Mike and Justin Q&A Discussion

The following is based on entertainment purposes only. This is a collective Q&A between Micheal Aldred and Justin Traviss over several matters involving the NHL, the 2009 Entry Draft, and finally "Justin's Random Unheard Of".

Justin: If you were Leafs general manager Brian Burke, who would you concentrate on signing if they don’t trade up for the draft?

Mike: Mike Komisarek. I think the possibility of having him and Schenn on a line together is far too intriguing to pass on. Almost like having a vintage Foote and Blake together again.

Justin: Colorado has a top 3 pick, think they'll move it?

Mike: I think the Avs are crossing their fingers on landing Matt Duchene to replace Sakic in the future, so I don't think it's the right decision to make. If Duchene is the player people believe he could be, then it's hard to trade that pick and call it an even deal. What are your thoughts on Colorado’s situation?

Justin: Chara. The Avalanche should get Chara.

Mike: haha THE Chara?

Justin: Yes. I like Chara. Colorado should trade some bum for Chara. They should trade Sakic for Chara and then Sakic will retire, or what they could do is put Wolski and Svatos on the first line and in a few years they will both be 99 overall. I did it in NHL08!

Mike: What about Colorado’s situation?

Justin: On what? Duchene? Colorado? Trading Sakic for Chara?

Mike: The draft, and the Avs pick.

Justin: As much as I personally would prefer Duchene or Tavares, I think Hedman would be a lot better for them then either of those two, since I think Stastny can hopefully fill in for Sakic down the road.

Mike: Well there’s a ton of speculation coming out that the Avalanche are shopping Ryan Smyth, Scott Hannan and J.M. Liles, do you think they would try to trade up to secure Hedman’s services?

Justin: I can see the Avalanche trading Hannan and Smyth, as both have been somewhat disappointing since arriving in Colorado, but all in all, Liles is a guy to keep around. He’s a quarterback on the back end for their powerplay, no need to move him.

Mike: The lightning lack that one defensive prospect on the back end, do you think they would sacrifice a chance at Hedman to trade down with the Avs in order to gain Liles and go with Tavares/Duchene?

Justin: I think they could consider doing that, though their salary cap would have to see additional figures head the Avs way as well. They should then either trade that pick (3rd overall) and/or a player to another team that needs the offense for an established defenseman, a 25 to 28 year old to lead the team on the back end. It really depends on what the current market value of the top picks are.

Mike: How about the hiring of Joe Sacco?

Justin: Thumbs Way Down, Mike.

Mike: It caught me by surprise as well. I’m not exactly sold on having Sacco and Tocchet leading the team on the bench, not to mention the clashing in the ownership. That franchise is on a dark road for now.

Justin: If you were the Leafs, what would be the most you’d give up for the 1st overall pick?

Mike: In order for the Leafs to land the top pick from the Isles, it would have to be along the lines of Kaberle, the Leafs 7th and maybe Stajan heading to New York and even then I'm not certain the Isles would commit to that deal. Some might consider that overpaying for Tavares, others might consider it nowhere near enough.

Justin: Is that the most you would give up?

Mike: No, but it's a deal I would consider. Unless they are desperate to land the top pick, which I don't think is the case considering there are a ton of talented players in the top 10 this year, the Leafs could probably trade this year's first (7th overall) next year's 1st, and Kaberle for the 1st overall pick. And considering the type of player Tavares is/can be, that's not exactly a steep price to pay. If I were the Leafs, I'd hand over anything other than Schenn to land Tavares.

Justin: If given the opportunity, would you deal Schenn straight up for a shot a Tavares?

Mike: Absolutely not. Not at this point. Schenn has proven he can handle first line minutes against the top opposition in the league, these players haven't done so as of yet, and looking back at the 08 draft, it's difficult to say that as of today the top two players that came out of that draft is not Doughty and Schenn in that order.

Mike: What’s your opinion on the Coyotes ruling?

Justin: I’m not surprised. They'll probably stay in Phoenix until they go bankrupt (more so) and get undersold to Kansas, who will also flake out, and until Bettman and the current NHL brass suck it up a little bit and accept that there is a SERIOUS market in Canada (which means more revenue for the NHL - morons), then Canada is basically doomed. The NHL is FINE with Canadian teams flocking to the states...to non-markets no less.

Mike: A lot of reporters and sports analysts have claimed that Southern Ontario is a serviced market in that they can go and see several American teams who are right across the border. Do you feel that is a legitimate opinion?

