Leafs Going For 2009 #1 Overall - Tavares

[Money99]

So Kyle Wellwood and Andrew Raycroft have been waived. Not a big surprise.
Wellwood has excellent skills but he's very lazy. A friend of mine who's trained local Junior B and A players has said that his workout routine was basically eating donuts and drinking beer during the offseason.

On top of that, Fletcher won't be tendering an offer to Sundin, and he's looking to deal Kubina, McCabe and Tucker. So far, only McCabe has said he won't waive his NTC, while Kubina has a small open window to be dealt and Tucker might want out of town.

So what does this mean?
It means that Fletcher knows full well that even with all these players the Leafs chances to make the playoffs or any kind of splash in them is remote at best.

And good for Fletch. What's the point in finishing 18th overall every year? You don't get into the postseaon and you don't get a decent pick.

So with all of this talent tossed out the door, the Leafs will basically be made up of mostly Marlies and rookies. That should land them near the basement and setup to pick Tavares.

It's a wise move and if I were a Leaf fan I'd welcome it. Give the fans a hometown kid to cheer on for years. He won't be the next Crosby but it's not a stretch to believe he could be the next Niewendyk. Getting a kid that could potentially score 40-50 goals a year, on top of 80-90 points is a nice centerpiece to build around.

Fletch is making some wise moves.

[SPTO]

I'd just like to see those moves happen (the trades) before I say it's wise moves. Even if it happens the way you say it will the Leafs always find a way to screw it up for themselves by playing over their heads.

[bad_philanthropy]

Good moves by Fletch. Wellwood like you said has a ton of skill and I hope he doesn't end up like a Steve Sullivan elsewhere, but the guy doesn't have nearly the same wheels or work ethic as Sullivan had. For someone his size he needs to work much harder than he did.

Raycroft during his time in Toronto proved he cannot be a starting goaltender in the NHL, maybe a backup, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the minors or out of hockey in a few years. As for Sundin it is definitely time for the two sides to go sepereate ways. Personally I think he would have a better chance winning a Stanley Cup in Detroit, he and Lidstrom could cap off their careers together with a Cup.

I personally feel that Toskala has a lot of value and being in his 30's should also be moved. Great goaltender but he deserves to go to a contender.

[SPTO]

Well Tucker just got his walking papers. He's been waived.

[bad_philanthropy]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

Well Tucker just got his walking papers. He's been waived.

It's the right move, his style of play over his career robbed him of any value he has to a team at this point. He gave up everything in his contract year and it was all he had left. He was a good warrior for the Leafs and a key member of the Quinn era where the Leafs had a shot at the Cup back in 2002. Unfortunately his game has eroded to the point where he wasn't doing anything but whining to the refs.

[Vince]

I agree about Vesa.

[Money99]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vince

I agree about Vesa.

Really? You think he should be moved?
You're right that he could fetch a lot in return but who do the Leafs have in terms of goaltender prospects?

[Vince]

Tuukka Rask....





oooopssss

[Skerik]

It's ridiculous that the Leafs couldn't get anything via trade for Wellwood. Lazy or not, the guy has skills and even if the Leafs are purposely looking to tank this season they could have at least acquired a draft pick or a young player for a guy like Wellwood. Not so sure why people are applauding the move of waiving a guy like that for nothing....

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

Really? You think he should be moved? You're right that he could fetch a lot in return but who do the Leafs have in terms of goaltender prospects?

They have a guy with the Marlies who could step in...Hold on i'll find his name, ah here we go, Justin Pogge. I also heard they got a prospect in the OHL right now who's name I don't know.