It wasn't too long ago, a year really, that Gaudreau was comparable to Marner. Now he's dropped off that he's comparable to an under performing Nylander? I know Tim and Sid are talking air time here, but you're dealing a 1st liner for a 2nd liner when both are clicking. The Leafs benefit by going all in on offence and on a physically weaker East, Johnny would tear it up. Getting a second liner (borderline 1st liner), does nothing to help us now or in the future. I keep saying it but we have to get better at the top and that means bringing in a star to start. While Gaudreau is under performing this year, I want to see a coaching change before dealing the hands down best player, at the bottom of his game, away. His cap hit is ridiculously good as well, so cap wise, he's not bad, but he's not producing at his same pace.
I'm not saying it with conviction because I'm just a bystander fan, but to me it looks like players aren't happy with the coach. If that's the case, he's gotta go first and someone who can work with the guys more effectively is probably in order. When a player like Neal walks under such bad circumstances, I think the lines of communication with the coach are to blame more than anything, and this season has cemented my thought that he's probably the first thing that needs to change. It's old school to communicate through yelling and shaking the iron fist. You need coaches to push the team but also work with players behind the scenes. Our boy seems intent on playing the hardass card everyday and that gets old fast with millionaires who don't need to take that crap.
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