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swinny

Member Since
Mar 19, 2017
Favourite Team
Toronto Maple Leafs
2nd Favourite Team
Ottawa Senators
Forum Posts
2599
Posts per Day
1.54
Forum Threads
268
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 19 at 12:51
Thread: Change the lines
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>python3504</b></div><div>my issue with Ritchie is he just seems lost and not sure where to go and since he is so slow he is the last one to the party.</div></div>

He is only 4 games into his Leafs tenure, playing with talent he has never seen before. Does he need to find his niche there? Yes. But, I would give it a few more games.

Imo, his niche isn't going to be where he is part of a fast break. More the guy in the corners working to hold possession in the offensive zone. Works to the front of the net to create havoc when the play moves to the blueline or side boards (which in theory should draw two defenders in, freeing up space for Marner and Matthews to really operate) Could be a very useful part of the cycle game.....
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 19 at 12:45
Thread: reset
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Hockey247</b></div><div>im fine with an armia for strome swap. he has drafted the players, but he also signs these free agents like chiarot and savard who are just big bois who can clear the puck in front of the net. but with this new push for slashing rules, i think these d-men are out of date. now its all about skill and puck movement for D. skate with the puck out of the zone instead of dumping it in.</div></div>

Been like that for a few years.

You do need the Chariots and Edmundsons of the world, but it's an issue when that is the make up of the entire blueline. Need to balance that.

Now ideally, that should be on the LD, but finding a packing moving LD has been slim.piclings over the last few years unless you spend big - which at the time given Weber's contract was probably a worse option.

This is where a guy like Hampus Lindholm becomes an attractive option. He plays a two way game. He isn't a flat out offensive D, but over the last decade has shown he can effectively move the puck (don't be fooled by bad Ducks teams). UFA at the end of the year, and to resign might fall into the $6-6.5 million range.

If I was a Habs fan looking for options to shore up the blueline, he is one I would be looking at.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 19 at 9:34
Thread: The Tim Stutzle problem
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Claesson4Norris</b></div><div>If Stützle were to pan out as a C, Stützle-Norris-Pinto down the middle blows Spezza-Fisher-Kelly out of the water. Stützle is unlikely to reach the level of dominance that Spezza hit as his peak, but Norris is going to be a real cut above Fish imo, and I think Pinto has upside as a comparable player to Mike Fisher.</div></div>

Not disagreeing with that assessment. The sum of the parts is what makes it look so good. Literally able to roll 3 lines.

All offseason we have seen various posts about the Sens needing to find another centre, yet, Stützle has experience at the position. That may not pan out at the NHL level (see Nylander, William) but now is the time to find that out..... as there isn't much in the system that could fill that void.

The insane depth the Sens have on the wing (still quality prospects coting Abramov and Greig) in the system, couple with the impressive depth on the blueline, a deal surely is out there if it doesn't work out that fits the Sens long term.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 19 at 9:15
Thread: The Tim Stutzle problem
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Claesson4Norris</b></div><div>No, that's not the case at all. In fact, even though he's got just 1 point, he's easily been the team's most dangerous player to start the season. He hasn't found the back of the net, but he looks like a budding star who is about to break through.

The point I'm making is more about DJ loving Paul-Pinto-Brown as a shutdown line, and that potentially leaving Stützle as the odd man out, and how that might leave opportunities to experiment with Tim Stützle's role.

I think in all likelihood they will simply put Stützle with Pinto and Brown, because that's obviously what makes the most sense. I just wanted to explore other options if DJ does want to have that top unit shutdown line.</div></div>

I have maintained since the offseason that the Sens need to experiment with Stützle playing centre. Seems that now is the perfect time to do just that.

Worst case scenario is he can't (oh no) which leads the organization in one direction. Of he can, then it leads them down another with a multitude of line up possibilities.

Again Sens fans..... Stützle, Norris and Pinto down the middle for a decade = Spezza, Fischer and Kelly. Those teams were awefully good.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 17 at 6:43
Thread: Contenders
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>NHLfan10506</b></div><div>I like the Pettersson/Horvat comp for Hughes/Hischier. But now with Mercer as 3C, and Sharanogovich as a natural center, Zacha and Kuokkanen with experience at center and McLeod playing his 4C role well, its their depth at that position that is so appealing to me.

As for RD, Hamilton surely helped. I am guessing they re-sign Severson eventually. Ty Smith plays a lot of RD, Luke Hughes has played pretty much only RD of late. And Case McCarthy, Reilly Walsh, Christian Jaros can all be candidates for 3RD. Bahl and Mukhamadullin will add to left side.

Blackwood is certainly a question mark (other than Brodeur, I don't recall having a goalie that wasn't). But Daws and Schmid project to be NHL goalies, with some upside. Schmid, based on his season last year, looks to be a little more promising.

A lot of optimism in NJ</div></div>

This team has so many options moving forward.

Sure, cap will become an issue at some point, but Fitz has done a great job with managing that thus far, with shorter term deal etc.

