Short post today. I want everyone that reads this to go check out this article. Howard Berger hit the nail right on the head. It's the best article I've read in awhile.
Anyway, the 'new look' Leafs are in action tonight against the Florida Panthers. Freshly traded Chad Kilger is expected to make his Panthers debut - taking Richard Zednik's spot on a scoring line (???) - while Wade Belak is not. For the Leafs, Kris Newbury and Jeremy Williams have been called up from the AHL, and expect Robbie Earl to be a mainstay in the lineup the rest of the way.
So yeah, go Panthers go!
The Leafs currently sit 26th overall, and I don't want that number to get any lower. The recently nicknamed 'no-trade 5' (Sundin, Kaberle, McCabe, Tucker, Kubina) refused to help the team by fucking off to another organization. Maybe they'll help the team in another way; by continuing to lead a sack of shit team right into the cellar.
This team has shown a lot of heart in recent years...after they've all but mathematically been eliminated from the playoffs. This must be what Sundin referred to when he talked about 'winning in Toronto'.
I just hope this team doesn't get any stupid ideas about making a playoff run. I'm sure they will, though, because the opposite might actually improve the team...something that they're obviously not interested in doing.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Draft Day Recap
Well, it appears that all of the deadline deals are in. The Leafs used the opportunity to better themselves about as well as Britney Spears in rehab.
All said, the Leafs traded Chad Kilger, Wade Belak, and Hal Gill in exchange for four draft choices, the best of which is a 2008 2nd rounder from Pittsburgh. It should be somewhere between 45th and 50th overall.
It appears as if Pavel Kubina gave Fletch his word he'd accept a trade...then reneged after last night's game in Ottawa. Yep, Kubina Indian-gave his word. Fletch seemed pretty pissed about it when interviewed by TSN at about 4pm.
Knowing this Leafs team, they'll kick some ass the rest of the way. They'll climb up to 9th or 10th in the standings - just enough not to make the playoffs or get a decent pick.
Jesus fucking fuck.
All said, the Leafs traded Chad Kilger, Wade Belak, and Hal Gill in exchange for four draft choices, the best of which is a 2008 2nd rounder from Pittsburgh. It should be somewhere between 45th and 50th overall.
It appears as if Pavel Kubina gave Fletch his word he'd accept a trade...then reneged after last night's game in Ottawa. Yep, Kubina Indian-gave his word. Fletch seemed pretty pissed about it when interviewed by TSN at about 4pm.
Knowing this Leafs team, they'll kick some ass the rest of the way. They'll climb up to 9th or 10th in the standings - just enough not to make the playoffs or get a decent pick.
Jesus fucking fuck.
Trade Deadline 2008
Well fuck, it looks like the Trade Deadline frenzy will be a bust for Leafs fans. Any player that would fetch a decent return has all but guaranteed he won't go anywhere. Because the Leafs don't look like they'll do too much, I've decided to post every deal (league-wide) that comes through. Check back often.
Tuesday February 26
To Atlanta:
Joe Motzko
To Washington:
Alex Giroux
***
To Minnesota:
W Chris Simon
To New York Islanders:
7th round draft pick
***
To New York Rangers:
G David LeNeveu
F Fredrik Sjostrom
F Josh Gratton
Conditional draft pick
To Phoenix:
G Al Montoya
W Marcel Hossa
***
To Anaheim:
G JS Aubin
To Los Angeles:
7th round draft pick
***
To Florida:
W Chad Kilger
To Toronto:
2008 3rd round draft pick
***
To Detroit:
D Brad Stuart
To Los Angeles
2nd round draft pick
4th round draft pick
***
To Anaheim:
D Marc-Andre Bergeron
To New York Islanders:
3rd round draft pick
***
To New York Rangers:
D Christian Backman
To St. Louis:
4th round draft pick
***
To Pittsburgh:
W Marian Hossa
W Pascal Dupuis
To Atlanta:
C Erik Christensen
W Colby Armstrong
C Angelo Esposito
1st round draft pick
***
To Pittsburgh:
D Hal Gill
To Toronto:
2008 2nd round draft pick
2009 5th round draft pick
***
To Vancouver:
W Matt Pettinger
To Washington:
W Matt Cooke
***
To New York Islanders:
D Rob Davison
To San Jose:
7th round draft pick
***
To Washington
C Sergei Fedorov
To Columbus:
D Ted Ruth
***
To Colorado:
D Adam Foote
To Columbus:
1st round draft pick
***
To Ottawa:
W Martin Lapointe
To Chicago:
6th round draft pick
***
To Colorado:
D Ruslan Salei
To Florida:
D Karlis Skrastins
3rd round draft pick
***
To Carolina:
W Tuomo Ruutu
To Chicago:
W Andrew Ladd
***
To Washington:
G Cristobal Huet
To Montreal:
2008 2nd round draft pick
***
To Dallas:
C Brad Richards
G John Holmqvist
To Tampa Bay:
G Mike Smith
C Jeff Halpern
W Jussi Jokinen
***
To San Jose:
D Brian Campbell
To Buffalo:
W Steve Bernier
2008 1st round draft pick
***
To Florida:
F/D Wade Belak
To Toronto
2008 5th round draft pick
***
LEAFS UPDATE - The previously reported rumour regarding Kyle Wellwood's trade request was false.
Nicely done, The Score. Bullshit stories are a great way to ensure nobody watches your station.
