Post-Game Talk: Preseason Game #2 - Toronto at Ottawa, Sept 18th -- 19:30 TSN

[Mess]

Mikheyev looks like a legit top 9 forward. Ceci was also fairly solid in his pre-season debut.

Mikheyev got lots of playing time and looks like he can be a contributor perhaps even putting up 15-20 goals in a bottom 6 role..

He might even get some time filling for Hyman until he returns playing with JT and Marner, which would really influence his impact.

 

[Fogelhund]

Mikheyev got lots of playing time and looks like he can be a contributor perhaps even putting up 15-20 goals in a bottom 6 role..

He might even get some time filling for Hyman until he returns playing with JT and Marner, which would really influence his impact.

...and price him off the team the following season.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

...and price him off the team the following season.

That's life with Leafs for next 5 years so get used to it. We are a CAP team. Gents many good players will come and go.

 

[Ryan Michaels]

1) Harpur is the same age now as Hyman was when Hyman played his first full NHL season...
2) 6'6" D-man are notoriously slower developers when compared to 6'1" wingers.

Defensmen like Harpur don't usually hit their prime until they're about 27 (so another couple of years for Harpur).

This is one of my least favourite persistent arguments, just because one player was a late bloomer doesn't mean another will be, it's completely baseless, it would be one thing if you at least showed similar career trajectories but you've done nothing of the sort. Also if Harpur wasn't 6'6 he'd be on the chopping block already after getting torched by Connor Brown of all people. Am I opposed to keeping him? No, we need someone like that, but how you can be such a big fan after last night I am at a loss.

 

[Mess]

...and price him off the team the following season.

If he wants a contract similar to AJ and Kappy for a 20 goal season with his next deal beginning with a $3 mil then you're likely right.

Leafs are going to be in this situation each summer and have to make tough decisions who they can keep and who they will need to lose for cap reasons.

 

[MyBudJT]

This is one of my least favourite persistent arguments, just because one player was a late bloomer doesn't mean another will be, it's completely baseless, it would be one thing if you at least showed similar career trajectories but you've done nothing of the sort. Also if Harpur wasn't 6'6 he'd be on the chopping block already after getting torched by Connor Brown of all people. Am I opposed to keeping him? No, we need someone like that, but how you can be such a big fan after last night I am at a loss.

Its not baseless, though. There is a strong pattern where larger defensmen tend to take longer to develop.

If you want a comparable, Robert Bortuzzo is a great example. Everything Harpur has done at this stage of his career has been more impressive than Bortuzzo. Edmundson is another good examples. These guys don't start getting half decent until they're about 25 years old.

After reading your last statement, I'm confused now. Its sounds like you agree with my stance. I'm saying he's a good #6 option, and stated that he's going to get the Zach Hyman treatment... thats it.

 

[hockeyplayer11]

I think that the big Three up front played well under all circumstances. Matthews was- Matthews. Two rips for a standard night. Nylander looked good in 88, and it was nice to see him in training camp. Johnsson looked stronger on the puck and that helped display his skill because of having the puck longer. I thought the other standouts were Kerfoot with his lightning speed, Mikheyev with his size and skill, and Aberg who showed he can be a sweet addition to the bottom six with a high enough skill set to impact the second unit PP.

On D I thought Rielly played well alongside Ceci. I think Ceci is going to be a huge surprise this year because of having no pressure on him due to the acquisition of Barrie and let's be honest I feel Morgan will do the heavy lifting if they end up playing together. Sandin looked great but doesn't have the strength to out battle bigger forwards down low YET. Liljegren just fit in and there was nothing that really stood out on either a positive or negative side. Kivihalme LOOK out for this kid he will eventually make this team and mark my words. Harpur brought a lot of size and grit and it was BEAUTIFUL to see someone have to answer to someone after taking a run at our skilled guys- for that alone he would be my 7th D

 

[Rude Dog]

I just turned on the TV when the Sens scored the goal from the point. When I watched the replay I was wondering who the heck 65 was. He was incredibly soft battling for the puck on the boards. He looked clumpy, slow and soft. But he really changed my opinion as I continue to watch the rest of the game. He looked good. Just needs to watch out for those blind passes at the blue line. They worked out last night. But one that goes back the other way for a breakaway may land him in Spezza's doghouse. Spezza looks like this years Dominic Moore. Won't be able to do anything right for Babs.

 

[weems]

People can rip on Dubas and in some spots have legitimate reason, but hes also done some things really well.

It's early days but getting Sandin at the end of the first round and now this draft Robertson in the second.

Those are two super talented young players that would give a great boost to our young core at cheaper prices early on.

Encouraging to see our drafting has picked a few gems already.

