Roberto Luongo trade to Leafs isn’t a done deal, at least not yet: Cox

No NHL player can be traded during the lockout. But that doesn’t mean nobody is talking trade, or that trade rumours can’t gain life while the players are locked out.

That seems to be the case with the Leafs and their pursuit of Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, with multiple reports this week indicating that a deal was either close or completed in principle.

Well, not true. At least not yet.

Yes, the Leafs remain very much interested in securing the services of Luongo, and the talks are very much alive. It’s believed Leaf GM Brian Burke and his Vancouver counterpart Mike Gillis spoke as recently as two weeks ago, at which time the Canucks demands were reduced from the bounty they requested at the draft, but not enough for the Leafs to agree to anything.

At the draft, reports indicated Vancouver asked for centre Tyler Bozak, defenceman Jake Gardiner, a first-round pick and winger Matt Frattin in exchange for the 33-year-old Luongo. The Leafs had no interest in paying that kind of price, largely because there is no significant market for the services of the veteran goaltender.

The Leafs, however, have only James Reimer on their NHL roster, and he’s a goalie in search of bounce-back season himself. So they have a definite need for quality veteran goaltending and the Canucks need to get Luongo out-of-town.

So talks have continued on and off, with Bozak as the centrepiece. Vancouver believes Bozak would be a good fit as their No. 3 centre behind Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler. The Leafs might be willing to pay more than Bozak, but how much more is unclear.

The most recent owner’s CBA proposal, meanwhile, may have altered the temperature of talks between the two clubs.

Luongo has 10 years remaining on a contract that comes with a cap hit of $5.33 million per season and expires in 2022. His actual salary is $6.714 million for the next six seasons, including the 2012-13 campaign, but then drops by 50 per cent in the seventh year and to $1 million in each of the final two.

The belief has long been with this contract that he’ll play for six years, then retire, taking the Canucks off the hook for the cap hit in the final four years.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1274114–roberto-luongo-trade-to-leafs-isn-t-a-done-deal-at-least-not-yet-cox


82 Responses to Roberto Luongo trade to Leafs isn’t a done deal, at least not yet: Cox

  1. Shoelesshobo says:

    Alright so I have been doing a bit of reading around and looking up and all I can say is we may have no hockey but damn is Toronto doing an amazing job with their prospects….

    GP G A P +/-
    1. Matt Finn 11 5 7 12 10 (2 points back of Hamilton)
    2. Conner Brown 12 6 7 13 0
    3. Morgan Rielly 12 3 11 14 3
    4. Tyler Biggs 12 6 5 11 7

    Matt Finn is really looking like a gem. We got really lucky picking him up where we did I mean I thought for sure Edmonton would of taken it but I guess it is their loss. Can’t wait to hear Edmonton fans still preach their big 5.

    • lafleur10 says:

      which big 5 of edmonton’s are you taking about?

      eberle
      nugent-hopkins
      hall
      yakupov
      schultz

      because if it is those guys blow yours away big time and it’s not even close and if it isn’t well then i’m not sure which 5 of the oilers you are refering to
      eberele is better than all 5 of the leafs prospects alone and then you had yakupov,nugent hopkins ,hall ………….that’s just sick going forward

      • Shoelesshobo says:

        Taken out of context It was more of a reference to picking first overall. I should of just said Big three and referred to RNH, Hall, Yakupov. I mean it is easy to pick first overall it is hard to pick first in the second round.

        • lafleur10 says:

          your forgetting to add eberle to that group so it should be the big 4 he’s the best of the 4 so far…. picking 1st in the second round isn’t hard ,if you have the right scout picking for you

    • reinjosh says:

      Minor correction and then a few points. Rielly has 15 points in 12 games, not 14. And he’s only gone pointless in 4 games. ANd he’s second on his team for points, and tied for first in the WHL for points scored by a defenseman (Myles Bell is listed as first but he’s been playing as a forward so far, not a dman).

      Finn is looking great. He’s definitely making me a believer in that pick. By all accounts he’s been solid in all three zones, playing a great all around game. He also has more goals than Hamilton, which happens to be the most for any dman.

      The two dman we grabbed with out first two picks are looking great.

      Brown seems to have improved his defensive deficiencies, at least enough to not be going a minus a going. He’s riding shotgun with McDavid and only just lost the team lead in scoring to him, but he’s been a good riding mate.

      Biggs is apparently getting good numbers but not at level one would expect from a player drafted two drafts ago. I’d like to see more personally.

