Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

[nuka]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

go saginaw spirit!

[seb170455]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Exciting! How did you make the overall and potentials? Was there a plan?

This is going to be a blast. My comment will be in Twitter messages I think.

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Exciting! How did you make the overall and potentials? Was there a plan?

This is going to be a blast. My comment will be in Twitter messages I think.

Thanks seb, I am excited to get this rolling as well. Everything that was not supplied by you guys I used a random number generator for.

So for your players beginning attributes (wrist shot power, acceleration etc...) I limited the field between 50-85 then generated a random number between those variables and I did this for each individual stat, the only modifier was your preferred stat of choice that you asked for a boost in, that stat got a +10 increase AFTER the random roll was done, so say you wanted +10 wrist shot power and after I got the random number generated, it turned out to be 65, it would then increase to 75 due to it being your preferred stat.

Potentials worked in a similar fashion, EVERYONE started with no less then B potential in all categories, I selected a field of 0-100 and from 0-40 you remained at B potential from 41-80 you increased to A- potential and from 81-100 you went to A potential, this was done three times per player to get everyone's potential (an example is B / A- / B)

[bthomp05]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Thanks seb, I am excited to get this rolling as well. Everything that was not supplied by you guys I used a random number generator for.

So for your players beginning attributes (wrist shot power, acceleration etc...) I limited the field between 50-85 then generated a random number between those variables and I did this for each individual stat, the only modifier was your preferred stat of choice that you asked for a boost in, that stat got a +10 increase AFTER the random roll was done, so say you wanted +10 wrist show power and after I got the random number generated, it turned out to be 65, it would then increase to 75 due to it being your preferred stat.

Potentials worked in a similar fashion, EVERYONE started with no less then B potential in all categories, I selected a field of 0-100 and from 10-40 you remains at B potential from 41-80 you increased to A- potential and from 81-100 you went to A potential, this was done three times per player to get everyone's potential (an example is B / A- / B)

Brilliant dynasty...

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Thanks BT, I wanted everyone to have a shot at being a top NHL player but wanted to have variance and differential between all the CAP's, this seemed to be one way to do it.

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Fail town strikes again

Another season has gone by in the world of hockey and yet again the city of Toronto exhales an exasperated sigh of disapointment.

Ending the 11/12 season with a loosing record of 35-40-7 the Maple Leafs again sit outside the playoff picture looking in and wondering what happened along the way.

While some answers can be gleaned from statistical values, like the clubs number one scorer and points leader Phil Kessel amassing 26 goals 38 assists for 64 points. much more is expected out of the speedy sniper and that became more and more evident as the season wore on, head coach Ron Wilson publicly called out his teams number one guy time after time and as the season wore on it seen Kessel being moved from line to line and fluctuating ice times all pointed to a coach who either didn't trust his number one point getter or just didn't know what to do with him.

In all fairness to the young speedster, Kessel's line mates are not what most would call top three material so if better quality support was supplied then an increase would be expected, that aside Kessel and the club still had a rough year and his numbers reflect that.

Other indicators to a sub par season would be Mikhail Grabovski and Tim Connolly logging a mere 23 games played combined, while Connolly has struggled with injury Grabovski has been healthy up to this point in his career, with their two top centers out for nearly the entire season, and a questionable (read: none to be had) depth at the center position it may be fair to say that Toronto got the short end of the injury stick and as a combined total ended up suffering through a total of nearly 330 man games lost to injury over the length of the regular season.

Not all things were bad for the Leafs though, even on a struggling club James Reimer continued his steady play that was demonstrated in the latter portion of the 10/11 season. Reimer was steady in net nearly all season long, admittedly struggling in the month of December (3.45 GAA .878 SV %) he still withheld reasonable season totals 2.80 GA .900 SV%, while more could be asked for from a starting goaltender those are reasonable numbers playing as a first year full time starter,with a struggling club, and shaky defense.

