People say depth and they think that means Campbell is a lock for NHL time. He's just in case injuries happen and we need an NHL defenceman. It probably means they don't want to have Percy and Lööv getting thrusted into an NHL situation when they aren't ready. They'll play next year, as long as they're ready. This assures management that they won't have to force the kids to play NHL games. It doesn't mean Campbell is ahead of them on the depth chart, just means he can play if needed.
Since I'm the one who has mentioned depth, I'm not sure what lead you to believe that I have that opinion?
Percy and Lööv is more ready for NHL than Campbell is. Now I'm sure management would rather let them develop so they are more than just ready.
I'm not satisfied with having players that are just bodies. Heck, we could both be called up by the Leafs since we probably can both skate decently and hold a stick... That's what you seem to be satisfied with. That's not depth. I don't think any one of Polak, Marincin, Robidas, Percy, Granberg, Loov, Brennan belong in the NHL, or have the potential to. Polak will be out of the NHL within 2 years. Robidas will be out of the league in even less time. Marincin was dealt for Brad Ross.. that should tell you how bad he is. Without exaggeration Marincin's had some of the worst giveaways in the preseason for the Leafs. We don't have depth at defence man.
You jump to a lot of weird conclusions here.
First of all, I mentioned that we have organizational depth. That we have options that can be called up in case of injuries, so we don't need Campbell. You jump me for that opinion, based on the above? Organizational depth will never be quality NHL players. There hasn't been a team with depth like that of that quality in the cap era.
You talk about what I'm satisfied with? I haven't even said what I want, so how do you have any idea about that? Just more personal assaults instead of actually discussing the topic.
Polak has performed as a bottom pairing guy 5-on-5 for 8 seasons now, and is one of the better performing PK guys in the league among defensemen. That's not based on him being a Leaf, as you implied the last post, that's based on having watched him a lot over the last 5 seasons or so as well as a complete statistical comparison of every D-man to get NHL time the last three years. Which is the same basis I have for my opinion on Marincin, with less games watched.
Oh, and you really think it's a good idea to judge players based on who they were traded for?
I'll re-iterate. We have organizational depth, with a lot of players that are in some way NHL-ready. Most teams have about 8-9 of these. We had 12 even before this signing. Therefor this signing is unnecessary, especially in the light of making a trade solely to open up contract spots earlier where we gave up a D-man who can do what Campbell can offer. This is unless this is made solely so that we can keep Percy, Lööv and Harrington down for further development no matter what happens. Whether we have roster depth in case our best D-men gets injured is not of interest, as a signing of Campbell does absolutely nothing for that anyway. He's there in case we get a lot of injuries and need someone to play. We already had others who could do that.
Do you disagree with that?
The impatience here is hilarious. The Leafs have said time and time again they wont rush prospects, and will give plenty of time to develop and develop properly. There will be opportunities next year with the likelihood of Polak being a UFA, and Robidas getting much older. For the record I am a fan of Percy. The Leafs this year will likely be a gong show and a loosing team. Why not let a prospect ply his trade in the AHL this year on what likely will be a winning team.