  2. lafleur10 says:

    lupul,reimer,2nd r.d pick

    for
    louongo

    • reinjosh says:

      Yep…no.

    • mojo19 says:

      The only trade I would do for Luongo would be:

      Lombardi, Komisarek, Connolly

      for

      Luongo, 1st rounder (2013), 1st rounder (2014)

      *And that’s only if the proposed rule change goes through that Vancouver would be on the hook for Luongo’s cap hit when he retires.

  3. LN91 says:

    I know it’s early…

    But Kadri has been really unimpressive so far. Yesterday, had an assist by his deflected pass…But also took a dumb penalty because he stopped skating.

    Today, he was not a factor…He looked like he wanted to play a grinding role today.

    Leo Komarov is still looking like an ideal third-line/fourth-line player. I will compare him to a less-skilled Brad Marchand.

    Jake Gardiner, well…This guy’s on another planet right now. At this rate, he will be a Duncan Keith.

    Joe Colborne has the best ‘vision’ of any Marlie. He’s using his body a bit more, standing infront of the net…But I think a good player for him to look up to is Sundin.

    What about Kenny Ryan, Greg McKegg, or Greg Scott? Very complete players that Burke drafted. You’re starting to see why many said McKegg was the steal of his draft.

    • 93killer93 says:

      Mckegg was definitely a steal. Obviously stats don’t tell the whole story, but of the 24 forwards from the CHL drafted before him, only Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, and Jeff Skinner finished with more points. The fact we grabbed him in the 3rd round was a surprise.

    • reinjosh says:

      Agreed with everything. Yes even Kadri. He’s been unimpressive.

      Gardiner has been amazing. I’m excited to see what an AHL year will do for his NHL game.

      Apparently Kyper said the Leafs turned down a 1st and a roster player for Kadri…what say you?

      • dumbassdoorman says:

        I say, really? when and who lol

        • reinjosh says:

          That’s what i’m wondering. I can’t imagine the roster player was anyone special. Probably just a neccesity to facilitate contracts on either side. But where the first was? I’m intrigued I guess. I wonder if it was Washington’s? Two first’s, similar game style to Ribeiro’s…

          If it would have gotten us Forsberg, Grigorenko or Faksa? I might be inclined to say yes to that deal.

          • dumbassdoorman says:

            Well, I don’t wanna say I have given up on him. To be honest i would like to see what he has at the NHL level before trading him. I am not saying hbe will be a special player, but he does have skills. That being said, he wouldn’t be the first player who was a better NHLer than AHLer.

            • mojo19 says:

              If he ever makes it to the NHL. I’m starting to lose faith in Kadri. The kid is a flake. He lost me when he had that interview on Leafs.com with Mike Ulmer and basically said that Gary Roberts didn’t tell him anything he didn’t already know “but it was pretty cool to work with him.” And the result of his attitude? He came to camp a little doughy. I gotta roll my eyes at this kid.

              • toronto77 says:

                Still, when I picture at what type of forward Kadri will be, I still keep picturing Daniel Briere. Similar size, plays gritty, has speed and skill, has swager.

                But I am almost ready to give up on him if he doesn’t mature.

              • leafs_wallace93 says:

                Gary Roberts is a bit overrated, working out isn’t all that hard, you figure out your macro nutrients, take a few supplements and you either work for volume or lift heavy.

                Roberts doesn’t posses some secret miracle blueprint otherwise he’d market it and be a household name world wide. Any meat head can lift weights especially when working with the genetically gifted 1% that is professional athletes.

                That said, Kadri looks to me to be the next Wellwood, too bad given the hype of his draft year.

                • mojo19 says:

                  That’s Kadri’s attitude too. Roberts does provide a certain intangible quality. He teaches you to work hard, which was the one lesson lost on Nazem Kadri.

                  Stamkos said he revamped his work ethic after having worked with Roberts, right before his breakout season. He works wonders with most players he works with.

                  The only catch is you have to work hard, and Kadri obviously didn’t pick up on that. I think the Wellwood comparison is dangerously accurate.

  4. Gambo says:

    To TBL: Grabovski.

    To TOR: Lecavlier.

    To VAN: Bozak, Macarthur.

    To TOR: Luongo.

    To EDM: Kadri, Connolly, Percy.

    To TOR: Gagner.