Team points leaders:
Phil Kesel: 26 goals 38 assists
Clarke MacArthur: 33 goals 19 assist
Tyler Bozak: 18 goals 32 assists
Joffrey Lupul: 20 goals 30 assists
Nikolai Kulemin: 24 goals 23 assists
Matthew Lombardi: 17 goals 29 assists
Cody Franson: 3 goals 37 assists
Dion Phaneuf: 10 goals 29 assists

As you can see some ups and downs and some familiar stories along the way. On the plus side of the stat sheets Lombardi had a fantastic year considering he lost nearly all of the 10/11 season to a concussion, though it could be said that he didn't have much choice in the matter, since both Connolly and Grabovski spent nearly the whole year on the sidelines, Lombardi was pushed into a number two spot. While his bounce back season was good for Lombardi he was cast in a role that he probably wasn't ready for and due to not having any options, was left there to sink or swim.

Clarke MacArthur continued to produce at a level that surprises most, while he spent most of the season shooting pucks (33 goals) instead of passing pucks (19 assists) most would consider MacArthur miscast as a top line winger and benefitting from a weak support cast in Toronto. While no one wishes to take away what MacArthur has done in his time here in Toronto, on other, stronger teams Mac would be competing for a top six role, nevermind slotted onto a teams top lines with little chance of replacement.

This season was familiar to Tyler Bozak, in the way that he was pushed into a number one center role and expected to feed Phil Kessel, though this year this was a result of multiple injuries, Bozak had a good year statistically speaking, remaining only one of two Maple Leafs on the plus side (+1) of the +/- column (Cody Franson was the other with a +2 rating) Though most in the industry would agree that Bozak is sort of a tweeter in the way that he is defensively sound enough, and has enough offensive upside to be effective but doesn't have enough to solidly grab that second line center role or third line checker role.

Cody Franson stepped up to the plate and emerged as a power play mastermind and steady force on the back end, putting up career highs in assists (37) and points (40) his patience with the puck and excellent vision seen Franson vault up the Leafs depth chart and assume control of the first power play unit and second defensive pairing while also being injected into an abysmal penalty kill unit 78% when he arrived which got an immediate boost from Fransons no frills defensive game (PK evened out at 83% after Franson joined) heading into next season the Leafs will be looking at Franson to continue his excellent play, that is if they can re sign him.

On the Negative side of the stat sheets as I eluded to before Phil Kessel had an underwhelming year when you consider what most people here in Toronto believe he is capable of doing, though Kessel did lead the club in overall points Toronto remains feeling there is more buried within Kessel and they hope to see it very soon.

Joining Kessel is the let down of Tim Connolly (albeit injury prone) no one expected Connolly to only register eleven games played with three goals and two assists, though the free agent market was slim to be sure when Connolly was brought in to supply Kessel with a playmaking center many around Leaf nation were excited to see what the duo could accomplish if Connolly could remain on his skates.

Somewhat of a surprise was the fall of Mikhail Grabovski, who had up until this point been a healthy player. But multiple back and foot injuries limited Grabovski to only 12 games played and while he did register 4 goals and 4 assists in the 12 games played, heading into a contract year with that hampering you isn't going to reflect too well. While it remains a possibility Grabovski could return and anchor Toronto's second line it remains to be seen if he can return to second line form.

Mike Komisarek puzzled all season long, and showed Leafs management and fans that he has become too slow for a fast game. Komisarek played in 68 total games for the Leafs registering 1 goal 5 assists and owning an embarrassing -32, Komisarek spent much of his game time in the penalty box amassing 210 PIMS one suspension (hit from behind) and 7 fighting majors. Being paid 4.5 million a season brings certain expectations and let me assure you those numbers, are not it.

Many would add head coach Ron Wilson onto this list for turning out what seemed to be a season of being unsure what to do with the team in front of him. Wilson who was praised and hired for his defensive abilities, couldn't gain much of a handle on a struggling PK unit and throughout the year demonstrated an inability to deal with young talent, most believed that Wilson had lost this team early in the season and never did get control back.

Having said all of this many fingers are pointed at the GM, Brian Burke for doing essentially nothing during the season or draft to rectify a sinking ship, his faith in a failing coach and inaction to move assets when high intrest was shown. Entering into his final contract year with MLSE Burke may have much to prove if he wishes to see an extension offered his way.

Once again though, not all is bleak and dark here. The Maple Leafs at it's core is young and growing not just in ability and execution but in standing, with the leafs in position to draft at the number four spot in the upcoming entry draft Burke has a chance to potentially pick an impact player that could possibly hit the NHL roster next year, or shortly there after, or perhaps flip that desirable pick for the impact player he immediately needs, there are possibilities here for vast improvement but the feeling is that it's now, or never.

