Holland Clarkson
___________  McClement        Bodie

If Bolland was moved to wing 2nd line, Holland could be 3rd line center.
Or Clarkson could be moved to second line, Holland center, Bolland wing 3rd line
Kulemin bumped to fourth line.

Option 3 (However you see it?)

I think top line stays intact
I think second line Kadri and Lupul on left wing stay intact
I think the most obvious change when Bolland/Clarkson come back is that Bodie should replace Orr (pretty much permanently...unless things get ugly) as the fourth line right wing. Skates better, works hard, more skill and score the occasional goal or helps create one. Apart from the odd scrap, where Orr may hold a slight advantage, Bodie wins this comparison hands down.
I like Bolland at third line center but I like Holland too. Could Bolland be as effective on a wing?
Essentially what all this says is that there are question marks around...
1. Right wing second line. I think we could and should upgrade on Kulemin. Would love to see Matt Moulson, but not sure what it would take.
2. Precise make up of third line alignment
3. Left wing on fourth line. I am okay with McClement and Bodie. I actually think Jerry D'amigo brought some energy, is good skater and penalty killer. Would like to seen him get a longer look.

Would like to hear everyone's thoughts on the forward group. There will be some extra bodies (no, not Bodie plural) kicking around. How do we achieve the right fit?

Busta, he's mentioning the Leafs and the Playoffs together. Surely you have a comment? 

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Would like to hear everyone's thoughts on the forward group. There will be some extra bodies (no, not Bodie plural) kicking around. How do we achieve the right fit?

I like the idea of moving Bolland to the wing for the rest of the season. I'm pretty worried about how his already not-so-great speed is going to be effected coming off the injury. I'd probably go:

JVR-Bozak-Kessel
Lupul-Kadri-Kulemin
Bolland/Raymond-Holland-Clarkson
Raymond/Bolland-McClement-Ashton/D'Amigo/Bodie

Now, that's what I would like to see. We'll probably see Bolland stay in the middle though and Holland sent down to the Marlies. Also Orr likely keeps his roster spot, so what we'll probably actually see is:

JVR-Bozak-Kessel
Lupul-Kadri-Kulemin
Raymond-Bolland-Clarkson
Ashton-McClement-Orr

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

I'm not sure how much of a return we'd see but I'd be in favour of moving Raymond. Somehow I didn't realize that he has as many points as he has. He may be the easiest "good" player to deal because of his low contract which could up his value for teams close to the cap who are looking for a player with no commitment for next year.

That or we hold onto him for the playoffs (though I don't love his game) and try to trade his rights leading into UFA.

Don't get me wrong, he's been one of the best bargains in the league this year, I just don't think we'll re-sign him so I'd be in favour of maximizing ROI.

 

[bustaheims]

Busta, he's mentioning the Leafs and the Playoffs together. Surely you have a comment? 

Why would I? There's still a chance the Leafs could make the playoffs. I don't think they'll manage much more than that, but, considering how weak the East really is, anything could happen. There's also a chance they don't make it. It's really a coin flip at this point - though, if they keep allowing 40 shots a night . . .

 

[Redleaf]

I'm not sure how much of a return we'd see but I'd be in favour of moving Raymond. Somehow I didn't realize that he has as many points as he has. He may be the easiest "good" player to deal because of his low contract which could up his value for teams close to the cap who are looking for a player with no commitment for next year.

That or we hold onto him for the playoffs (though I don't love his game) and try to trade his rights leading into UFA.

Don't get me wrong, he's been one of the best bargains in the league this year, I just don't think we'll re-sign him so I'd be in favour of maximizing ROI.

I'd be alright with that, providing the return is something that can help the team moving forward. Let's face it, this team is still a few years away from making a playoff splash. A proper build has to be done with care and patience. If Raymond doesn't fit into their long term plans, then it's best to trade for a piece that does.

 

[bustaheims]

Regardless of where the Leafs are in the standings comes the deadline, they should be looking to move out some of their spare parts and not look to make any major moves (unless it's a "too good to be true" type situations). Guys like Raymond, Fraser, etc, might not get a strong return, but, they're also replaceable from within and shouldn't/won't be back next season. In terms of acquisitions, a couple quality 4th liners wouldn't hurt and likely won't cost much, but, really, anything more than that is likely a waste of assets.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Regardless of where the Leafs are in the standings comes the deadline, they should be looking to move out some of their spare parts and not look to make any major moves (unless it's a "too good to be true" type situations). Guys like Raymond, Fraser, etc, might not get a strong return, but, they're also replaceable from within and shouldn't/won't be back next season. In terms of acquisitions, a couple quality 4th liners wouldn't hurt and likely won't cost much, but, really, anything more than that is likely a waste of assets.

