tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post4973285097343757759..comments2024-03-27T23:29:08.366-04:00Comments on Down Goes Brown: Maple Leafs Mid-Season Value RankingDown Goes Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10150805735008417848noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-52302294364643331442010-07-20T00:42:02.341-04:002010-07-20T00:42:02.341-04:00This post didn't make me laugh once.
It did m...This post didn't make me laugh once.<br /><br />It did make me smile, remembering so many of those guys leaving.Gad Boaliesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-6764360040891271302009-01-17T13:14:00.000-05:002009-01-17T13:14:00.000-05:00I would say Vesa has 0 trade value right now. He'...I would say Vesa has 0 trade value right now. He's awful. I don't think anyone expected Vezina-caliber performance from him this year, but no one could have been expecting this level of suck. <BR/><BR/>Finger should have some trade value, if not much. The contract really isn't that rich, and he's been basically as advertised. I can't see there being a huge market for him, but there might be someone out there.<BR/><BR/>Blake has no value, but he's not as bad as he's made out to be. We paid for him to be a goal scorer, at which he's failed, but he's put up points at a reasonable level, above his career average, and pretty close to his best 2 seasons in the Isle. The $4m part isn't so bad, it's the duration and his age. If he was 2 years younger and his contract was 2 years shorter, he would almost have some trade value.<BR/><BR/>Poni should be ranked higher, maybe top 3 in value, just because he's cheap and signed for 1 more year. If he could hit the net with his shot he'd be a dynamo.<BR/><BR/>I'd probably rank Kubina higher, and if Van Ryn comes back and plays well until the trade deadline he may have more value as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-81441308132982318522009-01-16T23:57:00.000-05:002009-01-16T23:57:00.000-05:00There is indeed a rule against including cash in t...There is indeed a rule against including cash in trades, it was outlawed when the new CBA was signed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-49564827020682632152009-01-16T21:38:00.000-05:002009-01-16T21:38:00.000-05:00No argument here. The Leafs stink. How Mayers' v...No argument here. The Leafs stink. How Mayers' value plummets as a result though is where you lose me. He's a 3rd liner, how much do you hold him accountable for? At worst, he's having an off-year. I'm pretty sure that a 10 year track record and firmly established reputation mean a lot more to GMs than does a meaningless stat in the middle of a throwaway season on a team everyone knows is outmatched and outclassed more nights than not.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I think he'd garner a decent return. If Hall Gill brings in a 2nd and a 5th in an off-year, Mayers easily brings in something similar. Especially if it's a seller's market at the deadline, which it looks to be.dmchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523394273597323261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-19389405491586381682009-01-16T19:03:00.000-05:002009-01-16T19:03:00.000-05:00I know full well the vagaries of the +/- system, b...I know full well the vagaries of the +/- system, but it's certainly a better indicator of Mayers' performance this year than "number of historic World Hockey Championship appearances".<BR/><BR/>We hired Mayers for his defensive abilities, his penalty killing, and to be a veteran presence. So faar the team is second last in the league in goals allowed, has the worst penalty kill in the league, and we're still blowing leads, coming into games flat, and folding when teams get physical with us.Scott Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14464543994225178799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-2069708750481936432009-01-16T16:51:00.000-05:002009-01-16T16:51:00.000-05:00@ Scott: +/- rating isn't an accurate indication o...@ Scott: +/- rating isn't an accurate indication of a player's defensive ability when sourcing from a bottom-feeding team like the Leafs. He wasn't chosen to represent Canada at multiple WHC's for being a pylon. <BR/><BR/>He's not a star player by any stretch, but every year teams fall over themselves trying to add players fitting the tough / can-fight / can-skate / wears-an-'A' mould at the deadline.dmchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523394273597323261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-55314324298582085632009-01-16T11:03:00.000-05:002009-01-16T11:03:00.000-05:00Yeah, I can't see the NHL allowing one team to buy...Yeah, I can't see the NHL allowing one team to buy another. That would go against their strict "all teams must be sold to shady businessmen who will keep them in terrible US markets" policy.<BR/><BR/>I don't believe there's a rule against including cash in trades. But all deals must be approved by the league, so again Bettman would probably step in if he thought one team was taking advantage of another's financial situation.Down Goes Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10150805735008417848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-67757058538844303102009-01-16T10:58:00.000-05:002009-01-16T10:58:00.000-05:00You guys are kidding about Mayers right? Defensive...You guys are kidding about Mayers right? Defensively responsible? He's a -10. Penalty killer? We have the worst penalty kill in the league. He has as many points as Brad May, and for all that he's being paid double than most of our rookies and fourth liners. How does he have positive value?Scott Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14464543994225178799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-49117269184387616382009-01-16T10:56:00.000-05:002009-01-16T10:56:00.000-05:00Team sales have to be approved by the NHL Board of...Team sales have to be approved by the NHL Board of Governors right? So I doubt that could happen although MLSE obviously has the money.