Heading into the offseason as usual decisions need to be made. Viewing only NHL level contracts we can see that Cody Franson (82 GP 3 goals 37 assists +2 0 PIMS) Nikolai Kulemin (82 GP 24 goals 23 assists -7 18 PIMS) Mikhail Grabovski (12 GP 4 goals 4 assists -4 4 PIMS) John-Michael Liles (82 GP 8 goals 27 assists -14 17 PIMS) and Johan Gustavsson (20 GP 5 wins 15 losses 3.14 GAA 8.92 SV%) are all up for renewal if Burke sees fit and with strong seasons from Keith Aulie (76 GP 9 goals 16 assists +11 132 PIMS) Joe Colborne (76 GP 28 goals 37 assists +18 45 PIMS) and Nazem Kadri (76 GP 27 goals 34 assists -7 24 PIMS) it's clear that there could be some roster and talent movement involved in the Leafs 2012 off season.

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

I apologize to everyone for the grammar etc, I had to cut a lot of planned content out of that write up as I am pressed for time today.


Next update will be a look at the upcoming draft, also I hope to include a new feature I am going to use called inside the office, where I will show you insights into the management and decision making that happens all year long for the Maple Leafs

[seb170455]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Good write up. The Leafs continue to disappoint . Excited to read your next update.

[seb170455]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

At Twitter:

Maus Jansen: @Mausje2407:

Finished a good season in Kamloops with the Blazers (WHL). Played on the 1st line with Austin Madaisky. #Interior Savings Centre

Maus Jansen: @Mausje2407:

Likely going to be in the NHL draft this year. Hopefully I'll be selected and go to a good team. Maybe my favorite Habs will select me!! #at my parents home

[bthomp05]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Fantastic write-up Dynasty - you pegged the Leafs perfectly..

Are you going to go for an unammed winger in the offseason? Are you looking at drafting a big center?

@KeepYourHeadsUp
Hey Ritt, lets take the Wolves to the Memorial Cup.... Cause it looks like will have atleast 2 seasons to simmer...

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

At Twitter:

Maus Jansen: @Mausje2407:

Finished a good season in Kamloops with the Blazers (WHL). Played on the 1st line with Austin Madaisky. #Interior Savings Centre

Maus Jansen: @Mausje2407:

Likely going to be in the NHL draft this year. Hopefully I'll be selected and go to a good team. Maybe my favorite Habs will select me!! #at my parents home

Fantastic write-up Dynasty - you pegged the Leafs perfectly..

Are you going to go for an unammed winger in the offseason? Are you looking at drafting a big center?

@KeepYourHeadsUp
Hey Ritt, lets take the Wolves to the Memorial Cup.... Cause it looks like will have atleast 2 seasons to simmer...

Thanks BT, I am excited to get this thing rolling, the start uptime is killing me though lol

My top concerns in the draft are goaltending depth, center depth, defensive depth, winger depth in that order

Love the twitter updates guys keep it comin!

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Update on the update! lol

I am currently 14 pages into my in the office update, which is much more then I had planned but I like it a lot so I'm going forward with it, I have nearly finished creating the new look stat sheets for your CAPS and inputting all the information is nearly done.

In actual game time I have simmed to and completed the draft, recorded all the information I need, now I'm sitting in resigning period but I won't be going ahead until the in the office update has been pushed out.

Agenda

In the office update - update due within 2 days (nearly done)
Draft preview - within a week
Draft - within a week
Resigning update - within a week
Season opening - within a week

**edit 1 - information has been placed and CAP sheets are now done**

[bthomp05]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Excellent, can't wait

[Dynasty]

Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Inside the office

Burke and his staff have gathered at MSLE headquarters to review all aspects of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Player performance
Expiring contracts and contract negotiations
Depth chart
Positions that need to be filled/Improved (NHL)
Draft positioning and trade implications
Draft report (projections)
Draft floor game plan
Rumor mill


Centers:


Tyler Bozak:
Age: 26
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 1.5 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 18 goals 32 assists 50 points -10 10 PIMS 10 PPG 1 GWG

Staff thoughts:
Tyler benefitted from being forced yet again into the number one center role, as it is we feel he has the ability to be used in a third line role as a defensive center who can chip in offensively from time to time, situational usage on the power play could be inline for Tyler who has shown that he see the ice well and has some finish.
Additional time on penalty kill units would be suitable to his skill set.

