Speculation: Is This The Begining of A Perfect Storm For The Leafs?

[Drew75]

Dave Nonis is a patient man, one who views all the angles before making a move. Well, a perfect storm is brewing in the NHL, and the Leafs could be one of the best positioned teams to take advantage. If you wanted to rebuild this thing in short order, there won't be a better opportunity than the next 7 - 8 months.

Think about it:

Currently, this team has major holes that could result in another poor finish, but as Nonis just took over, he can afford it this year (but not next year).

With the new CBA, teams have to shave about $10 million in cap this summer - and the Leafs are in the best position in the NHL to help them do that. Yes, other teams have less cap committed going forward - but with significant pieces to re-sign with that space. The Leafs only have Lupul, and with a Komisarek buy-out, we're rocking. Not only would we have the space - we have the $$ to use it as well.

The new CBA allows to for two free buy-outs, this summer and next. Most teams can't afford the $$, whether it's against the cap or not. Well, the Leafs can, and the for the small fee of a prospect / pick ....

This upcoming draft is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

The upcoming UFA crop is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

You put all the pieces together, and a smart, patient, calculating GM could pull off a clean sweep ... is Nonis that man? Maybe ...

Click to read more...

 

[Nyax]

Dave Nonis is a patient man, one who views all the angles before making a move. Well, a perfect storm is brewing in the NHL, and the Leafs could be one of the best positioned teams to take advantage. If you wanted to rebuild this thing in short order, there won't be a better opportunity than the next 7 - 8 months.

Think about it:

Currently, this team has major holes that could result in another poor finish, but as Nonis just took over, he can afford it this year (but not next year).

With the new CBA, teams have to shave about $10 million in cap this summer - and the Leafs are in the best position in the NHL to help them do that. Yes, other teams have less cap committed going forward - but with significant pieces to re-sign with that space. The Leafs only have Lupul, and with a Komisarek buy-out, we're rocking. Not only would we have the space - we have the $$ to use it as well.

The new CBA allows to for two free buy-outs, this summer and next. Most teams can't afford the $$, whether it's against the cap or not. Well, the Leafs can, and the for the small fee of a prospect / pick ....

This upcoming draft is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

The upcoming UFA crop is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

You put all the pieces together, and a smart, patient, calculating GM could pull off a clean sweep ... is Nonis that man? Maybe ...

Agree completely.

 

[waingr0]

No positive posts regarding the Leafs allowed on these boards. Didn't you get the memo?

 

[JAMmer124]

Hopefully the board sees this and allows Nonis to shed some guys that can bring in some extra draft picks rather than making a run for 8th. Honestly, if there's a year to not do well, it's this one. If we could pick up and extra first for a guy like MacArthur, an extra sexond/third for Connolly and other picks for Lombardi/Steckel, we'll be in great shape to make a splash at the draft.

 

[7even]

I don't think Nonis is that man. He's not crazy enough.

 

[Judas Tavares]

That is the big thing about Burke gone that hurts the most. Whether you liked the move or not, Burke had the balls to make it happen. Whether signing someone in the summer or potential trading up in the draft or making a big trade (whether you liked it or not) out of nowhere.

Can Nonis do all that? Or will it be a couple of dime a dozen signings here, some 2nds for Clarke MacArthur types there, draft a guy like Faksa in the first and hope for the best.

My fear is instead of a big splash, its gonna be a lot of that and rinse, lather, repeat. Not saying that Burke's gambling paid off, though it did sometimes, but if we have a relatively safe guy, I fear we will just be going with the motions, like a Phoenix or Nashville. Teams with a few blue chippers, who make a few small deals here and there, sometimes have success, but in the end, never have the talent to do it all.

 

[TootooTrain]

Completely agree. We're not winning the cup this year for obvious reasons. Might as well put yourself in the best position to improve for next year.

 

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

Picking up a few extra draft picks and filling a few holes via FA would be ideal but I won't be holding my breath

 

[Leaf Rocket]

It's good to be patient but my problem is will he have the balls to go aggressively for a player we might need in the future? Yea young high draft picks will help this franchise but that isn't what makes a champion. All teams must assemble the correct pieces to get the cup...I am curious about that.

 

[rdawg1234]

we'll see the direction we should go in after the first week or two.

too early to just say TANK, when numerous other teams are in a position to do so as well.

if we fall early, SELL, not core pieces, but guys like Macarthur, Connolly etc.

This draft is interesting, having say the 8th pick, we could package that with another first rounder and potentially move into the top 5. Or at least, that's what Burke would do.

 

[Mess]

Currently, this team has major holes that could result in another poor finish, but as Nonis just took over, he can afford it this year (but not next year).

With the new CBA, teams have to shave about $10 million in cap this summer - and the Leafs are in the best position in the NHL to help them do that. Yes, other teams have less cap committed going forward - but with significant pieces to re-sign with that space. ..