    Lupul-Lecavlier(A)-Kessel
    JVR-Gagner-Kulemin
    Hamilton-McClement-Frattin
    Komarov-Steckel-Brown
    Lombardi/Orr

    Gardiner-Phaneuf(C)
    Liles(A)-Franson
    Gunnarsson-Komisarek
    Holzer

    Luongo
    Reimer

    I think all the trades are fair, not sure if the other GM’s would accept them, but I think they’re fair.

    I really like this top 6, Gagner and JVR would be great together IMO and Kulemin can definitely hold his own. I also love the idea of Lecavlier on the leafs, big skilled body in between Kessel and Lupul could be lethal.

    The 3rd line is kind of risky, but I have no doubt in my mind that Hamilton should be a permanent 3rd line NHLer. He can really throw around the body, has a lot of heart and leadership plus he can also put up some points. Komarov would be the agitator that the leafs have been missing for a while on that 4th line.

    With Lombardi and Orr as scratches, you have a player who can step up into a top 6 role if there is an injury and a player who can go into the lineup against bigger teams such as Boston.

    The first defensive line of Gardiner and Phaneuf will be amazing. They both are strong in both ends of the rink and they both are extremely skilled. Franson and Liles should put up lots of points being as they are both strong offensively. And the third pairing of Gunnarsson and Komisarek could possibly be a solid shutdown pairing. There is still some hope that Komisarek can be that big shut down guy he was in Montreal, if that happens this could round out a decent back end.

    Finally, goalies. I find it tough to argue that Luongo isn’t one of the best goalies in the league right now, he will get them to the playoffs. Reimer could grow off of him similarly to how Schneider did which would put them in a good position for the future.

    This team has pretty good size, great leadership (Phaneuf, Lecavlier, Luongo, Liles, Hamilton, McClement, Komisarek), skill and they have all that without giving up on all of their future.

  5. dumbassdoorman says:

    Spirited play like this will earn you a spot on the blueline as it is something we are sorely lacking in terms of physical intimidation http://youtu.be/9OGFqp1CEmI

  6. 93killer93 says:

    I didn’t think it was possible for me to hate Sergei Kostitsyn more than I already do.

    “Let’s put it this way – it would be better (for the players) if the lockout continues,” Kostitsyn said
    If the NHL season is lost – let it be that way. I would then play in Russia for the whole season.”

    • mojo19 says:

      Meanwhile you gotta love Dan Boyle, who has gone against his NHLPA brothers by saying he see’s both sides of the argument, and feels that the owners have a valid point. Bottom line for Boyle, he just wants to play hockey.

      Of course it’s probably easier for a guy like him who has earned close to $7 million a year for the past while, compared to a guy breaking into the league.

  7. dumbassdoorman says:

    I really can’t wait for the world jr. tourny. It is always the best hockey of the year and with the lockout will be even better, IMO.

    • Shoelesshobo says:

      Yeah it is always an interesting tourny. This year may be the first time I put money down on Canada to win as they finally have hope with Subban in goal.

  8. LN91 says:

    http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/1274610–nhl-lockout-players-pay-now-for-nhlpa-coup-cox

    I know it’s Daminen Cox, but I thought it was a good article about how the NHLPA and the players basically set up this entire mess.

    The article is pretty scandulous, even mentioning that Paul Kelly was axed so the players could get more money.

    What do you guys think?

    I’ve blamed the players since day, I think they are asking for an unrealistic amount of money.

    They are the bottom feeders (by a mile) of the big four (Mlb, etc.) but they want to be paid the same amount of money? Even the NHL’s offer of 50-50 is way more then the other leagues get.

    • dumbassdoorman says:

      Ya, I despise Cox, he is a major league tool. However he is right and makes some valid points. I am of the opinion they are both wrong. However, I am pissed at the PA as they want to nothing but give stupid interviews and say all things blaming the NHL. Yet, it was the league who was rejected by the PA to start CBA talks last Feb., still they were shocked to be locked out. I am not sure the NHL would have locked them out as planned had negociations started long before, if there was a good line of communication.

    • reinjosh says:

      Great article. Good post. I also thought it was pretty scandalous and a big indication of the motives of the players. Specifically the money point. Some retired player told Friedman that had Kelly initiated negotiations last summer, that the player’s wouldn’t have gotten the 200 plus million that led up to the expiry of the CBA this year. This totally solidified my stance against the NHLPA.

