He's finally spoken about his meeting with Murray at the end of last season.
I'm not sure if he's being honest here or just covering his ass before the season starts, but I'm sure glad he's staying in Ottawa. It just wouldn't be the same if Ottawa misses the playoffs this year and Spezza wasn't there!
Leafs vs. Sens - Commentary from both sides of the aisle.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Kovalchuk a Devil.
Thank God it's over. The bad taste in my mouth is gone.
Now lets get some trades going huh!
Now lets get some trades going huh!
Borrrrrriiiiiiinnnnggg!!!
Not much going on.
Here's a link to a freakin awesome video that JaredFromLondon posted on PPP last week.
Kudos to Kessely Snipes for putting this together. Sweetness.
Fuck you Kovalchuk.
Here's a link to a freakin awesome video that JaredFromLondon posted on PPP last week.
Kudos to Kessely Snipes for putting this together. Sweetness.
Fuck you Kovalchuk.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
More twiddling our thumbs....
It's the Leafs turn. Now I'm getting sportsnet updates on my phone featuring such ground-breaking signings as Joey Crabb and Mike Zigomanis.
I'm sure they are nice guys and just really want to make an NHL team and stick, but the longer I wait for Ilya (Mats Sundin) Kovalchuk to make up his freakin' mind, the more I despise these updates.
I realize this doesn't make for much conversation on the blog so how about a few Eklund rumours?
Savard and Wheeler BOTH to Ottawa for players yet to be named?
Wow. What could be going back?
Leafs talking to the Flyers about two players, one being Gagne and the other unknown?
One season of Simone Gagne? Come on, does this make an inkling of sense?
At least the Savard to Ottawa rumour has legs since we know he named the Sens as one of his preferred destinations.
I'm sure they are nice guys and just really want to make an NHL team and stick, but the longer I wait for Ilya (Mats Sundin) Kovalchuk to make up his freakin' mind, the more I despise these updates.
I realize this doesn't make for much conversation on the blog so how about a few Eklund rumours?
Savard and Wheeler BOTH to Ottawa for players yet to be named?
Wow. What could be going back?
Leafs talking to the Flyers about two players, one being Gagne and the other unknown?
One season of Simone Gagne? Come on, does this make an inkling of sense?
At least the Savard to Ottawa rumour has legs since we know he named the Sens as one of his preferred destinations.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sound of finger popping out of cheek...
drumroll...................
Ottawa has signed Roman Wick.
... holy crap, Kovalchuk better sign soon because I need better sportsnet updates on my mobile device than this crap.
Who the hell is Roman Wick? Can we swap the w for a d as the season wears on?
Ottawa has signed Roman Wick.
... holy crap, Kovalchuk better sign soon because I need better sportsnet updates on my mobile device than this crap.
Who the hell is Roman Wick? Can we swap the w for a d as the season wears on?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Finger anybody?
In my last post I touched on the possibility that Jeff Finger might not be the defenceman traded alongside Thomas Kaberle because of his contract.
By the way it's $3.5M per season through the next 2 seasons.
A few people have mentioned that teams who are at or near the cap floor might be potential suitors for Finger so I went to NHLnumbers.com to see who these potential teams may be. The cap floor is currently set at $43.4 Million.
Here are three teams that could possibly trade with Toronto for Jeff Finger based on their cap situation and defence core.
COLORADO: Sitting at $36.615 with 18 players already signed. The only key RFA yet to sign is Mueller, but they might add some UFAs to replace Tucker and/or Svatos. They don't have a very deep blue line.
LONG ISLAND: $35.993M cap hit with 16 players signed. Since they are in on Kovalchuk this could change drastically. Otherwise they have Moulson still to re-sign and a weak blue line.
ST LOUIS: $38.023M cap hit. They have a few RFA players to re-sign and 16 players signed overall. The defence core in St Louis is painfully inexperienced.
I think the best fit for Finger is Colorado. They know this player well, they have shitloads of cap space and Matt Duchene isn't up for his next contract until the summer after Finger's contract expires.
By the way it's $3.5M per season through the next 2 seasons.
A few people have mentioned that teams who are at or near the cap floor might be potential suitors for Finger so I went to NHLnumbers.com to see who these potential teams may be. The cap floor is currently set at $43.4 Million.
Here are three teams that could possibly trade with Toronto for Jeff Finger based on their cap situation and defence core.
COLORADO: Sitting at $36.615 with 18 players already signed. The only key RFA yet to sign is Mueller, but they might add some UFAs to replace Tucker and/or Svatos. They don't have a very deep blue line.
LONG ISLAND: $35.993M cap hit with 16 players signed. Since they are in on Kovalchuk this could change drastically. Otherwise they have Moulson still to re-sign and a weak blue line.
ST LOUIS: $38.023M cap hit. They have a few RFA players to re-sign and 16 players signed overall. The defence core in St Louis is painfully inexperienced.
I think the best fit for Finger is Colorado. They know this player well, they have shitloads of cap space and Matt Duchene isn't up for his next contract until the summer after Finger's contract expires.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Trading only Kaberle doesn't make sense.
As it stands the Leafs have 8 NHL defenceman signed for the coming season. Everyone assumes that number will hit 7 as soon as the much anticipated trade of Thomas Kaberle is finalized.
It's not unusual for teams to carry 7 defenceman during the season. Burke said it himself, you need depth on the blue line if you want to get through an NHL season on the winning side of the ledger.
But do we really think that Burke went out and spent $1.4M on a defenceman so that he could share that 6th spot with Jeff Finger all season? If that was the case, Burke probably would have went cheaper. Much cheaper.
Something else is cooking and I think it's unwise to assume that a Jeff Finger buyout is the only answer. Finger has two years left on his deal. I don't get the impression that Burke is the kind of guy who will ruin a players career by sending him to the minors and never calling him up for two years, just because his predecessor gave a decent depth defenceman top 4 d-man money. If he did call him up, Toronto would be on the hook for $1.75M for two seasons. No matter how you cut it, Jeff Finger must be traded or he plays here.
Which makes me think that two defenceman are going to be traded at some point, and one of them probably won't go by the name Jeff.
LUKE SCHENN: A couple of reasons why Luke should be a little nervous any time his cell phone rings and one of the Leafs GM's are on the display screen. First off, if Toronto really want a top 6 winger with star power, Luke Schenn is going to be asked about by a rival GM. If the package gets sweet enough, Burke may be tantalized. Second reason, Schenn is in the last year of his entry-level deal. If he has the kind of season this year that he did as a rookie and in the latter stages of 09/10, he will get a raise. Probably a good one. Which means cap decisions will shortly follow.
CARL GUNNARSSON: Everybody loves this guy and for good reason: who can resist a late-round draft pick who walks in, steals a job, and plays like a seasoned pro for an entire season. Here's the thing, he was a 6th round draft pick. He was never considered a major asset by the team but right now he has become one. If a GM can turn a 6th rounder into a top 6 forward, that's pretty good. Gunnarsson is also an RFA after this season and like Luke Schenn, he could be looking at a raise. And also like Luke Schenn, he is young and attractive to other GM's for that very reason.
MIKE KOMISAREK: When Burke signed Komi, it was pretty clear he had hopes that Mike would be the teams leader on the blue line. Immediately handed the assistant captain role, Komisarek represented everything Brian Burke likes about a player and I think most Leaf fans saw him as a cornerstone signing. But then Dion Phaneuf came along, and this leaves Komisarek vulnerable to being moved in my opinion.
FRANCOIS BEAUCHEMIN: A minutes eater, never complains and always gives it his all. His salary is reasonable for a player with a cup ring and who was invited to Canada's Olympic camp. He had a tough start to the season (along with everybody else who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs), but he's clearly a solid top 4 guy on most teams. He's also signed for the next two seasons at $3.8M, which is a certainty some GM's might want when dealing away a forward to Toronto.
While I don't pretend to know what Brian Burke is thinking, a part of me wonders if two players he convinced to sign in Toronto, Komi and Beauchemin, would be pretty much untouchable only because Burke doesn't like to dick players around. Then again he bought out Bertuzzi after one season in Anaheim, but a buyout gives a player the chance to choose his next destination. A trade means these guys have no choice and could leave a bad taste in their mouths it being so soon after they signed here.
The other side of the coin is that despite being up for raises, Gunnarson and Schenn could provide very cost effective defending for many more years and this would be more ideal for the Toronto Maple Leafs long-term salary cap situation.
What it comes down to in the end is this. How badly does Burke want a top six forward and how willing is he to have a $4.9M 6th and 7th defence combination?
Stay tuned...
It's not unusual for teams to carry 7 defenceman during the season. Burke said it himself, you need depth on the blue line if you want to get through an NHL season on the winning side of the ledger.
But do we really think that Burke went out and spent $1.4M on a defenceman so that he could share that 6th spot with Jeff Finger all season? If that was the case, Burke probably would have went cheaper. Much cheaper.
Something else is cooking and I think it's unwise to assume that a Jeff Finger buyout is the only answer. Finger has two years left on his deal. I don't get the impression that Burke is the kind of guy who will ruin a players career by sending him to the minors and never calling him up for two years, just because his predecessor gave a decent depth defenceman top 4 d-man money. If he did call him up, Toronto would be on the hook for $1.75M for two seasons. No matter how you cut it, Jeff Finger must be traded or he plays here.
Which makes me think that two defenceman are going to be traded at some point, and one of them probably won't go by the name Jeff.
LUKE SCHENN: A couple of reasons why Luke should be a little nervous any time his cell phone rings and one of the Leafs GM's are on the display screen. First off, if Toronto really want a top 6 winger with star power, Luke Schenn is going to be asked about by a rival GM. If the package gets sweet enough, Burke may be tantalized. Second reason, Schenn is in the last year of his entry-level deal. If he has the kind of season this year that he did as a rookie and in the latter stages of 09/10, he will get a raise. Probably a good one. Which means cap decisions will shortly follow.
CARL GUNNARSSON: Everybody loves this guy and for good reason: who can resist a late-round draft pick who walks in, steals a job, and plays like a seasoned pro for an entire season. Here's the thing, he was a 6th round draft pick. He was never considered a major asset by the team but right now he has become one. If a GM can turn a 6th rounder into a top 6 forward, that's pretty good. Gunnarsson is also an RFA after this season and like Luke Schenn, he could be looking at a raise. And also like Luke Schenn, he is young and attractive to other GM's for that very reason.
MIKE KOMISAREK: When Burke signed Komi, it was pretty clear he had hopes that Mike would be the teams leader on the blue line. Immediately handed the assistant captain role, Komisarek represented everything Brian Burke likes about a player and I think most Leaf fans saw him as a cornerstone signing. But then Dion Phaneuf came along, and this leaves Komisarek vulnerable to being moved in my opinion.
FRANCOIS BEAUCHEMIN: A minutes eater, never complains and always gives it his all. His salary is reasonable for a player with a cup ring and who was invited to Canada's Olympic camp. He had a tough start to the season (along with everybody else who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs), but he's clearly a solid top 4 guy on most teams. He's also signed for the next two seasons at $3.8M, which is a certainty some GM's might want when dealing away a forward to Toronto.
While I don't pretend to know what Brian Burke is thinking, a part of me wonders if two players he convinced to sign in Toronto, Komi and Beauchemin, would be pretty much untouchable only because Burke doesn't like to dick players around. Then again he bought out Bertuzzi after one season in Anaheim, but a buyout gives a player the chance to choose his next destination. A trade means these guys have no choice and could leave a bad taste in their mouths it being so soon after they signed here.
The other side of the coin is that despite being up for raises, Gunnarson and Schenn could provide very cost effective defending for many more years and this would be more ideal for the Toronto Maple Leafs long-term salary cap situation.
What it comes down to in the end is this. How badly does Burke want a top six forward and how willing is he to have a $4.9M 6th and 7th defence combination?
Stay tuned...
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Whoever says Leaf fans wear blinders...
Go check out the reaction to the Brett Lebda trade over at PPP.
You would think that Burke just signed Kovalev for $10M or something???
I don't see any issue with the trade. $1.4M is peanuts in the NHL for a veteran player. Don't believe me? Eklund doesn't just think it's a good deal, he thinks it might be Burke's BEST deal yet! How can you argue with that?
Expect the Kaberle trade to go down as soon as today. One rumoured deal that I could actually see happening is Wayne Simmonds and a prospect from Los Angeles. One thing is for sure, Toronto will get a good player back.
You would think that Burke just signed Kovalev for $10M or something???
I don't see any issue with the trade. $1.4M is peanuts in the NHL for a veteran player. Don't believe me? Eklund doesn't just think it's a good deal, he thinks it might be Burke's BEST deal yet! How can you argue with that?
Expect the Kaberle trade to go down as soon as today. One rumoured deal that I could actually see happening is Wayne Simmonds and a prospect from Los Angeles. One thing is for sure, Toronto will get a good player back.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Red Wings Re-sign Eaves. Remember him?