That, or air nothing but wrestling. What's with that, anyway?
***
To New Jersey:
D Bryce Salvador
To St. Louis:
RW Cam Janssen
***
LEAFS UPDATE - Another rumour: Pavel Kubina may waive his NTC according to TSN and Sportsnet.
***
LEAFS UPDATE - Kyle Wellwood is rumoured to have requested a trade.
The Score broke the story, but Cliff Fletcher is denying the report.
***
New York Islanders resign C Mike Comrie to a 1-year, $4M contract extension.
Monday February 25
To Philadelphia:
LW Vaclav Prospal
To Tampa Bay
D Alexandre Picard
2009 2nd round draft pick (if Philadelphia reaches Eastern Conference Finals)
or
2009 3rd round draft pick ((from Calgary) if they do not)
***
Tampa Bay resigns D Dan Boyle to a 6-year, $40M contract extension.
Thats $6.66M per year for 6 years. Freaky!
To Atlanta:
Joe Motzko
To Washington:
Alex Giroux
***
To Minnesota:
W Chris Simon
To New York Islanders:
7th round draft pick
***
To New York Rangers:
G David LeNeveu
F Fredrik Sjostrom
F Josh Gratton
Conditional draft pick
To Phoenix:
G Al Montoya
W Marcel Hossa
***
To Anaheim:
G JS Aubin
To Los Angeles:
7th round draft pick
***
To Florida:
W Chad Kilger
To Toronto:
2008 3rd round draft pick
***
To Detroit:
D Brad Stuart
To Los Angeles
2nd round draft pick
4th round draft pick
***
To Anaheim:
D Marc-Andre Bergeron
To New York Islanders:
3rd round draft pick
***
To New York Rangers:
D Christian Backman
To St. Louis:
4th round draft pick
***
To Pittsburgh:
W Marian Hossa
W Pascal Dupuis
To Atlanta:
C Erik Christensen
W Colby Armstrong
C Angelo Esposito
1st round draft pick
***
To Pittsburgh:
D Hal Gill
To Toronto:
2008 2nd round draft pick
2009 5th round draft pick
***
To Vancouver:
W Matt Pettinger
To Washington:
W Matt Cooke
***
To New York Islanders:
D Rob Davison
To San Jose:
7th round draft pick
***
To Washington
C Sergei Fedorov
To Columbus:
D Ted Ruth
***
To Colorado:
D Adam Foote
To Columbus:
1st round draft pick
***
To Ottawa:
W Martin Lapointe
To Chicago:
6th round draft pick
***
To Colorado:
D Ruslan Salei
To Florida:
D Karlis Skrastins
3rd round draft pick
***
To Carolina:
W Tuomo Ruutu
To Chicago:
W Andrew Ladd
***
To Washington:
G Cristobal Huet
To Montreal:
2008 2nd round draft pick
***
To Dallas:
C Brad Richards
G John Holmqvist
To Tampa Bay:
G Mike Smith
C Jeff Halpern
W Jussi Jokinen
***
To San Jose:
D Brian Campbell
To Buffalo:
W Steve Bernier
2008 1st round draft pick
***
To Florida:
F/D Wade Belak
To Toronto
2008 5th round draft pick
***
LEAFS UPDATE - The previously reported rumour regarding Kyle Wellwood's trade request was false.
Nicely done, The Score. Bullshit stories are a great way to ensure nobody watches your station.
That, or air nothing but wrestling. What's with that, anyway?
***
To New Jersey:
D Bryce Salvador
To St. Louis:
RW Cam Janssen
***
LEAFS UPDATE - Another rumour: Pavel Kubina may waive his NTC according to TSN and Sportsnet.
***
LEAFS UPDATE - Kyle Wellwood is rumoured to have requested a trade.
The Score broke the story, but Cliff Fletcher is denying the report.
***
New York Islanders resign C Mike Comrie to a 1-year, $4M contract extension.
Monday February 25
To Philadelphia:
LW Vaclav Prospal
To Tampa Bay
D Alexandre Picard
2009 2nd round draft pick (if Philadelphia reaches Eastern Conference Finals)
or
2009 3rd round draft pick ((from Calgary) if they do not)
***
Tampa Bay resigns D Dan Boyle to a 6-year, $40M contract extension.
Thats $6.66M per year for 6 years. Freaky!
Monday, February 25, 2008
The State of the Union Address
Mats Sundin punched the Leafs in the gut, and team management must now try to find other ways to improve the rebuilding team. The harsh reality, as I see it, is that the Leafs will be no better next year than they are now. Flags of Leafs fans will be at half mast Wednesday, after the trading deadline passes the Leafs by.
Their core of players - with 2008/09 salaries listed - are Bryan McCabe ($6.15M), Tomas Kaberle ($4.25M), Pavel Kubina ($5M), Darcy Tucker ($3M), and Jason Blake ($4.5M). They are either overpaid or underachieving, depending on your point of view.
With Sundin and Kaberle publicly refusing to go, Kubina and Tucker apparently doing the same in private, only Bryan McCabe has left the door open to any type of move. But his gigantic contract likely means that any team wanting him won't offer too much in return, as they'd be saddled with a franchise defenseman-worthy contract in return for a second pairing defenseman. I'm in favour of losing that contract at any cost, but I really think Cliff will have a tough time getting a deal done.