Justin: Of course. Just as it is a legitimate option for us to move the whole fucking NHL to Canada and say the 7 hockey fans in Florida can fly up to Nunavut to watch NHL hockey. Even then, seats would be sold out because there are more hockey fans in Nunavut than fricken Florida. Only old, retired Canadians are panther fans. I might also say no on the grounds of why in the living, breathing hell should Canadians take Canadian money and travel to another country and give them our money to watch our players on their team? If we banned Canadians from going to cross-border games, those teams would probably be bankrupt too. Their logic is this - why have soccer in Canada when we can go to Brazil and watch it? Also, (you've kind of opened some flood gates here), with current passport and BS terrorist lock down crap, its going to get harder and harder to get across that border to continue to support the American teams with Canadian money. So I'd be interested to see how that affects the American-border hockey markets as well. I bet it’s a noticeable dip.

Mike: Just so I understand what you just said, you believe the crack-downs of border entry between the two nations will affect the amount of Canadians attending the games in the United States because of the terrorists?

Justin: First of all, I certainly want to be clear that I don't think there are terrorists, and no, I think it will affect the Canadians at American games because of the crackdown at the border regarding passports. People who don’t want/have the money for passports need them now, whereas before they could just go, watch the game and come back. This "attack on terrorist" with the CAN-USA border crack down is accomplishing nothing and it will make it a lot harder to have a quick night over to Buffalo or Detroit for hockey. At the same time, it’s also another valid reason Hamilton could absolutely support a team and now is the right time.

Mike: I think it’s safe to say whoever gets a 7th team in Canada is striking an absolute gold mine. So who is this Q&A’s “Justin’s Random Unheard Of”?

Justin: Mike, this week it is Raymond Macias, a player who I feel will be an effective top 4 defenseman in a few years time. He played 6 games with the Avs last year, finishing with 1 assist an Even on the +/- and one of the few Avs players to do so. He is a 6’2” 195 lbs 22 year old with a ton of potential, but he is a bit on the injury-prone side. Drafted in the 4th round (124th overall) of the 2005 Entry Draft, and is a strong skater who loves to clear out the front of the net and is not afraid to get physical in the corners.

Mike: Be sure to check out future Q&A’s here on CheckingFromBehind.com

Micheal Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

Justin Traviss
rigadori@hotmail.com

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Top Priority: Mike Komisarek

In the midst of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, perhaps it’s a little early to discuss the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs splurging in this year’s Unrestricted Free Agent crop by acquiring Mike Komisarek. But hey, four consecutive years of missing the post-season will do that, and speculation is always fun, so let’s discuss!

Komisarek has been a serviceable defensive defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, no doubt about it. Ever since he completed his first full season with the Canadiens back in the 2005-06 campaign, Habs fans have been privy to the defensive abilities #8 brings to the ice. While he lacks offensive skills, and his potential in the department is limited, he made it to the NHL because of his defensive play. Komisarek excels specifically in hits and defensive zone coverage. In fact, at the end of the 2007-08 campaign, he led all defensemen with 227 blocked shots, and finished second in hits with 266.

This season, however, many Canadiens fans have criticized the 27 year-old of poor play in his own end, and have questioned whether or not it is worth offering him a contract extension. Living in a household of Canadiens fans, I can say I’ve seen my fair share of Habs hockey. I’ve always been a fan of Komisarek’s game, and have regarded him as a top defensive defenseman in the NHL during the past few years. Like all defensive defensemen, Komisarek is underappreciated and gets little notice around the league (besides Pierre Maguire, that is). However, Komisarek did have a disappointing season, no question. He still led the Canadiens in hits with 191, (ranked 25th overall) but it’s a serious downgrade from his 266 last season. In the blocked shots category, he finished with 207 (ranked 4th overall). He was also ranked 7th overall in giveaways with 89, which is obviously considering for a player of his type. That is 29 more giveaways than he had in the 2007-08 season. It’s also worth mentioning that the Canadiens struggled this season, and few players (even Carey Price) struggled to find success, so this could easily be a bump in the road.

All that said, it must be mentioned that he is still young, and defensemen generally take more time to develop. Komisarek’s upcoming seasons will be huge in terms of his development as a defensive defenseman in the NHL. He has the potential to be one of the meanest and toughest defensemen, (as mentioned, see stats of 07-08 season) but some hard work is definitely in order. If you ask me, patience would go a long way for Komisarek. He often finds himself in trouble by making rash decisions when under pressure from the opposition. If he could attain a little more poise, it would propel his defensive game to new levels.