      Really the whole “honor our contracts” is an idea based upon a small majority of players. Do you think those players with 1, 2 or 3 year deals care that much if their current contracts get rolled back a little? Yeah it would suck but looking at the last lockout, it might be beneficial to them. The average NHL salary actually increased past pre-2004 lockout levels. So in a few years the salaries get back to where they are and those players cash in.

      But the guys with the long term contracts, the Kovy’s, the Crosby’s, the Ovechkin’s, don’t want to see those contracts rolled back because they can’t sign new ones.

      Honestly the players would be better off ensuring that the UFA age doesn’t go up, and ensuring that contract length caps aren’t signed.

      • mojo19 says:

        Steve Simmons also wrote an article yesterday outlining a lot of the same things. The whole rollback situation during the last NHL lockout really didn’t cost anyone any money except guys like Brett Hull who were on the verge of retirement.

      • LN91 says:

        Did you not notice Crosby, Kovalchuk, and Ovechkin are the biggest whiners thus far?

        Guess what? You signed stupid contracts, its now going to bite you in the ass.

  9. Islanders are moving to Brooklyn following the expiration of their lease.

    • dumbassdoorman says:

      About time, lol, another positive step,minus capacity of building. Though having suites and luxury boxes will make it better then it was.

      • reinjosh says:

        I think the moving of the Nets to Brooklyn helped pave the way too. Gives NYI some credibility with FA’s that they not have had before. “Hey, big name NBA stars are here too!”

        So Brooklyn Islanders or New York Islanders?

        • lafleur10 says:

          that’s going to be really hard to get used to i hate it already the new york islanders sounds better

          • I think it was already confirmed that they’re keeping it New York Islanders.

            • reinjosh says:

              Ah that’s too bad. I know there’s history there and all, but I would have to see a redesign like the Brooklyn Nets went through. And I kind of like Brooklyn Islanders

              • dumbassdoorman says:

                I thought they said the team name will stay the same? I don’t think the name is the problem with the Ilses, lol, it is ownership and poor decsions over the past 10-12 years. Though as of late keeping those high picks and quality young players is a major step in the right direction.

              • JoelLeafs says:

                Uhh, Brooklyn isn’t an island.

                • But it’s kinda’ part of Long Island.

                • dumbassdoorman says:

                  No but he is right it is part of Long Ilseland at least by the maps I remember, lol. Besides what does it matter? Hell the Giants and Jets played at Giant stadium in frickin New Jersey for years, lol.

                  • dumbassdoorman says:

                    And I think lol, Metlife stadium that they both play in now is in Jersey too, lol, see no worries.

                    • Yup, it’s still in the same area.

                    • mojo19 says:

                      Ever see that Will Ferrell movie “Semi-Pro” ? It gets a bad rep, but its got some good jokes. For example the team is from Flint Michegan but their called the “Tropics” because they kept their name after moving from Florida. Haha. Go Brooklyn Islanders!

  10. Yup, it’s the still in the same area.

  11. dumbassdoorman says:

    yesterday I was laughing at Cammmaleri and his practical joke(TSN video) on Biz Nasty, today i wanna punch him in the face with a hammer….lol. Seriously to be making what he does, which rumor has is slightly above that of the average hard working Canadian. He decides to say this “From day one in the negotiation, it’s been us trying to concede to get a deal done,” Cammalleri noted. “That’s all we’ve done is make concessions. Nothing’s been offered that benefits the players in any way whatsoever.”

    Like most players, Cammalleri can see no reason for an immediate reduction in salaries, other than financial greed from the owners’ perspective. “You feel taken advantage of when you can’t justify it to yourself,” he said. “It’s like if you’ve ever bought a house or a car, if the price is this because this is what it costs then you feel okay paying those dollars because there’s a story to it, there’s a reason for it. You don’t feel taken advantage of.”

    Hey Mike go piss up a rope you spoiled little shit

    • JoelLeafs says:

      Fehr has some talent, I’ll give him that. How he managed to make all of us hockey fans despise him and sympathize with Bettman is astonishing.

      • Shoelesshobo says:

        I think it was more of a Bettman dealing that made us like him. He promised a full season and we perked our ears up like dogs and waited. Then Don took it away instead of the man who gave it to us. Thus we feel Bettman wanted what is best for us. In reality I will support whichever side gets me hockey back.

        • reinjosh says:

          It was actual incredibly smart of Bettman. It was a master stroke to take the fans that despise him and turn them into his supporters. For the longest time I’ve never liked him, but I’ve come to respect the guys business means. He’s literally a genius. He may be an arrogant asshole, but he’s a genius at what he does.

