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Gusteroni
Rookie
Canada
225 Posts |
 Posted - 04/13/2010 : 19:06:48
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Ron Wilson was reported as saying Dion Phaneuf was pretty much a shoe in to be the leafs Captain next year (18th in team history and 1st since Sundin in 08). He also said that he feels that the current players on the team view his as the leader.
Leadership in the lineup is very important to have in my eyes and without it you end up having a season just like the Leafs and Oilers had this year. Ever since Phaneuf came to the Leafs he took on that role and became a vocal leader for the team on and off the ice and it showed in the team record.
IMO a very good choice but also perhaps the only choice, at least within this current crop of players. The only other choice they could go with is have yet another Captain-less season and that doesn't fly with me.
This could become a turning point in Phaneuf's career if the Captaincy comes to fruition and I believe it can only help him get back into form and become the stud defenceman he was projected to be.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
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Edited by - Gusteroni on 04/13/2010 19:09:19
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bounty2k3
Top Prospect
Canada
33 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 19:11:36
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I really don't think you can truly start to win and make progression in this league with a pension fund as your owner. Pension funds are for making money, which is the only thing the Leaf's are good at right now. The teacher's union doesnt care about them winning as long as the money keeps flowing in. At the bottom of the league and still selling out. People should stop showing up to the games and maybe then they will look into the future at a winning team. Money, honestly, needs to come second here. I live in Toronto and can't stand them. I think one of the major reasons they sell out.......... People are showing up to see the visiting team!!! lol
GO HAWKS GO!!! |
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just1n
PickupHockey Pro
282 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 19:11:48
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| An interesting choice for sure. Seems like a grumpy guy in the media, but maybe he's ready for taking this on. The only other candidate I can think of is Luke Schenn, and I don't think being captain is going to help that guy get better. |
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Guest9951
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Posted - 04/13/2010 : 21:28:08
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| i was thinking they could give it to Kadri, hes had a great sheson in the "O" |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 22:07:56
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It is no surprise that I am no fan of Dion Phaneuf. However, I can't see a better choice on that squad. He definately is the prototype player for a Burke team and on the ice, he backs up what he talked about.
Makes sense. |
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Guest4203
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Posted - 04/13/2010 : 22:29:47
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| What about Kaberle???? I don't understand why he isn't the captain. Although there's lots of talk about him moving in the summer, so that probably has something to do with it. |
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Iceman778
Top Prospect
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 07:46:35
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| i think all these are just a rumours |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 08:22:52
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No rumour, Iceman, it was spoken of to the media by Ron Wilson, the coach.
I think it's probably a good fit, and it will be the kind of thing that helps Phaneuf as well. I think he felt "crowded out" on Calgary's (supposedly) talent laden defence, and I really feel like he needs to be the go-to guy to be the most effective. He has looked pretty good so far.
Kaberle is definitely not the kind of guy who would ever be a captain sort, and that's nothing against him - he's a likeable guy in the dressing room. But if we are to read anything at all into this decision - which I necessarily wouldn't - making our new big-name Dman a captain may suggest Kaberle is on the way out.
With Phaneuf, Beauchemin, and the rest of the crew, I honestly think the Leafs will be OK offensively from the blueline without Kaberle . . . because let's face it, offence was all he was good for. What the Leafs need is a much stronger defensive structure, and I think they are headed in the right direction when Komisarek gets back and the rest of them start to get very familiar with each other.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 08:37:04
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To me, making Phaneuf captain makes sense. It think the risk / reward ratio is perfect in that it may just be what he needs to make that step to the elite dman that many feel he has the potential to be.
I do question how well he'll be able to handle the media in a place like Toronto. The captain needs to be able to accept critisism, do interviews, etc on behalf of the team and organization.
Overall, i think it's worth giving him a shot if for no other reason than what Beans pointed out, there's really not a lot of other options! |
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 15:14:25
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Is being the Captain, truly what Phaneuf needs right now?
I'm not so certain it is, although i've been wrong before!
Dion has just arrived in Toronto, after being traded from a team that he felt, would keep him around for a very long time. Yet, he was shipped off.
Likely still not over it yet, time will tell.
Rumors in Calgary suggested that Dion was not exactly the greatest guy off the ice, mainly inside the locker room. But, perhaps that was just him trying to be a leader? And some felt he stepped on others toes in doing so.
And lastly, can he really handle the media that is Toronto? The city can be very, very hard on players... especially the guy who is supposed to lead the struggling team to the playoffs soon.
Will the added pressure really help this guy develop in to the D-man we all see he has the potential to be? Or should he be riding it out, sort of in the shadows.. and just do his thing.
