Joe has had such an immense impact on Mitch and Auston. Its very obvious. These guys clearly are having more fun this year than years past. Matthews has a swagger I have not seen ever. If you need proof, look at the goal he scored 2 games ago after the 2 disallowed goals. You can tell he was rallying the boys on his way to the bench, as if to say f*** that noise outside, we got this. I have a hard time believing Joe doesn't play a part in that. For whatever reason, Mitch and Auston tend to gravitate towards the Vets, which is awesome for us. Patty and Joe have been so massive for those 2. More so from an off ice, in between the ears perspective. You can tell they missed their buddy patty last year, who was a bit of a grounding presence for the both of them in the prior 2 seasons. Was thrilled when they brought Joe in this offseason for that reason alone, but I have been blown away at his play. He plays better below the goal line than anyone but Matthews, and that line is just so Dynamic. The chemistry is obvious. Joes strength and vision is still very much there. The biggest detraction from most would be he could not keep up with the big boys in terms of speed. Although that is true in transition, it has not been an issue at all. Matty and Mitch gain the zone by themselves even when Hyman kept up with them stride for stride. Having Joe trail in the play hasn't proved to be a weakness at all. SO happy with my Jumbo Joe jersey purchase pre-season. He is going to be our Ray Bourque, I JUST HAVE A FEELING!..Do it for Joe boys!!
Confirmed with Link: Joe Thornton to Leafs [1yr/700k]
- Thread starter lovemyleafs
- Start date
The Iceman
Registered User
- Sep 22, 2007
- 5,079
- 3,714
1st line TML - Big Joe 3 goals 5 assists 8 games played - $700,000
1st line Pens - Kaspari Kapanen 2 goals 7 assists 12 games played - $3,200,000
Did Dubas actually do something good.... ?
And Jumbo nicely brings the 1st line Avg salary down to a workable $7.75 million/each LOL
Jumbo joe is a flipping hockey rock star. It seems obvious The young stars look up to him and listen to him.
Great get in the offseason!
Great get in the offseason!
Clark4Ever
What we do in hockey echoes in eternity...
I was expecting him to be a reliable supporting cast type of player, but he has exceeded my wildest expectations. He is an absolute beast on the boards, he has tremendous vision, and he is just a natural fit on the top line, moreso than Hyman.
What seemed like an odd UFA acquisition at the time could turn out to be the most important off season signing for us this season.
What seemed like an odd UFA acquisition at the time could turn out to be the most important off season signing for us this season.
There's a good chance that what Joe is now is what Tavares will be towards the end of his contract.
Clark4Ever
What we do in hockey echoes in eternity...
I hope so, but I wouldn't count on it. Joe plays the type of game and has the physical presence that allows him to be very effective at his age. Tavares is a totally different type of player.
crump
~ ~ (ړײ) ~ ~
Joe looks like a friggin Sasquatch out there. Massive. What a pickup, on and off the ice. So happy to have him.
mix1home
Registered User
Gotta admit with Jumbo and Hyman anchoring our top 2 lines we are a much better team overall ... when Simmonds comes back we got an anchor on 3rd line too ... and then Spezz on 4th line ... wow we are really picked up some great pieces this year ... to me da only thing missing is a big fast strong 3rd line centre who can hold his own in playoff hockey ... imagine a 3rd line of Mik - Sissons - Simmonds ... we become a really really tough out - 3 very large fast immovable forces
I've always hoped Matthews would fill the on-ice leadership gap that's missing since Sundin. This year, he's putting the team on his shoulders, scoring timely goals, and giving the positivity/hope. If this is Joe's influence, then good on Dubas for making this happen!
he doesnt move around well enough to play center anymore, still moving around ok for the wings, then matthews and marners speed and defense make him look even better
but man he is still a big size presence out there and with plenty of skills left in the tank, does so many little skilled things that lead to chances
but man he is still a big size presence out there and with plenty of skills left in the tank, does so many little skilled things that lead to chances
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He just has a knack for making something work. It's so many little things that he just does so well and all of a sudden it's a great chance.
Leafsfan74
Registered User
- Jul 2, 2018
- 4,939
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I always assumed that he and the other vets they picked up would have a positive impact on the overall perspective of the team, I can't say I was convinced he would be as effective as he has been on the ice. That's not a knock, it was an assumption on my part as I haven't seen him much with him playing on the West coast, my memories of him are from his Bruins years and Team Canada.
Forget the points, I rarely measure a players game to just that metric. I'm referring to his stickiness on the puck and use of his reach and size, along with his commitment to hustling back on D. I always knew he was a playmaker, but his effort extends beyond that. I've stated before that when you see a teammate doing what needs to be done to win, be it hustling back, buzzing around the net, throwing checks, blocking shots or what have you, you look at yourself and ask "what's my excuse"?
Leaf fans should be pleased to see that Joe has pride in his game. He isn't going to fade away as some do simply because he gets older. He could play another five years and I wouldn't be surprised.
Forget the points, I rarely measure a players game to just that metric. I'm referring to his stickiness on the puck and use of his reach and size, along with his commitment to hustling back on D. I always knew he was a playmaker, but his effort extends beyond that. I've stated before that when you see a teammate doing what needs to be done to win, be it hustling back, buzzing around the net, throwing checks, blocking shots or what have you, you look at yourself and ask "what's my excuse"?
Leaf fans should be pleased to see that Joe has pride in his game. He isn't going to fade away as some do simply because he gets older. He could play another five years and I wouldn't be surprised.
Yeah, I am really starting to appreciate Jumbo now. The guy is all class and can still play the game.
It also looks like Joe is loving playing in Toronto. He looks re-energized.
ottomaddox
Registered User
I thought he was going to play 3C. I am surprised he is doing well on the top line.
I like surprises.
I like surprises.
How you like Joe Thornton now, @mikeyz?
Swing and a miss, phillipmike.
Nailed it Fogel, just like you usually do
Good call Morgsy!
Hahahahaha, nice bump.
But yeah, I gotta admit I was wrong. He's been a fantastic addition to the team.
Cleatus
Registered User
I think 5 years is a stretch, but I'd honestly love to have him around forever, lol!
The thing that still makes Jumbo Joe dangerous is that even at 40, he's still almost impossible to knock off the puck. That plus he still has his vision.
cookie
Fresh From The Oven
I didn't like him at first, I was probably clouded by the substandard play the Leafs have historically gotten from the shells of great players in the past, but hot damn Thornton is a player and a half.
Thornton has at least been on the same level as Tavares this season.
moon111
Registered User
- Oct 18, 2014
- 2,890
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But the expectations were zero really. Lots have come in the past with massive expectations that they somehow would return to their prime.