Future projection:
Depending on availability and quality of talent in the free agent pool we advise Tyler be used as the #3 center for the 12/13 season and he be resigned in the future to be retained in that role or as an extra forward.
Tyler has proven has has the ability to move up or down the depth chart as needed.

Matthew Lombardi:
Age: 30
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 3.5 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 17 goals 29 assists 46 points even rating 10 PIMS 2 PPG

Staff thoughts:
It may be possible that Lombardi regains the ability to retain the number two center position, while he filled a valuable hole and had a bounce back season it is our belief that Lombardi should be traded or released when his contract expires. Depth from the Marlies will push Lombardi out of the organization in time anyways.

Future projection:
Possible trade bait if a suitor could be found, if not retain for the ability to play center or wing until contract expires.

Tim Connolly:
Age: 31
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 4.75 million
11/12 totals: 11 GP 3 goals 2 assists 5 points -5 4 PIMS 1 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Complete let down in first season, unacceptable point production when in line up and hurt for majority of the season. Will have to wait and see how the final year of his contract pans out but at nearly a 5 million cap hit his production will have to significantly increase or his pay rate will have to significantly decrease to warrant a contract renewal. His tenure in Toronto depends on his ability to gel with line mate Phil Kessel.

Future projection:
Connolly has the raw ability to produce points and he sees the ice very well, if he can bump up production, find chemistry with Phil Kessel and remain healthy for the most of the year a contract renewal may be in line, but length may be questionable due to depth rising from the Marlies.

Mikhail Grabovski
Age: 28
Contract status: Contract expired UFA in 2012
Cap hit: 2.5 million
11/12 totals: 12 GP 4 goals 4 assists 8 points -4 4 PIMS 2 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Disappointing end to his contract, would not suggest resigning due to how big of a question mark he will be for next season, with improvement from Nazem Kadri and Joe Colborne we believe it to be a viable option to consider promotion or free agency to fill this void.

Future projection:
We do not advise extending Grabovski's contract at this point and time.

David Steckel:
Age: 30
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 1.1 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 4 goals 13 assists 17 points -17 50 PIMS

Staff thoughts:
David is a serviceable fourth line checking center, with size and strength. His ability to win required Faceoffs and the ability to face top opposition leaves a place for Steckel even though his skating could be improved upon.

Future projection:
We would recommend keeping Steckel for the upcoming season and let him play out his contract, if he can help the penalty kill and remains a serviceable fourth line or depth center then a contract renewal would be acceptable.

Nazem Kadri:
Age: 21
Contract status: 1 year remaining RFA in 2013
Cap hit: 1.72 million
11/12 totals: 76 GP 27 goals 34 assists 61 points -7 24 PIMS 9 PPGS

Staff thoughts:
While Nazem has undeniable puck handling skills and creativity, his constant lack of control and responsibility away from the puck has slowed down his progression into the NHL level, while Nazem took another step forward in his ability to produce at the AHL level we believe it may be the opportune time to investigate the possibilities of a trade including Kadri to bolster the roster in other areas.

Future projection:
Kadri has the ability to make plays and dazzle with his hands but it may be in the wing position that he excels, we believe that Joe Colborne has surpassed Kadri on the depth charts at the center position and at the end this could make Nazem a tradeable asset, we suggest exploring trade possibilities around the league to asses the potential returns.

Joe Colborne
Age: 22
Contract status: 2 years remaining RFA in 2014
Cap hit: .900K
11/12 totals: 76 GP 28 goals 37 assists 65 points +18 45 PIMS 8 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Colborne has asserted himself as the peak of our center depth at the AHL level and his +18 indicate an ability to perform in all situations. He has the potential to be a number two and could reach number one center, but his unquestionable defensive abilities will make him an excellent two way player in the future of his career.

Future projection:
Colborne has the talent to be a number two, potentially a number one center and the defensive game to play in all situations, barring continuous injury or a halt in progression a stint in the NHL is warranted, depending on free agents or trade acquisitions during this off season Colborne could be looked upon to fill a number two or three role with the Maple Leafs.