Still a lot of financial flexibility here.

Signed

A jealous Leafs fan
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 17 at 9:54
Thread: Contenders
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Smitty426</b></div><div>Going to need a RHD once we move PK. Pkg them for someone on the right.</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>NHLfan10506</b></div><div>Smith -&gt; RD
Bahl and/or Mukhamadullin -&gt; LD</div></div>

I maybe a Leafs fan, bit I absolutely love this Jersey team. I have said to friends I think they hang around the playoff hint THIS year longer than people think.

A long term top 6 that, if all goes to plan, just maybe one of the best in the NHL in 2 years. Hughes and Hirscher as a 1A-1B option enter the same conversations as Petterson and Horvat, Mc Jesus and Draistl (ok, they are on a different level), Scheifle and Dubois. The depth on wings is insane, as is the C depth (noting Zacha can slide back if need be).

Fitz's work on the blueline has been fabulous. Although they will need a RD after PK exits, it is a 3rd pairing RD - which are very easy to find right now. (Smith and Graves balance out the LD sooooooo well).
Depending on how Smith's game grows this year, the 3rd pairing very well be put together internally, but a savy vet signing could move the needle again. For that matter moving Johnsson for a similar contract works too. Fitz has options.

Blackwood for remains the biggest question mark. I say this knowing he has the game, but with a much improved blueline and forward unit, improved numbers should also follow suit. If Blackwood remains Blackwood of 20-21, I think this may become the biggest offseason need. If we see Blackwood 19-20, well, look out.

People spend a lot of time talking about the Rangers rebuild (and it's been impressive) but this Devils rebuild has been 100% on point over the last few years.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 11 at 10:40
Thread: Lines for Opening Night
Missing Brady hurts. Missing White imo opinion does not.

Brady - with him in the line up balances the top two lines imo, and despite what some may think, they are pretty good. They maybe young, but that upside is tremendous.

White - I don't see how he fits this team long term frankly. The potential is there (he has done it), but I just see a guy that doesn't fit in Ottawa any longer. I think with him being out until at least January highlights this.

Yes it is all a blow. But this side step really allows the Sens to look at holes in the lineup, and test drive some depth players to see what works long term.

More importantly, the Sens SHOULD be test driving Stützle at centre this year, as now there is nothing to loose and so much to gain. If it works, Dorion is looking for a 2nd line winger (or maybe that I'd Greig?) . If it doesn't, it's either Pinto or a search for a 2C. Point is, the Sens have a full year to see what they can do here internally. Note: Stützle, Norris, Pinto down the middle if Stützle can show he can do it = Spezza, Fisher, Kelly. Think about it Sens fans.

The blueline would always need work. But, that starts to take shape next year. That seemed to be the plan all along to me.

This team is will tough to play against, but won't win as much as they would have. But, the best test is to see what they can do without their best forward right now and without White. That is a silver lining imo.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 3 at 10:27
Thread: Opening night roster after 3 preseason games
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>MisstheWhalers</b></div><div>Vesalainen was awesome against Edmonton last night, was one of the top 5 Jets for sure, he should be on the team, it's unfortunate that Copp wasn't traded as an RFA, he's in the way as far as I'm concerned.</div></div>

This is the deepest the Jeta have been in a few years. Having these "issues" isn't a bad thing.

Frankly, I think Vaselainen makes the team outright, with a rotation on the 4th line tailored to opponents. Svechnikov should be in that mix. Let those two battle for a possible Statsny replacement next year with Perfetti.

Blueline should be set. Maurice loves Stanely, so I think Heinola is on the outside looking in. Now having said that, using Heinola in the lineup to give guys a night off (think load management) could be a good way to go. Better rested top 6 for the time of year when it matters.

Jets have options.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 3 at 10:18
Thread: Trade deadline
I don't see Liligren making the team, but he does next season.

People forget his development has been side tracked by injuries - and last year was an abbreviated year to boot. But, he looked like a guy that has found his game at the professional level.

Spending time with the Marlies isn't going to hurt him one ioda. If last year is an indication, if healthy, he could be one of the best D in the AHL, doing wonders for his confidence.

Simply put, not a player I am moving right now - unless the deal (pCkage) lands a top 2 D.

Moving Ksrfoot at this point is an exercise in futility. He looked very good last year, and showed he has some ability to play up the line up - a statement that cannot be made for the rest of the Leafs bottom 6 at this time. Keefoot the player fits. The contract is what the issue is, and moving him at the deadline isn't going to make the Leafs any better or worse. Wait until the offseason to explore that. Think that is evident with the Kempe for Kerfoot swap - where Kempe isn't a huge upgrade at all, but is cheaper.

As for the package......

Given the depth the Kings have up front, I don't think it's a deal that does much for them. Given that Blake's offseason moves indicate he thinks this team is ready to compete - Liligren (although nice), doesn't help with that endeavour either.

It's a deal that is a no fit for either team.