Not even Crosby could save the Leafs

Bro vintage Gretzky couldn't save the leafs

Sidney Crosby isn't a defenseman.

No from both. Neither player fits the timeline of the other team. Leafs fans need to be patient. We have the pieces (with the exception of maybe another RHD) to make a good run, and its up to the players to show up. If it doesn't happen this year, these guys are still very young- most teams don't win when their core is this young, and can take these experiences into the next years. I think the leafs will come into the playoffs as underdogs and do better than people expect- I'm not saying to plan the parade or anything, but if they clean up their act a bit, I still believe that this team can show growth in the playoffs this year. Won't be easy likely playing against BOS/TBL/WAS/PIT, but they're not out yet. Worst thing they could do is panic and sell out the future of this team

They said the same thing about Kawhi when he joined the Raptors. Crosby is the one hockey player in the world who could show Leafs how to win immediately and consistently. Interested in Penguin fans opinions about the postive effect Crosby could have on a team like the Leafs.

How bout after pitt wins the cup this year we send you sid, geno, and letang all 50 retained for sandin, robertson, 3 more top prospects and your hole 3rd forward line

All good points Kyle. However I do not think the time frame is that crazy when you consider Matthews may just walk as a UFA at the same time that Crosby's contract expires. However, Leafs would have a real window of say the next 5 to 6 years to win a cup with Crosby as their leader.

Do not need to upgrade defence when a team has players like Crosby who play as hard in their defensive zone as the offensive zone.

the difference is a star basket ball player is on the floor for like 90-95% of the game thus has a far greater impact. than a start NHL forward who usually around 20 mins a night or 33% of the game.
You need a full team to win in the NHL and the leafs have no clue what defense is....
Trade one of your 11 mill players for 3-4 role players that can have an impact. as a group on defense. from better deference man to defensive forwards.
you have to many of the same player....................

Holy wow.

But sure, the Penguins happily accept your offer.

That's not how it works.

Are you of the opinion that the Leafs are all comming back hard and helping the team's defence like teams like St. Louis, Pittsburg and Boston?

I'm of the opinion that the Leafs have one of the weakest defensive groups in the league. Even the good players (Rielly) aren't great at defending. Justin Holl is a third pairing D. He should not be a team's second best defenseman at defending. Swapping out a Center doesn't change that.

First solve your defensive issues before you move Matthews of all people.

Can't really see Pens moving Crosby, even for much younger Matthews. Pens are contending, and Crosby is still better than Matthews is...

Move Marner for a cheaper D and some futures and try to sign Petro as a free agent. You'd be in great state if you get a leading d-man.

All of the recent winners have had an impeccable defense.

First off it was the American media who was claiming we couldn't do anything with Kawhi, because to them we're the redheaded stepchild of the NBA, and unless we win a minimum of 3 straight titles they won't look at us any differently because they don't like us. Also, raps fans we're pissed because Masai took a huge gamble that paid off by trading away the face of the franchise and one who wanted to retire a rap.

Second, the reason why people (American media) was saying Kawhi wouldn't help us win is because he played a grand total of 9 games the season prior and shut it down when he didn't agree with the spurs medical staff, and rightfully so because they were trying to rush him back so they could keep their playoff streak alive. Also, they didn't know how his leg would hold up over the course of a full season... Thankfully we have the "load management" guru.

Masai knew in his heart of hearts that Leonard was/is the best player in the league and both wanted nothing more than to win a championship. Kawhi didn't want to be here but if he would have sat out it only would have prolonged him hitting FA so he sucked it up for a year with a team that has more heart than the rest of the league and are willing to check their egos at the door for the betterment of the team and to achieve their shared goal of winning it all. That's what the Leafs truly lack or at least more so than what any one player can bring.

I honestly think Dubas should talk to Masai and see if he can put together a sit down with both teams so the raps can help the leafs realize that they need to do these things to win and until they do all they'll accomplish is making the highlight reels a couple of times a week. Just imagine K-low (the heart and soul/the engine of the raps) telling them first hand what it takes to be more than a fun albeit inconsistent team.

One last thing...when is the last time you've seen the raps lose 10 in a row? They can win ten in a row easily but they don't go on prolonged slumps like that and that's the difference between golfing early and making a deep postseason run. Also, the raps have a slightly better record now than they did this time last year FWIW.

Do you seriously not think that basketball is a team sport? And that depth isn't important?

1 basketball player can take a team and win a championship. You cant do that in hockey.

No they dont

They certainly can, and it's possible in hockey although its way harder to do, but look no further than the raps... We have a better record this year than we did last year at this time and no kawhi. Heart, determination, perseverance, work ethic, and just out working your opponents in general can lead to more success than 1 allstar, although, having one certainly helps your odds.

i am in total agreement with you about Crosby and think he is going to continue to perform at a very high level for another 8 years.

of course it is a team sport. and yes the teams that have depth win.

my point in this argument is that the star players have a much greater impact on the game due to the amount of time on the floor compared to an NHL players ice time. you just cant have the same impact.

There's so many variables that have to be taken into account when trying to quantify a basketball players value to a hockey players value to their team and on the league that make it inconclusive to say either is more valuable than the other which is a whole other conversation. Other than that you make valid and fair points.

Great,,,, there's more than 5 players in this sport