Any Sens fans care to recommend a new Senator for Armstrong to feast on now that Eaves is long gone?
Lets get on with it already!
Is it just me, or is this the weirdest UFA season ever? Kovalchuk still not signed while 100 free agents wait for this supposed "domino effect" to start. Meanwhile over in the NBA, LaBron James will use ESPN for an entire hour just to announce the team he is signing on with. What the hell will the other 59 minutes comprise of, exactly? It would appear that this is the summer the unrestricted free agents took us all hostage.
Pat Quinn used to say about his players: "They are the show". I suppose this is true, although I happen to believe that while you can't have a game without the players you also can't pay those players without the fans. Right now, as a dedicated fan, I'm getting kind of sick of being strung along by kazillionaire athletes trying to decide where they will play for maximum allowable contracts and in the case of the NBA, which of their buddies they can bring along.
Lets face it. It's more than a little stomach turning isn't it? And while the NBA can't officially close the books on their UFA's until tomorrow, the NHL has had the ability for a whole week. And yet, we all wait.
As a fan of the game and a guy who is getting (maybe possibly ok yes very) obsessed (anybody else refreshing TSN every 11 minutes every day since the draft?), I really need this stuff to end. I need to focus back on my job. I need to attend to the Carpal Tunnel in my mouse hand. I need to get exercise. I need to finish renovating my bathroom. I need to mow the lawn. I need to re-establish a relationship with my wife. I need this thing to end, for my sanity!
So I'm using my get out of jail free card today. I'm begging you:
Sign a god-damned contract Ilya Kovalchuk so the rest of the NHL and more importantly us fans can get on with our lives.
Really, is it so much to ask?
Pat Quinn used to say about his players: "They are the show". I suppose this is true, although I happen to believe that while you can't have a game without the players you also can't pay those players without the fans. Right now, as a dedicated fan, I'm getting kind of sick of being strung along by kazillionaire athletes trying to decide where they will play for maximum allowable contracts and in the case of the NBA, which of their buddies they can bring along.
Lets face it. It's more than a little stomach turning isn't it? And while the NBA can't officially close the books on their UFA's until tomorrow, the NHL has had the ability for a whole week. And yet, we all wait.
As a fan of the game and a guy who is getting (maybe possibly ok yes very) obsessed (anybody else refreshing TSN every 11 minutes every day since the draft?), I really need this stuff to end. I need to focus back on my job. I need to attend to the Carpal Tunnel in my mouse hand. I need to get exercise. I need to finish renovating my bathroom. I need to mow the lawn. I need to re-establish a relationship with my wife. I need this thing to end, for my sanity!
So I'm using my get out of jail free card today. I'm begging you:
Sign a god-damned contract Ilya Kovalchuk so the rest of the NHL and more importantly us fans can get on with our lives.
Really, is it so much to ask?
Monday, July 05, 2010
Free top 6 forward? No thanks says Burke.
Rumours that Toronto were in discussions with Nicolai Zherdev have been quashed by TSN.
Zherdev is 6'2"and 205lbs, 25 years old, and in 365 NHL games has 239 points, including 99 goals. O
And yet, Brian Burke doesn't want him?
I don't know much about this player other than he took off to the KHL.
What's the deal with this guy? Why would a 29th place team short on top-6 talent say no to a free sniper?
Zherdev is 6'2"and 205lbs, 25 years old, and in 365 NHL games has 239 points, including 99 goals. O
And yet, Brian Burke doesn't want him?
I don't know much about this player other than he took off to the KHL.
What's the deal with this guy? Why would a 29th place team short on top-6 talent say no to a free sniper?
Friday, July 02, 2010
Change of heart on the OTT-NJD-PIT 'trade'
I like to think of this as a three way deal between OTT-NJD-PIT, i.e., Volchenkov-Martin-Gonchar.
Ok, so THM was originally down on the deal given to Gonchar (3 yrs @ $5.5M)as a replacement for Volchenkov who signed for 6 yr @ $4.25M). THM felt bitterness that A-train turned down 5 yrs @ $4.0M from Ottawa and that Murray hadn't appeared willing to tack on a quarter mill and an extra year. THM also looked at Gonchar's age and recent injury history and thought 'this could be another $5M Russian goat'. Let's hope not.
However, it's come out that Volchenkov wanted to test the market regardless of any Ottawa offer. So be it; we've maintained our Russian defenseman quotient and added another Stanley Cup winner who will play a major role on the power-play and keep the puck out of the hands of an opponent's forwards.
On another point, Ottawa appears to have taken the Montreal Canadiens' success as an example in letting some of the toughness out of the locker room. This, of course, is assuming Sutton does not return (sadly, the surprisingly impressive Cullen has departed). It does cause a bit of concern but, then again, Chicago lacked any measure of toughness. On this note, Philly-NYR games are going to be a treat now that Boogard is a Ranger, filling the spot left by Shelly's jump to Philly. We'll just have to see how well reliable, playoff-OT-goal-scoring, 15 min TOI Carkner does against the 3 minute gang of Shelly, Boogard & Orr.
F**k Brazil!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
THM's WTF moment
$5M is too much for a defenseman who plays defense. But $5.5M for a defenseman who plays an offensive game is fair? Because we need more offensive D-men? Ok, Murray, there's got to be something else in the works. Lee is on the way out, right? Right?? And the plan must be for Cowan & Weircoch to be roster players with the big club and miraculously be NHL-level from the get go, right? Right?? And that new dynamo from St. Louis - you're going to convert him to a shot-blocker, right? Right??
This may be the beginning of what I shall coin "The Karlsson Effect".
Seriously, good bye $5M A-Train, hello $5.5 M old man....
....wtf?
Versteeg now a Leaf. Kaberle still a Leaf.
Quite incredible really. A young top-six forward lands on the roster and the Leafs best trade bait Thomas Kaberle hasn't even been dealt yet.
Tomorrow is gonna be cool. I will be checking my phone for UFA updates from a beach in Barbados!
Happy Canada day and enjoy the long weekend.
Tomorrow is gonna be cool. I will be checking my phone for UFA updates from a beach in Barbados!
Happy Canada day and enjoy the long weekend.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Mike Van Ryn sitting for the year.
According to both TSN and Sportsnet.
What this really means is that he'll rehab until February and then when the Leafs d-core has injuries he'll proclaim himself fit and join the buds.
This also means there's one less UFA d-man for Murray to sign.
What this really means is that he'll rehab until February and then when the Leafs d-core has injuries he'll proclaim himself fit and join the buds.
This also means there's one less UFA d-man for Murray to sign.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Leafs could look to LA for trade opportunities.
If the rumours are true, The Kings will be the team signing Ilya Kovalchuk to an $8-$9M long term contract this coming Thursday morning. And why wouldn't they? Acquiring one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL without giving up assets doesn't come around often. Los Angeles are poised to rise up the Western Conference rankings and as far as a major hockey market is concerned, Kovalchuk could be the best thing since Wayne Gretzky to put LA back on the radar.
But can the kings realistically make this signing and not lose assets indirectly from this deal? Signing Kovalchuk will (according to NHLnumbers.com) move their cap number up into the $52M to $54M range. The salary cap this year is around $59M. The Kings would be getting close to the cap and yet only have 17 one-way contracts on their roster including Kovalchuk. Soon to be urgent will be the re-signing of Drew Doughty who will be up for an astronomical raise plus Jack Johnson isn't far behind and if they bring up Brayden Schenn this season he has a bonus structure that could fetch him upwards of $3M. Looking at the team they had last year, they are losing about $13M worth of talent this summer (Frolov, Modin etc) which will need to be replaces in some shape or form just to ice a full team come early October.
Suffice to say, LA are heading for some real problems and depending on their ambitions for this season, they may already be in the weeds. If you look at their roster it's pretty plain to see they have some anvil's as far as contracts. If you look at their prospects you'll see they have a fantastic group. The magic combination if you're the GM of a rebuilding team with some cap space. Like Brian Burke.
Would Toronto take on Ryan Smyth's mind boggling $6.25 cap hit for the next three years? Or Scuderi's $3.4M, or Hanzus's $4M for next season? I think Burke would consider it so long as LA put a package together that includes a young talent who Burke and Nonis can't live without.
Dare I dream and say Brayden Schenn playing with his brother is still not completely out of the question?
But can the kings realistically make this signing and not lose assets indirectly from this deal? Signing Kovalchuk will (according to NHLnumbers.com) move their cap number up into the $52M to $54M range. The salary cap this year is around $59M. The Kings would be getting close to the cap and yet only have 17 one-way contracts on their roster including Kovalchuk. Soon to be urgent will be the re-signing of Drew Doughty who will be up for an astronomical raise plus Jack Johnson isn't far behind and if they bring up Brayden Schenn this season he has a bonus structure that could fetch him upwards of $3M. Looking at the team they had last year, they are losing about $13M worth of talent this summer (Frolov, Modin etc) which will need to be replaces in some shape or form just to ice a full team come early October.
Suffice to say, LA are heading for some real problems and depending on their ambitions for this season, they may already be in the weeds. If you look at their roster it's pretty plain to see they have some anvil's as far as contracts. If you look at their prospects you'll see they have a fantastic group. The magic combination if you're the GM of a rebuilding team with some cap space. Like Brian Burke.
Would Toronto take on Ryan Smyth's mind boggling $6.25 cap hit for the next three years? Or Scuderi's $3.4M, or Hanzus's $4M for next season? I think Burke would consider it so long as LA put a package together that includes a young talent who Burke and Nonis can't live without.
Dare I dream and say Brayden Schenn playing with his brother is still not completely out of the question?
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Hey, somebody wants to be a Sen!
He also wants to be a Leaf.
Marc Savard has said he'll waive his no-trade clause to come to Toronto or Ottawa.
So for the Sens fans who last season said Kessel was a locker room cancer and hated by Bruins players, their best player wants to come here and play with Kessel? How do you explain that??
Secondly, I clearly am also gravely misguided. I didn't think anybody would actually choose to be an Ottawa Senator except for a salary increase.
I guess we can all be wrong.
Allegedly, of course.
Marc Savard has said he'll waive his no-trade clause to come to Toronto or Ottawa.
So for the Sens fans who last season said Kessel was a locker room cancer and hated by Bruins players, their best player wants to come here and play with Kessel? How do you explain that??
Secondly, I clearly am also gravely misguided. I didn't think anybody would actually choose to be an Ottawa Senator except for a salary increase.
I guess we can all be wrong.
Allegedly, of course.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Penner include Eberle
Supposedly the talks continue wrt Spezza being traded and we hear the Oil are again a possible partner. I would have rather seen Murray deal with this thing completely different from the start - say start with after the end of season meetings standing up to the media and defending his number one center, etc, etc.
But, if we have to consider trades, and with the Oilers specifically I think we are looking at a few certainties. One, the Sens want players back and will take salary in return. Two, they want a good young prospect.
I've been playing with CapGeek and would propose the following:
Spezza (7.0), Kelly (2.1)
for
Horcoff (5.5), Penner (4.5), and Eberle
We get a premium prospect and two top six forwards. The Oil save a million in cap space and get a number one center for Hemsky/Hall. We'd have 6.2 in cap space still for a Volchekov. I didn't put Cheechoo's salary in the calculations for Ottawa btw.
Maybe I've been reading Lowetide too much but I don't think Horcoff's contract is that bad (the Oil have simply been horrendous and he's asked to play against all the top lines). He can still play as our top center with the right linemates.
Michalek/Horcoff/Alfie
Penner/Fisher/Kovalev
Foligno/Regin/Eberle
Ruttu/Winchester/Neil
Butler
Kuba/Karlsson
Phillips/Volchenkov(or UFA)
Carkner/Lee
I'll say again - I'd prefer we didn't move Spezza but maybe that train has already left the station.
But, if we have to consider trades, and with the Oilers specifically I think we are looking at a few certainties. One, the Sens want players back and will take salary in return. Two, they want a good young prospect.
I've been playing with CapGeek and would propose the following:
Spezza (7.0), Kelly (2.1)
for
Horcoff (5.5), Penner (4.5), and Eberle
We get a premium prospect and two top six forwards. The Oil save a million in cap space and get a number one center for Hemsky/Hall. We'd have 6.2 in cap space still for a Volchekov. I didn't put Cheechoo's salary in the calculations for Ottawa btw.
Maybe I've been reading Lowetide too much but I don't think Horcoff's contract is that bad (the Oil have simply been horrendous and he's asked to play against all the top lines). He can still play as our top center with the right linemates.
Michalek/Horcoff/Alfie
Penner/Fisher/Kovalev
Foligno/Regin/Eberle
Ruttu/Winchester/Neil
Butler
Kuba/Karlsson
Phillips/Volchenkov(or UFA)
Carkner/Lee
I'll say again - I'd prefer we didn't move Spezza but maybe that train has already left the station.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Kaberle trade value up
Who will Alfredsson shoot the puck at now that this guy is retired?
