This is a joke. Good chance the Leafs will be even weaker next year than this year. I do like the direction they have taken and I think they are wise to rebuild. On the other hand, I think the Senators have made some very clever changes over the second half of the season and I think they will return next year as an elite team. I don't think anybody doubts that Ottawa will be much stronger in goal than they have ever been. They have played very good hockey since changing coaches. They will be a major force in the J.Bo sweepstakes and they will either sign him or make it very expensive for anyone else in the bidding. Ottawa can play head to head with any team in the league if they get the goaltending and an elite offensive D-man.
- spatso

Barring some significant salary dumping, Ottawa will not be in the market for Bouwmeester. While he won't be expected to carry the load, its looking like Karlsson will be in the Sens lineup next season, or at least given every opportunity to do so. He's in Ottawa right now, and is staying here to train this summer.

Remember, this was just a comparrison between Toronto/Ottawa. The Leafs have signed more quality UFA's than Ottawa, and more than any Canadian team.
- RogerRoeper

Then I guess Jesse Winchester is also a "Big name UFA" by your definition.


Name these "Quality UFA's" that ave signed with toronto.

Ottawa has signed Ruutu, Kuba (who was going to become an UFA) Smith and if we use your definition of "Big name", Winchester

Barring some significant salary dumping, Ottawa will not be in the market for Bouwmeester. While he won't be expected to carry the load, its looking like Karlsson will be in the Sens lineup next season, or at least given every opportunity to do so. He's in Ottawa right now, and is staying here to train this summer.
- sens rock

I think Bouwmeester is over-rated and will get far more money than he deserves. He'll be this summer's Wade Redden. The guy hasn't won anything and for the kind of jack he wants, he'll need to be able to lead a team. What experience will he fall back on when times get tough?

Spacek is an interesting UFA.

Well just a few days ago the Leafs beat out two dozen other teams (including Ottawa) for Tyler Bozak.
- RogerRoeper

The only reason Toronto beat all the teams , is that he'd get more icetime in TO, not because it's a great city to play in.

Then I guess Jesse Winchester is also a "Big name UFA" by your definition.


Name these "Quality UFA's" that ave signed with toronto.

Ottawa has signed Ruutu, Kuba (who was going to become an UFA) Smith and if we use your definition of "Big name", Winchester
- Doppleganger

Kubina, Blake.Kaberle,Mccabe (if you're including guys who would become UFA's.)

The only reason Toronto beat all the teams , is that he'd get more icetime in TO, not because it's a great city to play in.
- stritchy

I think, given it was 25 teams, there were other teams that were going to miss the playoffs and could offer a lot of ice time.

This is a joke. Good chance the Leafs will be even weaker next year than this year. I do like the direction they have taken and I think they are wise to rebuild. On the other hand, I think the Senators have made some very clever changes over the second half of the season and I think they will return next year as an elite team. I don't think anybody doubts that Ottawa will be much stronger in goal than they have ever been. They have played very good hockey since changing coaches. They will be a major force in the J.Bo sweepstakes and they will either sign him or make it very expensive for anyone else in the bidding. Ottawa can play head to head with any team in the league if they get the goaltending and an elite offensive D-man.
- spatso

Ottawa has a shot to make the playoffs next year no doubt, but the "Elite" team days are over. They're just not that strong outside of their big 3.

i think this draft and how their last pick karalson or how ever you spell it develops will go along way to tell the story next year.

if they can add them both, and they can round out their top 6foward, top 4 f nicley they could be dangerous again ... if not might be a similar season

In other news Swedish superstar goalie Färjestad's Gustavsson is deciding between Toronto and Dallas for who to sign for

Kubina, Blake.Kaberle,Mccabe (if you're including guys who would become UFA's.)
- RogerRoeper

McCabe did not seem so attracted to toronto so much to stay

toronto needs some goaltending depth so hopefully we get another "free prospect"

Burke will try and trade up to #2 to get Hedman, just watch! He may fail, but he will definitely try.

Burke will try and trade up to #2 to get Hedman, just watch! He may fail, but he will definitely try.
- scotty

I dont think he will

try and trade up to 2nd

I dont think he will

try and trade up to 2nd
- Nastradamus

What makes you think that? Burke is the most notorious draft day GM in the league and has a history of trading up to get the guy he wants. He also loves a solid defense and none better to start with then Hedman. Hedman and Schenn would be a ridiculous foundation for you guys.

What makes you think that? Burke is the most notorious draft day GM in the league and has a history of trading up to get the guy he wants. He also loves a solid defense and none better to start with then Hedman. Hedman and Schenn would be a ridiculous foundation for you guys.
- scotty

i agree, but I think he wants Schenn over any of em.

If I was going to be surprised with a Burke pick, like the one that comes out of nowhere, it would be Kane.

Just the type of player Burke likes, just.... no one is expecting the leafs to take him

Well of course he wants Schenn, that's why Schenn isn't going anywhere. Mark my words buddy Burke will push for Hedman and anyone but Schenn will go if he can make it happen.

Well of course he wants Schenn, that's why Schenn isn't going anywhere. Mark my words buddy Burke will push for Hedman and anyone but Schenn will go if he can make it happen.
- scotty

I meant Brayden Schenn

Well of course he wants Schenn, that's why Schenn isn't going anywhere. Mark my words buddy Burke will push for Hedman and anyone but Schenn will go if he can make it happen.
- scotty

He's going to trade up to no.2 without a top 5 pick? I doubt it...

hell, I'd doubt it even if he had a top 5 pick

He's going to trade up to no.2 without a top 5 pick? I doubt it...
- S Kaspar Rollins

You don't think 6th overall + Kaberle + 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th... something along those lines, could get us a top pick?

You don't think 6th overall + Kaberle + 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th... something along those lines, could get us a top pick?
- Nastradamus

You would really do that trade?

You would really do that trade?
- S Kaspar Rollins

This trade would ONLY work with Tampa, but I'd do:

6th + Kaberle + 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th

for Tavares or Stamkos

That would leave us with Tavares/Stamkos + 2nd + 3rd + 5th

He's going to trade up to no.2 without a top 5 pick? I doubt it...

hell, I'd doubt it even if he had a top 5 pick
- S Kaspar Rollins

Really? How did he get the Sedins then? He traded the 11th pick and McCabe for the 4th pick, then flipped that with two 3rds for the 1st overall. Your logic fails.

Really? How did he get the Sedins then? He traded the 11th pick and McCabe for the 4th pick, then flipped that with two 3rds for the 1st overall. Your logic fails.
- scotty

Different case, and that was a HORRRIBLE draft, vs this very good draft

Different case, and that was a HORRRIBLE draft, vs this very good draft
- Nastradamus

Fair but that just means the price would be a little higher. Saying it's impossible is ignorant, especially when Burke is the one trying to pull it off.

Fair but that just means the price would be a little higher. Saying it's impossible is ignorant, especially when Burke is the one trying to pull it off.
- scotty

quite surprised to see a Nuck fan making these kind of statements about Burke