Joffrey Lupul

[Kin]

It goes without saying, that it always depends on what you get back, but I always struggle with these types of things, because you never know if the guy you're getting back will form the type of chemistry you already have with the guy you're trading. If it's not broke, don't fix it kind of thing, it would have to be one heck of a player coming back the other way IMO.

As you say, it's always an issue of who's coming back. That should clear up most of it. The issue in Lupul's case is whether or not there are any other factors that add incentive to look into dealing him. I think there are. It's not a major deal or anything but a lack of previous production at this level and the Leafs' lack of high value trade chips do add to it.

But, again, it's always a question of the return. Nobody on the team should be untouchable.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

The issue in Lupul's case is whether or not there are any other factors that add incentive to look into dealing him. I think there are. It's not a major deal or anything but a lack of previous production at this level and the Leafs' lack of high value trade chips do add to it.

Do we typically see that though? When players come to a new team and do very well, click with a core player (that has been lacking) and play lights out, getting traded just because they can return a nice package?

I totally understand what you're saying, but in Lupul's case, what kind of player(s) would have to come back our way to make that a good deal for us?

 

[Kin]

I think there are too many variables to try and come up with a list of really comparable situations. To find a really good one, you'd have to come up with a situation where that player not only was playing lights out and helping another star player find their game but where the team was still struggling to establish themselves as a playoff team despite that sort of play from their top line.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I think there are too many variables to try and come up with a list of really comparable situations. To find a really good one, you'd have to come up with a situation where that player not only was playing lights out and helping another star player find their game but where the team was still struggling to establish themselves as a playoff team despite that sort of play from their top line.

I figure there is plenty of other moves to make and Lupul is probably pretty low on the list. The type of offer it would take to get Lupul on another team, to me, has a pretty slim chance of happening. Burke needs to concentrate on adding to that success and try to propel this team into a long playoff run, rather than taking steps back and pushing the team further away from the ultimate goal.

I guess it could change with one phone call, as Burke says, call me crazy and all, but I don't think his phone is going to ring with any kind of offer that makes him pause to think about it. I'm sure a lot of GM's would love to have Lupul, but they're not going to trade the type of player it would take to get there IMO.

 

[Kin]

I figure there is plenty of other moves to make and Lupul is probably pretty low on the list.

That right there is the real issue. It's impossible to know who may or may not be available in the next month or so or what their teams will want for them.

I don't think anyone is advocating that it's imperative that Lupul get dealt or that the team needs to start a fire sale and start over. I don't even know how likely it is that Lupul gets dealt. The issue is, as you say, how the team gets closer to where they want to be. Could that involve trading Lupul? Sure.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I don't even know how likely it is that Lupul gets dealt. The issue is, as you say, how the team gets closer to where they want to be. Could that involve trading Lupul? Sure.

Right, and all I'm saying is that it would probably have to be one heck of a player to make it happen. I think when we talk of a deal of this magnitude, it decreases it's probability quite a bit. We'll see, but I don't think it's too likely that Lupul goes anywhere soon, I would think the probability would increase substantially next year around this time, if all things stay the same with regards to Lupul's value to us.

 

[ZBBM]

Sorry, but this was prompted only by the fact that I heard this morning that he scored three more points. I was out last night and never saw any of the game - just heard the final score on my way home.

I have believed all year long that the Leafs got him with one full year left on his contract. I don't know how or why I made that mistake. Sorry.

No need to apologize -- it's a discussion worth having regardless of the timing.

I agree with Ern that we need to see how he does next year.  I also agree with Nik that he's not untouchable and should be considered movable for the right deal.  But as he said, there's no rush to cash in.

 

[McPwnage]

Excellent article about Lupul's recovery up on yahoo, http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=nc-toronto-maple-leafs-joffrey-lupul-012012

 

[Zee]

Excellent article about Lupul's recovery up on yahoo, http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=nc-toronto-maple-leafs-joffrey-lupul-012012

Good read, thanks.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

Which to me, also seemed kind of weird. The guy has been nothing but money since coming here, why on earth would we trade the guy?

Because you'd be selling high. That's it.

You guys are nuts.  Lupul is a salary dump.

*runs away*

 

[Kin]

We'll see, but I don't think it's too likely that Lupul goes anywhere soon, I would think the probability would increase substantially next year around this time, if all things stay the same with regards to Lupul's value to us.

I actually lean the other way. If Lupul has another year like this one next year I think he'll have done a lot to prove this wasn't a fluke and that there's real value in re-signing him.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I actually lean the other way. If Lupul has another year like this one next year I think he'll have done a lot to prove this wasn't a fluke and that there's real value in re-signing him.

I agree with you on that, I just meant the probability that somebody offers up the type of player it would take for Burke to trade him, and or Burke's willingness to trade him. If he does this again, it's going to cost us more to re-sign him and may sway Burke's mind a little easier, especially if a team coughs up the right package for him.

 

[draeko17]

I didn't see a thread for the upcoming All Star game, so this is just as good a place to post this, I guess....

Joffrey Lupul has been named Alternate Captain to Chara's team for the All Star game.  Good for him.  What a season he's having.

 

[Kessel_81]

AMEN

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

oh geezuz, there goes my excuse to NOT watch the AllStar game  :-\

 

[sucka]

I get to watch all the hockey I want only because my wifey could catch a glimpse of Joffrey now and then.  I do have to admit, he's gives me wierd feelings deep inside...

 

[groundskeeper willie]

"Now I come to the rink everyday ? whether it's a game or practice ? with a purpose, to get better at something or stronger in the weight room or take care of my body so eight years from now hopefully I can still be playing," he [Lupul] said. "Back then, something like that would never even cross my mind, it was just living for that particular day and go from there."

He shudders at the rash of injuries ? most recently a troubling back problem that knocked him out of the league for nearly a calendar year ? comprehending what could have been prevented had he taken a greater interest in the finer points of preparation.

"And not to say that I wouldn't have had them anyway, but maybe not," he said of the injuries. "Now I'm working everyday and trying to do some extra stuff for injury prevention, just to get the most out of my career as possible. With the injury, this is almost like a second chance for me."

The unfortunate necessitated change, forced him to pay attention, and finally steered him toward the training that left him in the best shape of his NHL career this past summer.

Can't help but be reminded a bit of Gary Roberts reading stuff like this. Both had major career threatening injuries that caused them to become fitness freaks after making a surprisingly successful comeback.

 

[TML fan]

Off the top of my head, I can't think of a better choice for the Masterton trophy.

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

 

[Guru Tugginmypuddah]

He is the biggest surprise.  I really thought he was just a salary dump Burke HAD to take in order to get Gardiner, and Lupul would just end up in the minors or on IR until his contract runs out.

Between his resurgence on the ice, his leadership off the ice, the type of player you really love having on your team.