Left wing

Joffrey Lupul
Age: 28
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 4.25 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 20 goals 30 assists 50 points -17 28 PIMS 10 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Tying a career high in points and playing all 82 games for the first time since seeing NHL action Lupul impressed all season with his nose for the net and seemed to have decent chemistry with fellow winger Phil Kessel, perhaps more could be expected from Joffrey after another full off season of training and preparation.

Future projection:
With one year remaining on his contract it will be worthwhile to see if Lupul can continue on where he left off from this fantastic bounce back season, if so he may be valuable to resign as a top six forward.

Clarke MacArthur:
Age: 27
Contract status: one year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 3.25 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 33 goals 19 assists 52 points -1 8 PIMS 9 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Clarke has shown he has the ability to move up and down the depth chart, and while he has had good production over the past two years it remains possible to find help elsewhere if his contract demands become unreasonable.

Future projection:
Worthwhile to resign if his contract demands don't become outlandish but replaceable if they do, Clarke is a capable two way player with some offensive upside and ability but not something to write home about, replaceable or tradeable asset if opportunity arises.

Right wing:

Phil Kessel:
Age: 24
Contract status: 2 years remaining UFA in 2014
Cap hit: 5.4 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 26 goals 38 assists 64 points -15 10 PIMS 7 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Though Kessel once again led the Leafs in overall points while tying his career high in points, more was expected out of him and we believe that a pairing with a more offensively talented center will produce what we believe Kessel is capable of doing, it is possible he will break the forty goal barrier if Tim Connolly can remain healthy for next season.

Future projection:
Kessel has the speed, shooting and passing ability to be a prolific scorer but his lack of defense and physical toughness can hinder his production when adequate line mates are not supplied, while Kessel can be a top scorer in the NHL we recommend obtaining a true number one center for him to play with.

Nikolai Kulemin
Age: 25
Contract status: contract expired RFA in 2012
Cap hit: 2 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 24 goals 23 assists 47 points -7 18 PIMS 12 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Nikolai has the ability to use his size and strength to get into the zone and retrieve pucks for him self and teammates, with the ability to finish or pass to teammates we advise offering Nikolai a new contract.

Future projection:
We recommend signing Nikolai to a two year deal at roughly 2.5-3.5 million if he accepts the terms, if not it may be more worthwhile to explore trade or free agency avenues.

Colby Armstrong
Age: 29
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 3 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 10 goals 23 assists 33 points -8 98 PIMS

Staff thoughts:
Armstrong fulfilled his role this season while scoring the second highest point total of his career on our third line, while we believe he is capable of repeating the performance we question his longevity and advise caution in future contract negotiations when the time comes. As it stands Colby should be retained and used for the remainder of his contract in his current role, and if he is ale to produce at least another 70 games played perhaps renegotiating a contract at a slightly lower pay rate would be good for the team.

Future projection:
Colby should be placed again in a third or fourth line role, while he does have the ability to plug a hole in the top six due to having some scoring touch and toughness he is best suited to third or fourth line duties. If it is possible to resign him to a lower pay grade it would be advisable to do so.

Defense:

Mike Komisarek
Age: 30
Contract status: 2 years remaining UFA in 2014
Cap hit: 4.5 million
11/12 totals: 68 GP 1 goal 5 assists 6 points -32 220 PIMS

Staff thoughts:
Unreliable in all zones, albatross contract for a guy who can't compete at the NHL level.

Future projection:
If a trade partner could be found, we advise moving Komisarek to make cap space and roster space for upcoming for future talent, if trading isn't an option burying him in the minors may be the next best solution.

Luke Schenn
Age: 22
Contract status: 4 years remaining UFA in 2016
Cap hit: 3.6 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 1 goal 10 assists 11 points -7 117 PIMS

Staff thoughts:
Luke performed well in a shutdown and defensive role last season, we believe he took another step forward to becoming a key part of the defense here in Toronto. While it would be nice to see Luke add in some more points for the cost of his contract we look forward to watch his continued development.

Future projection:
We believe Luke will be a cornerstone shut down guy for many years to come, at this point he should encouraged to take on greater responsibility.