Glass half full verses half empty when defining "best position".

Major holes in the lineup, with NO significant pieces to re-sign pointing to lack of assets above the missing pieces/holes already existing

Is that really "best position", as opposed to teams in the opposite position without holes and players deserving of investing financial resources on as far as team competitiveness and future goes? Perhaps you meant "bleak position" ahead.

I think Nonis is in a very unenviable position personally, as this current roster is heading for a reset button in making, with limited current talent, a roster missing major pieces and 1/2 the roster coming off the books next year with limited internal pieces to fill those gaping holes. Combine that with MLSE expectations for playoffs sooner than later based on their decision of promoting Nonis to right the ship in short order. So Nonis has no honeymoon period either to allow for much wiggle room before success is expected.

Toss more fuel on the fire and Nonis has to sell prized UFA players to join the Leafs a struggling team in midst of a rebuild without a playoff day to its name in a decade, coming out of a major fire sale as you suggest to boot. If UFA signing is the solution the new CBA which just neutered Leafs spending ability even more by lowering the cap and most importantly limiting contract lengths and $$ spent, allowing more teams to pursue UFA players on equal financial terms making the laws of supply and demand increased odds against of success of landing one. With money being equal to UFAs and Cup competitiveness no where in sight in Toronto to lure free agents its going to be a real tough sell for Nonis.

I agree Nonis finds himself heading into the eye of the hurricane as the perfect storm is forming right before his own eyes, but unlike you I don't see him looking forward to it.

 

[Confucius]

Dave Nonis is a patient man, one who views all the angles before making a move. Well, a perfect storm is brewing in the NHL, and the Leafs could be one of the best positioned teams to take advantage. If you wanted to rebuild this thing in short order, there won't be a better opportunity than the next 7 - 8 months.

Think about it:

Currently, this team has major holes that could result in another poor finish, but as Nonis just took over, he can afford it this year (but not next year).

With the new CBA, teams have to shave about $10 million in cap this summer - and the Leafs are in the best position in the NHL to help them do that. Yes, other teams have less cap committed going forward - but with significant pieces to re-sign with that space. The Leafs only have Lupul, and with a Komisarek buy-out, we're rocking. Not only would we have the space - we have the $$ to use it as well.

The new CBA allows to for two free buy-outs, this summer and next. Most teams can't afford the $$, whether it's against the cap or not. Well, the Leafs can, and the for the small fee of a prospect / pick ....

This upcoming draft is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

The upcoming UFA crop is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

You put all the pieces together, and a smart, patient, calculating GM could pull off a clean sweep ... is Nonis that man? Maybe ...

Well we won't need any buyouts after this summer. We currently only have 3 of our current roster guys under contract beyond next season.

 

[The Blue Devil]

I honestly don't understand the logic of some posters. How exactly is losing going to attract star players to Toronto of all places? There are no other examples out there, why should a player have to come in and face the scrutiny that they would to 'change the franchise around'? It's like people forget that players are human beings and have a mind of their own. If you want to attract good players, then win.

 

[Mess]

Well we won't need any buyouts after this summer. We currently only have 3 of our current roster guys under contract beyond next season.

I think you mean 13 and not 3, but then again 2 of those are Komisarek and Liles and both are potential amnesty buyout candidates making even more free cap space and nothing to spend it on.

 

[MakeTheIronSing]

sell immediately!!!

mac, liles, lombardi, connolly, komi. i'm talking for like WHATEVER you can in the form of picks/the sake of losing. id rather see rookies struggle than these chumps struggle.

don't trade for luongo, dont trade bozak, don't trade kadri, the time of giving away young players for nothing has got to stop

 

[Crispy Crust]

sell immediately!!!

mac, liles, lombardi, connolly, komi. i'm talking for like WHATEVER you can in the form of picks/the sake of losing. id rather see rookies struggle than these chumps struggle.

don't trade for luongo, dont trade bozak, don't trade kadri, the time of giving away young players for nothing has got to stop

I wouldn't exactly include Bozak in that group.

 

[SteveV*]

Im not convinced, I remember all this talk about how well positioned the Leafs were before. Remember how we could take on salary from teams that had screwed themselves? Never really happened. Remember how all that room would get us free agents? Not so much. Look at Philly, every year they're in trouble apparently and YET they always figure it out, never dump anyone and STILL get studs. I hope we are well positioned, but teams have their ways and this TWO buyout provision will protect many of them moving forward with the cap hit!

 

[TootooTrain]

I honestly don't understand the logic of some posters. How exactly is losing going to attract star players to Toronto of all places? There are no other examples out there, why should a player have to come in and face the scrutiny that they would to 'change the franchise around'? It's like people forget that players are human beings and have a mind of their own. If you want to attract good players, then win.

Minnesota finished 1pt above us in last season's standings and haven't made the playoffs in 4 years. Parise and Suter look pretty happy. In the end, for the majority of players, money talks.