  12. mojo19 says:

    It’s amazing how many of you are getting on board with the owners. The players have to realize they are way out of line in this negotiation.

    • LN91 says:

      It was a fair deal. No arguing it.

      Yes, the players would have to take a 13% pay cut, but that is expected of any athletes in any league. The NFLPA and the NBPA had to do the same thing.

      Also, remeber when Air Canada went bankrupt a few years back? All their employees agreed to slash their salaries so no one lost jobs.

      Want to know the best part? The 50-50 split in revenue would’ve probably covered the 13% loss and then some.

      That is why everyone acknowledged it was a very fair offer.

      The reason the NHLPA rejected it? They’re greedy. They wanted to put pressure on the owners and they believed the potential loss of the WInter Classic would make them cave.

      Guess what? It did not. The NHL will cancel it. Now, the players have pissed off the owners even more and the NHL will low ball the offers even more as a result.

      This entire MESS is caused by Donald Fehr and these greedy f****. I don’t give a crap about the pleas from Crosby, Gionta, etc. because its all BS.

      I don’t know who these players think they are. They apparently want the money NFL, MLB, and NBA Players make…But do they realise the NHL is a third-world country compared to the other leagues? Jeeze.

      Get scab players. Get guys like Darryl Boyce and others, who would probably be happy to play fulltime in the NHL, a chance to play.

      Long rant…But it’s true.

      • reinjosh says:

        Look at the big three car companies back in 2008 and 2009. A huge part of the reason they went bankrupt, was because of overinflated salaries to workers. The pay became unsustainable and the only recourse to save both the workers and the businesses that paid them, was pay cuts.

        That’s what the NHL is attempting to do here. They may have won the lockout in 2004-2005 but the average salaries actually rose above pre-lockout levels. Along with the lowered UFA age, it actually ended up meaning the players won in the long run. They are attempting to make the system sustainable long term and make sure that salaries don’t balloon out of control.

        Your rant is spot on. I get wanting to keep the pay you agreed on with your employer, but what happens when your employer sees long term that doing so may result in the business dying. SO what do you take? The higher than average salaries for a few years or long term sustainability for everyone for years and years?

        The answer seems obvious but it seems like one side is willing to let the league burn for a few extra million. I don’t know if that’s because of ignorance or they just don’t care.

        • mojo19 says:

          Yep.

          And certain owners, the ones who were routinely leaking money under the old CBA will not be too willing to cave, because as long as the lockout is going on – they’re not losing any money. Breaking even is a nice change for some teams. No pressure to get a season going for them.

          And so we’ll never have consensus among owners. Only the Leafs, Wings, habs, Rangers, etc. are dying to get the season going.

          • Shoelesshobo says:

            The guy who owns the Wings is also the owner of the Tigers. After their run in the playoffs I highly doubt the Wings are too worried about a loss season.

            • mojo19 says:

              Ya that makes sense, I think all great business men operate under that mind set: “We did well over here, so I don’t mind missing out on millions of dollars over there”.

              • mojo19 says:

                Besides that, the Illitch family are proud, proud about the Wings. Money aside, he’s dying to get it going, and he wanted the Winter Classic too.

          • reinjosh says:

            The Leafs are interesting. Same with Montreal. The teams are more or less corporate sponsors for their much bigger companies. So they won’t lose a lot of money but they sure lose out on the revenue gained from having them rep the big name.

            • doorman says:

              I think there are some more anxious then others to get the season rolling for sure. But, make no mistake Bettman will do everything he can to get the exact deal he wants done. He does not want any loopholes there to embarass him again and I can’t say i blame him. It has to suck have the people you work for say save us from ourselves and the people we hired; only to have them screw themselves anyway…lol.

              • Shoelesshobo says:

                My point about the Wings is there is a quote of the Owner saying he would put all of his players on LTIR and pay their salaries throughout the lockout if he could. So really I do not see the loss season be such a major thing to him. Honestly I think this is pretty good for the Wings as it has given Zetterburg a chance to go play with Brunner in the Swiss league and develop chemistry and they are tearing it up over there. If you get a chance watch those two play it is amazing.

                Also for the Red Wings they took a massive hit to their D core. Maybe the use this time to address it with another free agency. With names like Edler, Timonen, Lubo, Whitney hitting UFA they could make a play for them.

                I don’t know I just feel like Detroit is in a spot in this lockout they could seriously profit from a lockout hockey success wise.

