James van Riemsdyk

[Rebel_1812]

This trade is looking really good for the Leafs so far. Big asset up front, and the team is loaded with D-Men. I think Fraser is better shutdown than Schenn. And, Kostka is better defensively as well.

Schenn was good the first year with the leafs.  Every year after that he seemed to get worse and worse.  Every d-men currently playing for the leafs is better then schenn was last year.

 

[nutman]

This trade is looking really good for the Leafs so far. Big asset up front, and the team is loaded with D-Men. I think Fraser is better shutdown than Schenn. And, Kostka is better defensively as well.

Schenn was good the first year with the leafs.  Every year after that he seemed to get worse and worse.  Every d-men currently playing for the leafs is better then schenn was last year.

And the best part Philly has him, lolololol.

 

[moon111]

Think the NHL changed.  The need for speed has eliminated the slow.  Back in day, Schenn and Komi's stock would be higher I'm the clutch and grab.

 

[Kaberle15]

I really like JVR, but I'm starting to get the sense that Kessel is the spark plug that ignites Lupul, and so far this year, JVR. Once Phil gets that offense going, guys like JVR and Lupul, who are good finishers, really become the beneficiaries of his great plays. It should be interesting to see if either Lupul or JVR can keep it up while playing on a different line than Kessel, once Lupul returns.

Well, in theory, if they play with Kadri, then they should keep on getting their chances.

JVR/Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
Lupul/JVR-Kadri-Frattin

Sounds good

 

[nutman]

JVR is due for a big game tonight. I'll say he gets two pts.

 

[Zee]

Mark Masters ‏@markhmasters
van Riemsdyk took tumble during end of practice skating drill; left ice favouring right leg

Ruh-oh, hope it's nothing serious.

 

[sneakyray]

Mark Masters ‏@markhmasters
Per @DarrenDreger - Nonis says JVR will be fine

 

[caver]

Maybe JVR is still hurting or injured, but he has been the Invisible Man lately.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Maybe JVR is still hurting or injured, but he has been the Invisible Man lately.

I think this is the guy who drove Flyers fans crazy, looks like an elite player for stretches and absolutely vanishes for about the same amount of time.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

I don't think he's been invisible, things just aren't clicking offensively like they were to start the season.  I tried keying on him and saw he's still going to the front of the net, still working hard on the boards, etc, things he was doing when he was successful.

 

[Leafaholic99]

Maybe other teams are keying in on him more now then the first half of the season? Which leaves Kadri/Loops/Kessel open a bit more. Which is fine by me when we have 4-5 legit threats now, we actually have a top 6 with Kadri, Kessel, JVR, Grabs, Loops. Other teams can't neutrilize all 5 every game.

 

[leafplasma]

Maybe other teams are keying in on him more now then the first half of the season? Which leaves Kadri/Loops/Kessel open a bit more. Which is fine by me when we have 4-5 legit threats now, we actually have a top 6 with Kadri, Kessel, JVR, Grabs, Loops. Other teams can't neutrilize all 5 every game.

Grabs isn't in that top 6 though, although he may be after the trade deadline 

 

[Leaflifer]

Nice to see RC getting JVR some pp time with top forwards late in the game against the sens, to try to get him going, as opposed to benching him.

The coaching staff are using more positive reinforcement these days.

 

[Stickytape]

One thing JVR doesn't get enough credit for: the screen.  He likes to sit in front of the net and really seems to know where to stand for maximum irritation (I bet he took lessons from my cat).  I've seen a number of goals  go in because JVR's giant blue butt was in the goalie's face, but that isn't the sort of thing that shows up on the boxscore.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Still think this trade was a steal.

 

[Highlander]

Like Kessel, I wanted JVR on our team since the first time I saw him play...two greats of the future.

 

[Champ Kind]

Still think this trade was a steal.

Agree with you, Potvin.

The allure of uniting brothers is strong.  I wonder if Rutherford would want a do-over on the Jordan Stall trade.

 

[Bullfrog]

I didn't think it was a steal at first for two reasons: 1. I was concerned about JvR's inconsistency and 2. I still believed Schenn could develop into a very good stay-at-home defenseman.

After this season, both of those points still remain valid, but it's JvR's skating that's really swayed my opinion of the trade. I really was surprised by how well he can skate and his hands and shot are impressive.

 

[dappleganger]

Still think this trade was a steal.

It was. Just like most of Burkie's trades while he was the Leafs GM.

 

[Boston Leaf]

I loved the trade from day 1. The year before when it was talked about I remeber thinking no way wil lBurke be abel to get JVR straight up for Luke. I liked Luke but I think he is a dime a dozen type D. Very slow foot.Only a slight upgrade over Mark Fraser I think