1) Gardiner has more points than Clarkson the last 2 seasons combined, and only 4 less than Clarkson this year and he's a defenseman. Clarkson is a legit NHL player who is being outscored by an AHL calibre defenseman?
2) I don't think you know what "generational means"
3) he has 1 more point in 10 less games than Clarkson and you call Clarkson a legit NHL player and producing.
I'm no Nonis fan, but Clarkson is by far his worst move.
Blake is not a fit here. His lifestyle is too Californian now!
Which is exactly what this team needs.
How does the Leafs need someone that doesn't want to be here?
Please explain.
.... how do you know he doesn't want to be here? you were the one who said his life is to Californian now, based on (I'm assuming the OP's) statement that he likes to surf, and likes working with the Kings.
He and his family were very happy when they returned to California, from Colorado, in 2006. I can't remember whether I read this, or, heard it on a TV sports show. His wife Brandy, and his 3 kids, apparently love the Californian lifestyle.
When Blake became an unrestricted free agent in 2008, he signed a 1 year contract with the San Jose Sharks, to guess what, remain in California! He also signed an extension with the Sharks, and, became their team captain. He did not choose to come home and play for our Leafs, not once, but twice!
After retirement, even when he worked for the NHL, as an Operations Manager in 2010, he continued to LIVE in California, and he COMMUTED to Toronto, as necessary, for work!
Before the 2013-14 season, guess where he signed as an assistant general manager? Yep, with the L.A. Kings out of Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA.
So, it looks like to me, California is where he, and his family, want to be.
That's all I got.
Eh, if the leafs doubled or tripled his current salary, he'd move- people just don't walk away from that type of money often.
Well you can close this thread, Friedman said he talked to Rob today and he's not going anywhere. Source was hockey night in Canada with strompo