I believe the Leafs have 10 games left in January and 10 more in February. These are the last 20 games before the trade deadline. My question is: what changes do you want to see in this team during this stretch? For example in the first 5 games I simply want to see effort from every player on the team on every shift. This would be a start. I'd also like to see accountability during this stretch, i.e. ice time apportioned relative to effort and performance as to expectations of the coaching staff. Someone...some time has to start eradicating the dreaded Blue/White disease.Over the next 5 games I'd like to see some lines starting to click and an acceptance of, and adherence to, a new system (assuming there is one). Between games 11 and 15 I would think some moves would be attempted (not easy in a salary cap world I know) based on what was already known about certain players combined with this 10 game "trial" just completed. If nothing fits trade-wise during this 5 game stretch and then during the next 5 leading up to the trade deadline, then the changes will obviously happen at the draft and free agent deadline. I'm just curious what people are expecting,hoping to see, over this next 20 game stretch or, in fact, that 20 games is too small a window and you couldn't care less.
Time to unload. This team in its present incarnation simply doesn't have the goods to do more than tease us into thinking we are a David Bolland away from a second round playoff appearance.
Let's give the new coach (and GM) a blank canvas and enough job security to effect change without defaulting to panic mode in order to justify a paycheque.
It aint the coach, it aint the players per se; it is the combination of these compounded by the impatience of a petulant, inept ownership group which has sullied the once -respected brand that almost single handedly keeps the league afloat.
Phaneuf: Adios and godspeed.
Lupul: Try not to break anything on your way to the airport.
Reimer: Go earn yourself some respect. You deserve a fresh start.
Kadri: Them that works eats, son. You aint a 6 million dollar man, dont listen to your agent. He needs to be packaged if he wants a single shekel over 4.5 M
Franson: I hope you're a Leaf next year. You've gone from an in and out 3rd pairing guy under Wilson to top pairing and you've led the D in goals more than once. Take 5.5M for 6 years and spend your prime years as a core member of this team. Great character guy from what I have seen in interviews.
Kessel: Can you stay hot long enough to led the offensive charge when this team is ready to make some noise? PS, those extra 15 pounds are gonna feel like 30 in a couple years, trust me.
JvR: Most complete player on the team. Get this man a legit 1C to bounce off of or liquidate him for something that will be a core piece of the future.
This is a patchwork quilt of a team strung together by fragments of three different managerial regimes. No rhyme nor reason to this collection of cast offs and complimentary pieces with questionable heart and character.
Strip it down to the bone.
) and your willing to give him a retirement contract. currently his 2nd best season was a 48 game shorten year where he played on the bottom pairing with Mark Fraser. he's not a top pairing Dmen at this point. at best he's a top 4 guy. by no means is that a good contract for Franson.
