I'm confused... the Devils just waved him yesterday!
50 contract limit a factor. Leafs currently at 49, had they just taken him they wouldn't have flexibility for trades, etc.
I'm confused... the Devils just waved him yesterday!
Smith only takes on slot from the 40/70 qualified forwards. Didn't think Laich wants to sign with us to play in Marlies. Nor do we want Laich to be taking a contract spot if we will never going to bring him up.
Smith and Laich are UFAs if im not mistaken. I doubt they sign here with the cloud of being moved arcross the continent to Vegas. They control their own destiny and likely wouldn't sign... moreso Laich as i think Smith might not sign.
Whereas Kalinin may not have a choice being an RFA.
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Eventhough he is exempt, could we still make him available?
I liked Loov, but it's not the end of the world. I thought he had an outside shot for a spot on the team next year, even if in a 7D role, but the Leafs can live without him. He'd only have a spot for like one year. The main problem is the Marlies may not be able to handle the loss. They are already very shallow on defense, especially shut down guys like Loov, and now they have even fewer guys back there. I guess Gudbranson made a really good impression in his first two games and will be there to stay.
My thinking is that the Leafs need a depth forward. Leivo/Sosh may be traded and they won't want anyone from the Marlies up for the 13th forward. Not going to stick a young guy in a depth role when they have good ice time on the Marlies, and the vets they have down there are either being used by the team often or injured. You aren't wasting talent by putting Kalinin as the 13th forward.
This deal means little on it's own, but I do think it's a precursor to another (possibly bigger) deal(s).
Ultimately, a plug for a plug. Fringe AHL player/4th liner with minimal upside for Fringe AHL player/Bottom pairing D-man.
The only qualm I have is Loov probably had more upside but nothing to fret over.
Maybe they think he might be more useful to be called up for 4C if needed in comparison to Laich.If Laich can get an NHL contract he really should take it, he might not get one.
Whoever we acquire or sign to be the 2 required spots fodder would take up a contract spot. What's the difference between giving Laich or Smith one than giving 70 game Bad John Smith a contract for the same purpose?
and it's not an expansion draft move...
then why not just claim him on the waivers? Why the hell trade one of our assets to the devils if Kalinin is exempt for expansion draft?
I do not get this move.
Lets be real here, Vegas wouldn't take either, even if they had to take 6 guys from every team.
They also might be in tough to find an NHL contract this offseason, especially Laich, if Toronto offered them one for sure right now they'd be stupid to not take it.
The trade was made because obviously Lou wanted him. You claim him on waivers, he can't be sent down to the Marlies without being re-exposed (we went through the same thing with Reid Boucher earlier this year). If you pick him up on waivers, you go to 50 contracts. This is a swap of contracts so you don't take on that extra one.
In his 2 games gudbranson looks 'safer' than Lööv. He doesn't put himself out of position but doesn't skate as well as Lööv
fair enough; but I don't expect Leafs to make any big moves at the TDL anyway; Leafs are not going to be buyers or sellers they are just going to stay put IMO;
may be Albany desperately needed a D-man and Lou just helping out his old club?
He's also been surpassed here, and AGudbrandson played the same type of game here. We needed C's as much as we need D. He will help the Marlies.
then why not just claim him on the waivers? Why the hell trade one of our assets to the devils if Kalinin is exempt for expansion draft?
I do not get this move.
Well the Marlies didn't need another forward, especially in exchange for a defenseman. The Marlies, at the very least, lacked depth at defense (Wrenn and Corrin should be playing as little as possible), while there are good forwards who are sitting every night, and that's with 4 guys injured right now too.
Kalinin will probably play on the Marlies now, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of move and he's the one to be the replacement 13th forward. Froese is too important to the Marlies, guys like Laich and Greening are probably better off on the Marlies (for leadership mostly), and Michalek is hurt. Nobody else we have under contract makes sense for that role besides them.
It's not a big deal either way. Marlies improve at forward, and hopefully it'll be bigger than the loss at defense.
Maybe try reading the thread?then why not just claim him on the waivers? Why the hell trade one of our assets to the devils if Kalinin is exempt for expansion draft?
I do not get this move.