If Anaheim is looking for an offensive defenceman I think I know where they can get one.
Let me just throw this idea out there...
Kaberle, Stalberg and Mitchell for Bobby Ryan and a 3rd.
If Anaheim is looking for an offensive defenceman I think I know where they can get one.
Let me just throw this idea out there...
Kaberle, Stalberg and Mitchell for Bobby Ryan and a 3rd.
Schedule released and Horton won't be a Leaf when it starts...
Sens and Leaf fans you can mark October 9th on your calendars. Leafs and Sens will play at the ACC at 7pm, their first meeting of the year.
Also, Nathan Horton was traded today to the Bruins ending rumour #1267 as far as who will be coming to the Leafs (basically everybody if you believe Eklund). Interesting package. A 1st round pick, a 3rd round pick and Dennis Wideman.
Wideman is a 30-50 point Dman. That 1st overall pick is the 15th. The 3rd round is well, the 3rd round.
When this all shakes out, has Boston paid all that much less for Horton than Burke paid for Kessel? I know, we have to wait a few years to really find out but Wideman and a 1st rounder is pretty comparable to two first rounders. Throw in the 3rd and consider Horton is no Phil Kessel and you have an argument.
Thoughts?
Also, Nathan Horton was traded today to the Bruins ending rumour #1267 as far as who will be coming to the Leafs (basically everybody if you believe Eklund). Interesting package. A 1st round pick, a 3rd round pick and Dennis Wideman.
Wideman is a 30-50 point Dman. That 1st overall pick is the 15th. The 3rd round is well, the 3rd round.
When this all shakes out, has Boston paid all that much less for Horton than Burke paid for Kessel? I know, we have to wait a few years to really find out but Wideman and a 1st rounder is pretty comparable to two first rounders. Throw in the 3rd and consider Horton is no Phil Kessel and you have an argument.
Thoughts?
Murray pulling a heavy!
I'm sure you've all read this.
The part I like this this:
I think what Murray really means is that he won't make a bad trade again. Nice that he's learned from the Heatley thing but why didn't he stand his ground the same last year?
The part I like this this:
"He didn't come in and say, 'I have to be traded.' He didn't object to that fact that, 'Maybe it's time. The way I've been received now and that maybe it's time that I look around.'
"I said, 'Well, unfortunately, that just doesn't happen. You've signed a long-term contract. We've committed to you. You've committed to us. We will look at everything that's going to help our hockey team, but I'm not going to make a bad trade."'
I think what Murray really means is that he won't make a bad trade again. Nice that he's learned from the Heatley thing but why didn't he stand his ground the same last year?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Strike Early!
The Flyers traded for the rights to Dan Hamhuis this morning. A player that was headed to UFA status and one I've heard a few Sens fans mention as the D-man they would like if Volchenkov leaves.
More bizarre, this trade happened only a few hours after Damien Cox wrote this story, claiming that the Leafs were interested in Hamhuis.
So how does this work exactly, this trading for pending UFA players rights? My guess, and it is only a guess, is that the Flyers would have had Nashville ask if Hamhuis wanted to be a Flyer first. Philly after all did trade Parent for a player who they could sign for nothing in less than two weeks.
Here's the question of the week then: Can anybody name a player whose rights were traded for leading up to July 1st, but that player DID NOT sign with the team that traded for them?
I'm not sure it has even happened but one of you might...
More bizarre, this trade happened only a few hours after Damien Cox wrote this story, claiming that the Leafs were interested in Hamhuis.
So how does this work exactly, this trading for pending UFA players rights? My guess, and it is only a guess, is that the Flyers would have had Nashville ask if Hamhuis wanted to be a Flyer first. Philly after all did trade Parent for a player who they could sign for nothing in less than two weeks.
Here's the question of the week then: Can anybody name a player whose rights were traded for leading up to July 1st, but that player DID NOT sign with the team that traded for them?
I'm not sure it has even happened but one of you might...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
I'm gonna miss the Kaberle trade drama when he's gone...
This the latest from Dreger:
Smart move by other GM's. They clearly respect his ability to get a better deal back.
"Pre-draft trade speculation isn't complete without an update on Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle and his future in Toronto.
Although teams continue to call, most are reluctant to table an offer before Kaberle's no-trade lifts at the draft, in fear Toronto will shop the proposal for a better offer.
As many as eight teams are expected to engage with Toronto, however, at the moment; teams are still trying to piece together what, or who, is legitimately available".
Smart move by other GM's. They clearly respect his ability to get a better deal back.
How does this one sit with Ottawa fans?
It's a rumour from you-know-who, but I thought the package was interesting:
"I talked to an Ottawa source and was told that yes, Spezza would welcome becoming an Edmonton Oiler.
The asking or price would be either Cogliano or Gagner, 2 prospects, (one who will be in the NHL for sure this season) and a third or fourth".
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Phaneuf speech
An announcer on the Team1200 likened his delivery to this guy. Pretty close. I was expecting Dion to break out the Piano Man though.
April flowers bring June optimism?
Kessel yesterday telling the world he can score 40 goals this upcoming season.
Looks like Phaneuf's cockiness is already spreading through the team.
Tell ya what Phil, score 32 goals but play well in your own end and help this team make the playoffs and I think we'll all be quite content.
Looks like Phaneuf's cockiness is already spreading through the team.
Tell ya what Phil, score 32 goals but play well in your own end and help this team make the playoffs and I think we'll all be quite content.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Phaneuf to be named Captain today.
He will be the 18th in the club's history which started with Bert Corbeau in 1927.
While Phaneuf being granted the "C" will come as news only to those just blinkingly emerging a coma, it's still an occasion for the franchise.
When Phaneuf was traded to Toronto his outgoing media scrum in Calgary didn't exactly warm the hearts of Leaf fans. He seemed shocked, visibly upset and not at all excited to be coming to one of the worst teams in the NHL. I remember seeing him speak in Calgary somewhere in the bowels of the Saddledome and wondering to myself if this guy even wanted to report to his new team.
By the time he arrived in Toronto his tune had changed. The remorse and shock he has expressed only hours earlier was replaced by optimism and excitement. While never jovial in front of those bearing press passes, there was a certain tone in his voice that suggested his mourning period lasted the 4 or so hour flight. He was ready to be a Leaf.
What happened in the next 24 hours, in my mind, put Dion as the frontrunner for the captaincy. You all read the story about how Dion walked into the dressing room and asked who was in charge of music. It was a matter of minutes before that role was his. Then, in his first game Phaneuf made perhaps his boldest statement, stepping onto the ice and laying two large hits before handily winning his first fight as a Maple Leaf on the same night. Throw in a few booming shots and his voice heard above all others on the bench and that this day has arrived should not be surprising.
The biggest question after this announcement is made will of course be this: Can Dion lead this team to a Stanley Cup? Here are the players who have captained this team since 1967 in no particular order: Wendel Clarke, Darryl Sittler, Mats Sundin, Doug Gilmour, Dave Keon, Rob Ramage and Rick Vaive.
Leafs fans hope so. Sens fans hope not.
While Phaneuf being granted the "C" will come as news only to those just blinkingly emerging a coma, it's still an occasion for the franchise.
When Phaneuf was traded to Toronto his outgoing media scrum in Calgary didn't exactly warm the hearts of Leaf fans. He seemed shocked, visibly upset and not at all excited to be coming to one of the worst teams in the NHL. I remember seeing him speak in Calgary somewhere in the bowels of the Saddledome and wondering to myself if this guy even wanted to report to his new team.
By the time he arrived in Toronto his tune had changed. The remorse and shock he has expressed only hours earlier was replaced by optimism and excitement. While never jovial in front of those bearing press passes, there was a certain tone in his voice that suggested his mourning period lasted the 4 or so hour flight. He was ready to be a Leaf.
What happened in the next 24 hours, in my mind, put Dion as the frontrunner for the captaincy. You all read the story about how Dion walked into the dressing room and asked who was in charge of music. It was a matter of minutes before that role was his. Then, in his first game Phaneuf made perhaps his boldest statement, stepping onto the ice and laying two large hits before handily winning his first fight as a Maple Leaf on the same night. Throw in a few booming shots and his voice heard above all others on the bench and that this day has arrived should not be surprising.
The biggest question after this announcement is made will of course be this: Can Dion lead this team to a Stanley Cup? Here are the players who have captained this team since 1967 in no particular order: Wendel Clarke, Darryl Sittler, Mats Sundin, Doug Gilmour, Dave Keon, Rob Ramage and Rick Vaive.
Leafs fans hope so. Sens fans hope not.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
While we all focus on Heatley...
The guy he was traded for is partying with the Stanley Cup today. Not that I'm a big fan of Hossa but he has a ring... not so shabby.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Leafs have contract problems of their own...
Comparatively, the contract impasse now brewing between the Maple Leafs and Nikolai Kulemin will not have the impact on the franchise that the Sens/Spezza drama will. No matter which way this thing goes.
But, for the first time since Burke took over as GM of the team there appears to be trouble between him and a player agent. Kulemin's agent's side of the story goes something like this: My player was your 1st line winger and he should be paid accordingly. Burke's argument is: He was a 1st line winger by default and lets not forget he has yet to hit 40 points in an NHL season.
Kulemin had 16 goals and 20 assists last season in 78 games.
This is a strange position to be in for a Leafs fan. Anybody who watched Nik play last year saw that this guy has all the makings of an impact player. I stop short of "star potential", because while playing on the top 1 or 2 lines on any NHL team is one hell of a feat and an exclusive club indeed, Kulemin only showed flashes of star material with a few highlight reel goals and some incredible work in his own end of the ice that may some day translate into playoff heroics if he's given the chance. But as of right now, the safe money is that he becomes a very valuable 2nd line player who could crack 25 goals if all goes exceptionally in his favour. I could see him on the 3rd line once this team is fully designed and ready to compete for a cup. You simply can't afford to overvalue this guy right now if you're Brian Burke.
I'm not sure what kind of money Kulemin and his agent are asking for. Grabovski signed a contract for $2.9M last summer and perhaps Kulemin is looking for something closer to that figure instead of the rumoured $1.8M that seems to be flying around the blogs as the figure Burke is offering. Thing is, Grabovski was injured a good part of last season and in almost 20 fewer games he scored as many points as Kulemin give or take. That's playing on the 2nd and sometimes 3rd line, it should be noted. While I think most Leaf fans would value Kulemin about the same as Grabs, statistically Grabovski has contributed more to the cause.
One could also look at Gustavsson's contract as a signpost. Sure, it's hard to compare goalies and skaters as far as compensation, but Gustavsson was for some stretches the #1 goalie on this team and while he may or may not be that #1 guy down the road, right now that is the plan for him. Yet, he signs a $1.35M/per year deal based on what he's actually accomplished.
One wonders if this thing is going to get uglier before it is resolved? Kulemin is a restricted free agent which means arbitration is an avenue he and his agent can explore but can anybody see an arbitrator rewarding 36 points with any more money than he's making right now - about $1.5M with bonuses? There is of course the KHL which is always a threat when it comes to European players and especially a Russian like Kulemin who has represented his country 5 times internationally. But how much of a threat is it, really? The allure of the KHL for NHL players is dropping faster than public opinion in Ottawa about Jason Spezza. Of course Burke could also change lanes completely and package this kid out in a trade or wait for the possibility of an offer sheet from another team.
I don't envy Burke right now. He's in a tough position and frankly he caused this mess. In his year-end media scrum he called out Kulemin as being one of the teams best and most consistent forwards and applauded his physical play and work in his own end. Yet here he is a few months later negotiating with Kulemin based not on intangibles or hard work or potential but based on his goals and assists. I'm sure Burke would like to keep a player like Kulemin around but he also has to manage his future cap spare. Every $$$ extra in cap space he can save now is going to come in handy when the Leafs need to bolster a competitive line-up with UFA's. Thing is, he needs to think about these things before he talks up a player like he did with Kulemin. It's nice to reward your hard-working players with great reviews, but be prepared for them to expect pay increases that match the praise.
Stay tuned...
But, for the first time since Burke took over as GM of the team there appears to be trouble between him and a player agent. Kulemin's agent's side of the story goes something like this: My player was your 1st line winger and he should be paid accordingly. Burke's argument is: He was a 1st line winger by default and lets not forget he has yet to hit 40 points in an NHL season.
Kulemin had 16 goals and 20 assists last season in 78 games.
This is a strange position to be in for a Leafs fan. Anybody who watched Nik play last year saw that this guy has all the makings of an impact player. I stop short of "star potential", because while playing on the top 1 or 2 lines on any NHL team is one hell of a feat and an exclusive club indeed, Kulemin only showed flashes of star material with a few highlight reel goals and some incredible work in his own end of the ice that may some day translate into playoff heroics if he's given the chance. But as of right now, the safe money is that he becomes a very valuable 2nd line player who could crack 25 goals if all goes exceptionally in his favour. I could see him on the 3rd line once this team is fully designed and ready to compete for a cup. You simply can't afford to overvalue this guy right now if you're Brian Burke.