I've never met Dion, so his personality is up in the air for me. But, is this what Dion really needs? and how will the others feel about it, who have been around longer? The guy walks in and takes over...
Irvine/prez. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 15:57:20
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quote:
Rumors in Calgary suggested that Dion was not exactly the greatest guy off the ice, mainly inside the locker room. But, perhaps that was just him trying to be a leader? And some felt he stepped on others toes in doing so.
Irvine, I agree here, this was my first thought to the speculation that Phaneuf will be the Leafs captain.
Everyone heard the rumours around why Calgary got rid of Phaneuf - I can't help but think that if he was "captain material" that the Flames would have probably held onto him - why do you trade someone with that much leadership potential, on top of the skills that he has? You don't, unless you're making a mistake. |
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Guest4232
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Posted - 04/14/2010 : 16:53:09
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| as a leafs fan, i still can't figure out why calgary moved phaneuf. he brought along a competitive edge to a team that had none. his first shift as a leaf set a physical tone i hadn't seen since wendal clark. as for kaberle, i don't think that guy cares if the team wins or loses. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 18:42:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest4232
as a leafs fan, i still can't figure out why calgary moved phaneuf. he brought along a competitive edge to a team that had none. his first shift as a leaf set a physical tone i hadn't seen since wendal clark. as for kaberle, i don't think that guy cares if the team wins or loses.
Calgary moved Phaneuf because they had Bouwmeester, Giordano, Regher, Sarich. When you have a very solid top 4, can pick up Ian White and 2-20 goal scorer, you make the move.
Phaneuf was an asset in a group of assets. The move whas correct for both teams. |
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leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 18:46:56
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quote:
Originally posted by bounty2k3
I really don't think you can truly start to win and make progression in this league with a pension fund as your owner. Pension funds are for making money, which is the only thing the Leaf's are good at right now. The teacher's union doesnt care about them winning as long as the money keeps flowing in. At the bottom of the league and still selling out. People should stop showing up to the games and maybe then they will look into the future at a winning team. Money, honestly, needs to come second here. I live in Toronto and can't stand them. I think one of the major reasons they sell out.......... People are showing up to see the visiting team!!! lol
GO HAWKS GO!!!
This is not really an issue any longer. When Burke was signed it has a clause giving him full autonomy to make decisions, so he does not have to pitch his ideas to the board. If he did do you think that he could have gotten Kessel, Bozak, Phaneuf, Gustavsson, etc. |
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bounty2k3
Top Prospect
Canada
33 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 19:20:22
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Quite honestly, Kessel is over rated. Very skilled, but not super star talent that loses you a first and second round pick. Boston is laughing at Toronto right now. Phaneuf same story - overrated, but still very good. Gustav is a good goaltender, he has room to improve, but that won't happen with the current squad. If he went to the board with the trade for Kessel, they would have said no, for sure. Who gives up those draft picks? Quite simply, no one. I know this is only my opinion, but I know a lot of people around me, friends, family, co-workers etc... feel the same way. Too much went to Boston for him. So, just to say, this is still an issue for the Leafs.
GO HAWKS GO!!! |
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Guest9668
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Posted - 04/14/2010 : 19:51:43
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Watching Burke on TV yesterday was hilarious. Was questioned about the Kessel deal (with Boston winning the second overall pick) and he looked pretty pissed off. Basically his justification centred around 'sometimes Alexander Daigles happen'. Ya ok Burke, but that was a long time ago. For every Daigle and Stefan there is also a Kane, Ovechkin, Crosby, Stamkos..... etc. I think I'd take the risk of a Daigle rather than trade 2 potential super-stars for a slightly above average scoring winger, who's small and one-dimensional. Thanks, though.
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2010 : 21:02:21
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| If not Phaneuf, then who else?? The only surprise to me is that they even named anyone Captain at all! |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 00:15:26
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Well of course Burke is trying to save face and will say about anything to make the deal look better. Ultimately, back in September EVERYONE thought the deal was solid, expecting the Leafs to be contending for the Playoffs this year and making it next year for sure. If that was the case, Kessel for 2 mid to late 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder looks awesome.
Hindsight is always 20/20. As a huge Anti-Burke guy, I don't fault him for this deal at all. It was smart at the time. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 08:01:02
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I too am in the anti-Burke camp and i agree it looks terrible now but didn't look quite as bad when he did it. I'd have lost a lot of money if i'd bet going into this season on where the Leafs would finish. I had them pushing for the final seed in the east, a spot where they'd be nowhere near the lottery!
