Nice!
A subtle yet noticeable change from the previous management regime - I can't see Burke or Nonis signing a Russian.
Would he be a RFA or an UFA after one year with the Leafs, if not extended? Probably an UFA?
Yes!!! FINALLY WE CAN PUT A RHD ON THE FIRST PAIRING WITH RIELLY SO RIELLY CAN PLAY HIS NATURAL POSITION
So excited for this...
He was a KHL first-team all star with Panarin/Radulov recently. This could potentially be huge for us.
Good to see our expectations are in check
I have to agree, people think an undrafted guy who is 23yrs old can step into 1st pairing lines in his 1st season and be effective, might be A LOT disappointed, people you have to remember that he will be playing on a much smaller ice and because of that things happen at a much faster pace, there will be a significant learning curve. I cant remember the last time an undrafted player stepped in and played good 1st pairing D.
RFA, he won't be 27 or have 7 years of NHL service time.
I have to agree, people think an undrafted guy who is 23yrs old can step into 1st pairing lines in his 1st season and be effective, might be A LOT disappointed, people you have to remember that he will be playing on a much smaller ice and because of that things happen at a much faster pace, there will be a significant learning curve. I cant remember the last time an undrafted player stepped in and played good 1st pairing D.
Good to see our expectations are in check
I think Chris Tanev is currently the best undrafted D in the NHL who is now (he didn't start there) 1st pairing D.
Hopefully this works out for us in the same way.
He'd be a great addition to our thin defensive core.
Phaneuf - Gardiner
Rielly - Zaitsev
I don't know, he might be competing with Nylander and/or Marner. [/QUOTE
Or Vesey?
Heading to the game tomorrow. First time I haven't been excited going to a leaf hab game. So little to be excited about. But this could be the biggest off season in the history of this franchise. Last year it was about securing the top mgmt. this year the team. We are use to being disappointed but can you imagine the top two lines next year being the following in addition to Zaitsev.
JVR. Stamkos. Vesey
Nylander. Mathews. Marner
Would be crazy and the beginning of a new era. Love to see a new kid line in town