News Article: Players Tribune: Shanny answers mailbag questions

[RoadWarrior]

Crosby is not a likeable guy across the league. It's just his personality. And he's ok with that, i'm sure. Sakic was liked and well-respected by teammates and opponents alike.

I'm sure Sid will get his due respect once his career is over.

Crosby has an edge to his game and does his share of trash talking himself.
His teammates love him but definitely not the opposition.

 

[Hotlanta]

That was an excellent read, thanks for posting that.

I really enjoyed his insight on mentorship. The idea that the players who aren't superstars may actually be the better mentors for the young players made a lot of sense.

I'm taking a guess here but was the analytics question yours? You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

Made me think of the Kessel situation. A very talented player, but not the right veteran to lead a young team through a rebuild. His straight line speed and unique shot would make it hard for him to teach his skills to younger players.

 

[yubbers]

I don't know how you can play hockey and not trash talk.

#trashtalker

 

[TheRexman]

Made me think of the Kessel situation. A very talented player, but not the right veteran to lead a young team through a rebuild. His straight line speed and unique shot would make it hard for him to teach his skills to younger players.

I agree with you and it makes me think the management team thinks highly of Polak's ability to mentor the kids. He's not exceptional at anything but he plays like a warrior and the main reason I would think this way is, the Leafs keep bringing him back.

 

[Nithoniniel]

There wasn't much new, but it was encouraging to see Shanahan address Polak and Martin, showing that they are fully aware of the things people bring up, that they are not dismissing it but talk about the additional value these guys can bring.

I also liked what he said about how they work. I mean, we kind of knew but it's still nice to read about. A collective with separate areas of authority. Should work very well.

 

[Eb]

Yeah that was a good one too. Figured it was one of the better questions asked

Couldn't see Shanny answering that in any other way.

 

[al secord]

I don't know how you can play hockey and not trash talk.

#trashtalker

Very easy. Ever chirp someone who just can't be rattled? Ever chirp a guy who just skates away from you but then dominates you next shift, scores a goal and quietly skates back to his bench like you were just another victim to him?

I'm sure that would piss you off more than a "mama joke."

Players who act like pros and act like they've been there before are the true legends. Trash talk and chirping are side shows for insecure players.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

For once in my life, I can honestly say that I read a Leafs article I found truly informative.

And I loved the Avery comment:

I remember when I was in Detroit, Sean Avery stood up as Joe Sakic was skating by our bench. Sean was a young, enthusiastic hockey player who was well liked by us old guys, and as you might know, was known for trash talking. But when he stood up and yelled, “Hey Sakic!” Brett Hull grabbed him by the back of his sweater and yanked him down on the bench. Then he said, and I’ll never forget this, “You are not allowed to speak to Mr. Sakic.” And then Sean looked down the bench at the rest of the boys and we all just sort of nodded.