I've left out Jason Blake, because taking on his contract at his age and current production level is, well...cancer. Blake's health going forward is a major question mark, and he isn't even producing this season at the healthiest he'll ever be. Four 4 more years of him at $4M per year is enough to make a competent GM run the other way.
Fletch is going to need his Superman cape for his deadline dealings, as his dick has effectively been cut off. He is the man in charge of improving a brutal hockey team without being able to move any of the assets that would generate any real return.
Good luck, Cliffy! Make me proud!
Their core of players - with 2008/09 salaries listed - are Bryan McCabe ($6.15M), Tomas Kaberle ($4.25M), Pavel Kubina ($5M), Darcy Tucker ($3M), and Jason Blake ($4.5M). They are either overpaid or underachieving, depending on your point of view.
With Sundin and Kaberle publicly refusing to go, Kubina and Tucker apparently doing the same in private, only Bryan McCabe has left the door open to any type of move. But his gigantic contract likely means that any team wanting him won't offer too much in return, as they'd be saddled with a franchise defenseman-worthy contract in return for a second pairing defenseman. I'm in favour of losing that contract at any cost, but I really think Cliff will have a tough time getting a deal done.
I've left out Jason Blake, because taking on his contract at his age and current production level is, well...cancer. Blake's health going forward is a major question mark, and he isn't even producing this season at the healthiest he'll ever be. Four 4 more years of him at $4M per year is enough to make a competent GM run the other way.
Fletch is going to need his Superman cape for his deadline dealings, as his dick has effectively been cut off. He is the man in charge of improving a brutal hockey team without being able to move any of the assets that would generate any real return.
Good luck, Cliffy! Make me proud!Sundin Going Down With The Ship
In what I consider mind-blowing news, Mats Sundin has made it official: he will not allow himself to be traded. In his statement, Mats said, "I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL Club at this time. I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision."
Fuck!
I for one neither understand nor respect this decision. This decision has set the team back several seasons. The reward that Sundin would have fetched is immense. Without that return, the now-rebuilding Leafs have a 37 year old - who shows no indication he has any interest in winning - as their best player. Make no mistake; Sundin's decision has had a significant negative impact on the future of the team.
Keep walking, Mats
Mats has said he isn't even sure whether he'll play hockey next year, but I'll finish this thought with the assumption that he'll play at least one more. The fallout from Sundin's refusal to be traded should be:
(1) The Toronto Maple Leafs should not resign Mats Sundin in the summer. This is a team so far removed from being competitive that employing a 37 year old player at a projected $5M per season makes absolutely no sense. Bringing Sundin back only takes up a roster spot better suited for younger players. The Leafs should focus their attention on locking up a pending UFA much younger than Sundin. As of today, the following players are UFA this summer (and yes, I do realize this list is likely to get smaller after tomorrow's trading deadline): Marian Hossa, Michael Ryder, David Vyborny, Vinny Prospal, Wade Redden, Dan Boyle, Brian Campbell, and JM Liles. By no means would these players replace Mats, but they have much more hockey left than does Sundin; hell, they may even be interested in winning a Cup one day.
Mats made it clear this weekend that he doesn't want to be traded, which ultimately means that his tenure with Toronto will not end in the Leafs gaining assets. If I am GM, I make his tenure here end as quickly as possible.
(2) If management caves and does in fact sign Sundin - I have very little faith that this organization is capable of making the tough decision not to sign their most popular player - he should not be the captain in 2008/09. No player that chooses a comfortable lifestyle over the chance to win hockey's ultimate prize is captain material. Moreover, no player that decided winning a Stanley Cup isn't his best option should be in a de facto mentoring role to the rebuilding team that the Leafs will ice next season. He has set a bad example.
The thing is, I know that Mats Sundin is smart enough to realize that his decision means he's probably finished in Toronto after this year. By telling the team he wants to stay, he's effectively setting himself up to depart. So why not allow the trade, knowing you're likely on your way out anyway, thus making the Leafs much better? Why not leave Toronto in February rather than July (when free agent signings begin)? It makes no fucking sense to me, and it screams of selfishness.
There has been a lot written about Sundin over the last couple of weeks. The conventional wisdom out there suggests that no ill will should be felt against Sundin, that he gave the franchise his best years and owes the team nothing. I call shenanigans on that type of thinking. This team made Mats Sundin rich. He was made a celebrity of epic proportions in the biggest hockey market in the world. Mats Sundin has had it damn good for the almost 14 years he's been in Toronto. I'll remind the readers that Sundin brought no Cups to Toronto in that time. So why can't fans be disappointed with Sundin? Why can't we question his motives? Mats' decision this weekend really, really hurts the team that he swears he loves.
If Mats Sundin had any affinity for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he'd have allowed Fletch to trade him. It's clear now, however, that Mats Sundin cares only about Mats Sundin.
Fuck!
I for one neither understand nor respect this decision. This decision has set the team back several seasons. The reward that Sundin would have fetched is immense. Without that return, the now-rebuilding Leafs have a 37 year old - who shows no indication he has any interest in winning - as their best player. Make no mistake; Sundin's decision has had a significant negative impact on the future of the team.