Dion Phaneuf

Age: 27
Contract status: 2 years remaining UFA in 2014
Cap hit: 6.5 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 10 goals 29 assists 39 points -6 92 PIMS 4 PPG

Staff thoughts:
While Dion's cap hit is greater then what it should be he provides a valuable two way presence while playing a hard physical defensive game and having an excellent point shot.

Future projection:
As the current captain of the Leafs we advise leaving Phaneuf as he is, he provides what is needed and will continue to do so for the remainder of his contract, at least we believe so.

John-Michael Liles
Age: 31
Contract status: contract expired UFA in 2012
Cap hit: 3.5 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 8 goals 27 assists 35 points -14 17 PIMS 2 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Liles struggled at times, especially when confronted physically in his own zone, we feel at this point in his career John is more of a stop gap measure and is sinking down depth charts.

Future projection:
If not much is available in free agency we recommend resigning Liles if his demands are not outrageous.


Cody Franson
Age: 24
Contract status: contract expired RFA in 2012
Cap hit: 1.5 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 3 goals 37 assists 40 points -12 0 PIMS 3 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Cody really came through as a power play quarterback and portrayed a solid defensive game while facing the toughest competition on nearly a nightly basis, we would suggest attempting to get Franson under contract long term if possible.

Future projection:
If Franson doesn't turn out to be a 1/2 d man he will be a very solid 3/4 guy with power play upside, we believe he would pair well with a pure shutdown defensemen like Luke Schenn.

Keith Aulie
Age: 22
Contract status: contract expired RFA in 2012
Cap hit: was .900K
11/12 totals: (AHL) 76 GP 9 goals 16 assists 25 points +11 132 PIMS 4 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Aulie may turn out to be a bit of a tweener, in the way that he is better then being in the AHL but may only reach a 5/6 depth position on the blue line. We believe it would be worthwhile to resign Aulie and give him a good look in the NHL before making future decisions.

Future projection:
Aulie's time has come to sink or swim in the NHL, he has proven to be playing at a higher level then the AHL and is ready to take on NHL responsibilities, we suggest he be placed into the 5/6 position and see if Keith will develop into more, or less then what we believe. In the event of failure we believe that due to his size and strength Aulie would retain trade value despite potential failure at the NHL level.

Carl Gunnarsson
Age: 25
Contract status: 1 year remaining UFA in 2013
Cap hit: 1.325 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 10 goals 25 assists 35 points -17 10 PIMS 3 PPG

Staff thoughts:
Gunnarsson has provided stability wherever he is injected into the blue line, but the development of talent on the blue line may be squeezing him out of a job here in Toronto, with Keith Aulie and Jake Gardiner on the rise it would be reasonable to retain Gunnarsson for the remainder of his contract and re evaluate around trade deadline to see if he become a tradeable asset.

Future projection:
Gunnarsson retains the ability to move up and down the depth chart as well as play on the power player penalty kill, so his value is good but he maybe loosing traction to the younger up and coming defensemen. Ultimately Jake Gardiner and Keith Aulie will dictate the future of Gunnarsson here in Toronto.

Jake Gardiner

Age: 21
Contract status: 2 years remaining
Cap hit: 1.115 million
11/12 totals: 82 GP 5 goals 11 assists 16 points -16 41 PIMS

Staff thoughts:
Jake had a decent rookie season in the NHL, though he played protected minutes and didn't get much power play or penalty kill time his stats indicate that he is NHL ready, though his +/- and penalty minutes indicate he requires more time to learn, that is to be expected at this point in his development.

Future projection:
All things considered we believe Jake has the ability to be a 2/3 or 4/5 defensemen in the NHL wit power play upside, we would advise that he see more time in all situations and potentially a heavier work load in the upcoming season to further his development and see what Gardiner can do.

Goaltending:

James Reimer
Age: 24
Contract status: 2 years remaining RFA in 2014
Cap hit: 1.8 million
11/12 totals: 62 GP 25 wins 37 losses 2.80 GAA .900 SV%

Staff thoughts:
Reimer was up and down, showing that he has the potential to be a number one goaltender in the league but perhaps is not yet ready for a full workload. As it stands we suggest bringing in veteran assistance to perhaps share the net with Reimer in his next year of development and then re asses next season.

Future projection:
At this point Reimer's fate is in his own hands, his performance this upcoming season we believe will dictate his future in this organization.

