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RaiN · 03-31-2017, 08:15 PM

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When you’re a General Manager, you are always looking for ways to improve your team. Sometimes in order to improve your roster, it takes sacrifices. Not everyone is willing to pay the asking price but that is where negotiation skills kick in. Over my short tenure here in Toronto, there are many times where I’ve had opportunities to bring in star talent but you have to always think “is it worth it”. For Toronto, we’re kind of in an odd position. We have regressing veterans who are high quality players as well as prospect depth that will be taking over the reigns for seasons to come but we’re not top heavy like New England, but we’re not bottom weak (on paper) as Hamilton or Manhattan. Essentially, what this does is give us options to work with.

Believe it or not, despite only making one trade with Manhattan, Toronto’s office has been quite busy with numerous conversations with many GMs as I am currently trying to find ways to improve the roster for the S34 season. At the same time, I’m also focused on building a future in Toronto because I am not willing to improve our team with a regressing high tpe inactive only due to the fact that Toronto’s rookies will all be up next season. Many times this season so far, I’ve been wondering “what if” but before you make a large decision, always be sure to cross your x’s and dot your i’s and by that I mean go over every scenario probable to figure out whether or not your move is more beneficial or harming to the organization.

At the end of the day, you have to have a plan and stick to it otherwise it could cost you. Ultimately my plan here in Toronto was to acquire as many prospects as I could during the S33 draft. I was able to come into a large draft and draft players such as Jack Dodds, Chris York, Zander Rhys and Fletcher Carric. This draft allowed Toronto to establish a core for the future.

For the Toronto North Stars, you can see the weaknesses clear as day. There is a large hole in the top 6 forwards, a gap in the top 4 defenceman/woman but our biggest strength is our goaltending with Harter and Kirkstone. Now Kirkstone is ready to take the reigns over Harter. Harter who is a UFA this off-season said he wouldn’t mind coming back for another but still wants to test the market just to see what’s out there. For me, this was fair and I can’t really argue it, even if I’m against it. It’s often hard because you always want the best for your team, but you also want the best for your players. For example this season, I’d love to have our rookies come up for our run this upcoming season, but all of them outside of one have requested to stay down in the juniors for another season of tuning. Now, I’d much rather have them come up and join the big club, but it’s always important to keep your players happy because any short term move could effect you long term in a negative way. You kind of always have to be mindful with the decisions you make.

Insider Toronto Trading:

I briefly talked about trades and I’m here willing to give you some information without revealing player names. This is simply an idea to what it’s like when you’re making a deal or what you’re seeking when you’re making that deal.
As mentioned, Toronto certainly has it weaknesses, I think we shocked everyone last season with the amount of success we had with the roster we had. If I have learned anything from being a GM, it’s that lines combos and strategies are your best friend and also your worst nightmare. Luckily for us, we had great combinations which brought us to the ECF where we ultimately fell to the eventual champions the New England Wolfpack in 7 games.
For the S34 season, it’s important for Toronto management to acquire the pieces needed to secure a better chance in the playoffs and hopefully overcome that dreaded curse of ending the cupless streak. Toronto has been in the market for a top 4 Defenceman and a top 6 forward for quite sometime now but with the draft approaching and teams looking to sell or buy, now was the time for GM Barbashev to make a move.

With the acquisition of the S34 EDM 10th OVA pick from Portland last season, Toronto traded the pick to Manhattan in-exchange for former West Kendall Platoon and Manhattan Rage star, Zallerras Szlerchek. Big Z adds tremendous depth to our top 6 and hopefully he is one of the cornerstone pieces that help us break this curse. In addition with the trade, GM Barbashev got some insurance say the All-Star forward should exercise his right in his player option. If Z decides to opt out of his contract, the North Stars will receive a future 2nd rounder of Manhattan’s choice. Should Z resign, the North Stars would send Manhattan a future 2nd rounder of their choice. Ultimately this was a great deal for both sides. Manhattan acquired a 1st rounder and Toronto added to their top 6 core.

