The almost certain break up of the Tavares, Nylander, and Kerfoot line

It’s late summer and I was all prepared to come at you with an article today going into the merits of splitting up Tavares and Nylander and trying to spread the offense around to three lines. There might still be some interest in doing that, and I’ll discuss it, but the numbers certainly don’t support it. What it looks like the numbers support is that Kerfoot if he returns this season, shouldn’t be on that line. That’s certainly an idea worth exploring as the salary cap could dictate it as a necessity for the Leafs anyway, and it probably makes sense to prepare for that outcome.
Last start with the place where most bad ideas start, and that’s with WOWYs. The second we start breaking down the large sample of a season into these smaller bite sized samples there is a lot more situational context at play. For one late in the game when the Leafs are looking for offensive opportunities the Leafs will put Nylander and Tavares out on the ice but not necessarily Kerfoot. When Kerfoot was playing with Nyland …

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Author: Jon Steitzer / The Leafs Nation

Shut it down. Patrick Kane to the Leafs would be a disaster

It’s definitely at the point in the summer where people are looking for something to talk about, and it seems that Patrick Kane rumours are how the hockey world is going to pass the time. Unfortunately when it comes to ways to make sure there is enough gasoline on the fire to make a topic stick you need to include Toronto as part of the rumour. As a fanbase Leafs are a dog on a bone that won’t let go and that’s why we probably need to bow out of the Kane talk early.
The narrative around the idea of Kane coming to Toronto seems to be largely Auston Matthews driven. Bringing in Kane shows a commitment to winning, bringing in Kane would allow the torch to be passed from one of the top producing American forwards to the next one. And my personal favourite is about how Kane would take a discount to continue to play in Toronto because he’d want to continue to play with Auston and that would help Auston get re-signed as well. It’s a fun little story for someone but doesn’t seem to …

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Author: Jon Steitzer / The Leafs Nation

Raptors signing Jeff Dowtin to two-way deal is fantastic news

Raptors signing Jeff Dowtin to two-way deal is fantastic news

The Toronto Raptors saw plenty of Summer League standouts make a name for themselves on the Las Vegas circuit, but none of them were more impressive than Jeff Dowtin. Even alongside much hyped big man Christian Koloko, Dowtin frequently stole the show. Dowtin, who received a few cups of coffee with the Bucks, Warriors, and […]
Raptors signing Jeff Dowtin to two-way deal is fantastic news – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ

Stock Up/Down as Dalano Banton, Raptors get crushed by Bulls

Stock Up/Down as Dalano Banton, Raptors get crushed by Bulls

The Toronto Raptors left their Summer League debut against the rival 76ers feeling good, as Dalano Banton helped pulverize Philadelphia on the back of a dominant second half. The same cheer was not found after their second game, as Toronto was thoroughly taken to school. The Raptors were beaten 93-83 by the Chicago Bulls in […]
Stock Up/Down as Dalano Banton, Raptors get crushed by Bulls – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ

Dalano Banton is officially ready for the Toronto Raptors rotation

Dalano Banton is officially ready for the Toronto Raptors rotation

The Toronto Raptors embarked on their annual Summer League schedule in Las Vegas, and Dalano Banton is going to be under the microscope. After a so-so rookie season, Banton announced to the Raptors and the rest of his Summer League that he is too good for this level of competition. Banton overcame a sketchy start […]
Dalano Banton is officially ready for the Toronto Raptors rotation – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Avishai Sol / Raptors HQ

3 Raptors Summer League position battles to keep an eye on

3 Raptors Summer League position battles to keep an eye on

The Toronto Raptors got Summer League off to a flying start, as they dominated the Philadelphia 76ers on the back of a fourth-quarter in which Philly managed just seven points. Even without a first-round pick, Toronto announced that they are without question must-see Summer League TV. The Raptors have most of their rotation (if not […]
3 Raptors Summer League position battles to keep an eye on – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ

3 Summer League players to watch as Raptors start schedule

3 Summer League players to watch as Raptors start schedule

The Toronto Raptors are ready to kick off their Summer League schedule on Saturday afternoon with a skirmish against the rival Philadelphia 76ers. Toronto’s ability to take young players and turn them into contributors will make this must-see TV for everyone involved. The Raptors have veterans like the recently signed DJ Wilson and former Rockets […]
3 Summer League players to watch as Raptors start schedule – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