Keep walking, MatsMats has said he isn't even sure whether he'll play hockey next year, but I'll finish this thought with the assumption that he'll play at least one more. The fallout from Sundin's refusal to be traded should be:
(1) The Toronto Maple Leafs should not resign Mats Sundin in the summer. This is a team so far removed from being competitive that employing a 37 year old player at a projected $5M per season makes absolutely no sense. Bringing Sundin back only takes up a roster spot better suited for younger players. The Leafs should focus their attention on locking up a pending UFA much younger than Sundin. As of today, the following players are UFA this summer (and yes, I do realize this list is likely to get smaller after tomorrow's trading deadline): Marian Hossa, Michael Ryder, David Vyborny, Vinny Prospal, Wade Redden, Dan Boyle, Brian Campbell, and JM Liles. By no means would these players replace Mats, but they have much more hockey left than does Sundin; hell, they may even be interested in winning a Cup one day.
Mats made it clear this weekend that he doesn't want to be traded, which ultimately means that his tenure with Toronto will not end in the Leafs gaining assets. If I am GM, I make his tenure here end as quickly as possible.
(2) If management caves and does in fact sign Sundin - I have very little faith that this organization is capable of making the tough decision not to sign their most popular player - he should not be the captain in 2008/09. No player that chooses a comfortable lifestyle over the chance to win hockey's ultimate prize is captain material. Moreover, no player that decided winning a Stanley Cup isn't his best option should be in a de facto mentoring role to the rebuilding team that the Leafs will ice next season. He has set a bad example.
The thing is, I know that Mats Sundin is smart enough to realize that his decision means he's probably finished in Toronto after this year. By telling the team he wants to stay, he's effectively setting himself up to depart. So why not allow the trade, knowing you're likely on your way out anyway, thus making the Leafs much better? Why not leave Toronto in February rather than July (when free agent signings begin)? It makes no fucking sense to me, and it screams of selfishness.
There has been a lot written about Sundin over the last couple of weeks. The conventional wisdom out there suggests that no ill will should be felt against Sundin, that he gave the franchise his best years and owes the team nothing. I call shenanigans on that type of thinking. This team made Mats Sundin rich. He was made a celebrity of epic proportions in the biggest hockey market in the world. Mats Sundin has had it damn good for the almost 14 years he's been in Toronto. I'll remind the readers that Sundin brought no Cups to Toronto in that time. So why can't fans be disappointed with Sundin? Why can't we question his motives? Mats' decision this weekend really, really hurts the team that he swears he loves.
If Mats Sundin had any affinity for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he'd have allowed Fletch to trade him. It's clear now, however, that Mats Sundin cares only about Mats Sundin.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Big Swede to Play With Big Joe?
I figured I would post this trade that has just been presented to the Leafs because it is not something that you could hear about anywhere else other than from Andy Strickland's blog on HockeyBuzz.com.
If you are too lazy to click the link, this is what it says:
"San Jose has discussed a trade with Toronto in which both clubs would swap superstars.
TO Toronto: Patrick Marleau, Steve Bernier, Christian Ehrhoff, and a pick believe to be a 2nd rounder
TO San Jose: Mats Sundin and Tomas Kaberle
No word on if Sundin or Kaberle have any interest in taking their game to San Jose.
Kaberle is exactly what San Jose needs."
Before you meat-head Leafs fans freak out and say this is a horrible deal, consider the fact that every GM in the league knows that Mats Sundin is just a rental player and the odds are very good he will not be playing for their team next year, and could possibly come back to Toronto.
Factor out Kaberle and Marleau and the deal is Sundin (a rental player) for a power forward in Steve Bernier, a good young defenseman in Ehrhoff (though I'd rather see Carle come to the Leafs), and a 2nd round pick. Pretty decent if you ask me, because I think in past years GMs have been overpaying for rental players, and I think they have caught on and will now start paying less for rental players.
I think that Sundin and Kaberle would each waive their no-trade clauses to go to San Jose, but for this deal to be done I think Fletcher would want to throw in Raycroft, and have San Jose add a 1st round draft pick.
Andy Strickland also added that Anaheim still really wants Sundin, but the deal is now that Fletcher is trying to include Raycroft but Brian Burke doesn't want him.
Give me your thoughts, but take into account that this is just a trade proposal, and the players in the deal could be changed or draft picks could be added.
Stay tuned, more to come. Sundin should make his announcement today.
If you are too lazy to click the link, this is what it says:
"San Jose has discussed a trade with Toronto in which both clubs would swap superstars.
TO Toronto: Patrick Marleau, Steve Bernier, Christian Ehrhoff, and a pick believe to be a 2nd rounder
TO San Jose: Mats Sundin and Tomas Kaberle
No word on if Sundin or Kaberle have any interest in taking their game to San Jose.
Kaberle is exactly what San Jose needs."
Before you meat-head Leafs fans freak out and say this is a horrible deal, consider the fact that every GM in the league knows that Mats Sundin is just a rental player and the odds are very good he will not be playing for their team next year, and could possibly come back to Toronto.
Factor out Kaberle and Marleau and the deal is Sundin (a rental player) for a power forward in Steve Bernier, a good young defenseman in Ehrhoff (though I'd rather see Carle come to the Leafs), and a 2nd round pick. Pretty decent if you ask me, because I think in past years GMs have been overpaying for rental players, and I think they have caught on and will now start paying less for rental players.
I think that Sundin and Kaberle would each waive their no-trade clauses to go to San Jose, but for this deal to be done I think Fletcher would want to throw in Raycroft, and have San Jose add a 1st round draft pick.
Andy Strickland also added that Anaheim still really wants Sundin, but the deal is now that Fletcher is trying to include Raycroft but Brian Burke doesn't want him.