If we have a trade deadline somewhat similar to the way the Sharks approached theirs last season I'd be fairly happy.

 

[freer]

Regardless of where the Leafs are in the standings comes the deadline, they should be looking to move out some of their spare parts and not look to make any major moves (unless it's a "too good to be true" type situations). Guys like Raymond, Fraser, etc, might not get a strong return, but, they're also replaceable from within and shouldn't/won't be back next season. In terms of acquisitions, a couple quality 4th liners wouldn't hurt and likely won't cost much, but, really, anything more than that is likely a waste of assets.

If we have a trade deadline somewhat similar to the way the Sharks approached theirs last season I'd be fairly happy.

Agreed, although I would not mind if they resign Raymond for a reasonable rate.

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

Regardless of where the Leafs are in the standings comes the deadline, they should be looking to move out some of their spare parts and not look to make any major moves (unless it's a "too good to be true" type situations). Guys like Raymond, Fraser, etc, might not get a strong return, but, they're also replaceable from within and shouldn't/won't be back next season. In terms of acquisitions, a couple quality 4th liners wouldn't hurt and likely won't cost much, but, really, anything more than that is likely a waste of assets.

If we have a trade deadline somewhat similar to the way the Sharks approached theirs last season I'd be fairly happy.

Agreed, although I would not mind if they resign Raymond for a reasonable rate.

I don't see that happening. I also don't think his game is something the Leafs need more of. Too bad Mac was let go. He had a good mix of attributes.

 

[bustaheims]

Agreed, although I would not mind if they resign Raymond for a reasonable rate.

The problem is that a reasonable rate for what Raymond provides in a 3rd line role is not much more than he's making right now, and, considering the weak UFA market this summer, I'm sure he feels there's an opportunity for him to get a substantial raise. On top of that, at some point, the Leafs have to open up a couple spots that their younger guys have an opportunity to win, and Raymond would occupy one of the more obvious spots for that. What the Leafs really should do is keep that 3rd line wing role up for grabs while bringing a couple more experienced guys in on try-out contracts, just like they did with Raymond.

 

[freer]

Agreed, although I would not mind if they resign Raymond for a reasonable rate.

The problem is that a reasonable rate for what Raymond provides in a 3rd line role is not much more than he's making right now, and, considering the weak UFA market this summer, I'm sure he feels there's an opportunity for him to get a substantial raise. On top of that, at some point, the Leafs have to open up a couple spots that their younger guys have an opportunity to win, and Raymond would occupy one of the more obvious spots for that. What the Leafs really should do is keep that 3rd line wing role up for grabs while bringing a couple more experienced guys in on try-out contracts, just like they did with Raymond.

Well do you think we have people on the farm who are going to put up the same amount of points as Raymond. Hmmmm

 

[bustaheims]

Well do you think we have people on the farm who are going to put up the same amount of points as Raymond. Hmmmm

Considering how his production has virtually disappeared over the past couple months, and even more so since he's been demoted to the 3rd line, I'd say yes. Realistically, given the role he's playing now and the role I'm suggesting the Leafs would have him in next season, we're looking at a 10-15 goal, 30-35 point guy, and I definitely think there are guys in the system that could produce similar numbers to that in the same role.

 

[freer]

Well do you think we have people on the farm who are going to put up the same amount of points as Raymond. Hmmmm

Considering how his production has virtually disappeared over the past couple months, and even more so since he's been demoted to the 3rd line, I'd say yes. Realistically, given the role he's playing now and the role I'm suggesting the Leafs would have him in next season, we're looking at a 10-15 goal, 30-35 point guy, and I definitely think there are guys in the system that could produce similar numbers to that in the same role.

I dont follow the Marlies so I dont know much. I have heard Leivo name being thrown around. But I dont know.

 

[ZBBM]

Even if Raymond did nothing the rest of the year he'll have provided a good return for the money.