On a positive note, JVR gonna rip it up this year

[4evaBlue]

IMO JVR is underrated by Leaf fans. Despite scoring 2 goals less than Kessel (tied with Kadri) and was 3rd on the team in points, you seldom heard praise like Kessel and Kadri received. Heck, Lupul, who was injured for the majority of the season received more praise.

Are we talking about the same Kessel? The guy who got crapped on a regular basis for years? Just making sure.

But yes, JVR looks great. Considerably quicker and more willing to use his linemates,

 

[Patience]

The great thing about the possibility of JVR going to another level is that it won't cost the Leafs more money, he's locked in.

This doesn't seem popular right now but I think Clarkson is going to score at a higher rate than he did in New Jersey. He gets his shot off quickly and hard and on target seemingly at every opportunity. With goalies having smaller pads and him playing with an excellent playmaker in either Kessel or Kadri, I'm predicting big things once his season starts.

 

[BigWilly]

this is what the bench mark should be. He will never be a PPG top tier player but he's got that star like attribute in him like Rick Nash... Nash is really only a 65 point player and that's what i'm hoping for from JVR. I'm going to guess he puts in 27 goals 32 a.

I think this is a fair assessment, but I can see a few 70 point seasons out of him. He plays parallel to Phil Kessel, who seems to turn anyone into a top tier player. (With the exception of Bozak )

 

[Stephen]

JVR is a beast. Kind of like the John Leclair trade, only this time Philly is the one getting jobbed.

 

[The_Chosen_One]

JVR is a beast. Kind of like the John Leclair trade, only this time Philly is the one getting jobbed.

I think JVR may develop into a John Leclair minus the nastiness. If Gauthier can develop his scoring touch, we could have a pretty interesting line in the future.

JVR - Gauthier - Kessel

 

[HellasLEAF]

I got this

 

[Cor]

 

[xyzz]

I agree, love JVR, loved him in the playoffs, and love the contract.

 

[Antropovsky]

The man really needs to find a hairstyle that works for him, otherwise a beast.

 

[TheOneArmedMan]

I love the chemistry JVR had with Kessel when Lupul was out. Hope JVR amps it up this season.

 

[DD03]

JVR is the kind of player every team wishes they had. So glad we got him.

 

[Stephen]

I think JVR may develop into a John Leclair minus the nastiness. If Gauthier can develop his scoring touch, we could have a pretty interesting line in the future.

JVR - Gauthier - Kessel

Leclair wasn't too nasty himself for a power forward...

 

[The_Chosen_One]

Leclair wasn't too nasty himself for a power forward...

I suppose so in relation to Eric Lindros and Brind'amour. You really don't see that many power forwards like in the past. JVR needs to be a lot more consistent and be more willing to use his body if he wants to be a PWF.

Clarkson is a PWF, but he just doesn't have JVR's offensive upside. If only if the two could merge...

 

[Chandrashekhar Limit]

He look like an absolutely beast this year. Kessel and him gonna have some fun

 

[Chandrashekhar Limit]

I suppose so in relation to Eric Lindros and Brind'amour. You really don't see that many power forwards like in the past. JVR needs to be a lot more consistent and be more willing to use his body if he wants to be a PWF.

Clarkson is a PWF, but he just doesn't have JVR's offensive upside. If only if the two could merge...

Better yet, only if we could have a little bit of both on separate lines.....oh wait, we do

 

[The_Chosen_One]

Better yet, only if we could have a little bit of both on separate lines.....oh wait, we do

True. We have the talent to go deep into the playoffs IMO.

 

[Remuskokafication]

I really wish Carlyle would play him on a line with Kadri. I think if they clicked and you had:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
JVR-Kardi-Clarkson

there'd be potential for a 1a 1b thing to happen. Not that Clarkson's a first line player, but I think he could provide the same weird counter balance to those two that Bozak does for Kessel.

 

[WildcatMapleLeafs28]

I'd guess he'll net 30 goals and 55 points.

 

[The Blue Devil]

Scott Hartnell?

Scott Hartnell scored 37G's and 67 points that year. I don't really see Clarkson getting that, but you do bring up a point.

 

[PuckMagi]

i admit that i wasn't a huge JVR fan last season. i thought he was alright... and that the did well because he played on a top line with kessel. i didn't think he was bad or anything, i just didn't think he was anything speical.

but he played amazing in the playoffs last year... and he looks even better in pre-season.

my opinion of him has certainly changed... looks like he's gonna rip it up this year.

 

[leafstilldeath*]

If JVR and Kadri are around 70 points each, Kessel is Kessel and Gardiner takes a step forward, are the leafs serious cup threats these playoffs?

I would think so.

With the crap Leafs Nation has gone through

No Cup since 1967
No playoffs for almost a decade
The way we lost the 1st round series against Bruins

I would say its about time!

PLEASE GOD

 

[leafstilldeath*]

I see Lupil's training is having the off ice effect

 

[pooleboy]

I really wish Carlyle would play him on a line with Kadri. I think if they clicked and you had:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
JVR-Kardi-Clarkson

there'd be potential for a 1a 1b thing to happen. Not that Clarkson's a first line player, but I think he could provide the same weird counter balance to those two that Bozak does for Kessel.

Or jvr- Kadri- kessel