I'm not sure what kind of money Kulemin and his agent are asking for. Grabovski signed a contract for $2.9M last summer and perhaps Kulemin is looking for something closer to that figure instead of the rumoured $1.8M that seems to be flying around the blogs as the figure Burke is offering. Thing is, Grabovski was injured a good part of last season and in almost 20 fewer games he scored as many points as Kulemin give or take. That's playing on the 2nd and sometimes 3rd line, it should be noted. While I think most Leaf fans would value Kulemin about the same as Grabs, statistically Grabovski has contributed more to the cause.
One could also look at Gustavsson's contract as a signpost. Sure, it's hard to compare goalies and skaters as far as compensation, but Gustavsson was for some stretches the #1 goalie on this team and while he may or may not be that #1 guy down the road, right now that is the plan for him. Yet, he signs a $1.35M/per year deal based on what he's actually accomplished.
One wonders if this thing is going to get uglier before it is resolved? Kulemin is a restricted free agent which means arbitration is an avenue he and his agent can explore but can anybody see an arbitrator rewarding 36 points with any more money than he's making right now - about $1.5M with bonuses? There is of course the KHL which is always a threat when it comes to European players and especially a Russian like Kulemin who has represented his country 5 times internationally. But how much of a threat is it, really? The allure of the KHL for NHL players is dropping faster than public opinion in Ottawa about Jason Spezza. Of course Burke could also change lanes completely and package this kid out in a trade or wait for the possibility of an offer sheet from another team.
I don't envy Burke right now. He's in a tough position and frankly he caused this mess. In his year-end media scrum he called out Kulemin as being one of the teams best and most consistent forwards and applauded his physical play and work in his own end. Yet here he is a few months later negotiating with Kulemin based not on intangibles or hard work or potential but based on his goals and assists. I'm sure Burke would like to keep a player like Kulemin around but he also has to manage his future cap spare. Every $$$ extra in cap space he can save now is going to come in handy when the Leafs need to bolster a competitive line-up with UFA's. Thing is, he needs to think about these things before he talks up a player like he did with Kulemin. It's nice to reward your hard-working players with great reviews, but be prepared for them to expect pay increases that match the praise.
Stay tuned...
Friday, June 04, 2010
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Burke has two trade offers for Kaberle.
That was an incredible playoff game last night wasn't it? Truculence and tenacity every shift, the character guys making all the difference while the skill guys attacked and the goalies made great saves.
How fitting that Burke was on the radio today talking about his new assistant GM and answering questions about his immediate plans for a hockey club that he intends to build very much like the two teams now in the finals. Give or take a few superstar forwards, of course.
Mostly he talked about Kaberle.
Now, nobody thinks Kaberle is going to fetch a Toews or Kane and help Toronto become the Hawks overnight, but Burke did confirm there are two teams who have given him a rough idea of who they might send over for Thomas as a starting point in discussions. That's basically all Burke would say. He then followed that up with his now very well-rehearsed speech that only a great deal will do the trick and that they would be more than happy to keep him... but does anybody really believe that anymore?
Lets face the facts here though. Kaberle is gone if a good deal comes along. And while the dream of a blow-the-doors-off return has probably passed as the odometer on Kaberle's contract has clicked down to a single season remaining on it, Burke may still get himself a solid 25-goal power forward if another team decides that their blue line is only complete with a guy like Kaberle on it.
It will be interesting to see what kinds of deals present themselves once teams sign their pending UFA's and RFA's and all the cap issues teams annually face come boiling to the surface. It's here that the best opportunity for Toronto to get a special player back for Kaberle probably lies, although it might take more than just Kaberle to get something substantial done. While Toronto don't have a crop of sure-fire star prospects coming up the pipeline, there are some very interesting players that other teams might have a bit of a liking for and before you know it Toronto has a player we can all get excited about.
How fitting that Burke was on the radio today talking about his new assistant GM and answering questions about his immediate plans for a hockey club that he intends to build very much like the two teams now in the finals. Give or take a few superstar forwards, of course.
Mostly he talked about Kaberle.
Now, nobody thinks Kaberle is going to fetch a Toews or Kane and help Toronto become the Hawks overnight, but Burke did confirm there are two teams who have given him a rough idea of who they might send over for Thomas as a starting point in discussions. That's basically all Burke would say. He then followed that up with his now very well-rehearsed speech that only a great deal will do the trick and that they would be more than happy to keep him... but does anybody really believe that anymore?
Lets face the facts here though. Kaberle is gone if a good deal comes along. And while the dream of a blow-the-doors-off return has probably passed as the odometer on Kaberle's contract has clicked down to a single season remaining on it, Burke may still get himself a solid 25-goal power forward if another team decides that their blue line is only complete with a guy like Kaberle on it.
It will be interesting to see what kinds of deals present themselves once teams sign their pending UFA's and RFA's and all the cap issues teams annually face come boiling to the surface. It's here that the best opportunity for Toronto to get a special player back for Kaberle probably lies, although it might take more than just Kaberle to get something substantial done. While Toronto don't have a crop of sure-fire star prospects coming up the pipeline, there are some very interesting players that other teams might have a bit of a liking for and before you know it Toronto has a player we can all get excited about.
Monday, May 31, 2010
At least Murray knows he'll have a job after Ottawa...
Leafs sign yet another assistant GM in Claude Loiselle.
He was apparently up for the Lightning GM job but as we all know lost out to Yzerman.
Word is he will come in as the salary cap expert and do most of the contract writing for the team, joining Nonis, Poulin and Fletcher as assistants to Burke.
I mean, I'll applaud any additions to the Leafs who make us better, so long as those $18 beers don't become $19 beers. But it's kind of crazy to have this many heads at the table. How will they ever agree on anything?
He was apparently up for the Lightning GM job but as we all know lost out to Yzerman.
Word is he will come in as the salary cap expert and do most of the contract writing for the team, joining Nonis, Poulin and Fletcher as assistants to Burke.
I mean, I'll applaud any additions to the Leafs who make us better, so long as those $18 beers don't become $19 beers. But it's kind of crazy to have this many heads at the table. How will they ever agree on anything?
2010/2011 Schedule Highlights.
We're still waiting for the full upcoming schedule, but the NHL announced some key events and it would appear the Sens and Leafs will partake in a few.
KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE
On September 28, Dundas, Ontario will host a pre-season game between the Senators and Sabres.
NHL FACE-OFF
This launches the NHL season in North America (6 teams are opening the season in Europe), and it will take place in Toronto with all-day celebrations and festivities. Then the Leafs and Habs will play at 7pm followed by a Flames-Oilers tilt for the late CBC offering.
HALL OF FAME GAME
Toronto will play either the Sabres or Blackhawks. Lets hope it's the Hawks. Buffalo do my head in.
HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA
Best day in the schedule opens with Sens facing the Oil in Edmonton for the 2pm game and then Leafs vs Habs at 7pm followed by the Flames and Vancouver in that time slot where you're already far too drunk.
2011 PLAYOFFS
Will start April 13th next year. This will also be the day when THM and I will financially settle our bets. Be nice to THM that day please, he will be in a bad mood.
Happy Monday
KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE
On September 28, Dundas, Ontario will host a pre-season game between the Senators and Sabres.
NHL FACE-OFF
This launches the NHL season in North America (6 teams are opening the season in Europe), and it will take place in Toronto with all-day celebrations and festivities. Then the Leafs and Habs will play at 7pm followed by a Flames-Oilers tilt for the late CBC offering.
HALL OF FAME GAME
Toronto will play either the Sabres or Blackhawks. Lets hope it's the Hawks. Buffalo do my head in.
HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA
Best day in the schedule opens with Sens facing the Oil in Edmonton for the 2pm game and then Leafs vs Habs at 7pm followed by the Flames and Vancouver in that time slot where you're already far too drunk.
2011 PLAYOFFS
Will start April 13th next year. This will also be the day when THM and I will financially settle our bets. Be nice to THM that day please, he will be in a bad mood.
Happy Monday
Friday, May 28, 2010
What the F#@%???
Reports coming in that Habs and Flames and Penguins and Caps will play the TWO Winter Classic games.
So let me get this straight, the Habs get their 2nd outdoor game and Ottawa/Toronto/Vancouver haven't even played in their first?
I'm saying it. This is horse shit.
So let me get this straight, the Habs get their 2nd outdoor game and Ottawa/Toronto/Vancouver haven't even played in their first?
I'm saying it. This is horse shit.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Look who's climbed up to #6
If you put any stock into the Hockey's Future Organizational Rankings, the Leafs have made quite the climb when it comes to prospects in the system.
Ottawa are still down in 21st place, close to where the Leafs were a year ago.
Ottawa are still down in 21st place, close to where the Leafs were a year ago.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Breaking Big Time BoO hockey news!!!!!
Ok, I lie.
The Sens have signed Mike Brodeur to a one year 2-way contract and for the Leafs Wallin will be returning to Sweden, joined by Jonus Frogren.
Sorry if I got you excited.
The Sens have signed Mike Brodeur to a one year 2-way contract and for the Leafs Wallin will be returning to Sweden, joined by Jonus Frogren.
Sorry if I got you excited.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Winnipeg vs Kansas City?
Gary Bettman chose yesterday to announce that the City of Glendale have until December 31st to find a buyer or else the NHL will sell the Yotes to an owner who will have free reign to move the pulverized franchise elsewhere.
Since we needed last night and most of today to celebrate the end of the Habs stupid playoff (like it should have 3 weeks ago), this Bettman thing kind of sparked my post-lunch interest.
As always, Winnipeg is back on the radar as the country collectively rubs our hands together in anticipation of a 7th Canadian team. We OBVIOUSLY assume that a Canadian city is the best place for the Coyotes and the choice is a no-brainer right? Hey, nobody will ever argue that hockey is more important in Canada than it is in Kansas City or Las Vegas (who are also rumoured destinations), but the fact remains that Winnipeg is a hockey town that already lost an NHL franchise and still has only 680,000 or so folks to draw on for seat fillers and to lure TV contracts - and that includes the greater Winnipeg area (according to 2006 census).
Meanwhile both KC and Las Vegas have closer to 2 million in their greater areas. And while basic population numbers is not everything (how many of those people will care about hockey right?), Las Vegas has a giant retiree population and is growing substantially with families and lets not look past the draw of the desert for poker-loving NHL players. It's also a wealthy city and has all kinds of draw for those who want to make an NHL game part of a bigger night on the town. Think of the Canadians on stag nights in Vegas all winter. You could fill half the seats with them alone.
Kansas City is even a bigger threat to the 'Peg if you ask me because unlike Las Vegas there is a history of professional hockey in KC along with other pro sports. Just like Winnipeg, the Missouri capital also lost an NHL franchise (The Scouts who left for Colorado) as well as an NBA team (now the Sacramento Kings), but this was 30+ years ago. Perhaps things have changed. They have a very stable NFL team (attendance-wise), an MLS team along with strong college and high school sports team followings. KC is also a good location for flight paths in either conference and I understand they already have a modern Arena ready to go. Plus, they want a team.
My vote is still with Winnipeg, but if you were the guy on the hook financially for the business side of this ordeal, you would have to at least weight these other places seriously. They both have bigger upside if it could ever be realized.
Of course in the coming months we'll beat this dead horse (and really, lets be honest, June through August is an ideal time to talk about this issue as actual hockey news quiets to a barely audible hum), a conversation that will be shared with Hamilton and Quebec too, but I think this time around I will try and see this thing as more than a "lets get a team in Canada" issue because for the health of the league there may actually be other very good options for the Coyotes who are almost certainly on the move.
Since we needed last night and most of today to celebrate the end of the Habs stupid playoff (like it should have 3 weeks ago), this Bettman thing kind of sparked my post-lunch interest.
As always, Winnipeg is back on the radar as the country collectively rubs our hands together in anticipation of a 7th Canadian team. We OBVIOUSLY assume that a Canadian city is the best place for the Coyotes and the choice is a no-brainer right? Hey, nobody will ever argue that hockey is more important in Canada than it is in Kansas City or Las Vegas (who are also rumoured destinations), but the fact remains that Winnipeg is a hockey town that already lost an NHL franchise and still has only 680,000 or so folks to draw on for seat fillers and to lure TV contracts - and that includes the greater Winnipeg area (according to 2006 census).
Meanwhile both KC and Las Vegas have closer to 2 million in their greater areas. And while basic population numbers is not everything (how many of those people will care about hockey right?), Las Vegas has a giant retiree population and is growing substantially with families and lets not look past the draw of the desert for poker-loving NHL players. It's also a wealthy city and has all kinds of draw for those who want to make an NHL game part of a bigger night on the town. Think of the Canadians on stag nights in Vegas all winter. You could fill half the seats with them alone.