 

[Mess]

I honestly don't understand the logic of some posters. How exactly is losing going to attract star players to Toronto of all places? There are no other examples out there, why should a player have to come in and face the scrutiny that they would to 'change the franchise around'? It's like people forget that players are human beings and have a mind of their own. If you want to attract good players, then win.

One could actual debate on team merits that you might logically expect to see a flood of outgoing players instead ..

ie. Kessel for example a UFA soon, which would be a scenario in analogy akin to rats leaving a sinking ship, and heading for higher ground.

Sinking you team to the bottom isn't a great strategy for luring UFAs nor is it in keeping your own talent on board either. IMO

 

[MakeTheIronSing]

Schultz went to Edmonton precisely because he knows the potential in the upcoming years.

Players avoid signing in markets where NOTHING is happening.

Barkov or MacKinnon could change that I think. Along with some smart movements

 

[birddog*]

Dave Nonis is a patient man, one who views all the angles before making a move. Well, a perfect storm is brewing in the NHL, and the Leafs could be one of the best positioned teams to take advantage. If you wanted to rebuild this thing in short order, there won't be a better opportunity than the next 7 - 8 months.

Think about it:

Currently, this team has major holes that could result in another poor finish, but as Nonis just took over, he can afford it this year (but not next year).

With the new CBA, teams have to shave about $10 million in cap this summer - and the Leafs are in the best position in the NHL to help them do that. Yes, other teams have less cap committed going forward - but with significant pieces to re-sign with that space. The Leafs only have Lupul, and with a Komisarek buy-out, we're rocking. Not only would we have the space - we have the $$ to use it as well.

The new CBA allows to for two free buy-outs, this summer and next. Most teams can't afford the $$, whether it's against the cap or not. Well, the Leafs can, and the for the small fee of a prospect / pick ....

This upcoming draft is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

The upcoming UFA crop is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

You put all the pieces together, and a smart, patient, calculating GM could pull off a clean sweep ... is Nonis that man? Maybe ...

Sure BUT isn't every off season the one where the Leafs are going to land the number one center? Burke has been saying that for years.

There's one shot at a big number one center this summer -- Getzlaf -- and you might need to sign Perry to make that happen. Problem is, lots of other teams will be trying, and the Leafs don't seem to be at the top of any UFA's list lately.

I guess we'll just need to wait and see.

 

[Mess]

Sure BUT isn't every off season the one where the Leafs are going to land the number one center? Burke has been saying that for years.

There's one shot at a big number one center this summer -- Getzlaf -- and you might need to sign Perry to make that happen. Problem is, lots of other teams will be trying, and the Leafs don't seem to be at the top of any UFA's list lately.

I guess we'll just need to wait and see.

A team like the Detroit Red Wings a perennial Cup contender has nearly $20 mil in free cap space for next year and are always big players in the UFA market and can sell UFAs come and play alongside Datsyuk and Zetterberg. By the way we haven't missed the playoffs as an organization in over 20 years and we have a stable management staff that other teams attempt to model after..

Now there is a team having everything to offer and in the "best position" moving forward.

How can Toronto even compete with that if a player will get equal $$ to sign on everywhere now?

 

[pooleboy]

i believe Burke wanted Luongo to much to make the playoffs and was willing to trade some prospects/picks for him. MLSE has seen that show before with Kessel being a laughing stock of the NHL and doesn't want to go down that road again so thats why he got canned. i hope this means were going to get a good draft pick here and stay the course instead of doing something as stupid as trading kadri gardiner and rielly for luongo.

 

[Leafidelity]

Somebody (maybe Nonis)is going to come in and look like a hero with the foundation Burke has laid.

 

[leugangen]

Dave Nonis is a patient man, one who views all the angles before making a move. Well, a perfect storm is brewing in the NHL, and the Leafs could be one of the best positioned teams to take advantage. If you wanted to rebuild this thing in short order, there won't be a better opportunity than the next 7 - 8 months.

Think about it:

Currently, this team has major holes that could result in another poor finish, but as Nonis just took over, he can afford it this year (but not next year).

With the new CBA, teams have to shave about $10 million in cap this summer - and the Leafs are in the best position in the NHL to help them do that. Yes, other teams have less cap committed going forward - but with significant pieces to re-sign with that space. The Leafs only have Lupul, and with a Komisarek buy-out, we're rocking. Not only would we have the space - we have the $$ to use it as well.

The new CBA allows to for two free buy-outs, this summer and next. Most teams can't afford the $$, whether it's against the cap or not. Well, the Leafs can, and the for the small fee of a prospect / pick ....

This upcoming draft is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

The upcoming UFA crop is being hailed as one of the best in years ...

You put all the pieces together, and a smart, patient, calculating GM could pull off a clean sweep ... is Nonis that man? Maybe ...

I keep saying this: MacKinnon AND Drouin. Would give us a dynamic duo with insane chemistry for the next 15 years.