Give me your thoughts, but take into account that this is just a trade proposal, and the players in the deal could be changed or draft picks could be added.
Stay tuned, more to come. Sundin should make his announcement today.
Trade Deadline '08 Update
As already published, Leafs captain Mats Sundin has been asked to waive his no-trade clause by Cliff Fletcher and was given the weekend to think about it. Mats' agent JP Barry spoke to the media yesterday at 3pm and said that Sundin will tell Fletcher his decision within the next 24 hours.
Bryan McCabe, who has also been handed an offer from another team by Fletcher, is supposed to make his decision today.
By 3 pm today, Fletcher will know whether Sundin is going, or he has decided to side with his no-trade provision, meaning we will know no later than Monday whats Sundin's decision is. Same goes with Caber.
Sundin's decision must come by today because the majority of the general managers around the league are awaiting where Sundin will go or if he will stay because many of the deals are waiting on the pretense of Sundin's decisions.
Eklund reported late last night that Sundin's list of teams is down to Anaheim, Detroit, and Montreal. The best deal would definitely be coming from Anaheim, but wouldn't it be nice to see him go to Montreal, and they get put out in the first round of the playoffs and then Sundin returns back to Toronto? Leafs fans would never forget it, and they would rip into Habs fans for it for the eternity of the rivalry.
Bryan McCabe, who has also been handed an offer from another team by Fletcher, is supposed to make his decision today.
By 3 pm today, Fletcher will know whether Sundin is going, or he has decided to side with his no-trade provision, meaning we will know no later than Monday whats Sundin's decision is. Same goes with Caber.
Sundin's decision must come by today because the majority of the general managers around the league are awaiting where Sundin will go or if he will stay because many of the deals are waiting on the pretense of Sundin's decisions.
Eklund reported late last night that Sundin's list of teams is down to Anaheim, Detroit, and Montreal. The best deal would definitely be coming from Anaheim, but wouldn't it be nice to see him go to Montreal, and they get put out in the first round of the playoffs and then Sundin returns back to Toronto? Leafs fans would never forget it, and they would rip into Habs fans for it for the eternity of the rivalry.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Steen-Whistle Locked Up
Sources are telling TSN that the Leafs have extended Alex Steen's contract giving him two years at $1.7 million a year. Steen has been rumoured in trades last season in the Pronger sweepstakes and this year as well.
I think this is a great move by the Leafs, as Steen has seen his play improved this year, becoming more physical and growing up a bit more. At times in the season, Steen was playing with Nik Antropov and Mats Sundin, two big bodies who can control the puck great down low, and Steen definitely didn't look out of place while playing with those two. He also seemed to be the spark of the Stajan-Steen-Devereaux line that was a real hit earlier this season.
Another reason I really like this move is because I think Steener is the future of the Leafs, and in my mind he will be the next captain of the Blue & White. If not right after Sundin is gone, then in a couple years. Steen is possibly the only young roster player that has proved himself to be the future of this team, with Wellwood expected to have a breakout 70-point year this year and turning out to being a big floppy cock, and I really don't think Stajan has the ability to be much better than he is now, which is sitting at about average.
Mats Sundin: As Mr. Bone reported, Cliff Fletcher met with Mats Sundin on his future with the team. The news now is that he was expected to make a decision by today on whether he will waive his no trade clause, but it now seems like he will take the weekend to think about it. The bulk of the other moves around the league rely on Mats Sundin's decision on whether he will stay or go, so hopefully he doesn't take too long deciding. Howard Berger says that in tomorrow night's game against the Thrashers that if Mats Sundin is playing, it is very likely that he has rejected to waive his no trade clause, because you don't want to risk injury with a player involved in a trade.
In my mind, if Mats Sundin was not going to waive his no trade clause, he would have specified that two weeks ago to Cliff Fletcher and probably the media. This would've been the end to the talks, and with less than 4 days to go until the deadline and this still being a hot commodity, I think Sundin is gone. I'm really liking the idea of the Ryan-Mikkelson-EDM 1st round pick for Sundin-Stajan-2009 2nd rounder trade, and I think Anaheim is the likely destination for Mats.
Sundin's agent J.P. Barry was in Toronto speaking with Fletcher as many of you already know. Barry is a very well known agent around the league and he is the agent for many big NHL names, including Evgeni Malkin. I think this is a huge deal that Barry was speaking to Fletcher yesterday, and this means to me that the Sundin deal is on the top of his to-do list. A busy agent like Barry would not come to talk to Fletcher if a deal hasn't already been presented to Sundin, and if the possibility of him being traded wasn't there.
I think there is a very good deal (possibly the Anaheim deal) currently awaiting Sundin's approval. With Sundin and agent JP Barry sitting down with Fletcher yesterday, I think the consideration for Sundin is very serious, and TSN says Sundin's decision will come after the weekend, but if I don't see the captain in the lineup tomorrow night, I'm putting my money on a trade being announced within the next 48 hours.
In my last post, I pasted a quote from TSN, and the whole article I had written changed to a different font with italics, sorry for the change, but I tried multiple times to change it back and it would not work.
I think this is a great move by the Leafs, as Steen has seen his play improved this year, becoming more physical and growing up a bit more. At times in the season, Steen was playing with Nik Antropov and Mats Sundin, two big bodies who can control the puck great down low, and Steen definitely didn't look out of place while playing with those two. He also seemed to be the spark of the Stajan-Steen-Devereaux line that was a real hit earlier this season.