Trades are always a risk! Burke took one, a big one, and it didn't work out, or at least it doesn't look like it's gonna? Nothing he can do about it now except attempt to "save face". |
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Gusteroni
Rookie
Canada
225 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 08:54:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Trades are always a risk! Burke took one, a big one, and it didn't work out, or at least it doesn't look like it's gonna? Nothing he can do about it now except attempt to "save face".
I think Burke is just getting tired of the media asking the same old questions all the time. I know Kessel didn't have a steller season but missing 12 games and not being 100% when he first came in he put up some decent numbers.
GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW S S%
70 30 25 55 -8 21 8 0 5 297 10.1
So now a 55 point season is a write-off? I think Mikael Samuelsson had a pretty good season and he only had 53 points. Maybe a Hall or Seguin come in their first year and get more points but maybe they don't. Tavares did have a 54 point season (lead the Islanders) and played every game so it is possible that your 1st pick turns out.
I think it is still to early to say losing those picks hurt the Leafs until we actually see how Hall and Seguin turn out next year...if they even play (I'm sure they will). We also need to see Kessel 100% healthy for a whole year with a quality center (which seems to Bozak right now) to gauge if he is worth the picks IMO. To keep this about Phaneuf...if Kessel had someone else on the team to be the scapegoat (Captain Phaneuf) I think he could prosper as he wouldn't be the only player under the microscope like he was for the majority of this year.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too. |
Edited by - Gusteroni on 04/15/2010 08:59:16 |
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Iceman778
Top Prospect
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 09:33:47
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| yes that s a spirit |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 09:47:03
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Gus, sorry man, but you're grasping in a big way! When i said it didn't work out, i mean, it simply DIDN'T! Let's put it another way......
If you were the GM of the Leafs today and that trade hadn't gone down, would you now trade the 2nd overall pick and your first pick next year to the Bruins for Phil Kessel? I know i, and every other GM out there including Burkie, wouldn't!
I accept that fact that Burke gambled, it's now time you accept the fact that he lost! Sure, if the pick becomes a Daigle, you could argue a win for Burke, but even still, today, knowing what that pick turned out to be, no GM, not even Milbury if he were still around, would make that trade (today).
Simply a fact.  |
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Gusteroni
Rookie
Canada
225 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 10:03:27
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quote:
Originally posted by nuxfan
quote:
Rumors in Calgary suggested that Dion was not exactly the greatest guy off the ice, mainly inside the locker room. But, perhaps that was just him trying to be a leader? And some felt he stepped on others toes in doing so.
Irvine, I agree here, this was my first thought to the speculation that Phaneuf will be the Leafs captain.
Everyone heard the rumours around why Calgary got rid of Phaneuf - I can't help but think that if he was "captain material" that the Flames would have probably held onto him - why do you trade someone with that much leadership potential, on top of the skills that he has? You don't, unless you're making a mistake.
I think we will see that Calgary did make a mistake come next year. Heck, you could even say this year as they did not even make the playoffs and I even had them projected to take the Northwest. The trades are going to turn out to favor the Leafs in my opinion. Like come on, the Flames sign Stajan for 4 years at what 3.5 million, I would hope Burke wouldn't do that.
There is something terribly wrong in Cowtown right now. Iggy is even saying he would waive his no-trade if asked or at the very least consider it. You can tell Iggy isn't happy and neither was Phaneuf...Butter was ruining him. I know from his days here with the Rebels they never got along, probably because they both have the same type of personality.
I don't question Phaneuf's leadership qualities from what I've seen and obviously his teammates, coach, and GM don't either. Burke even said Phaneuf was barking at him...now that takes cajones.
As far as the media goes I see Phaneuf the perfect guy on the team to face them...would you want to piss him off? He just has that hard nosed approach to things and I don't think he gets frustrated dealing with them. I think he embraces it.
Like I said in a previous post, when Phaneuf is the go to guy that is going to take a lot of pressure off Kessel and I'm willing to bet we see the results next year. Overall I'm excited that the Leafs are not staying status quo because it has been far too long since there has been some light at the end of the tunnel.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too. |
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Gusteroni
Rookie
Canada
225 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 10:14:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Gus, sorry man, but you're grasping in a big way! When i said it didn't work out, i mean, it simply DIDN'T! Let's put it another way......
If you were the GM of the Leafs today and that trade hadn't gone down, would you now trade the 2nd overall pick and your first pick next year to the Bruins for Phil Kessel? I know i, and every other GM out there including Burkie, wouldn't!
I accept that fact that Burke gambled, it's now time you accept the fact that he lost! Sure, if the pick becomes a Daigle, you could argue a win for Burke, but even still, today, knowing what that pick turned out to be, no GM, not even Milbury if he were still around, would make that trade (today).