 

[therealkoho]

Ennis is sneaky strong or Harpur is weirdly weak for someone who's 6'7"

Leverage

Cecis pretty good

trying to tell the folks here that very same thing, but myth's have a long life and generally die hard in LeaFland. I really don't get how so many people who've never paid any attention to his game ever, can be so self-righteous in their criticisms of the player

Ceci was solid pretty much all game, he and Rielly looked like they might develop some real chemistry

Mikheyev look's like he can play and doesn't mind getting involved with the physical side of the game. Left side with Matty maybe?

Kerfoot I really had no idea he had that kind of speed, almost Kapanen like, he was good in the circle and plays a pretty complete game.

Sandin looked great, great wheels, and all kind's of poise for a player his age. He had a a couple of lapses but all in all, I'd give him the edge over Liljegren at this point

Harpur did the right thing in standing up for Johnsson, and looks like he could sew up the 7th, he skates well and his first pass was generally good.

 

[RoyalCitySlicker]

People can rip on Dubas and in some spots have legitimate reason, but hes also done some things really well.

It's early days but getting Sandin at the end of the first round and now this draft Robertson in the second.

Those are two super talented young players that would give a great boost to our young core at cheaper prices early on.

Encouraging to see our drafting has picked a few gems already.

YA BUT ERMAHGERD THEY WILL ALL WANT MANY MONIES AND LEAFS CAN'T PAY THANKS TO STOOPID KYLE

/s

 

[ottomaddox]

This is a dumb take. They've only played one game, which isn't enough time to cement any opinions.

You better edit this quickly or I will report you

 

[Eye Test]

Just by engaging in that fight Harpur gave himself the inside track on making the Team.

Good to see the board in mid-season form, arguing a few meaningless plays and dragging out Jeffler and Dangle for back up.

New Russian kid looks like a player.

+1

 

[LeafingTheWay]

Harpur?

100% has always been a ****ty defenseman.

Agreed. If Babcock has Harpur on this team, I'm 100% on board with firing him and I'm saying this even though I like Babcock.

When we have so many better options, you cannot have a pylon on D. I know some folks are used to our #6D always being bad, but times have changed people.

Kivihalme is miles better than this guy. I would go with Kivihalme - Schmaltz/Lilijegren as the 3rd pair as of right now. Heck, Marincin is a better option.

 

[Leaf4Life79]

Sounds like a disaster D man.

Remember Aki Berg... that was a disaster lol

 

[thewave]

This is one of my least favourite persistent arguments, just because one player was a late bloomer doesn't mean another will be, it's completely baseless, it would be one thing if you at least showed similar career trajectories but you've done nothing of the sort. Also if Harpur wasn't 6'6 he'd be on the chopping block already after getting torched by Connor Brown of all people. Am I opposed to keeping him? No, we need someone like that, but how you can be such a big fan after last night I am at a loss.

He has the foundation to take a step, better?

 

[Damisoph]

Brownie going off for a pair tonight book it

One and one, close enough.

 

[Mitchy]

That Matthews thread on the mainboards is so, so sad...

 

[HomerJLeafs]

Matthews with one of the best shades/chirps of all time. That guys has iconic in his genes.
Im not sure about Mango on the 1st line but Willy and Matty looked really good.
Ceci played good.
Hutchison is not the answer.
Also Harpur absolutely NOPE from me. Just horrible.

 

[HomerJLeafs]

Also first time I remember seeing an A on his jersey

Last preseason he had an A. Like one or two games.

 

[Stigma]

And you are?

These words have rarely come out of my mouth in this lifetime: I like the stache. Looks badass. That brilliant troll move right there is enhanced by the power of his stache.

 

[Rare Jewel]

As much as I was reluctant to take Ceci, what he showed last night to his credit was good. Perhaps with a different (better) team he can be a decent enough partner for Rielly.

For the same reasons I'm willing to give Harpur more rope. Clearly the defensive coaching and systems were a mess in Ottawa so I'll keep watching.


Kerfoot left me wanting more. He had few moments he transitioned the puck well with his skating, but once he and his line was in the offensive zone I thought Mikheyev was the stand out of that line.

As for the back end I thought most of them showed well. Kivihalme would possibly be on my 3rd pair if I were to pick now. Both Liljegren and Sandin looked smooth and confident, but I'm not completely convinced on having them in NHL at least at the start of the season.

 

[ZippityDooDa]

These words have rarely come out of my mouth in this lifetime: I like the stache. Looks badass. That brilliant troll move right there is enhanced by the power of his stache.

Most people can't pull off a mustache these days but for some reason it really works for Matthews. Guess only Mexicans, firefighters and porn-stars can pull em off.

 

[frog]

I really liked Harpers game, I think he has a shot at being our top PK and second line defensemen

 

[LeafalCrusader]

I really liked Harpers game, I think he has a shot at being our top PK and second line defensemen

Were we watching the same player? Guy looked very Andy Wonzniewski like to me out there.