Kansas City is even a bigger threat to the 'Peg if you ask me because unlike Las Vegas there is a history of professional hockey in KC along with other pro sports. Just like Winnipeg, the Missouri capital also lost an NHL franchise (The Scouts who left for Colorado) as well as an NBA team (now the Sacramento Kings), but this was 30+ years ago. Perhaps things have changed. They have a very stable NFL team (attendance-wise), an MLS team along with strong college and high school sports team followings. KC is also a good location for flight paths in either conference and I understand they already have a modern Arena ready to go. Plus, they want a team.
My vote is still with Winnipeg, but if you were the guy on the hook financially for the business side of this ordeal, you would have to at least weight these other places seriously. They both have bigger upside if it could ever be realized.
Of course in the coming months we'll beat this dead horse (and really, lets be honest, June through August is an ideal time to talk about this issue as actual hockey news quiets to a barely audible hum), a conversation that will be shared with Hamilton and Quebec too, but I think this time around I will try and see this thing as more than a "lets get a team in Canada" issue because for the health of the league there may actually be other very good options for the Coyotes who are almost certainly on the move.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Would you or wouldn't you?
Inspired from a conversation with Anshu in another thread talking about the quick rebuild Philadelphia did a few years back, I have a question:
Does anybody think Murray should at least consider trying to refresh this roster this draft day and through the summer? This is a team that hasn't won a playoff series in three years, after all.
Lets face it, Danielle isn't getting any younger, Spezza seems to be falling short of expectations and Ottawa do indeed have some very attractive pieces for any team with cup aspirations (Fisher, Phillips, etc). That's a group of players who really could get Ottawa younger and cheaper in a hurry (if the deals are there to make of course) and it would give Murray some cap space to go out and get some players he might covet (Kovulchuk?), while adding some cost efficient young players to go along with Michalek and Karlsson and Cowen. Ottawa could be vastly different in a very short period of time.
I for one would do it. Ottawa had a real nice stretch in the regular season (was it 11 wins in a row), but otherwise they were a very average team. In fact had they went 7-4 over that 11-0 stretch, they would have missed the playoffs. How represented by their record are Ottawa, really? How confident are Sens fans that bringing back essentially the same team is the way to go?
Does anybody think Murray should at least consider trying to refresh this roster this draft day and through the summer? This is a team that hasn't won a playoff series in three years, after all.
Lets face it, Danielle isn't getting any younger, Spezza seems to be falling short of expectations and Ottawa do indeed have some very attractive pieces for any team with cup aspirations (Fisher, Phillips, etc). That's a group of players who really could get Ottawa younger and cheaper in a hurry (if the deals are there to make of course) and it would give Murray some cap space to go out and get some players he might covet (Kovulchuk?), while adding some cost efficient young players to go along with Michalek and Karlsson and Cowen. Ottawa could be vastly different in a very short period of time.
I for one would do it. Ottawa had a real nice stretch in the regular season (was it 11 wins in a row), but otherwise they were a very average team. In fact had they went 7-4 over that 11-0 stretch, they would have missed the playoffs. How represented by their record are Ottawa, really? How confident are Sens fans that bringing back essentially the same team is the way to go?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Get used to it.
The Monster took down Canada yesterday at the Worlds (booooo) but for Leaf fans it's pleasing that he's sporting a .954% and a 1.67GAA and withstood almost 13 minutes of Canada in the Swedish zone in the 3rd period.
Also:
Gunnarson with 2 points and best +/- on Sweden.
Kulemin with 4 points and +4.
The kids are doing pretty well.
You know who isn't doing well? Montreal. What a beating. I actually stopped watching at 3-0. It would appear that the Habs choice of signing only midget's as top 6 forwards has hit its wall.
Also:
Gunnarson with 2 points and best +/- on Sweden.
Kulemin with 4 points and +4.
The kids are doing pretty well.
You know who isn't doing well? Montreal. What a beating. I actually stopped watching at 3-0. It would appear that the Habs choice of signing only midget's as top 6 forwards has hit its wall.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
WHC BoO Update
I was just saying in a reply to DC that I'm not all that fussed about the tourney, but what I AM is not that busy this week at the office.
So... here's a quick update of what the BoO players have been doing:
Gustavsson: 1-0 in net for Sweden.
Gunnarson:1 goal, +2.
Beauchemin: 0 points, leads Canada in ice time.
Kulemin: 2 assists for Russia (playing 15 minutes a game).
Grabovski:1 assist for Belarus.
Hanson: 0 pts +1 for USA.
As for Senator players, as far as I know Karlsson, Regin and Foligno are playing for their respective countries. If I missed anybody let me know.
Karlsson: 1 goal, +2
Regin: 1G 1A for Denmark and +1.
Foligno: 0 points and even +/-, playing about 15 min a game
All in all, not too bad for either team's players since it's only 2 games in.
So... here's a quick update of what the BoO players have been doing:
Gustavsson: 1-0 in net for Sweden.
Gunnarson:1 goal, +2.
Beauchemin: 0 points, leads Canada in ice time.
Kulemin: 2 assists for Russia (playing 15 minutes a game).
Grabovski:1 assist for Belarus.
Hanson: 0 pts +1 for USA.
As for Senator players, as far as I know Karlsson, Regin and Foligno are playing for their respective countries. If I missed anybody let me know.
Karlsson: 1 goal, +2
Regin: 1G 1A for Denmark and +1.
Foligno: 0 points and even +/-, playing about 15 min a game
All in all, not too bad for either team's players since it's only 2 games in.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
There are a lot of Leaf fans, but come on...
Seriously, this ranks higher in importance than the Flyers/Bruins and the Jays/Red Sox?
I'm embarrassed... although still happy we resigned Nonis.
Monday, May 10, 2010
POTENTIAL TRADE PARTNERS FOR TORONTO.
Here are some teams that Burke might be talking to over the next month or so.
1. LA KINGS: One only has to look at the Leafs depth on defence and the Kings recent draft history to see potential for a Luke Schenn trade to Los Angeles, uniting the brothers as Brayden enters the NHL. One could also see a trade done that would send Brayden to Toronto. What players could be involved? I don't know, what do I look like, someone who has thought this through? I would take Wayne Simmons though.
2. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: The Jackets are probably open to trades to acquire defence. Their top scoring blueliner this season was Anton Stralman and highest paid D-man is Mike Commodore (at 3.75M), so there's room for growth. What makes them a potential trading partner? They have Samuel Pahlsson and Jakub Voracek, both of whome Burke would be interested in. Pahlsson as the Leafs shut down centerman is a no-brainer for Burke, I'm sure. Who goes back? Obviously Kaberle if Voracek is in the deal, but for Pahlsson could Jeff Finger and a prospect do the trick (since Finger makes $1M more than Pahlsson)? Is Scott Howsen (Columbus GM) related to Daryll Sutter by any chance?
3. ATLANTA THRASHERS/BOSTON BRUINS/ANAHEIM DUCKS: These teams each hold two picks in the first round this June. Which means one or all of them could be open to moving one. BOSTON have already tried to trade for Kaberle and there's the added element that they have Toronto's own pick this June. ATLANTA are probably willing to give up picks since the draft hasn't helped them much lately and they wanted roster players for Kovulchuk so how interested in the draft can they be? Nobody would blink if ANAHEIM and Toronto made another deal so they need the least explaining.
4. PHOENIX COYOTES: This will be an interesting summer for GM Don Maloney as he has only three defenceman signed for next season and a whopping $25M or so in cap space (if I've done my math right). While much of that money will have to be spent on forwards, Kaberle could be a potential target and Maloney was the busiest GM at trade deadline so he's not afraid to make a trade. Phoenix also has TWO 1st-round draft picks to use in any deal.
5. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: If Burke and Nonis are serious about getting themselves a 1st round pick the Lightning might be worth calling. They have the #6 overall position, which is smack in between the last two positions the Leafs drafted (Kadri 7th, Schenn 5th). Good omen? Not sure about that, but one would think that after drafting #1 and #2 the last two years perhaps they are willing to trade this years pick. It's not like they've been all that lucky at the draft outside the 1st overall spot anyway. I mean, look at this heinous draft history???
Anyone else got any ideas?
1. LA KINGS: One only has to look at the Leafs depth on defence and the Kings recent draft history to see potential for a Luke Schenn trade to Los Angeles, uniting the brothers as Brayden enters the NHL. One could also see a trade done that would send Brayden to Toronto. What players could be involved? I don't know, what do I look like, someone who has thought this through? I would take Wayne Simmons though.
2. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: The Jackets are probably open to trades to acquire defence. Their top scoring blueliner this season was Anton Stralman and highest paid D-man is Mike Commodore (at 3.75M), so there's room for growth. What makes them a potential trading partner? They have Samuel Pahlsson and Jakub Voracek, both of whome Burke would be interested in. Pahlsson as the Leafs shut down centerman is a no-brainer for Burke, I'm sure. Who goes back? Obviously Kaberle if Voracek is in the deal, but for Pahlsson could Jeff Finger and a prospect do the trick (since Finger makes $1M more than Pahlsson)? Is Scott Howsen (Columbus GM) related to Daryll Sutter by any chance?
3. ATLANTA THRASHERS/BOSTON BRUINS/ANAHEIM DUCKS: These teams each hold two picks in the first round this June. Which means one or all of them could be open to moving one. BOSTON have already tried to trade for Kaberle and there's the added element that they have Toronto's own pick this June. ATLANTA are probably willing to give up picks since the draft hasn't helped them much lately and they wanted roster players for Kovulchuk so how interested in the draft can they be? Nobody would blink if ANAHEIM and Toronto made another deal so they need the least explaining.
4. PHOENIX COYOTES: This will be an interesting summer for GM Don Maloney as he has only three defenceman signed for next season and a whopping $25M or so in cap space (if I've done my math right). While much of that money will have to be spent on forwards, Kaberle could be a potential target and Maloney was the busiest GM at trade deadline so he's not afraid to make a trade. Phoenix also has TWO 1st-round draft picks to use in any deal.
5. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: If Burke and Nonis are serious about getting themselves a 1st round pick the Lightning might be worth calling. They have the #6 overall position, which is smack in between the last two positions the Leafs drafted (Kadri 7th, Schenn 5th). Good omen? Not sure about that, but one would think that after drafting #1 and #2 the last two years perhaps they are willing to trade this years pick. It's not like they've been all that lucky at the draft outside the 1st overall spot anyway. I mean, look at this heinous draft history???
Anyone else got any ideas?
Chris DiDomenico
Next to Nazem Kadri, this is the prospect I'm most excited about.
For those who don't remember, DiDomenico busted his femur a year or so ago and despite some folks saying he may never skate again, he was back to finish the last 12 games of the 2009/2010 season and playoffs for Drummondville of the Q.
In those 12 regular season games he had 22 points.
In 14 playoff games he scored 21 points.
He's not a huge guy at 5'11", but he plays with an edge. You may remember him from the gold-medal winning junior team a few years ago when he enraged team USA by skating by their bench yapping after a Canada goal. He's got personality. To go along with his scoring prowess he's excellent on faceoffs, already known for his defensive play and trained with the Leafs staff for the last year at Mastercard centre adding muscle and strength to his frame.
Brian Burke in his outgoing interview was asked about DiDomenico (I think Berger asked him) said that DiDo missed a whole year and is behind in his development. However all his numbers since the injury have been excellent, and at 20 years old he'll be on the Marlies and as far as I'm concerned will be on the Leafs this season at some point to stay.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
What about Marty Turco?
Lots of talk about offer sheets to Montreal goalies. Got me thinking. What about some of the UFA goalies out there, or the defenceman and forwards available? Both the Leafs and Sens will be actively going after at least some players on this list.
Who do you want?
I could see the Leafs looking at a guy like Tyler Pyatt perhaps? Or Aaron Asham. Frolov?
Back to the Turco thing, do the Sens need a big time UFA goalie or just a solid veteran guy to come in and solidify the position while Leclaire or Elliott decide who is the guy?
TIME TO RETHINK GRABOVSKI?
Remember when Mikael Grabovski and Sergei Kostitsyn had their feud and everyone was saying Grabovski is trouble in the dressing room and everybody hates him in Montreal and the Leafs were fools for trading for him?
Perhaps it wasn't Grabovski after all?
Who do you want?
I could see the Leafs looking at a guy like Tyler Pyatt perhaps? Or Aaron Asham. Frolov?
Back to the Turco thing, do the Sens need a big time UFA goalie or just a solid veteran guy to come in and solidify the position while Leclaire or Elliott decide who is the guy?
TIME TO RETHINK GRABOVSKI?
Remember when Mikael Grabovski and Sergei Kostitsyn had their feud and everyone was saying Grabovski is trouble in the dressing room and everybody hates him in Montreal and the Leafs were fools for trading for him?
Perhaps it wasn't Grabovski after all?
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
In the 3rd round the Leafs select....
