Comments on: Leafs empty up the middle

By: Kev_Leafs

Kev_Leafs — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:09:53 +0000

Eklund didn't say the Kings were offering that deal. He said that that is what he was hearing (which means anyone could have said it, not necessarily anyone from the Kings or Leafs organization).

Again, the book on Simmonds is that he doesn't have the creativity for a top-six role. I like him as a player, and he would be given that role with the Leafs, but we'd have to lower our expectations of offensive output, that;s not to say he can't put up 25 goals; it's just in two full seasons he hasn't eclipsed 20. He wasn't given any PP time over there, however.

By: LeafsLegacy

LeafsLegacy — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:45:04 +0000

That would be awesome. Toronto really needs offensive men that are also reliable defensively. He looks like a good investment. (I've never really seen him play, but his stats are impressive)

By: glotz_99

glotz_99 — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:59:24 +0000

The latest I've heard is the Kings are interested in Kaberle and are offering a package that includes Wayne Simmonds and propects/draft picks.

Simmonds had 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 pts and 116 PIM last season and was an impressive +22.

By: TmLeafan

TmLeafan — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:18:35 +0000

I agree, Hanson really impressed me the last 10-15 games of the season and was probably our best player the last 5 games. He is a good skater and seems to have a lot of jump. I think he needs to focus on being more of an impact player and taking it up a notch heading into next season.

I am excited to see how Versteeg does he should get plenty of opportunities and ice time.

By: mojo19

mojo19 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:20:28 +0000

Personally I'm the other way around. I like Hanson at centre because he's a good draw guy and much better defensively than Johnny Mitchell. I always liked Mitchell much better on the wing, because I think he used his size more there, like along the boards.

I'd keep trying Hanson at centre, there is hope that he can develop into that gritty 3rd line centre we crave.

By: mojo19

mojo19 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:18:12 +0000

Caputi has got good hands. I hope Caputi can prove himself in camp that he deserves at least 2nd-3rd line ice time and he can come in and make the team as a regular. There is potential for that to happen.

By: mojo19

mojo19 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:14:32 +0000

hell, if he were in shape and would play cheap I'd take him for a year, look at Recchi still chipping in with Boston. But Mats is not coming out of retirement, no chance.

By: HABSSTAR

HABSSTAR — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:52:24 +0000

Nah, that's only for hits to the head that cause damage. After reading about Flames recycling those two I'm sure no one will accuse you of causing any damage to Sutter's brain.

What was more brutal then the signings was him trying to justify them... Christ I'm glad I'm not a Flames fan.

By: Kev_Leafs

Kev_Leafs — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:39:25 +0000

Irwin and Caputi are listed as 13th/14th forwards as replacements for potential injuries to the forward lineup - assuming they're not of the long term variety.

It's more likely that someone like the recently signed Crabb will sit in the press box as the 13th forward. He makes league minimum on a two-way contract. It'd be better to have him sitting every game than having Caputi sit because he's better off getting playing time in the AHL if he isn't suiting up for the Leafs.

By: Kev_Leafs

Kev_Leafs — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:34:42 +0000

Versteeg has also played centre. Not that it would change much, but if Grabovski is gone and people don't seem to like Hanson at centre, there could be a few games where Versteeg lines up there.