<BR/><BR/>As for Finger, I think he will get a lot closer towards being worth his contract once Kubina and Kaberle are gone and he is getting more chances on the PP to put up points.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-27993530902440118202009-01-16T00:12:00.000-05:002009-01-16T00:12:00.000-05:00This has nothing to do with this blog but I'm a fa...This has nothing to do with this blog but I'm a fan of the site and have a question you may be able to answer. <BR/>Can the Leafs buy the Coyotes franchise and absolve all their players into our organization?<BR/>or<BR/>Can teams still offer money (a la the Gretzky trade to LA)for players. Example: Kyle Turris for 10 mil?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-20130457512278543702009-01-15T20:48:00.000-05:002009-01-15T20:48:00.000-05:00@Meat... here's Wilson from mapleleafs.com:Ulmer: ...@Meat... here's Wilson from <A HREF="http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=400726" REL="nofollow">mapleleafs.com</A>:<BR/><BR/>Ulmer: Jeremy Williams?<BR/><BR/>Wilson: I’m still not sold on him because he’s not consistent. He will score a few goals and then have a few off games. This league is just not about scoring goals. You need other dimensions. That’s what has kept him out of the NHL. He has NHL hands and he has to be consistent. A lot of players are like that.Down Goes Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10150805735008417848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-51005581353252244922009-01-15T19:13:00.000-05:002009-01-15T19:13:00.000-05:00DGB: I don't think Wilson has soured on Williams....DGB: I don't think Wilson has soured on Williams. Williams is hurt - that's the only reason he isn't playing as far as I can tell.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-1679673779371317852009-01-15T17:07:00.000-05:002009-01-15T17:07:00.000-05:00re: Finger. I see what folks are saying, and his p...re: Finger. I see what folks are saying, and his play has been solid so far. But to my mind, any player who never gets noticed (even a guy in Finger's role) is overpaid at $3.5M x 4 years. And being overpaid is a value-killer in today's NHL.<BR/><BR/>@WingMan... my guess would be 12 guys who played for the Leafs this year on in the opening night lineup, and maybe eight finish next year in Toronto. That might even be high.Down Goes Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10150805735008417848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-54213778028595930042009-01-15T16:39:00.000-05:002009-01-15T16:39:00.000-05:00DGB sez: "If the Leafs could get a seventh-round p...DGB sez: "If the Leafs could get a seventh-round pick for Blake, straight up, I'd be doing cartwheels."<BR/><BR/>That would rival Fletcher's deal for Douggie et al. Jason Blake has more negative value than a black hole. Not even light can escape his suck.<BR/><BR/>The only team stupid enough to (re)acquire his services would be the Islanders, but that's a moot point now considering the standings. Here's my submission of what the Leafs can realistically do to rid themselves of Jason Blake:<BR/><BR/>1) Package him with any useful player south of, say, Matt Stajan on your list.<BR/><BR/>2) Offer to eat a million or so per season of his stupid contract.<BR/><BR/>3) Ask for NOTHING in return.<BR/><BR/>4) Employ hypnosis, blackmail, kidnapping and/or strong-arm tactics.<BR/><BR/>5) Resort to prayer.dmchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523394273597323261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-58972140989505611702009-01-15T15:54:00.000-05:002009-01-15T15:54:00.000-05:00I like the list overall.I think that Stralman shou...I like the list overall.<BR/><BR/>I think that Stralman should be on the positive side. I think he is better than Sifers for sure - not impressd by Jamie at all.<BR/><BR/>Finger is overpaid, maybe by just a little - but he has had some games where he has looked like he has no idea how to play hockey, and then he has games where you don't hear his name or see him on the ice. That's what the money is for, to be invisible - as one poster said if we don't see him he is playing well.<BR/><BR/>Also agree with the posters that Mayers is higher.<BR/><BR/>I would have Cujo at the bottom, then Blake. Mitchell should have negative, ever since he got hurt he is useless. Very weak plays, terrible decisions. Williams I would have on the positive side for sure. Young, natural scorer - both big pluses.<BR/><BR/>Everyone else is near where they should be, say for May - he could be at the bottom of the positive list.<BR/><BR/>How many guys do you expect to be in a Leafs uniform come opening day next season? Schenn is a no-brainer. Who would you like to see back?<BR/><BR/>It should be an interesting 8 months!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-39773252678396598912009-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:002009-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:00Do you think that Finger was signed partially to g...Do you think that Finger was signed partially to give Schenn a vet with a similar style of play? Finger might be good for the kid's development.<BR/><BR/>Finger's character seems pretty decent to me.tbothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13484956085100345297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-74707185590591650062009-01-15T14:15:00.000-05:002009-01-15T14:15:00.000-05:00re: Blake...Yes, he's done a few good things. Yes,...re: Blake...<BR/><BR/>Yes, he's done a few good things. Yes, he's a third-liner and is contributing more than, say, Cujo. <BR/><BR/>But I'd argue that in today's NHL, a borderline NHLer on a cheap one-year deal is third-liner with a bad contract. And Blake's deal is <I>really</I> bad. If you think he looks bad now, how will he look when he's 39? Get ready to find out, because he'll still be under contract then.