TrueBlue4ever

Regardless of one's opinion of who is better, as of now we have Ehlers locked up on a long term cap friendly deal, while Connor could be in line for a big pay day that might affect other signings (Laine, Morrissey, Trouba, Myers, Roslovic, Tanev, Lowry, Copp). I don't personally want to see either player go, but the cap situation in today's game has as much to do with trading or keeping players as skill level does.

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Because he's been tearing it up on the ice? Zero goals, 5 assists in his last 19 games. Let him sit for a bit.

This comparison is a bit apples and oranges though, since every American salary is for a starting player, and 2/3 of the Canadian salaries are for back-ups, so one would expect that the back-up salaries would skew those numbers lower. Wonder what the average salary is for the 7 Canadian starting players per team?

Remember that even if the number of Canadian starters gets cut from 7 to 5, EVERY back-up still has to be a Canadian. 3 QBs, 20 internationals, and 21 Nationals at the this point (with a minimum reserve roster of 2). That's 189 guaranteed Canadian spots right now in the league compared to 207 Internationals, provided that every QB is American (which is not the case right now, but is the norm). If Halifax joins the league and the Canadian starter ratio gets reduced, then the total number of Canadian jobs in the CFL actually goes UP, to 190. I like the ratio rules and feel that we need Canadians in the CFL, not for the CFL itself but to keep Canadian university football going and building.

The third QB gets so little playing time on any team. A 4th Canadian QB would just sit there until they got cut for a cheaper version, and no real progress in the position would be made.

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Truth be told, magic numbers don’t really work for hockey for a few reasons. First off, there is no such thing as “half a win”, literally speaking. Also, the Jets could lose every single remaining game but accrue enough points through overtime losses alone to eliminate Minnesota, so saying they need wins is technically inaccurate, when what needs to be counted is points. And third, because of the ROW (regulation or overtime wins) tiebreaker, you can have the same number of points as another team and be ahead of them based on the tiebreaker. “Magic numbers” are a baseball construct, and really the only place it can be properly used, since ties and loser points don’t exist, and if teams end up with the same record they play an extra game to break the tie and decide the playoff team, rather than falling back on tiebreaker rules. I use the total points system myself for hockey to determine what a team needs to do, but to each their own.

The guy we should have paid a lot more money to so we didn’t lose him to free agency and cripple our line for 5 years.

Patrick earns my vote based on his play and his success. He and Frank Rigney paved the way for Leo Lewis to weave his magic. And if Kenny Ploen’s 4 Grey Cups make him the all-timer at QB over more physically gifted pivots (as I suspect it deservedly might), then those 4 rings Patrick has count for a lot too. His genetic dynasty is just an added bonus for me. Honestly, no wrong choice with Black, Ceretti, LaBatte, or Butler on pure talent either pairing up with Bastaja, who was top of the heap IMO.

One man's take: One of the more anonymous positions on the field, many of these nominees never got the "name" recognition of their brethren, but provided solid and steady play and paved the way for some great running backs in their time, and in some cases displayed great durability. Working alphabetically: Bastaja - the most decorated of the guards with 6 divisional and 2 league all-star nods, and only one of two Bomber guards to win the Schenley for outstanding lineman in the CFL. Along with Black, Bonk and Walby, was part of a ridiculously strong o-line in the mid-80's that helped Willard Reaves become a star. Black - an ironman with a bit of a nasty streak, he anchored the line throughout almost all of the team's last great sustained run of excellence. Bond - two great years, but left for greener pastures (both in terms of money and uniform colour) and doesn't have the mileage of some other candidates Brown - effective in his half decade here, but his efforts could not translate into team success Butler - the other Schenley winner in the group, he was dominant in his time here, and also in his other league stops (not to be factored in) and considered one of the best linemen in the CFL, regardless of position. Only his smaller sample size in Winnipeg keeps him from top two consideration Ceretti - part of the original Bomber dynasty in the 1930's-40's and the most tenured candidate with 16 seasons under his belt, and if Vince Leah ranks you among the best ever, that's heady praise Kotowich - not sure if you want an o-lineman who has a "nice guy" award named after him, but his legacy in this city is very strong indeed LaBatte - the best lineman the Bombers had during his time here, and it took a while to recover once he left via free agency. Loses points for ditching us for the 'Riders. Lear - enjoyed the first taste of Bomber Grey Cup success, and made his name later as an NFLer and Stamps head coach in that perfect 1948 season. Lueck - two good seasons, but too small a sample size to contend here Mogul - in the group with Lear and Ceretti in the 30's, albeit less feted than the other 2 Patrick - a big part of the 50's-60's dynasty teams, playing both ways, and logged more games than any other candidate. Also won more Grey Cups than any other, blocked for Leo Lewis, and the only lineman in this group to get an Outstanding Canadian nom. His civic legacy and family tree put him a level above for me. Piper - Patrick's partner, matched his all-star numbers, but was never chosen as the team's best lineman like his teammate was Sheridan - the guy you'd most want on your side in a barroom brawl, no all-star nods, injuries and a sour departure hurt his standing Thorson - picked up the slack for Patrick and Piper when they retired, but could never reach the same level of team success they had In the end, it's Bastaja's awards and Patrick's family legend that clinch it for me. They are my top 2.

