So trade our 2nd best defenseman at the trade Deadline?
Are we giving up on the season because that's what that move signifies
Are we giving up on the season because that's what that move signifies
Would hate to lose Jake. Really having a strong season. The last month Dermott has really plateaued! He’s not ready for 22/game.
So trade our 2nd best defenseman at the trade Deadline?
Are we giving up on the season because that's what that move signifies
No, we need him for this run. We need to add a couple players and tool up to go for it all. This is the time where we have the most flexibility.
I believe trying to work a trade for either Simmonds and Gudas from Philly or Martinez and Muzzin from LA (if they take Zaitsev) would be what this team needs. Either load up the D and go for it or add toughness. Either way, this team is better for our run with Gardiner on the second pairing.
Not if they acquire another top 4 defenseman at the same time. Nobody should be suggesting moving out Gardiner for futures and then sitting on our hands like we are sellers. However if trading Gardiner makes us a better team, then do it 100%.
Being a rental on a competitive team should not make you untouchable, especially if you are a liability. That is such an old-school mindset that will hinders your chances of winning.
Gards is 2nd best on our team, but I don't think he'd be 2nd best on alot of other teams though. Like Phaneuf was our 'number one' Dman and was paid like one even though at that point he wasn't a real number one Dman.
Also Gards is like Marincin when it comes to stats. Even though the numbers says he's good, I don't feel that way when I watch him on the ice. If we can get good assets or a good Dman in return for him, then trade him ASAP, but I doubt that will likely happen in which case I hope we do a JVR and just let him walk. Gards at 4 million a year is tolerable, but Gards at 5-6+ million? Yeah screw that, let him go.
I agree that the cap situation is going to change drastically this summer and that Gardiner is likely not here next season. However, I believe this team needs to take a shot at going for it all now before they have to lock up Marner and Matthews and are restricted by the cap. Winning teams don't sell. You'll see a player walk every year that we could have received and asset for. Like JVR last year. That's just how good teams operate in the cap world.i utterly disagree , as we have seen again most top teams they have played this season that they are close but still need one more year of "man growth/manning up" call it what you want.
BUT marners and mattys contract demands are going to totally gut this situation. Hell marner wanted 9m per after a 69 point season.
We are totally and utterly cap screwed, the franchise has to take a step back, load up on futures and think about the next steps.
Best i can tell Gards and willy are long long gone, due to mattys/marns contract demands.
I agree that the cap situation is going to change drastically this summer and that Gardiner is likely not here next season. However, I believe this team needs to take a shot at going for it all now before they have to lock up Marner and Matthews and are restricted by the cap. Winning teams don't sell. You'll see a player walk every year that we could have received and asset for. Like JVR last year. That's just how good teams operate in the cap world.
What's the point in building such a talented core if you want to put off trying to actually win the Cup? Teams are generally not perennial Cup contenders. The Leafs have a shot if they add a piece or two to their lineup. They owe it to everyone in that room and their fans to go for it.
As to your point about some players needing to go, I believe that the guys on their way out are Gardiner, Marleau, Brown and Zaitsev. These guys will need to be replaced by guys on ELC's or cheaper contracts. Grundstrom, Marchment, Sandin and Rosen all likely make the squad next season if those guys are moved.
I agree completely. There is no way management is even considering selling assets at this point. This team's a buyer.You're actively hurting the team if you trade Gardiner for futures. I'm leaning towards not wanting to keep him, but he's the 2nd best dman this team has. If he's gone, one of Marincin or Rosen will be playing regular minutes in the top 6.
Not if they acquire another top 4 defenseman at the same time. Nobody should be suggesting moving out Gardiner for futures and then sitting on our hands like we are sellers. However if trading Gardiner makes us a better team, then do it 100%.
Being a rental on a competitive team should not make you untouchable, especially if you are a liability. That is such an old-school mindset that will hinders your chances of winning.
Was thinking the same. Go all in on Petro and then flip Jake but we have the Cap we would probably keep both and let Jake walk in summer.Wonder if Dubas would ever get creative and unload him for a pick, then dump a pick for another D.
Dumb thread. We need him and should try to sign him to an extension. With his recent "struggles" it will help with negotiations.
He's our 2nd best defenseman by plenty, the chances of trading him and getting somebody better are miniscule
We're either adding to the defensive group with him still in it or were giving up on going deep this playoffs, there is no third option
We've got Zaitsev still on the team and people want to trade Gardiner, you lot must be out of your God damned minds, why not try stretching your minds to getting rid of that liability first