<BR/><BR/>If the Leafs could get a seventh-round pick for Blake, straight up, I'd be doing cartwheels. But that's a pipe dream.Down Goes Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10150805735008417848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-19472353704736090672009-01-15T12:38:00.000-05:002009-01-15T12:38:00.000-05:00Williams still has upside, he's young, and has sho...Williams still has upside, he's young, and has shown he can produce at the NHL level.<BR/><BR/>he's not blessed with the greatest skating legs, and that could be his only drawback. I don't understand all the knocks against the kid...<BR/><BR/>I don't think Finger is overpaid. As a stay at home blueliner, we're not supposed to notice him. If we do, it's because he screwed up. He's doing his job perfectly...blurr1974https://www.blogger.com/profile/09703655873980666899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-53159973652581445642009-01-15T12:09:00.000-05:002009-01-15T12:09:00.000-05:00I'd move Blake up the list. Despite the fact he's...I'd move Blake up the list. Despite the fact he's being overpaid, he's a 50+ point producer and has been through the last 4 or 5 seasons of his career... minus that whole blip 40 goal season.<BR/><BR/>That has SOME value.<BR/><BR/>Joseph is done... he's bottom of the list. Some of the worst stats in the NHL. Should be retired.<BR/><BR/>I think Stempniak's deal brings him closer to negative than you might think given his production. His age keeps him above water though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-31100265903500570802009-01-15T10:39:00.000-05:002009-01-15T10:39:00.000-05:00I would put Moore and White ahead of Frogren. Ther...I would put Moore and White ahead of Frogren. There's a reason Frogger struggled to get into the lineup when cats were healthy. And both those guys come cheaper.<BR/><BR/>I'd also rank Mayers higher, ahead of Stempnisuck for sure, based on that fight against Kostopolous alone. If he was told not to fight, and he still fought to defend the honor of his fallen teammate, he's one of the greatest men, ever. <BR/><BR/>I'm not sure I agree that Finger has "negative value," but based on what you wrote about him, you're probably right. It's not him, it's the contract (the "it's not you, it's me" of hockey).<BR/><BR/>It's a shame Williams got hurt. Poor guy.<BR/><BR/>And I still have faith in Stralman. He's young as shit. Kulemin hasn't shown us much of anything, and you have him sixth. I think he and Stralman are similar in some respects, so I don't agree with the disparity. But I have a man crush on Stralman, so my judgment is clouded. FREE STRALMAN!<BR/><BR/>I'd put Joseph at the bottom. Blake is a third-liner, Joseph should be retired.Navin Vaswani (@eyebleaf)https://www.blogger.com/profile/08445618400360263938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-58942004154396098122009-01-15T09:56:00.000-05:002009-01-15T09:56:00.000-05:00@Deano - That's a depressing throught about Toskal...@Deano - That's a depressing throught about Toskala, but you could be right.<BR/><BR/>@Dan - Mayers is one of those guys who's value could move up near the deadline. Actually, on deadline day I could see everybody except Blake having a positive value under the right circumstances.<BR/><BR/>@Meat - Maybe. I like Williams whenever I see him play, but it seems like Maurice and now Wilson don't have much time for him. That must mean something.<BR/><BR/>@JimmyP - If the draft pick was on the list, it would be #2 behind Schenn, and would move up to #1 if the Leafs go into freefall.Down Goes Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10150805735008417848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-22944836158414362992009-01-15T08:36:00.000-05:002009-01-15T08:36:00.000-05:00I agree that Antropov is hard to rank but I would ...I agree that Antropov is hard to rank but I would rank him perhaps as high as third spot based on the way he's played over the past 1.5 seasons. I believe he would fetch more than Gabrovski in a deal.<BR/><BR/>Brad May would be a solid addition to a playoff team lacking some spine. <BR/><BR/>While I know you are ranking players we have another asset that would rank minimum third perhaps first - our 2009 1st round pick.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-19864621152503250832009-01-15T07:29:00.000-05:002009-01-15T07:29:00.000-05:00No way Jeremy Williams clears waivers. Someone wou...No way Jeremy Williams clears waivers. Someone would grab this guy. Toskala has a better chance of clearing waivers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-80775120108883499832009-01-15T02:59:00.000-05:002009-01-15T02:59:00.000-05:00I think Jamal Mayers would rank much higher. Play...I think Jamal Mayers would rank much higher. Playoff-bound teams covet tough, defensively responsible forwards who can drop the mitts and wear an 'A' much more than they do soft secondary (or tertiary) scoring. He'll be an extremely hot commodity this deadline.<BR/><BR/>I can also see the Rangers throwing us our 6th round pick back for Hollweg.dmchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523394273597323261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202653898886981.post-79249538635669023732009-01-14T23:29:00.000-05:002009-01-14T23:29:00.000-05:00Blakefanboy says: Who r u to say nething bout Blak...Blakefanboy says: Who r u to say nething bout Blake! hezmazing. JB4Life.<BR/><BR/>Seriously, in the end that 16 million will be worth it for that spinorama. I'm convinced he just needs to grow a stache to up his game. A thinning blonde sickly stache....perfect...<BR/><BR/>Best Jersey ever.JD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08046464201505570911noreply@blogger.com