Your thoughts: Paul Stastny to Toronto?

[The_Chosen_One]

No they aren't. Shut down players are players that shut down opposing top scorers... hence the name

If they can score, that's a bonus.

It's getting obviously clear that with the cap, that line scoring is essential. We're seeing top liners such as Bergeron/ Marchand/ Jagr , Sharp/ Hossa/ Toews, Carter/ Richards, Zetterberg's line not just matching against the top lines, but producing against them.

It's no longer a bonus, because these lines are producing the bulk of the offence. The idea that some shoddy McClement line is going to shut down top lines is ridiculous. Go watch the previous games, the lines up against 17, 18, and 46 were 21, 84, 41. This was CLEARLY a conscious decision by Randy who really likes to match lines.

 

[The_Chosen_One]

Perfect checking line: Kulemin - McClement - Clutterbuck

Is that even sustainable? Chicago's depth lines are making under $1 million. We should really be spending big money on our top scoring line and the two-way secondary/ shutdown lines ( Bergeron/ Carter/ Zetterberg/ etc)

Kulemin bridge contract was $2.8 million per and he's going to want more even if on the top line. He's clearly an offensive player who can take SH minutes. I am certain that he's capable of being a player that earns $4 million per annum.

Assuming a raise for McClement from $1.5 million per and we're entering unsustainable territory. That being said, these depth lines should be largely based around entry-level contracts. We're no longer the Leafs in the 90s.