The JVR at center experiment

[p.l.f.]

i know it got played down soon after randy carlyle mentioned the idea right after the trade
but he did mention he wanted to try him there in practice to see how he looks, as long as we haven't acquired a #1 center from anyone.

He's big, fast and has good hands:

Lupul VanReimsdyk Kessel
McCarthur Grabovsky Kulemin
Frattin Bozak Komarov

Bozak makes a good #3 center

It's worth a try

Click to read more...

 

[JMcLeaf]

Would be nice if it worked out.

I also wouldn't mind seeing Lupul-Kadri-Kessel.

 

[SprDaVE]

This has been blown out of proportion.

It was merely suggested that he could try out at the position but I highly doubt anyone of the Leafs is counting on that aspect to play out in there favor, especially with a very short training camp.

 

[Grant]

Probably won't happen with a shortened season.

 

[charliolemieux]

BEtter off Kessel between JVR and Lupul.

Unless we get a true #1 lets just leave the 1st line alone and solidify the 2nd and 3rd lines so they can contribute.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

Bozak.

 

[Drew311]

JVR had lots of time to work on faceoffs. Man if he was to work out at centre that would solve a huge problem going forward.

I have significant doubts though.

 

[DoubleDose86]

If it works out great. Accidentally finding someone to play #1 centre would be great.

However, realistically it will be bozak again. But with how Kessel and Lupul did with him last year this may not be a problem.

2 yrs ago our second line was clicking, last year it was our #1 line.

Maybe JVR comes in and clicks with Grabo like Lupul did with Kessel (not as many points, but still dependable when they're out there.)

 

[ForSpareParts*]

i would rather Colborne than JVR at Center.

 

[Kessely Snipes]

This has been blown out of proportion.

It was merely suggested that he could try out at the position but I highly doubt anyone of the Leafs is counting on that aspect to play out in there favor, especially with a very short training camp.

Exactly this. Don't want to ask too much of him.

 

[p.l.f.]

randy should try it in practice at least
what if it works?
then BB doesnt have to mortage a big chunk of future or 7 mil per for a proven star
and what if we never get that proven star
it's been so long

 

[LeafsNation75]

If they were able to have pre-season games it's something they would have tried because in the end those results don't mean anything. However given that there will be a short training camp I don't think they should try it now.

 

[Warden of the North]

I cant wait to see JvR play at any F position. Dont really care if its wing or C.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

I cant wait to see JvR play at any F position. Dont really care if its wing or C.

Heck, I'd be excited to see him on D

I'm that leafs deprived lol

 

[zeke]

File this one under "silly ideas that should never be considered".

 

[Leafidelity]

I cant wait to see JvR play at any F position. Dont really care if its wing or C.

Me too. Lost in the shuffle of the lockout is the fact that we still haven't seen the talent we traded a recent 5th overall pick for. I can't say I ever focused in on JVR with the Flyers so I'm essentially getting my first look at him.

 

[-DeMo-]

randy should try it in practice at least
what if it works?
then BB doesnt have to mortage a big chunk of future or 7 mil per for a proven star
and what if we never get that proven star
it's been so long

you really can't tell if it "works" in practice. you need to give something 10-20 games to figure that out.

 

[BayStBullies]

It's time for Kadri...

 

[Smif]

BEtter off Kessel between JVR and Lupul.

Unless we get a true #1 lets just leave the 1st line alone and solidify the 2nd and 3rd lines so they can contribute.

How would Kessel be a better center? He can't cover a 1st line C. We need a center that can play man to man coverage, Bozak is terrible man to man because he's so small and weak.

 

[diceman934]

JVR will get an opportunity to play center with Kessel and Lupul.

Carlyle stated he would try him there and JVR confirmed it...

 

[Suntouchable13]

JVR will get an opportunity to play center with Kessel and Lupul.

Carlyle stated he would try him there and JVR confirmed it...

Well, we should get a much clearer picture this week when we hear from Carlyle and JVR from Leafs camp.

 

[mt99808]

BEtter off Kessel between JVR and Lupul.

Unless we get a true #1 lets just leave the 1st line alone and solidify the 2nd and 3rd lines so they can contribute.

hhhhwwwwhhhhattt??

Kessel can't even hold his position along the boards for a breakout, how the hell would he play behind his own net?

 

[RaskY]

Bozak is the best fit between Kessel and Lupul. Maybe JVR could flourish at C but probably not, and Bozak has great chemistry with Kessel who has great chemistry with Lupul. That line was beast last season, no need to pick at it!

 

[Jerkini]

A guy I know who played college hockey with JVR says emphatically he cannot play the position.

 

[Mojo19]

Agree with Kadri or Colborne at center instead of JVR.
Van Riemsdyk is a winger.