This is an article by Mike Ulmer that sheds some light on the draft positions of those players making some of the biggest noise in the NHL playoffs so far.
Read it here.
While the Leafs would love to have Kessel AND their first two draft picks this June, we maybe shouldn't discount what can be harvested from rounds 3 through 7. In other words the Leafs (and everyone else) still have a lot to benefit from the 2010 draft beyond the top ranked picks.
****
With the 7th overall pick the Maple Leafs select...
The OHL playoffs have wrapped up and what's not surprising is that the Spitfires were victorious with Taylor Hall as the tournaments leading scorer. What is perhaps surprising to everyone except maybe Bryan Murray and Brian Burke, is that Nazem Kadri finished 4th in scoring - only a handful of points behind Hall and yet he played 9 to 11 games less than anybody else around him on the list. He couldn't help his team get out of the 2nd round, in the end, but he certainly made his point - he's outgrown the junior ranks. Now lets hope he's busy right now, as I write this, putting on 15 pounds of Senator hate.
Read it here.
While the Leafs would love to have Kessel AND their first two draft picks this June, we maybe shouldn't discount what can be harvested from rounds 3 through 7. In other words the Leafs (and everyone else) still have a lot to benefit from the 2010 draft beyond the top ranked picks.
****
With the 7th overall pick the Maple Leafs select...
The OHL playoffs have wrapped up and what's not surprising is that the Spitfires were victorious with Taylor Hall as the tournaments leading scorer. What is perhaps surprising to everyone except maybe Bryan Murray and Brian Burke, is that Nazem Kadri finished 4th in scoring - only a handful of points behind Hall and yet he played 9 to 11 games less than anybody else around him on the list. He couldn't help his team get out of the 2nd round, in the end, but he certainly made his point - he's outgrown the junior ranks. Now lets hope he's busy right now, as I write this, putting on 15 pounds of Senator hate.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Canucks or Blackhawks?
I have Chicago in my pool going all the way but it would be pretty tough not to cheer for Vancouver to get through to the conference finals in the west. Burke and Nonis still have their fingerprints all over the team, they are of course Canadian and far enough away that no Sens or Leafs fan can honestly dislike them, and they've never won the cup, ever.
Chicago haven't won a cup since 1961 and you have to love how they play and the fans in Chicago most certainly deserve it for coming back to this team and supporting them so strongly. A series between them and Pittsburgh would be a dream series if you ask me, some of the youngest stars in the game fighting it out...
Based on the Sedin's who I can now see why Burke flew to Sweden to try and court had they become UFA's in July 2010, I think Vancouver may get through this series. It would be a great year for Vancouver who have had a lot to cheer about since the beginning of the Olympics.
So much for winning my pool though...
Chicago haven't won a cup since 1961 and you have to love how they play and the fans in Chicago most certainly deserve it for coming back to this team and supporting them so strongly. A series between them and Pittsburgh would be a dream series if you ask me, some of the youngest stars in the game fighting it out...
Based on the Sedin's who I can now see why Burke flew to Sweden to try and court had they become UFA's in July 2010, I think Vancouver may get through this series. It would be a great year for Vancouver who have had a lot to cheer about since the beginning of the Olympics.
So much for winning my pool though...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Throwing it out there
Anyone think Murray should drop an offer sheet on Price or Halak? Multi-year deal at 3.9 per? Compensation would be 1st and a 3rd.
Montreal is tight to the cap - they can't pay both that much.
We'd have 3.0 mil or so left to pick up a UFA defenceman - not enough for Volchenkov obviously.
Montreal is tight to the cap - they can't pay both that much.
We'd have 3.0 mil or so left to pick up a UFA defenceman - not enough for Volchenkov obviously.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Brian Burke is a genius.
Was signing Francois Allaire the best move Burke has made as the Leafs GM? I think it's up there, right next to the Phaneuf trade.
Yet another player chooses Toronto because of Allaire.
This from a story in the Star:
"As a college graduate, Ben Scrivens can obviously do the math. And he understands the Leafs have already been adding some impressive netminders to their depth chart.
But that didn't stop the Cornell goaltending star from signing a one-year entry level contract with Toronto on Wednesday. Not when it meant a chance to work with coach Francois Allaire.
Through a connection last summer — one of Scrivens' teammates at Cornell was the son of former Swiss team coach Ralph Krueger — the 22-year-old was invited as a last-minute fill-in at an elite goaltending camp in Switzerland run by Allaire; a camp attended in the past by the likes of Jonas Hiller, David Aebischer and Martin Gerber.
Scrivens was impressed.
“(Allaire) has got the reputation he has for a good reason. You don't have that many people develop without doing a whole lot of things in the right way,” Scrivens said in a telephone interview.
“I was very happy I was given the opportunity to work with him. ... He was very influential in the past season I had. I learned a ton in one week so I'm very excited to see what I can do with him this year.”
Yet another player chooses Toronto because of Allaire.
This from a story in the Star:
"As a college graduate, Ben Scrivens can obviously do the math. And he understands the Leafs have already been adding some impressive netminders to their depth chart.
But that didn't stop the Cornell goaltending star from signing a one-year entry level contract with Toronto on Wednesday. Not when it meant a chance to work with coach Francois Allaire.
Through a connection last summer — one of Scrivens' teammates at Cornell was the son of former Swiss team coach Ralph Krueger — the 22-year-old was invited as a last-minute fill-in at an elite goaltending camp in Switzerland run by Allaire; a camp attended in the past by the likes of Jonas Hiller, David Aebischer and Martin Gerber.
Scrivens was impressed.
“(Allaire) has got the reputation he has for a good reason. You don't have that many people develop without doing a whole lot of things in the right way,” Scrivens said in a telephone interview.
“I was very happy I was given the opportunity to work with him. ... He was very influential in the past season I had. I learned a ton in one week so I'm very excited to see what I can do with him this year.”
How about those Habs?
I'm actually quite excited about it. No no, not because I like the Habs or dislike the Caps. I couldn't care less which team got through and if it makes some of my Montreal buddies happy for a few days than so be it. Did I think they would beat the Caps? Absolutely not, so It was surprising and you have to tip your hat.
No, what's really exciting for me is that 95% of people took Washington players in my office playoff pool. This little upset just positioned me to win some money on hockey. A trend I do believe will continue with my bets with THM here at BoO. Although we'll have to wait more than a few weeks for that one.
+++
Just had a quick peak at salary cap for next season. Leafs have $44M committed and the Sens $49M. Sens have 16 players signed while the Leafs have 13, although that number is skewed since it does not include anybody who didn't play on the team last season. Both teams could be bringing along a prospect or two this year.
What is the cap ceiling supposed to be this season? Anybody?
No, what's really exciting for me is that 95% of people took Washington players in my office playoff pool. This little upset just positioned me to win some money on hockey. A trend I do believe will continue with my bets with THM here at BoO. Although we'll have to wait more than a few weeks for that one.
+++
Just had a quick peak at salary cap for next season. Leafs have $44M committed and the Sens $49M. Sens have 16 players signed while the Leafs have 13, although that number is skewed since it does not include anybody who didn't play on the team last season. Both teams could be bringing along a prospect or two this year.
What is the cap ceiling supposed to be this season? Anybody?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Leafs signing
Only days after signing finnish goalie Jussi Rynnas, the Leafs sign ECAC All-Star Ben Scrivens.
Looks like Reimer has his work cut out for him next year.
Looks like Reimer has his work cut out for him next year.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The simplest roster to return
The easiest thing for Murray is to bring back pretty much the same team - I've put in some estimates for Volchenkov, and the RFAs Foligno and Regin. Don't see any way Cullen, who should see about 4 mil, can fit under the cap even without Volchenkov unless you think a Wiercioch, Cowen or Lee and Campoli can play regularly - I don't. Butler will also be looking for a spot at camp.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Something to take away the pain...
I was hungover well into the 17h00 timeslot Sunday evening and am only now looking through newspaper sports pages, processing what happened Saturday night. It's all terribly depressing and I'm sure other Senators fans feel the same.
It's time to start healing, folks. And we need to get this underway so we can start speculating about and discussing things like A-Train's future in Ottawa, Karlsson's 10/11 Norris, Chris Neil having more playoff goals than any member of the Maple Leafs in the last 6 years, the stunning overachievement of the Senators this year and the affects Alfie's month-long stomach tear.
Let's begin the healing with this
Friday, April 23, 2010
Check it. Again.
This worked for the last game. As mentioned the first time, it's going to appear before each game. Here's hoping it becomes a meme!
Infiltration success
There's a must read over at the centre of douchbloggery (I kid, PPP, I kid).
Sens Army has gained a centurion in Dave Daytona. Welcome Dave! The writeup that appears in that link is worthy of a glass case along side the Treaty of Versaille. Balls, dude!
Oh, you all thought I was referring to Dave's post as the must read, right? No, no... I was referring to the comments following the article. There's some gold in there! Pure hatred and loathing; as pure as the sap from a Northern Maple untouched by Toronto's pollution. I tip my feathery centurion hat to Jared & PPP themselves for remaining true to their beliefs much like a deep-south pastor visiting the Smithsonian's evolution exhibit.
To introduce you to Dave, I've attached a photo of him in the uniform he received this morning:
DaveDaytona: warrior poet. 1st class officer in Sens Army.
Update: Dave attempts to punk former fellow leaf fans @ 13:42 in an effort to deflect the dangerous situation he has placed himself in with a weak denial. Don't worry buddy, we've got your back. You're a Sens Fan legend now!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
An Invitation to Adam
Dearest Adam,
Please commence bashing the next Senator player on your list. I've proven my worth.
Yours in truculence responsible defensive play and GWG OT goals,
Matt Carkner.
_____________________________________________
Pascal Leclaire: 57 saves on 59 shots. Game Star #1
Matt Carkner: 28:59 TOI; +1; zero PIM, 1 GWG,... in OT. Game Star #2. Suck it Colton.
And here it is:
Lines for tonight?
Wallace from TSN has practice lines today:
Regin-Spezza-Foligno
Cullen-Fisher-Shannon
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Winchester-Smith-Donovan
Regin-Spezza-Foligno
Cullen-Fisher-Shannon
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Winchester-Smith-Donovan
Aflie not practicing today. Based on how they practiced the other day (Donovan practicing with Spezza/Regin) this might mean Foligno will sit, Shannon gets on a scoring line (much better spot for him than the 4th line) and Donovan gets in to bang.
THM Update: Leclaire gets the call for tonight.
Check it
Five-O dropped it in the comments and we're going to promote it.
If the Sens win, this gets played before every game.
If the Sens win, this gets played before every game.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Brightside
Pile on!
Feschuk:
The scene: occupied France.
The time: 1943.
Jason Spezza is an allied spy during the Second World War – a man charged with protecting at all costs a code-breaking device that could shift the balance against the Nazi menace and preserve freedom for all. Imagine what happens next…
Spezza [handing over code-breaking device]: Here you go.
Hitler: Thanks.
The scene: occupied France.
The time: 1943.
Jason Spezza is an allied spy during the Second World War – a man charged with protecting at all costs a code-breaking device that could shift the balance against the Nazi menace and preserve freedom for all. Imagine what happens next…
Spezza [handing over code-breaking device]: Here you go.
Hitler: Thanks.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Trolling thread
No reason to have the Leaf fans bury their comments within another thread. They'll all be here in a moment so here's my little gift to you folks who wish to troll and for those who will get sucked in. Have at 'er.
I'll summarize all of the following blue and white comments:
"blah, blah, blah"
"Yak, yak, yak."
That pretty much ends the Leafer contribution there.
Rise of the Phoenix?
Fuck the 'Yotes for interfering with my headline; this isn't about them or Buttman.
This is about the Ottawa Senators and potentially Jonathan Cheechoo. The Senators are down 2-1 against the Sidney Crosby and some teet-suckling fanboys who join him on the ice. It's apparently time to let go of reason and bash the crap out of anything that moves. Desperation hockey rarely results in victory. I'm personally hoping they elect controlled chaos. Biig hits can be quickly replaced by big misses.
The Ottawa Citizen has it right in their headline. Crosby need merely be contained - not maimed. When hit, he gets revenge; when contained he gets his soother out.
One aspect the Senators may be bringing back (gone away with the loss of Michalek) getting to MAF. Cheechoo and Donnovan may dress tonight in place of Shannon and (???) and achieve that goal.
Could Cheechoo be Ottawa's rising phoenix (fuck you AZ) today? Wouldn't that be quite the story.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Lineup
One change I've thought maybe the Sens need to try is the line they played with one time against the Caps/Ovechkin. They had Kelly center Alfie/Fisher and they effectively shut down the caps top line.
Who'd play with Spezza? Regin and Cullen? Or Regin and the Cheechoo train? Am I that desperate?
Who'd play with Spezza? Regin and Cullen? Or Regin and the Cheechoo train? Am I that desperate?