Another reason I really like this move is because I think Steener is the future of the Leafs, and in my mind he will be the next captain of the Blue & White. If not right after Sundin is gone, then in a couple years. Steen is possibly the only young roster player that has proved himself to be the future of this team, with Wellwood expected to have a breakout 70-point year this year and turning out to being a big floppy cock, and I really don't think Stajan has the ability to be much better than he is now, which is sitting at about average.
Mats Sundin: As Mr. Bone reported, Cliff Fletcher met with Mats Sundin on his future with the team. The news now is that he was expected to make a decision by today on whether he will waive his no trade clause, but it now seems like he will take the weekend to think about it. The bulk of the other moves around the league rely on Mats Sundin's decision on whether he will stay or go, so hopefully he doesn't take too long deciding. Howard Berger says that in tomorrow night's game against the Thrashers that if Mats Sundin is playing, it is very likely that he has rejected to waive his no trade clause, because you don't want to risk injury with a player involved in a trade.
In my mind, if Mats Sundin was not going to waive his no trade clause, he would have specified that two weeks ago to Cliff Fletcher and probably the media. This would've been the end to the talks, and with less than 4 days to go until the deadline and this still being a hot commodity, I think Sundin is gone. I'm really liking the idea of the Ryan-Mikkelson-EDM 1st round pick for Sundin-Stajan-2009 2nd rounder trade, and I think Anaheim is the likely destination for Mats.
Sundin's agent J.P. Barry was in Toronto speaking with Fletcher as many of you already know. Barry is a very well known agent around the league and he is the agent for many big NHL names, including Evgeni Malkin. I think this is a huge deal that Barry was speaking to Fletcher yesterday, and this means to me that the Sundin deal is on the top of his to-do list. A busy agent like Barry would not come to talk to Fletcher if a deal hasn't already been presented to Sundin, and if the possibility of him being traded wasn't there.
I think there is a very good deal (possibly the Anaheim deal) currently awaiting Sundin's approval. With Sundin and agent JP Barry sitting down with Fletcher yesterday, I think the consideration for Sundin is very serious, and TSN says Sundin's decision will come after the weekend, but if I don't see the captain in the lineup tomorrow night, I'm putting my money on a trade being announced within the next 48 hours.
In my last post, I pasted a quote from TSN, and the whole article I had written changed to a different font with italics, sorry for the change, but I tried multiple times to change it back and it would not work.
Friday Trade Updates
The latest:
Darcy Tucker
Tucker was approached by Fletch about being traded. He has a no-trade clause and refused to allow the trade. The details of the deal(s) are hazy, but reports suggest there were deals on the table with all of Anaheim, Ottawa, and Detroit. So, expect to see every blue-collar Leafs fan's favourite player with the team next year. Maybe then he'll get his head out of his ass and play some hockey.
Mats Sundin
As is being widely reported, Fletch met with Mats yesterday, as well as his agent this morning. This is good news unless you think trading away Mats Sundin is a bad idea (i.e. unless you are a mouth breather). See, if Mats unequivocally told Fletch he wouldn't allow himself to be traded, there would be no need to meet with his agent today. Moreover, the two had a meeting around a week ago, and had Mats put his foot down then, yesterday's meeting would have been pointless. Translation: Fletch, that old sailor, is working on something. Come on Fletch, bring home Bobby Ryan! I for one think that the Sundin/Stajan/'09 2nd round for Ryan/Mikkelson/'08 1st round (from EDM) deal that is being rumoured is way lopsided in the Leafs' favour. Anaheim gets the best player in the deal, sure, but they're only guaranteed to get him for the rest of the year. The Leafs pick up a budding superstar as well as a boner of a draft choice. If Fletch can pull this off, I'll send him naked pictures of myself. I think he'd like that.
Bryan McCabe
Similar to the Sundin situation, Fletch met with McCabe this morning. What was discussed we don't know, but this is at very least a positive step toward McCabe fucking off to fuckoffity land. OK, maybe that's harsh, but the fact is that there are very few players in the league that can justify a contract the size of McCabe's...and McCabe isn't one of them. His was a brutal signing - maybe JFJ's worst - and the Leafs are handicapped until he is off the books at $5.75M per season.
Oh, and all of Sundin, McCabe, and Andrew Raycroft missed practice this morning with the flu. I'm not totally sure what strain of flu, but my guess is the "I'm about to get traded away so I'm being held out of practice" flu, which hits a lot of players about this time of year.
Darcy Tucker
Tucker was approached by Fletch about being traded. He has a no-trade clause and refused to allow the trade. The details of the deal(s) are hazy, but reports suggest there were deals on the table with all of Anaheim, Ottawa, and Detroit. So, expect to see every blue-collar Leafs fan's favourite player with the team next year. Maybe then he'll get his head out of his ass and play some hockey.
Mats Sundin
As is being widely reported, Fletch met with Mats yesterday, as well as his agent this morning. This is good news unless you think trading away Mats Sundin is a bad idea (i.e. unless you are a mouth breather). See, if Mats unequivocally told Fletch he wouldn't allow himself to be traded, there would be no need to meet with his agent today. Moreover, the two had a meeting around a week ago, and had Mats put his foot down then, yesterday's meeting would have been pointless. Translation: Fletch, that old sailor, is working on something. Come on Fletch, bring home Bobby Ryan! I for one think that the Sundin/Stajan/'09 2nd round for Ryan/Mikkelson/'08 1st round (from EDM) deal that is being rumoured is way lopsided in the Leafs' favour. Anaheim gets the best player in the deal, sure, but they're only guaranteed to get him for the rest of the year. The Leafs pick up a budding superstar as well as a boner of a draft choice. If Fletch can pull this off, I'll send him naked pictures of myself. I think he'd like that.
