Matt Martin signs with the Leafs [4 years, $2.5mil AAV]

[Britishbulldog]

Is this probably roughly what our line-up looks like right now?

JVR-Kadri-Nylander
Hyman-Bozak- Michalek
Komarov-Matthews-Marner
Martin-Laich- Soshnikov
Pressbox: Greening, Lupul

Sprinkle in Brown, Rychel, Holland in the AHL.

 

[Britishbulldog]

And guys like Hyman, Soshnikov, and Brown are all players that Babcock seems to legitimately like, so I don't think he's going to give a veteran a spot just because they're veterans. I don't remember a time we've ever had that many potential NHL forwards coming into a training camp.

At this point you have to figure we'll see multiple trades.

That's what I was wondering...get some more draft picks or help on defense

 

[Spider]

This signing is for the expansion draft only.  We need to expose some players.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

This signing is for the expansion draft only.  We need to expose some players.

I'll bet anybody that he'll be protected.

 

[TBLeafer]

We have more skill already coming that we'll know what to do with.

This is a good sandpaper depth signing.

 

[ZBBM]

That is my one real question going forward. The logjam looks out of control. We're not even talking about a guy like Leipsic being on the team after a really great AHL year.

And guys like Hyman, Soshnikov, and Brown are all players that Babcock seems to legitimately like, so I don't think he's going to give a veteran a spot just because they're veterans. I don't remember a time we've ever had that many potential NHL forwards coming into a training camp.

Kapanen?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Kapanen?

I think that a year in the AHL where he's one of the Marlies go-to players would be beneficial for him. Unless he comes into camp and just dominates he really shouldn't be on the Leafs radar. Even then I don't know. He's only turning 20 years old this month.

 

[Zee]

Only thing I don't like is the 4 years. Two would have been fine

 

[Zee]

This signing is for the expansion draft only.  We need to expose some players.

I'll bet anybody that he'll be protected.

All depends on how he plays. Leafs won't blindly protect him if he's playing like crap

 

[jonlleafs]

Is this probably roughly what our line-up looks like right now?

JVR-Kadri-Nylander
Hyman-Bozak- Michalek
Komarov-Matthews-Marner
Martin-Laich- Soshnikov
Pressbox: Greening, Lupul

Sprinkle in Brown, Rychel, Holland in the AHL.

I think Soshnikov is better than Hyman and has an above average NHL shot.  While I don't want to see Hyman on the 4th line, I don't know where else you could put him.  Possibly on the 2nd line?  At this point, I would not be playing Michalek. 

So,

JVR, Kadri, Nylander
Soshnikov, Bozak, Brown
Komarov, Matthews, Marner
Martin, Laich, Hyman

 

[Bonsixx]

Nothing wrong with the player, nothing wrong with the deal. He's a beast that hits and can actually play. With all the kids in the lineup next year, it's a decent idea.

 

[Bill_Berg]

Nothing wrong with the player, nothing wrong with the deal. He's a beast that hits and can actually play. With all the kids in the lineup next year, it's a decent idea.

Been reading articles that say it's a bad deal, but I can't help but agree with you, Bon. Hits and shot blocks, experience, seems like a good addition for a decent FA contract. Not all of our young guys are going to work out.

 

[Tigger]

I know I said something to the effect that I wouldn't mind seeing Marner have a guy like Martin patrolling with him, but for a year, one, jeebus.

 

[Bill_Berg]

I know I said something to the effect that I wouldn't mind seeing Marner have a guy like Martin patrolling with him, but for a year, one, jeebus.

Some part of it is that you don't get a FA for 1 year typically, not a guy that's on the upswing. And I don't mind the 4 years considering his age.

 

[herman]

Alternatives: Leipsic, Clune.

 

[gunnar36]

Maybe a little too much $, but I really do like this signing and 4 years is a good thing.  For those who are skeptical I think you will learn to love him, this guy can actually skate in this league (unlike Clarkson).  And to be able to land as many hits as he has in his ice time, you have to be a good skater with some agility. The past two seasons we have been lacking in the intimidation department and Martin will help this a great deal.

Martin adds a lot of grit and toughness which will help to insulate our young guns a little.  Opponents may think twice about taking big runs at our less then ideal sized rookies (Marner, Nylander etc) knowing that they could have a guy like Martin hunting them down next shift.  Having that peace of mind for 4 years is a good thing as our young guys grow in this league.

 

[Bill_Berg]

Alternatives: Leipsic, Clune.

Ya I don't know if I put them in the same bucket as a guy with near 500 NHL games experience, but I know where you're going. I just think you need som experience. Not everyone on the roster can be a rookie.

 

[Tigger]

I know I said something to the effect that I wouldn't mind seeing Marner have a guy like Martin patrolling with him, but for a year, one, jeebus.

Some part of it is that you don't get a FA for 1 year typically, not a guy that's on the upswing. And I don't mind the 4 years considering his age.

Yeah, it just reminds me of the headline when the Leafs got Warren Rychel, 'buds get muscle' ( a short term trade mind you ). I don't hate it, and it's probably a contract that won't hamstring them down the line.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I like it, not every at bat is a home run and I don't think they struck out here. 

 

[Tigger]

Yeah, and hey, it's Martin, not Lucic.