Game 59 Coyotes @ Maple Leafs 2/29/24 7:00est.

[stugats1]

Probably saving for another add.

[Leafs_Pam]

I think Boosh was just the 1st move. Am I the only one who liked Knies' goal? Don't forget, he is playing in more games a season in the NHL than he played in a college season. He is a rookie that is still learning the NHL. Also, there have been games where it has been mentioned he wasn't doing anything in the game, but I saw things he was doing in the game. In a recent game when Matthews scored, Knies skated down the ice and passed the puck to one of the players who got an assist on Matthews' goal. Matthews probably wouldn't have gotten that goal without that move by Knies.

[stugats1]

Lybushkin plans to play vs Rangers.. Samsonov to play tomorrow night.
Gio to IR

[kazzie]

Mar 1, 2024 10:03:26 GMT -5 Leafs_Pam said:

I think Boosh was just the 1st move. Am I the only one who liked Knies' goal? Don't forget, he is playing in more games a season in the NHL than he played in a college season. He is a rookie that is still learning the NHL. Also, there have been games where it has been mentioned he wasn't doing anything in the game, but I saw things he was doing in the game. In a recent game when Matthews scored, Knies skated down the ice and passed the puck to one of the players who got an assist on Matthews' goal. Matthews probably wouldn't have gotten that goal without that move by Knies.

I loved Knies goal.  I was one to say he should be sent down earlier but as I’ve watched him recently he belongs.  He’s doing all the hard work for Matthews and Marner.  I really like the kid and the way he plays.  

[Barilko]

I'm ok with the Lybushkin deal, in that the retained salary gives the Leafs flexibility to make additional moves. This is clearly not their "big move" of the deadline. And I prefer this deal over what they would have had to give up to get Tanev.

Here's how the D looks as of now:

Rielly - Lybushkin
Brodie - Liljegren (when healthy)
Benoit - McCabe
Timmins (when healthy)
Gio (when healthy)
Lagesson
Lajoie

That's reasonable depth when everyone is healthy, though it doesn't truly feel like a Cup-caliber blueline. As much as I like Benoit, I'm not thoroughly convinced that his style of play will translate well in the playoffs. The hits are great, but his inability to move the puck will likely be exposed come playoff time.

It would be nice to add another d-man, but in my mind the priority now is a middle-six center. I like the idea of dropping Tavares to the third line, but Domi just isn't good enough to be a second line center (still wishing they would have at least kicked the tires on Matt Duchene in the off-season). Henrique and Wennberg seem like the most talked about guys available in that role, unfortunately both are UFAs this summer and carry expensive enough cap hits that the Leafs would need to ship out some salary to make either one fit.

This would look better:

Knies - Matthews - Marner
Bertuzzi - Henrique/Wennberg - Nylander
McMann - Tavares - Domi
Holmberg - Kampf - Reaves/Robertson


Robertson probably needs to get sent down to the Marlies to make room for Henrique/Wennberg, but could be brought back for the playoffs.
The other wild card here is Jarnkrok. Not sure when he's coming back, but we could sure use the depth.

[Leafs_Pam]

I read a little earlier that Jarnkrok is "close" to returning.

[stugats1]

I look at Jarnkrok as a utility knife. Does everything decent but not great at anything in particular. Definitely a useful guy.

[kazzie]

Mar 1, 2024 20:12:50 GMT -5 stugats1 said:

I look at Jarnkrok as a utility knife. Does everything decent but not great at anything in particular. Definitely a useful guy.

That’s the way I view him too Jim.  Reminds me of Kerfoot when he was here.  

[TMan]

Can’t argue. Fits on any line and while he may not produce a lot he’ll never hurt the defensive side. He’ll be rested too. Can’t hurt this time of year.