TML fan said:
Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate said:
Here's my list of guys who I think have played their last game as a Leaf:
Phaneuf
Lupul
Bernier
Reimer
Kadri
Gardiner
plus some of the scrubs
Just my hunch.
Interesting. I'm 50/50 on Kadri, but leaning more towards the Leafs keeping him. I think Phaneuf is gone for sure, and I think they'll try hard to move Kessel but I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed. I also think Lupul will stay. He's not cheap and the injury concerns coupled with his pretty awful play in the 2nd half has me thinking interest will be very low. Something tells me van Riemsdyk won't be here next year.
I feel the Leafs have 3 2nd line centers: Bozak, Kadri and possibly Holland. I needs to be moved and although I like Kadri over Bozak I think Kadri has the most trade value and will be the one moved to everyone's surprise.
I also think that Lupul has virtually no trade value and it is better to keep him rather than do a bad trade. I would give Lupul away once Brown or Nylander are ready to join the Leafs at the end of next season or the following one.
I love Orr's heart, hitting and fighting skill but he is just too slow. If someone like Reaves, Thorburn or one of the 'new' tough guys who can skate well, hit and score 5-10 goals were available then I would be tempted to add them but no more knuckle draggers.
I also don't think I would re-sign any FA forwards on the Leafs including Booth, Lindstrom or even Panik who cooled off dramatically. I might consider Sill and maybe Kozun but both are easily replaceable with younger options...like Carrick and Bailey.
From this current roster here is how I think it should move forward:
JVR / Bozak / Kessel
Lupul / Strome/ Bailey
Komarov / Holland / ?? UFA Stewart??
Sill / Carrick / Kozun??
Rielly / ??
Gardiner / Robidas
Marlie / Granberg
Trade Bait:
Kadri, Polak,Reimer for solid RH dman
Phaneuf (I hope for mid 14-18 1st draft pick) giving the Leafs 3 1st round picks this year