                • mojo19 says:

                  You could be right, Mr.Illitch might not care about the money, but I bet he’s still one of the owners lobbying hard to get the lockout over with just because he loves hockey and the loves the Red Wings.

                  As far as the lockout benefitting the Wings, I would tend to disagree. With Datsyuk, Franzen, Zetterberg, Cleary, Bertuzzi, and Samuelsson all on the wrong side of 30, losing a year closes a window Detroit has to win more cups with their core.

                  Also 3 key UFA’s for Detroit are Filpulla, Cleary, and Jimmy Howard. Depending on how long this lockout drags on, there is a chance these guys could hit the open market next July.

                  I don’t know about you but I think Cleary would be a pretty solid pickup as a quality veteran and good character guy. He seems like he would fit perfectly in a Randy Carlyle system.

  13. ZillyHoo says:

    Anyone know where Frattin is playing right now? I haven’t watched any Marlies games and I’d like to keep up with them… I can’t find any stats on Frattin, he was one of my favorites last year

    • toronto77 says:

      He’s out until December. Remember when he scored that empty net goal in the last game against Oklahoma of the playoffs last season, when he slid into the post? Then he struggled to get off the ice, that’s why he never played in the Norfolk series.

      He should be back soon.

  14. mojo19 says:

    I like girls that drink beer

  15. Gambo says:

    Not sure if anyone has pointed this out yet, but… Justin Schultz.

    He has the most points in all of the AHL with 6 goals and 6 assists in 7 games. He’s on pace for 141 points!

    I wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to live up to all the hype, but so far he’s going beyond.

    To put this into perspective, Jake Gardiner only has 5 points in 6 games and he’s also looking pretty impressive. Though the NHL is a hell of a lot different than the AHL, especially for defenseman.

    • doorman says:

      If Schultz pans out in spades well good for him and the Oilers. I wish him a great carreer and success. He made the best choice for him and that is what he should have done. That being said he will not score at that pace or anywhere near it in the NHL. I have no issues with how Gardiner is playing either, he will be fine less points or not.

      • reinjosh says:

        Agreed. I still think at this point Gardiner has the upper hand, simply because he’s seen NHL time, but Schultz is looking intense right now. Granted it’s been 7 games, but he’s been damn impressive in those 7 games.

  16. toronto77 says:

    Of all the leafs top 3 round draft picks in the last 3 drafts and all the talk about Rielly, Finn, Biggs, Percy, Ross, McKegg. The prospect that gets the least amount of attention next to Olden maybe is Josh Leivo. This guy could have been a 2011 3rd round steal, just like people are saying that McKegg was a 3rd round steal in 2010. I think this guy is very similar to Brad Ross, hard to tell which one will be better long term, but Leivo is one of the best players in the OHL and tied for 1st on the team in points.

    If all these forwards: Biggs, Ross, McKegg, Leivo and even Ashton all reach their potential then Burke could finally turn the leafs into the bruins. Even if Broll turns out to be a sucessful 4th line enforcer who he can score a goal 10-15 goals a season.

    Which I suspect is his plan, because every time he describes his style of team he basically describes everything that the bruins are.

    • mojo19 says:

      I really don’t watch a ton of junior hockey. My cousin follows the OHL really closely and he was talking about Leivo too. Sounds like a promising draft pick at this stage.

    • reinjosh says:

      Am I the only one that really doesn’t see much from Ashton? I’m just less impressed than everyone and don’t really see what role he’s supposed to fill. I’ll give him a shot but I just don’t think he’ll be anything more than a 4th line guy.

      • mojo19 says:

        I like Ashton. Here’s my assessment:

        I think he’ll be a 3rd/4th line guy. But one who will drop the gloves, throw some hits, play a bit dirty in the corners, use his size, etc.

        Depending on how his offence develops will determine whether he’s a 3rd line guy capable of putting up maybe 10+ goals and 30 points, or a 4th liner who can chip in here or there. But if he could become effective like a Drew Miller or something, that would be cool.

      • toronto77 says:

        Ya, Ashton is not looking not as promising as he should be. After being a former first round pick and a decent player for Team Canada in the IIHF, it will be disappointing to see him become nothing better than a 3rd line checker.

        And also…how about Garret Sparks for the Guelph Storm? the leafs could have another steal there.

  17. Looks like the Winter Classic is off.

    • lafleur10 says:

      yeah and the season won’t be too far behind unfortunately,and it sucks because all of us as fans are being punished for their greed!

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