112 games in 8 seasons (1970-77), no all-star noms or award recognition, outshone by Bill Frank in that era.

I had overlooked Sheridan in making my list. He was twice nominated as the Bombers best o-lineman, so I have added him here, despite his lack of all-star nods. Injuries caught up with him, and after sitting for a year on injured reserve he was let go. Sadly, he was quite bitter in his departure and threw the Bombers medical staff under the bus. Signed with Calgary but retired a couple of months later before ever suiting up.

Choose two. Here are the bios: CFL all-stars first awarded in 1962. Most Outstanding Lineman first awarded in 1956 and included defensive linemen, Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman first awarded in 1974. Nick Bastaja – 143 games in 9 seasons (1980-88), 6 time divisional all-star (1981, 82, 84, 85, 87, 88) and 2 time CFL all-star (1984, 85), 4 time team nominee Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (1979, 82-84), Western Division Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (1983), CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (1985), 2 Grey Cup appearances (1984, 88), 2 time Grey Cup champion (1984, 88) David Black – 166 games in 11 seasons (1985-95), 3 time divisional all-star (1989, 93, 94) and CFL all-star (1993), 4 Grey Cup appearances (1988, 90, 92, 93), 2 time Grey Cup champion (1988, 90) Travis Bond – 28 games in 2 seasons (2016-17), divisional and CFL all-star (2016) and CFLPA all-star (2017), team nominee Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (2016) Buddy Brown – 53 games in 4 seasons (1975-78), 2 time divisional all-star (1976, 77) Larry Butler – 32 games in 2 seasons (1980-81), 2 time divisional all-star (1980, 81) and 2 time CFL all-star (1980, 81), CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (1981) Bill Ceretti – 71 games in 16 seasons (1931-41, 45-49), 3 time divisional all-star (1938, 40, 46), 8 Grey Cup appearances (1935, 37-39, 41, 45-47), 3 time Grey Cup champion (1935, 39, 41), referred to by Vince Leah as “one of the finest Canadian-born linemen in the history of the game”, nicknamed “Red Dog” because of his card-playing skills Ed Kotowich – 99 games in 7 seasons (1955-61), divisional all-star (1959), 4 Grey Cup appearances (1957-59, 61), 3 time Grey Cup champion (1958, 59, 61), after retirement, was a St. Boniface alderman from 1968-77, Winnipeg Rods asst. coach as well as involvement in Winakwa and Windsor Park football programs, multiple community board positions, the club’s “Good Guy” award for “football ability, team camaraderie, and extraordinary effort off the field” is named in his honour Brendan LaBatte – 69 games in 4 seasons (2008-11), 3 time divisional all-star (2009-11), CFL and CFLPA all-star (2011), team nominee for Outstanding Rookie (2008), 3 time team nominee Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (2009-11), Grey Cup appearances (2011) Les Lear – 30 games in 7 seasons (1937-43), divisional all-star (1941), 6 Grey Cup appearances (1937-39, 41-43), 2 time Grey Cup champion (1939, 41), CFL Hall of Fame, became the first Canadian trained player to play in the NFL, was head coach of the undefeated 1948 Calgary Stampeder Grey Cup championship squad Bob Lueck – 29 games in 2 seasons (1971-72), 2 time divisional all-star (1971, 72) and CFL all-star (1972) Brett MacNeil – 151 games in 10 seasons (1992-97, 1999-2002), divisional all-star (2001) and CFL all-star (2001), 3 Grey Cup appearances (1992, 93, 01) Lou Mogul – 57 games in 11 seasons (1932-42), 2 time divisional all-star (1937, 41), 6 Grey Cup appearances (1935, 37-39, 41, 42), 3 time Grey Cup champion (1935, 39, 41) Steve Patrick – 172 games in 13 seasons (1952-64), 2 time divisional all-star (1958, 59), team nominee Most Outstanding Lineman (1958), team nominee Most Outstanding Canadian (1959), 6 Grey Cup appearances (1953, 57-59, 61, 62), 4 time Grey Cup champion (1958, 59, 61, 62), member of Manitoba Legislative Assembly from 1962-77, sons Steve Jr. and James played in the NHL, grandson Nolan currently in the NHL, and daughter Tara played university volleyball Cornel Piper – 163 games in 11 seasons (1957-67), 2 time divisional all-star (1960, 61), 6 Grey Cup appearances (1957-59, 61, 62, 65), 4 time Grey Cup champion (1958, 59, 61, 62) Matt Sheridan – 86 games in 8 seasons (2001-08), 2 time team nominee Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (2004, 05), 2 Grey Cup appearances (2001, 07) Sherwyn Thorson – 91 games in 7 seasons (1962-67), divisional all-star (1962), 2 Grey Cup appearances (1962, 65), Grey Cup champion (1962)