Simply a fact.
Okay you're right, I wouldn't make that trade. Sorry I didn't read it that way. It was a gamble and really with the team he had at the beggining of the season Kessel would have been exactly what they needed. I'm sure Burke is pretty pissed it didn't work out and probably more pissed that he screwed up. I know this could go round and round but to me it seems like everyone is writing off Kessel like he is only going to produce 20 points for the rest of his career. I do except defeat but I'm glad Burke still hasn't, the Leafs finally have a GM that will actually take risks.
EDIT: I think Garth Snow might make that trade...jeesh, what's with Islanders GM's? Kidding.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too. |
Edited by - Gusteroni on 04/15/2010 10:22:21 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 10:32:47
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Hey Gus, there's really no proof till we see what the pick ends up doing, right? But, like i said, at this point, no one makes that trade (ok, i'll give ya Snow ) That's the whole thing with draft picks, you just never know!
We could sit here 5 years from now and Hall or Seguin could be 100pt guys and Burke could turn around and say "oh well, i'd have taken Fowler anyway" who by then could be a bust?
For the record, i like Kessel and i think he'll be even better once he settles into TO with a good/above avg center! I see him as a potential 40 goal / 75 pt guy. |
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Guest6451
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Posted - 04/15/2010 : 10:43:51
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| Insider information tells me that the only guys on the leafs that like Dion Phaneuf are Dion Phaneuf and Ron Wilson. I know that the captain doesn't have to be liked but.... Daryl sutter wouldn't have traded the guy if he was captain material and got along with guys. |
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Gusteroni
Rookie
Canada
225 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 11:05:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
We could sit here 5 years from now and Hall or Seguin could be 100pt guys and Burke could turn around and say "oh well, i'd have taken Fowler anyway" who by then could be a bust?
Ha, ha, that is probably exactly what he would say!! That sounds like a very Burkian remark. Alex, you pretty much peg Kessel for the same production I do...although I give him 45 goals and 80 points. Guest 6451, insider info is pretty vague. Why don't you provide your sources? Wait a sec, I have to call Darren Dreger to find out if that is true.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too. |
Edited by - Gusteroni on 04/15/2010 12:00:25 |
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FLYING -V
Top Prospect
69 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2010 : 20:40:23
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| this is a horrible idea. you dont just slap the captaincy on one of your stars just to make them play better... |
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Guest6451
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Posted - 04/16/2010 : 10:51:01
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Hey Gusteroni, Don't worry about who my sources are. Dion is basically an item the Costanza picked up at the jerk store. If it wasn't true, he'd still be a flame. You don't trade your so-called cornerstone d-man for a bunch of Leaf's unless something is a little off about him.
Dion was late for Flames practice one day, but he still had to stop for his coffee. He left his vehicle running in the parking lot like an idiot and someone jacked it. He looked funny talking to the cops with his frankenstein head and his vanilla mocha bull spit thing. |
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Gusteroni
Rookie
Canada
225 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2010 : 11:22:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest6451
Hey Gusteroni, Don't worry about who my sources are. Dion is basically an item the Costanza picked up at the jerk store. If it wasn't true, he'd still be a flame. You don't trade your so-called cornerstone d-man for a bunch of Leaf's unless something is a little off about him.
Dion was late for Flames practice one day, but he still had to stop for his coffee. He left his vehicle running in the parking lot like an idiot and someone jacked it. He looked funny talking to the cops with his frankenstein head and his vanilla mocha bull spit thing.
Okay, I get it you don't like Phaneuf...your opinion. I will also give you the fact that he has a frankenstein head. I'm sure I'm not the only one who agrees that the Leafs came out on top with the trades. The players we traded save White were going nowhere in the Leafs organization. The Flames were looking to get some rental players for their run at the cup, and how much did those players help?
The fact is Phaneuf is going to be the Captain next year and until I see otherwise it makes sense to me. I hardly think a mocca bull spit drink and his car getting jacked have anything to do with how he performs on the ice. Everyone makes mistakes...Fleury was late because he slept in for the first game of the playoffs, a game and not practice, how about that for a mistake.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too. |
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Guest9494
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Guest5427
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Posted - 04/17/2010 : 21:38:10
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| IVE SEEN PHANUEF PLAY LIVE AND HE ONLY THINK OFFENSE NEVER PLAYS DEFENSE AND PLAYS LIKE AND IDIOT |
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Guest5427
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Posted - 04/17/2010 : 21:45:24
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| hes just like jokininen and bertuzzi great offense but no d good thing the flames got rid of them |
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Dion Phaneuf = Captain? 