Pertaining to the Leafs’ off-season plan, I think it would benefit them immensely to sign a player like Komisarek. He’s young, and he’s got potential; should fit right into Brian Burke’s regime. His price tag may be a little high, but considering he struggled this season, it shouldn’t be anything near baffling. If he does work out, he’d be a serviceable defenseman once the rebuilding phase is complete. That, and I’m giddy like a school girl thinking about a Luke Schenn - Komisarek pairing on the PK unit.

What do you think?

ronguillet@gmail.com

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Nothing Flashy, but Off-Season is Where It's At

Sorry Leafs Nation, Brian Burke didn’t splurge on a deal to give Leafs Nation the false hope of a playoff spot. What a shame…

Instead, Burke traded Nik Antropov, Dominic Moore and the Toronto Marlies’ Richard Petiot for two 2nd-round picks (BUF and NYR), a 4th-round pick (TBL), a conditional pick (NYR), Olaf Kolzig (our next savior), Jamie Heward and Andy Rogers. Also, he picked up Martin Gerber (who was sensational tonight in Washington) and Erik Reitz from waivers.


Nothing flashy, but Burke kept to his word, and the Leafs are now in a stronger position going into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal on June 26-27. For those who hoped for better returns and/or more players moved from the Leafs, don’t fret, the off-season will mark the official turnaround of a franchise in dire need of one.

The fact the Trade Deadline is so pumped up by the media is the main contributor to the madness that unfolds each season (although General Manager’s were considerably more conservative this time around). GM’s feel the added pressure to fix the woes of their respective clubs, which leads to the trading of prospects, roster players and draft picks – and not surprisingly, the sellers usually come out on top.

While the Leafs were obviously sellers going into March 4th, Burke had some delicate situations with blueliners Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina, who each have a no-trade clause in their contracts. Because of John Ferguson Jr.’s spectacular business decisions, Burke had to be wary of the value of his defensemen. The scrutiny of the Deadline (cap restrictions + attempting to bolster line-up during the season) minimizes the amount of potential suitors, so Burke’s options were limited. While he may not be in a position to demand a 1st round pick, a prospect and roster player, he will have a larger amount of teams interested in his blueliners, so that means a wider array of prospects and draft picks to consider.

It would have been nice if the Leafs were free from the oppression of the NTC, especially considering the asking price for Kaberle, but there’s no rush to unload the Leafs’ core just yet. After all, Burke joined the Leafs just recently, so analyzing his club for the rest of the season may be a crucial step in deciding who is worthy of being apart of the rebuilding plan in Toronto.

The Leafs’ youth can’t do it on their own, so is keeping atleast one blueliner in Kaberle and Kubina important? And which one? Kubina is on a tear of late, and would be an excellent mentor for the Leafs’ blueline. Kaberle is an important factor the Leafs’ PP, and although he lacks the defensive game to be a two-way contributor, he’d serve as a mentor for up-and-comer Anton Stralman – who has been progressing nicely.

Kaberle and Kubina aside, the Leafs are free of NTC’s this off-season. Not only that, but their core players, who are all signed on for the 2009-10 season, all have movable contracts. So if Burke wants to give this team a make-over, he’ll be more than capable of doing it – and the fact that Antropov and Moore are subtracted from the line-up is already a shake-up.

For once, the Leafs will have the luxury of cap space with 8.75M at their disposal going into the off-season. While the Leafs’ pivotal moment will be the Entry Draft this summer, July 1st can play a big role to the Leafs’ rebuilding plan.

Take a look at some of the UFA’s available this year:

D Francois Beauchemin (29)

RW Maxim Afinogenov (29)

C Mike Cammaleri (27)

D Jordan Leopold (28)

LW David Moss (27)

LW Martin Havlat (28)

G Andrew Raycroft (29)– I kid, I kid.

C Johan Franzen (29)

D Jay Bouwmeester (25)

D Kurtis Foster (27)

LW Marian Gaborik (27)

D Mike Komisarek (27) — long shot, will likely re-sign with Habs.

LW Alex Tanguay (29)

D Ville Koistinen (27)

LW Taylor Pyatt (27)

If the Leafs can collect more draft picks and/or prospects this off-season, coupled with some key UFA signings (with fair contracts, mind you) the Leafs can finally take the first step in finding the remedy to this 41-year Cup drought.

In Burke we trust.

ronguillet@gmail.com

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