Well, the way they played against the Ducks and the Coyotes, maybe we should hope for more games against weak teams.

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What, they’re not supposed to bend that way? 🤪

I agree, but they gave him a 10 minute match penalty, which would suggest intent to injure, so not sure how the committee will reconcile that. Perhaps Kreidr’s elbow earlier had their radar up, so they tossed him after seeing another head injury to keep the game from getting out of hand.

Lemieux got a 10 minute match penalty for an elbow, so he'll have another hearing with the discipline committee. As a repeat offender from earlier this year, he could get hammered. I've seen the hit though, the Canuck player was tripped up as was on his knees falling into Lemieux, who was going for a body check to clear the net. The player (Roussel) just happened to have his head at Lemieux's elbow level at that particular moment, and Lemieux did not extend his arm or anything. Had Roussel kept his feet, this would have been an ordinary body check IMO. But Lemieux's history will work against him, I suspect.

Did you read my list (gentle jab only)? Bill Frank was a 5 time league all star and 4 time club nominee for most outstanding lineman, as well as a CFL hall of gamer. He was on the list and will be a serious challenger. Buddy Brown was not mentioned anywhere in the club’s media guide as an all star or best lineman nominee, so I did not have him listed. I have now found another source that had him noted as a 2 time all star, so I will add him at guard. Thanks.

Only one divisional all star award, but I will add him, even though he won’t be anywhere near the top 2 at tackle.

I agree with your assessment of the guys you give serious consideration to, and would add Bill Frank to that list. January and Perez were both named the club’s outstanding lineman for 3 consecutive years respectively, Godspeed twice in a row, so they make the grade as nominees at least based on those accolades (I needed some objective system of inclusion so I used divisional and league all star nods, Schenly Award noms, and club Hall of Fame selection as my starting point and then whittled down a bit from there, hence my exclusion of Gorrell, who ticked none of those boxes in his time with the Bombers).

Gorrell was a monster in his earlier days with Hamilton and Ottawa, and was a 4 time all-star and 2 time Schenly award nominee for the East, but his time with Winnipeg came after paired with Walby at the other tackle spot, “the twin towers” were strong, but he never had an all star nod with the Bombers and wasn’t even the best on his own team I will add him, but honestly this list of tackles is already at 16 with only 2 who will make the grade, and will he top Walby, Rigney, Tinsley, or Frank, to name but 4? Key factor is that his prowess with other teams is NOT to be factored in, only his efforts with the Bombers