Ten Things: First Round Playoff Edition
1. It's 8:49am and already three people have stopped by my desk to talk about Crosby. His moves, his hit on Afraidsson and his domination of hockey in general. "He's the best in the world" was one man's coffee-rattled opinion. And yet, I think I read at least two Sens fans yesterday who called him a "puke", and a few more more who called him a diving something or other. That's the playoffs for you. It's perfectly normal during a series to hate a player who may just be the best on the planet right now. The question is, will you keep hating him after the series or is this temporary?
2. In the last ten NHL playoffs (since 1999) EVERY team in the NHL has made the playoffs at least once. What's more interesting is that every single team in the NHL has been eliminated in a 1st round series during that stretch.
3. In the same stretch, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Ottawa are the NHL leaders in first round exits. 5 times each. The only question now is who will fall for a 6th time?
3. San Jose lost in the first round twice since 1999. Neither of those series were under Ron Wilson's watch.
4. The Leafs have only lost in the first round once since 1999. Helping to ensure the Leafs have a league low in this category over that stretch? Sucking ass and not making the playoffs in the first place.
5. If you actually think Karma exists I offer this retort: Daniel Carcillo.
6. The Sharks are looking like crap again this playoffs. If they fall in the first round or even the second, it will be a colossal failure for that franchise. I officially declare today the day we officially all agree that Ron Wilson wasn't the problem.
7. Speaking of failures, who if anybody will wear the Sens playoff failure if they do go out in the first round? One would assume that Clouston is safe since he's done a fairly good job all things considered. Afraidsson is getting pre-game celebrations thrown at him so certainly Sens fans will never blame him for their 6th first-round departure in 11 playoffs. Will this be Murray's head, or will Sens fans and more importantly Melnyk even see a first round exit against the Cup champs as a failure?
8. I like everything about Phoenix going far in the playoffs except for one thing: It will make Bettman right. He said this franchise could turn around and it has, remarkably fast. More proof on that whole karma thing.
9. It's only the first round and already my wife is getting a little edgy about how much hockey I'm watching in the den. She can't understand why I care so much now that the Leafs are eliminated? So I said I would cut it back and follow in full on TV only one series per round. I feel OK with this since starting next season I will be watching the Leafs in the playoffs and won't even be home most nights.
10. It's been six years since there's been a playoff game in Toronto. I figure at some point today somebody will mention it on this blog. Lets just get it out of the way now huh?
2. In the last ten NHL playoffs (since 1999) EVERY team in the NHL has made the playoffs at least once. What's more interesting is that every single team in the NHL has been eliminated in a 1st round series during that stretch.
3. In the same stretch, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Ottawa are the NHL leaders in first round exits. 5 times each. The only question now is who will fall for a 6th time?
3. San Jose lost in the first round twice since 1999. Neither of those series were under Ron Wilson's watch.
4. The Leafs have only lost in the first round once since 1999. Helping to ensure the Leafs have a league low in this category over that stretch? Sucking ass and not making the playoffs in the first place.
5. If you actually think Karma exists I offer this retort: Daniel Carcillo.
6. The Sharks are looking like crap again this playoffs. If they fall in the first round or even the second, it will be a colossal failure for that franchise. I officially declare today the day we officially all agree that Ron Wilson wasn't the problem.
7. Speaking of failures, who if anybody will wear the Sens playoff failure if they do go out in the first round? One would assume that Clouston is safe since he's done a fairly good job all things considered. Afraidsson is getting pre-game celebrations thrown at him so certainly Sens fans will never blame him for their 6th first-round departure in 11 playoffs. Will this be Murray's head, or will Sens fans and more importantly Melnyk even see a first round exit against the Cup champs as a failure?
8. I like everything about Phoenix going far in the playoffs except for one thing: It will make Bettman right. He said this franchise could turn around and it has, remarkably fast. More proof on that whole karma thing.
9. It's only the first round and already my wife is getting a little edgy about how much hockey I'm watching in the den. She can't understand why I care so much now that the Leafs are eliminated? So I said I would cut it back and follow in full on TV only one series per round. I feel OK with this since starting next season I will be watching the Leafs in the playoffs and won't even be home most nights.
10. It's been six years since there's been a playoff game in Toronto. I figure at some point today somebody will mention it on this blog. Lets just get it out of the way now huh?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
GDT: Eastern Quarter Final game 3. 6:30 start
Ottawa exceeds expectations first by making the playoffs (preseason expectations were to miss) then splitting the present series against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Coming home from Pittsburgh where the match-up saw a dialing up of the physicality, we can foresee a continuance of the smash-n'-bash highlighted by the best clean hockey hit of the year followed shortly thereafter by the best 1st assist of the year (fuck you Chris Campoli - learn how to block a shot).
Pittsburgh has become our post-lockout nemesis and this series looks to take the rivalry to a 2nd level. ScotiaBank Place will be insane this evening and, unless we get the post-aggressive lameness we've seen in match ups of the past, there will be tonnes of hits.
There is absolutely nothing like watching your team in the playoffs. You hear that Leafers?
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Post-game comments
While it was disappointing seeing a loss last night, one can't be disappointed in a split heading home.
Bob McKenzie gives sufficient commentary for the Crosby/Spezza action on the Letang goal and a few words about Sutton's hit on Leopold. Not much else needs to be said on either of those except to all who are jumping all over Spezza for not containing Crosby: Remember when we all called for Spezza to be more responsible defensively? Yeah, fuck all of you now complaining about him behind his own net trying to contain the world's best hockey player and doing a damned fine job of keeping up with the shiftiness. Whomever should've been watching Letang and not being mesmerized by the pairs dancing exhibition behind Elliott is the guy who should be held responsible.
I (heart) Sutton
Update:
"Somebody was on me, I don’t know who was following me around, but they were tracking me pretty good,” he said. “Finally I got a step, and I tried to get to the net, but they had a ton of guys there and I think a couple of our guys were there as well. So I just tried to make the play[.] [Tanger] had tons of time and he did a great job of getting it through.”
Friday, April 16, 2010
Big game?
It's such a cliche of course after the first game in a seven game series but if Pit loses this game they have a very big hill to climb.
Whowins.com has the odds for these sorts of things and shows that 70 times in the NHL a visiting team has won the first two games and 76% of the time they go on to win the series.
Finer resolution shows it's happened 24 times in the 1st round and 67% of the time they win the series.
As for winning the first game on the road in a first round series? 71 teams have one the first on the road and 36 have gone on to win the series for a 51% winning percentage.
I'm thinking this game goes big either way - either Elliot or Fleury implode. I'll be overly optimistic and say 5-1 Sens.
Whowins.com has the odds for these sorts of things and shows that 70 times in the NHL a visiting team has won the first two games and 76% of the time they go on to win the series.
Finer resolution shows it's happened 24 times in the 1st round and 67% of the time they win the series.
As for winning the first game on the road in a first round series? 71 teams have one the first on the road and 36 have gone on to win the series for a 51% winning percentage.
I'm thinking this game goes big either way - either Elliot or Fleury implode. I'll be overly optimistic and say 5-1 Sens.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Cheechoo up?
Shannon likely to take his spot, but we might be closer to seeing Cheechoo back on the ice.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Guest post - Yoda
Our resident Pens fan writes in...
So with the playoffs around the corner I want to throw my views out there. I know Duff will whole-heartily agree with everything I say here. :)
First My prediction, Pens in 5 games. First 2 go to the Pens in Pittsburgh, then they Split in Ottawa and the Pens put the nail in the coffin back at home in Game 5.
I’m basing this on being a Pens fan and the fact that:
• Goaltending
Elliot wins all the Stats except for Games won. But with 12 fewer games played it’s a close call.
Playoff Experience: Fleury wins
• Centers: (Top 4) Overall Edge Pittsburgh
Points: Pittsburgh wins 260-171. This one isn’t even fair. Jordan stall the 3rd line center has 4 fewer goals than Ottawa’s top goal getter in Mike Fisher. I think someone misses Heatley!
Face Off %: Ottawa Wins. Crosby wins this battle at 55.9%.
+/- : Pittsburgh wins with a combined +38 for the top 4 centers. Ottawa was +4
• Wingers: (Top 8) Overall Edge Pittsburgh
Points: Pittsburgh Wins 191 to 158. Though Alfraidsson leads the way with 71
+/-: Pittsburgh wins -5 to -21. Matt “One Punch” Cooke leads the way at a plus 17
• Defense: (Top 8) Overall Edge Pittsburgh
Points: Pittsburgh Wins 199-139. The Sarge wins the individual at 50 Points
+/-: Pittsburgh wins +22 to -10. Phillips wins at a +8
So with the playoffs around the corner I want to throw my views out there. I know Duff will whole-heartily agree with everything I say here. :)
First My prediction, Pens in 5 games. First 2 go to the Pens in Pittsburgh, then they Split in Ottawa and the Pens put the nail in the coffin back at home in Game 5.
I’m basing this on being a Pens fan and the fact that:
• Goaltending
Elliot wins all the Stats except for Games won. But with 12 fewer games played it’s a close call.
Playoff Experience: Fleury wins
• Centers: (Top 4) Overall Edge Pittsburgh
Points: Pittsburgh wins 260-171. This one isn’t even fair. Jordan stall the 3rd line center has 4 fewer goals than Ottawa’s top goal getter in Mike Fisher. I think someone misses Heatley!
Face Off %: Ottawa Wins. Crosby wins this battle at 55.9%.
+/- : Pittsburgh wins with a combined +38 for the top 4 centers. Ottawa was +4
• Wingers: (Top 8) Overall Edge Pittsburgh
Points: Pittsburgh Wins 191 to 158. Though Alfraidsson leads the way with 71
+/-: Pittsburgh wins -5 to -21. Matt “One Punch” Cooke leads the way at a plus 17
• Defense: (Top 8) Overall Edge Pittsburgh
Points: Pittsburgh Wins 199-139. The Sarge wins the individual at 50 Points
+/-: Pittsburgh wins +22 to -10. Phillips wins at a +8
Enough with the stats. The only advantage Ottawa has is maybe their top shut down pair but that is negated by having to go up against 3 solid scoring lines. Anyway you cut it I can’t see Ottawa winning unless Elliot can become the next coming of Patrick Roy & Ken Dryden. Pittsburgh has the advantage of last change should the series go long along with the Home Ice factor
THM Addendum: Much past commentary makes a lot more sense now :)
trial
Name | GP | Record | SV% | GAA |
Elliott, Brian | 55 43* | 15-27-9 13-19-8-3* | .893 .894* | 3.34 3.19* |
Leclaire, Pascal | 14 | 4-7-1 | .908 | 2.83 |
McElhinney, Curtis | 7 | 3-4-0 | .917 | 2.56 |
Gustavsson, Jonas | 23 | 6-13-2 | .890 | 3.29 |
Guguere, Jean-Sebastien | 33 | 11-11-4 | .900 | 2.87 |
Reimer, James | 37 | 20-10-5 | .921 | 2.60 |
Anderson, Craig | 51 18* | 24-20-4 11-5-1* | .913 .939* | 2.83 2.05* |
*record with Ottawa
Brian “1 thru 5 holes” Elliott was traded before the trade deadline in a goalie swap for Craig Anderson. Bryan Murphy is a thief. Elliott was never intended to play more than 15 to 20 games a season so it was a rough situation to be put in. We wish him well. Evaluation No longer a factor going forward.(fuck yeah, Bryan!)
Pascal “Hasek Pt II” Leclaire was supposed to be the starting goaltender this year and things started out that way. He was perhaps the only player in the early goings who was effective in his role. He played stellar hockey while the team in front of him failed to yield any support. What was once thought to be a groin injury occurred on a seemingly innocuous stoppage of the puck. It has since been re-evaluated as an extremely difficult to diagnose hip injury. He was playing lights-out until that unfortunate development. Leclaire was waived and has not been offered a new contract. Evaluation: No longer a factor going forward.
Curtis “Even the Irish can’t pronounce it” McElhinney had an interesting route to Ottawa. Traded by the Anaheim Ducks for Dan Ellis in a backups trade then - 5 hours later - waived by TB and subsequently collected by Ottawa as their backup going forward (who paid for him this year??). McElheinney, you may recall, has a little relationship to the Leafs goaltending history in that he was traded from Anaheim to the Ducks in exchange for Vesa “Doctor, I smell” Toastkala. McElhinney played reasonably well in the games he started. He appears to be a capable backup, but has never played more than 14 games. McElhinney is presently unsigned by the Senators and thus this Evaluation Unclear how he will be a factor going forward.
Jonas “The Non-ster” Gustavsson was once proclaimed by Brian Burke as ‘The best goaltender not playing in the NHL’. That’s some awesome vision on Burkie’s part. A Francois “I’m still relevant!” Allaire type goalie, The Non-ster is a questionable backup to a first year rookie. Huge misstep by Burke in signing this guy. Expect him to play portions of back-to-back games when the opponent is not one of Boston, Montreal or Ottawa. Evaluation: Could become the starter if (when) Reimer’s bubble bursts.
