Leafs trade Beachemin

[MSP4LYFE]

Komisarek has been one of our best defenceman the last 6 games, and has a track record of success with big minutes. I don't view it as an issue, and Gunner-Aulie are more than fine in a bottom pairing role, I don't think finding takers to eat minutes will be as big of an issue as you do.

As for Gardiner, I see nothing wrong with the skating at all, and I've watched him quite a bit the last three years. Long clean stride, explosive acceleration and strong backwards and lateral mobility. His decision making past the blueline is questionable, but you have to remember he was converted from forward to D not long ago, he is still learning the position.

[inferno31]

Komisarek has been one of our best defenceman the last 6 games, and has a track record of success with big minutes. I don't view it as an issue, and Gunner-Aulie are more than fine in a bottom pairing role, I don't think finding takers to eat minutes will be as big of an issue as you do.

As for Gardiner, I see nothing wrong with the skating at all, and I've watched him quite a bit the last three years. Long clean stride, explosive acceleration and strong backwards and lateral mobility. His decision making past the blueline is questionable, but you have to remember he was converted from forward to D not long ago, he is still learning the position.

Komisarek's track record is mostly from before we got him, hes struggled mightily here especially with giveaways. Having a solid player to eat minutes against top players is a valuable asset, and will be an issue for us going forward. However, I see Aulie filling that role very well. In his call up I loved his play, he made a few occasional mistakes mostly due to being a rookie than anything else. Gardiner's mobility is indeed fantastic, but he can get caught flat footed again as I was saying due to his few steps. Not a big issue though, same with his decision making, hes young and its difficult to step into that role.

The more and more I think about this deal, Lupul could turn out really well for us. He had a herniated disc then just a series of bad luck. He lost over 30 pounds so as I said again I don't think we see him 100% till he has one full healthy off season, but it adds yet another weapon. I also think teams are willing to pay for Versteeg, and Burkie now has this opportunity to deal him at a high for value at the deadline.

On another topic who are dream targets for the Leafs at the deadline (besides Richards who it looks more and more like he won't be moved).

I'd love bogosian out of Atlanta but likely can't afford him. Seems like the small market teams who need to make the playoffs for finanical reasons are the teams to target (Atlanta, Columbus). Dregger I think mentioned Voracek is also available (taking offers not being shopped same deal with Bogo).

[Nick]

Devin Setogucchi -> SJS needs to shuffle the deck, he's the worst of their scoring forewards, but young and fast, ties with Steeg.

Andrew Cogliano -> Perhaps available cheap, LOVE his speed.

Blake Wheeler -> Big, fast, and uncesseary depth on the bruins, a piece to be used to get the puck mover they need.

Michal Repik -> FLA seems to be selling...

Mike Fisher -> frigging love the guy... if a rebuild is coming in OTT he's a must sell.

[hong57]

Love this trade for the leafs (and for my sake =D)

well what i see is Lupul ----> Key to get Pronger ----> Stanley Cup finals (even if it means we lose in the finals.. we at least made the playoffs)
haha .. but in all seriousness.. i think lupul will play well for the leafs and we will have the top 6 winger we need.

[Robin Hood]

macarthur bozak lupul will be line 2. Mac and lupul playyed together in juniour.

kulemin grabo kessel line 1
versteeg brent armstrong.

aulie will see #4 to #5 ice time as I think wilson will swap him and komi in that role.

btw gustavsson had another heart rate issue in the marlies but doctors said he was fine to play. Still something to keep an eye on