Now you can say that Toronto paid a hefty price for the star winger but this move was a team effort as my Co GM Cynthia and myself discussed our options at #10 and ultimately we believe that they are no strong prospects outside of 1-8. Now this is obviously a belief and anything could happen but we felt strongly about this and that is why we made the acquisition of the forward.

Currently, GM Barbashev has been trying to acquire a top 4 D to solidify the back end which is arguably weak in comparison to other SHL teams. So far, trade talks have been interesting. It appears as of now that Toronto won’t pull any trigger soon just because the asking price is high in our opinion. Majority of the teams have inquired about our prospects such as York, Rhys and Carric however the plan was always to keep them and shying away from that isn’t worth it to our organization as we believe we have a solid core for the next 5-8 seasons. With that said, Barbashev will be converting to a defenceman for the S34 season. This move makes sense as he has always been a defensive minded centreman and putting him in this position won’t be too hard to adjust due to his high defensive awareness. This move gives Toronto an additional top 3 defenseman to help Cynthia and Johnson eat minutes on the back end, this also allows more ice time for wingers coming up in the system for the future. This move also would not have been possible if it weren’t for the trade and signing of upcoming UFA Zallerras Szlerchek.

For me, I’m usually very open with my team when it comes to trades and signings. The reason being is, as a player I always wanted to be on the up and up with my team when it came to transactions. I loved trade talk and was always interested in what we are doing as an organization. I think my players appreciate this because they always want to see what’s best for our organization. They are always contributing into helping by submitting prospect lists or making suggestions. Essentially I am a GM that is open to anything. I am like that because being as stubborn as I can be, I can possibly overlook things or not consider certain situation. Most often than not, I have considered suggested ideas, but if other players are on board with particular ideas, than as an organization it’s a way to keep our player morale high within the organization. It’s always good with being honest but you do have to be careful not to leak non-public information. Keeping the organization in the loop is a simple way to keep the activity of our players high. Most often than not, players are interested and intrigued to hear what is going on and what type of moves are being made. It’s also a good conversation starter but most importantly it allows for discussion and you’re able to dissect how players feel. Obviously being the GM you have final say so you listen to your gut anyways, but it’s always nice to get other opinions because of the unknown factor.

Rumour Mill:

Huge news came into play with Reed Laing as she was bought out of her 13M contract with Portland. GM Barbashev (knowing that she was still under the rights of Portland) – unfortunately Buffalo made an unintentional error there, Toronto was able to come to terms with the up and coming superstar Laing. The rumour was that Laing would be signing with Texas. In fact, Laing discussed the idea and even said Texas was high on her list to resign there. However, although it is undisclosed to what the contract details look like, Toronto and Laing have reached a verbal agreement. The signing will give Toronto even more depth in the top 6. Laing will get a fresh start with Toronto and first time SHL GM Barbashev will get a true character in his locker room. Barbashev will be releasing a presser of his own in the near future regarding the Free Agent signing of Laing.

Toronto’s Future:

Moving forward, some might be surprised with the amount of potential the North Stars have. When receiving the dreaded tampering punishment in S32, most thought Toronto would not be able to overcome such a thing. That season, Toronto had finished last in GM Barbashev’s first season. The following season, Toronto made it all the way to the ECF where they eventually lost to the Cup Champs. For the GM tandem of Barbashev and Cynthia, it is there plan to keep the youth crop healthy and active. Personally, we see a window of 1-2 seasons before we need to consider reconstructing as we have plenty regressing players. Due to the fact that Toronto does not have a 1st rounder until S36, it is very crucial that Toronto makes the post season and has a successful run to make sure that the forfeited pick would become a late first rounder. It is very possible that we don’t see a major blow up in the North Stars organization just given the fact that the Stars have youth to take over next season. Realistically, there may not be a need for an entire rebuild and when one of your top players is your goaltender, Toronto will always be able to compete.

To conclude, the future is certainly bright in Toronto. Lots of potential and room for growth. A possible rebuild is an option that GM Barbashev will need to consider but it’s not evident that it will happen. Our goal is to get that cup and break the 33 season curse. I plan to take Toronto to the top and be named the best General Manager in Toronto history.

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