Dylan Larkin did a sit down interview and talked about getting Raymond and Seider signed “before October”, but very little of this clip mentions Seider at all. He did end up staying in Germany until the ink was dry and it honestly rubbed me the wrong way. We see players agents pushing harder negotiation. If they were that close all this did was keep Mo out of camp. Raymond looks like he put on a couple of good pounds, what Larkin called “Man Strength” setting in. For a sub 6’ guy Raymond never runs from a scuffle (that I’ve seen) and if he can gain that lower body strength and push back more and more it makes a big difference. (Still love clips of watching guys bounce off of Pav. He didn’t look big but good Lord his core is titanium)
It looks like Raymond wants to push himself. He always seemed mature but the more players talk on the ice (opinion) the better. He looks like he’s taking that step to be much more involved and in the moment. That lightbulb doesn’t click for everyone. Perron will be missed in the room and on the ice/bench in part because he can talk. Good, bad or even FCC fine DP does have a leadership style.
Moment of total honesty, I do not have a handle on this team. Until the lineup is set playing against NHL teams this season feels like a blank page. Last year felt a little easier to fill in some thoughts, but this year we have had good players go out, a very good 2 way forward come in (opinion) in Tarasenko, Husso with his feet to the fire and Lyon wanting a raise in free agency next year. Waiver wire Campbell, Talbot is there as there is still a lot of murmuring concern about Husso’s health. I know some of you hate the 3 goalie load but it got used (and then some).
A Final thought in looking northward. Toronto had a major change as Matthews donned the “C” and the ‘core 4’ may at some point be altered. In the new era, Matthews is the goal scorer taking the mantle from Ovechkin. His wrist shot may be the strongest and best I’ll ever see and he needs no time and space. I think that’s gives him a leg up and a healthy career could see insane goal totals pushing into that top 3 all time category. Something changed this summer, and it should be on everyone’s radar.
Every time I’ve seen Matthews, he looks leaner. He may have taken a step forward in aerobic/cardio and become even more dangerous for foes and exciting for fans (that’s a big ask of a near 70 goal scorer last year). Whatever step forward it seems like he’s taken, it could be very noteworthy. Matthews was strong from day 1. If he’s added endurance and more skating speed to his game that is going to be exciting to watch.
Detroit has a brutal climb in this conference. We know how much cup time has been seen in the state of Florida, and Toronto’s talent and regular season scoring is just incredible. Boston, Montreal and Ottawa all have pressure and so it becomes that fight that likely sees two Florida teams and Toronto lock up the 3 divisional spots with everyone else fighting for the wild card. Both Toronto and Tampa Bay are entering the year unhappy and hungry. Tampa made huge changes and I’m glad we’re not sharing a division with Nashville. Toronto, with Matthews at the helm, may be a different team this year. Let me know your thoughts, and thanks to all who stop in.
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