Bryan McCabe
Similar to the Sundin situation, Fletch met with McCabe this morning. What was discussed we don't know, but this is at very least a positive step toward McCabe fucking off to fuckoffity land. OK, maybe that's harsh, but the fact is that there are very few players in the league that can justify a contract the size of McCabe's...and McCabe isn't one of them. His was a brutal signing - maybe JFJ's worst - and the Leafs are handicapped until he is off the books at $5.75M per season.
Oh, and all of Sundin, McCabe, and Andrew Raycroft missed practice this morning with the flu. I'm not totally sure what strain of flu, but my guess is the "I'm about to get traded away so I'm being held out of practice" flu, which hits a lot of players about this time of year.
Leafs Lose, No Sluts Flash Crowd (boo-urns)
In news so irrelevant that I almost don't want to post about it, the Leafs lost to the Buffalo Sabres last night 5-1. The Leafs didn't look like a team fighting for their playoff lives, they looked like a team without hope...and I can't say I'd be any different if I were a part of the team. Their listless play lately is a pretty good indicator that the team damn well knows how effed they are this year, maybe even that they're aiming for the top (#1 overall) by aiming for the bottom (30th place).
Carlo Colaiacovo really, really looks like Dina Pugliese from Breakfast Television.
I don't know which of the two to feel more sorry for.
The only thing I'd like to note about the game last night was that Vesa Toskala allowed an uncharacteristic bad goal. I tried to think back to the last time I saw Vesku do that, and honestly couldn't remember. I'd put his season totalof bad goals at about 5. Contrast this to the last two seasons of goaltending in Toronto: Ed Belfour (because he was old and injured) and Andrew Raycroft (because he has the motor skills of a drunk) were good for one bad goal every other game. I can't even fathom how few points the Leafs would have this year without Toskala.
The latest Sundin rumour:
Mats Sundin + Matt Stajan + 2009 2nd Round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for Bobby Ryan + Brendan Mikkelson + 2008 1st round pick (from Edmonton).
From what I hear, this deal is on the table and awaits Mats' approval. This is a boner of a move. Bobby Ryan, I'll remind you, was the #2 overall pick in 2005. Translation: he was the highest-drafted player in the world in 2005 not named Sidney Crosby. He is offensively gifted and is a sure first line player to be.
Edmonton's 2008 draft choice is another ridiculous asset. Edmonton currently sits 27th overall, making their draft choice no lower than 5th overall if the season ended today. Considering the injury troubles in Edmonton, you have to imagine that the 28th place Leafs will surpass them by the end of the year, and maybe even the 29th place Lightning. So, Edmonton's pick could be #2 overall in the strongest draft year since 2003. The Leafs, by making this deal, would likely have two of the top five draft choices. My mouth is watering at the prospect.
Losing Matt Stajan in the deal is almost a bonus. He is a restricted free agent at the end of the year, and has shown that he can be nothing more than a 3rd line centre in the league. There really is nothing wrong with that - every team needs a 3rd line centre - but Stajan is too soft to ever excel in that role. Moreover, Anaheim employs one of the top (if not the top) 3rd line centre in the league in Sammy Pahlsson...so I think Matty would be playing 4th line minutes or switched to the wing.
Thanks for staying, Kabbie:
Fletch had a deal on the table that would have sent Tomas Kaberle to Philadelphia. In return, the Leafs would have received Jeff Carter + a draft pick. As noted earlier this week, Kabbie wants to stay a Leaf, so he invoked his no trade clause. My opinion on this deal depends on where the draft pick would come from, but unless it was a 1st round pick this year (again, a very strong draft year), this deal makes no sense.
Kaberle is one of the best in the league at his craft, and his contract is below market value. To lose that for Jeff Carter is simply not worth it. Carter hasn't exceeded 45 points in any of his three NHL seasons, despite playing with my vote for 2008 breakout player of the year Mike Richards. Carter can score, but not well enough to lose Kaberle.
So, this is a big sloppy kiss on Kabbie's cheek for being stubborn and refusing to leave town when asked.
Carlo Colaiacovo really, really looks like Dina Pugliese from Breakfast Television.I don't know which of the two to feel more sorry for.
The only thing I'd like to note about the game last night was that Vesa Toskala allowed an uncharacteristic bad goal. I tried to think back to the last time I saw Vesku do that, and honestly couldn't remember. I'd put his season totalof bad goals at about 5. Contrast this to the last two seasons of goaltending in Toronto: Ed Belfour (because he was old and injured) and Andrew Raycroft (because he has the motor skills of a drunk) were good for one bad goal every other game. I can't even fathom how few points the Leafs would have this year without Toskala.
The latest Sundin rumour:
Mats Sundin + Matt Stajan + 2009 2nd Round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for Bobby Ryan + Brendan Mikkelson + 2008 1st round pick (from Edmonton).