Jonas Gustavsson

Age: 27
Contract status: Contract expired UFA in 2012
Cap hit: 1.5 million
11/12 totals: 20 GP 5 wins 15 losses 3.60 GAA .886 SV%

Staff thoughts:
Jonas struggled all year with consistency and technique.

Future projection:
We believe the time of the ouster is over in Toronto and he should not be resigned.

Expiring contracts:

Mikhail Grabovski
Status:
Talks have been shut down between his agent and our office, at this time Grabovski is seeking 4 million a year over three years and we are not prepared to pay that price, we believe that with the development of Joe Colborne and potential free agents we will part ways with Grabovski this season.


John-Michael Liles
Status:
Talks have broken down between the club and Liles agent, right now we are about 2 million apart for value and one year apart for term, we believe that a deal can be reached with Liles and his agent but it is possible he will be a free agent.


Cody Franson
Status:
Cody had a break out season last year and is excited to get a new contract in place

Keith Aulie
Status:
Preliminary talks with Aulie's agent has been hit or miss to this point and we believe Keith is unsure if he would like to resign here in Toronto


Nikolai Kulemin
Status:
Discussions with Kulemin and his agent have gone every well up to this point, we just have to close a small gap in term and dollar amount and we believe this contract will be signed soon.


Jonas Gustavsson
Status:
A contract will not be offered to Jonas at this time.


Depth chart (only signed players shown)











Positions that need to be filled/improved (NHL)

Number 1 center
2 depth left wingers
1 depth right winger
1 depth defensemen
1 backup goalie

Draft positioning and trade implications

We are slotted to draft in the fourth position this year which leaves us with the following picks

1st round 4th overall
2nd round 34th overall
2nd round 47th overall
5th round 124th overall
6th round 154th overall
7th round 206th overall

Many clubs have been after our fourth overall pick but as of yet nothing of substance has been offered, we suggest drafting in the fourth position and holding onto all picks as mentioned above, this year is a deep draft and we believe we can improve our club more by holding onto what we got instead of making trades.


Draft Report (projections)








Opening interviews have been completed with Malik Clarke, Matti Auvinen, Kevin Mettler, Derrik Thomas, Patrick Cosgrove and Nail Yakupov.

Malik Clarke: moderate interest
Matti Auvinen: high interest
Kevin Mettler: moderate interest
Derrik Thomas: high interest
Patrick Cosgrove: moderate interest
Nail Yakupov: moderate interest

As it stands the scouting staff have been raving about Matti Auvinen and Derrik Thomas, strong work ethics and personal abilities over their entire careers have drawn attention to these two young men. With our desire to strengthen and deepen our prospect pool at the center and goaltending positions it would make the most sense to chase one of these two.

We have contacted the New York Islanders who hold the second overall pick and Garth Snow is adamant that he will not be trading his pick and does not wish to move down to fourth, it is possible they will pick goaltender Matti Auvinen but it was hard to get a good read on Snow as to which way he is leaning.

Draft floor game plan:

This may very well be a stand up and sit down year, with how deep the draft appears to be many teams are confident with their picks as it and we don't project much movement at all until potentially the third or fourth round.

That is not to say that our opinion differs, we like the players who will be potentially available in our selection range and will only discuss moving up in the first round but as it stands Columbus, New York and Washington do not want to budge.

As for NHL and AHL players whom may be available there is not much word on teams shopping talent, all in all it has been a very tightly played game between the GM's this offseason and looks as though this may be a very quiet draft day.

Ultimately we will be searching for a number one center with size and ability, depth defensemen and wingers for the NHL, at the AHL level we will be examining each position, as it is we will be searching for depth of talent in all positions via trading.

Rumour Mill

Columbus is rumored to be looking for a number one playmaking center
Philadelphia is rumored to be looking for a depth defensemen
Edmonton is rumored to be looking for a top pairing defensemen and depth defensemen
Phoenix is rumored to be looking for a back up goaltender
Winnipeg is rumored to be looking for a top six winger
Nashville is rumored to be looking for scoring depth on the wings

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Re: Leafs BE A GM/CAP sim chise

Maus Jansen: @Mausje2407

I've seen a mock draft of this year. I am projected as a top 10 pick. Would be awesome!!