From what I hear, this deal is on the table and awaits Mats' approval. This is a boner of a move. Bobby Ryan, I'll remind you, was the #2 overall pick in 2005. Translation: he was the highest-drafted player in the world in 2005 not named Sidney Crosby. He is offensively gifted and is a sure first line player to be.
Edmonton's 2008 draft choice is another ridiculous asset. Edmonton currently sits 27th overall, making their draft choice no lower than 5th overall if the season ended today. Considering the injury troubles in Edmonton, you have to imagine that the 28th place Leafs will surpass them by the end of the year, and maybe even the 29th place Lightning. So, Edmonton's pick could be #2 overall in the strongest draft year since 2003. The Leafs, by making this deal, would likely have two of the top five draft choices. My mouth is watering at the prospect.
Losing Matt Stajan in the deal is almost a bonus. He is a restricted free agent at the end of the year, and has shown that he can be nothing more than a 3rd line centre in the league. There really is nothing wrong with that - every team needs a 3rd line centre - but Stajan is too soft to ever excel in that role. Moreover, Anaheim employs one of the top (if not the top) 3rd line centre in the league in Sammy Pahlsson...so I think Matty would be playing 4th line minutes or switched to the wing.
Thanks for staying, Kabbie:
Fletch had a deal on the table that would have sent Tomas Kaberle to Philadelphia. In return, the Leafs would have received Jeff Carter + a draft pick. As noted earlier this week, Kabbie wants to stay a Leaf, so he invoked his no trade clause. My opinion on this deal depends on where the draft pick would come from, but unless it was a 1st round pick this year (again, a very strong draft year), this deal makes no sense.
Kaberle is one of the best in the league at his craft, and his contract is below market value. To lose that for Jeff Carter is simply not worth it. Carter hasn't exceeded 45 points in any of his three NHL seasons, despite playing with my vote for 2008 breakout player of the year Mike Richards. Carter can score, but not well enough to lose Kaberle.
So, this is a big sloppy kiss on Kabbie's cheek for being stubborn and refusing to leave town when asked.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Raycroft On The Move?
TSN is reporting in their 'Ice Chips' segment that Scott Clemmensen was called up in place for Andrew Raycroft who has the "flu".
The following is copied from TSN's Ice Chips:
"The club held an optional skate on Thursday. Mats Sundin and Bryan McCabe did not take part. Scott Clemmensen took part in the skate in place of Andrew Raycroft who was said to be ill with the flu.
Vesa Toskala will get the start in net against the Sabres."
What are the chances that backup goalie (and major disappointment) Andrew Raycroft is so ill with the flu that he can't take part in a couple shots in practice and sit on the end of the bench for the game, with just five days to go until the NHL trade deadline? He is already the worst goalie in the league, I don't think that having the flu will make his game that much worse if in fact Vesa Toskala plays so bad that he can't finish (which is unlikely the way he has been playing lately).
The move seems so ridiculously unnecessary at this point, especially considering it involves tinkering with the division-leading Toronto Marlies lineup.
So just a thought, but I think an announcement will come either later tonight or tomorrow that Raycroft has been either traded or put on waivers.
On the Sundin Front: For all of you that are interested in the Sundin trade rumours, Eklund reported earlier today that Fletcher has scheduled a serious talk with Sundin about waiving his no-trade clause. In his opinion he states that Cliff must have a deal that he likes, or he wouldn't be approaching him. Sounds reasonable.
UPDATE: Sundin and Fletcher had their meeting earlier today. Hmm, Raycroft not available, Fletcher approaching Mats. Blockbuster deal anyone?
Stay tuned for more trade news on the Leafs.
The following is copied from TSN's Ice Chips:
"The club held an optional skate on Thursday. Mats Sundin and Bryan McCabe did not take part. Scott Clemmensen took part in the skate in place of Andrew Raycroft who was said to be ill with the flu.
Vesa Toskala will get the start in net against the Sabres."
What are the chances that backup goalie (and major disappointment) Andrew Raycroft is so ill with the flu that he can't take part in a couple shots in practice and sit on the end of the bench for the game, with just five days to go until the NHL trade deadline? He is already the worst goalie in the league, I don't think that having the flu will make his game that much worse if in fact Vesa Toskala plays so bad that he can't finish (which is unlikely the way he has been playing lately).
The move seems so ridiculously unnecessary at this point, especially considering it involves tinkering with the division-leading Toronto Marlies lineup.
So just a thought, but I think an announcement will come either later tonight or tomorrow that Raycroft has been either traded or put on waivers.
On the Sundin Front: For all of you that are interested in the Sundin trade rumours, Eklund reported earlier today that Fletcher has scheduled a serious talk with Sundin about waiving his no-trade clause. In his opinion he states that Cliff must have a deal that he likes, or he wouldn't be approaching him. Sounds reasonable.
UPDATE: Sundin and Fletcher had their meeting earlier today. Hmm, Raycroft not available, Fletcher approaching Mats. Blockbuster deal anyone?
Stay tuned for more trade news on the Leafs.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Leafs Flasher Update
The following image comes to us thanks to S.O.L. over at The End Guard. S.O.L. was nice enough to get the following pic to me, which was taken at the game. Now, boys, don't get your boners in a knot, as the pic isn't what you think. It's a snap of a laptop that is viewing a pic of the Leafs flasher, and it's as blurry as an Irishman's vision. But, at this point, it's the best shot on the interweb.
So, yeah, here's your mystery flasher (suckers!):
So, yeah, here's your mystery flasher (suckers!):
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