J.S. “I <3 Burkie” Giguere was acquired from Anaheim for Jason Blake and Vesa Toskala. Who was the dumber GM in that situation? Draw. Will Burke’s penchant for signing and keeping his friends on payroll despite abysmal performances (more on Wilson later) keep Giguere as an option in net? Brodeur never needed pads his size. Will Giggy retire? Will he stick around as a completely unnecessary ‘assistant goalie coach’ or will he get a modest 1-2 year contract as insurance. Evaluation: Unknown factor going forward.
The Starters
And now we arrive at the main event - the starters.
First up is “future Hall of Famer”, “best rookie goalie in, well, forever”, “the Great Mormon Hope”, “It’s up to Him” James “Optimus” Reimer. Ok, he’s got a cool nickname and a pending trademark infringement suit. I admit, I was originally confused by the nickname as I would pronounce it “Ree-mer” and then giggle at the possible connotations. It wasn’t until I heard Kypreos proclaim him the real deal (he’s fuckin’ cursed now) or something to that effect, that I figured out the pronunciation. The same things are being said of Reimer that were being said of Gustavsson in April of last year, and the same things that were said of Toskala leading in to his first season. He does have a respectable SV% & GAA at .921 and 2.60 respectively. Was this just the result of the now-traditional April surge by the Leafs or he a genuine solid goalie from which we can expect similar numbers going forward? Reimer will play backup-backup for Canada at the World Championships. No other Canadian goalies were available. One interesting thing to note: Reimer isn’t a Burke guy - he was JFJ’s work. Evaluation: If he sucks next year then Jesus clearly hates the Leafs.
This brings us to the Ottawa Senators starting goalie Craig “hey Brian, I stop pucks!” Anderson. He was on Murray’s radar for sometime (Murray’s daughter lives in Colorado so Murray would watch him with some frequency) and was an intended July 1 target of the Senators. A 4 year contract at a modest valuation and no NMC/NTC makes him trade-able if things don’t work out but his numbers with the Senators bested Toronto’s All World Rookie Phenom by quite a bit and on a team with practically no quality defensive defensemen (sorry Phillips - here’s hoping for a rebound). As soon as he stepped on the ice, he was controlling the movement of his defensemen by instruction, approaching the bench to encourage/direct players during stoppages in play and making sound positional decisions. Evaluation: solid foundation in net for a multi-year rebuild.
Coming soon...... Ron Wilson stays, Better coaches fired and a really sweet look at special teams!
The Goalies
Breakdown by the Ottawa Citizen:
| Brian Elliott, Senators | Marc-André Fleury, Penguins | |
| 25 | Age | 25 |
| 6-2 | Height | 6-2 |
| 201 pounds | Weight | 180 pounds |
| Newmarket, Ont. | Hometown | Sorel, Que. |
| Left | Catches | Left |
| 29-18-4 | Record | 37-21-6 |
| 2.57 (19th) | Goals-against average | 2.65 (24th) |
| .909 (24th) | Save percentage | .905 (33rd) |
| 1,424 (21st) | Shots faced | 1,772 (13th) |
| 3,038 (19th) | Minutes | 3,798 (10th) |
| 5 (7th) | Shutouts | 1 (33rd) |
Playoffs!
Man - the sun is shining on Ottawa this morning. What a day to wake-up and get jacked about the playoffs.
I've read a lot of the previews and while Crosby could take over this series I think if Ottawa wins it will because of better play by Michalek, Regin, Cullen, Fisher, Foligno, and Kelly over Pittsburgh's Staal, Guerin, Dupuis, Kunitz, Ponikarovsky, and Cooke.
Elliot is going to have to play solid for sure and either goalie is capable of being the reason the team loses/wins the series.
A couple of previews over at Milks, Silver Seven, and Five for Smiting.
My prediction - Sens in 6, Fisher has a huge series, Karlson makes a difference, and Malkin is invisible.
I've read a lot of the previews and while Crosby could take over this series I think if Ottawa wins it will because of better play by Michalek, Regin, Cullen, Fisher, Foligno, and Kelly over Pittsburgh's Staal, Guerin, Dupuis, Kunitz, Ponikarovsky, and Cooke.
Elliot is going to have to play solid for sure and either goalie is capable of being the reason the team loses/wins the series.
A couple of previews over at Milks, Silver Seven, and Five for Smiting.
My prediction - Sens in 6, Fisher has a huge series, Karlson makes a difference, and Malkin is invisible.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
Team Canada's new captain.
Dates Cuthbert, hacks darts, drinks pints, black belt in karaoke, lays out mutherf*&kers.
What's not to like?
Dates Cuthbert, hacks darts, drinks pints, black belt in karaoke, lays out mutherf*&kers.
What's not to like?
What you really missed
If you look at the advert by MLSE and de-focus your eyes like with those 3D puzzles, you'd find this text appearing on your page:
To Our Fans THANK YOU for your passionate support of our financial report this season
The vision impairment of Toronto Maple Leaf fans is second to none (except maybe Ray Charles). We have the most delusional fans in the NHL and certainly in all of professional sports.
We end this season with a Maple Leaf team that is not really all that different in character from the one that left the ice last April. Today there is greater need for Adult Accompaniment at the local Cineplex among our players. We have a hardworking team that is less experienced, more impressionable and more convinced they are great without ever succeeding at the professional level with other teams.Our offseason begins with an even stronger commitment to our blueprint for building a winning team, and that team is Boston. It starts with solid goaltending that we traded for Andrew Raycroft and a formidable first round selection in this year's entry draft.
We've acquired some of the pieces that support our philosophy - but our work is not complete. We expect to have a busy summer as we continue to build a winning team by providing another top first round pick to Boston in next year's draft.
There is optimism in the Maple Leafs organization as there is every September and we hope Leafs Nation shares our spirit (we're just asking you to start sharing it earlier this time so you can forget about the draft and not be distracted by all those teams playing for the Cup).
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. It ensures our dividends remain high and that our executives can afford that third Harbourfront condo, perhaps in Trump's towers if he ever gets around to finishing that shit. We look forward to seeing you in September, just not in the lower bowl.
Sincerely, Your Masters and Overlords, the Executive and Shareholders of MLSE.
Cheechoo
Binghamton paper has a few quotes from Cheechoo as he's one of a few B-Sens players coming up as reserves:
A former 56-goal scorer with San Jose, he was sent down to Binghamton in February after spending the first four-plus months of the season with the big club. In 61 games with Ottawa, he had five goals and nine assists. In 25 games with Binghamton, he had eight goals and six assists, and Monday, he acknowledged getting his confidence back during his stay in the AHL.
"It's always good to go up there," Cheechoo said. "That's where I want to be. And I had fun down here, but at the same time, I think that's where I can play -- at that level -- and you never know if you're going to get a chance."
He added later, when asked if he expected to crack the Ottawa lineup during the postseason: "I think it's just a wait-and-see thing. I don't see myself cracking that lineup unless there's some injuries. So hopefully they can stay healthy, but at the same time, I'll be ready if they need me."
In case you missed it...
This is the copy from an ad that ran yesterday in the Toronto Star page S7. I've just retyped it here and if there are any errors they are probably mine:
To Our Fans THANK YOU for your passionate support this season.
The loyalty of Toronto Maple Leaf fans is second to none. We have the best fans in the NHL and arguably in all of professional sports.
We end this season with a Maple Leaf team that is different from the one that stepped onto the ice last October. Today there is greater chemistry among our players. We have a hardworking team that is younger, faster and more entertaining.
Our offseason begins with an even stronger commitment to our blueprint for building a winning team. It starts with solid goaltending and a formidable defence.
We've acquired some of the pieces that support our philosophy - but our work is not complete. We expect to have a busy summer as we continue to build a winning team.
There is optimism in the Maple Leafs organization and we hope Leafs Nation shares our spirit.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. We look forward to seeing you in September.
Sincerely, The Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club.
To Our Fans THANK YOU for your passionate support this season.
The loyalty of Toronto Maple Leaf fans is second to none. We have the best fans in the NHL and arguably in all of professional sports.
We end this season with a Maple Leaf team that is different from the one that stepped onto the ice last October. Today there is greater chemistry among our players. We have a hardworking team that is younger, faster and more entertaining.
Our offseason begins with an even stronger commitment to our blueprint for building a winning team. It starts with solid goaltending and a formidable defence.
We've acquired some of the pieces that support our philosophy - but our work is not complete. We expect to have a busy summer as we continue to build a winning team.
There is optimism in the Maple Leafs organization and we hope Leafs Nation shares our spirit.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. We look forward to seeing you in September.
Sincerely, The Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Future is now.
The Future for Ottawa commences Wednesday night as Tier I teams begin the true hockey season starting with the one-year-rebuilt Ottawa Senators visiting the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Tier II teams, including those that would be relegated to the minors if this were a serious league like those of European football, will be licking their wounds, making excuses, and denying realities. The Future for those teams (or their fans) is somewhere far away. But, despite evidence to the contrary, these Tier II teams are judged has having brighter days ahead than those of teams who are set to compete for what matters. So, let's look at a small piece of the alleged Silver Future of one of said Tier II teams in detail and see if the prognostications are realistic or if there is something, some direct compatible, perhaps, which might give better insight into the best-case realities one might expect.
Let's start with Kadri. Through a campaign of mis-education, mis-interpretation and - possibly - a severe case of delusional alcoholic rantings (we're concerned about Muppet here at BoO), Leaf Nation has been led to believe that his 'outstanding' OHL numbers translate into the best player slated to start in the NHL next year at centre or any other position.
Here are his OHL numbers from the last two years:
YR GP G A P PPG
08/09 56 25 53 78 1.39
09/10 56 35 58 93 1.66
The numbers, were they NHL numbers (and not OHL gift points) would be impressive. As they are, nothing we haven't seen many times before by far more complete players.
Now here is a quote from a reporter who follows Kadri's play throughout the year: "there are still many holes in [Kadri's] game. In order to play in the NHL, the kid has to stop turning the puck over in bad places."
Ah, HA! This sounds decidedly familiar to an oft-repeated (by Leaf fans) knock on one 1st line centre of the Ottawa Senators.
Dear friends, what we now have is the basis for a fair in-house comparison of two BoO players at the same position and a reasonable projection of NHL performance.
Nazem Kadri v. Jason Spezza.
I've presented Kadri's final two OHL season totals. I now give you Jason Spezza's totals for his final two OHL seasons and invite you to observe the comparables in light of Kadri's numbers above:
YR GP G A P PPG
00/01 56 43 73 116 2.07
01/02 53 42 63 105 1.98
In each case, Jason Spezza outperformed Nazem Kadri at the OHL level substantively and without the aid of someone as talented as single season OHL record setter in goals and points: John Tavares. Steve Ott and Brian McGratten were as good as it got.
Gentlemen and Leaf fans, it appears entirely conclusive that the Toronto Maple Leafs have drafted, at 7th position in the 2009 Entry Draft:
one class-B Jason Spezza.
Congrats leafers! It seems my opinion of the little throat slasher has risen ever so slightly. I suspect the comparison will not be met with as much favour in Leaf hamlet for fear of acknowledging the supreme skills of our big, reliable centre.
At least I know why Muppet won't back up his misspoken statement that Kadri will be rookie of the year next year
Quiz time!!
Ok, it's quiz time here at the BoO. Today's quiz will be easy for some, difficult for others, the divide likely based on the colour of hockey jersey you wear in the basement.
Today's question: is the following quote (after the jump) from an Ottawa Senator or Toronto Maple Leaf?
“It’s so funny how, especially when you’re locked in the playoffs, you get to the end of the season and you kind of feel tired. It’s been a long year, and all of a sudden you wake up the next day and you’re excited and you have energy, because the playoffs are here. It’s so much mental. That’s why we play the game, that’s why we’ve gone through all these ups and downs in a long season. It’s just to get to the post-season.“Now we’ve given ourselves an opportunity to win the Stanley Cup, and that’s what everyone’s dream is.”
Question 2 : in what grade would a child be if said child was conceived on the night of the last Leafs playoff game? Here is a little assistance for answering this question.
Ten Things
The hangover has just begun for Leaf fans. Thankfully, we will have 6-8 weeks of playoff hockey to keep our minds off what has just transpired. In the meantime...
1. Ottawa and Montreal are the only two teams in the playoffs who had a minus goal differential on the season. The Habs would be in 12th place in the west and if the Sens were an expansion team from Seattle instead of Ottawa, they would be emptying their lockers today with a 9th place finish. They would also be in Seattle, looking forward to a beautiful ocean view and incredible restaurants instead of dinner at a Kelsey's next to a river.
2. Raise your right hand if you are very seriously considering NOT picking ANY San Jose Shark players in your office playoff pool.
3. This link deserves more applaud so I'll re-paste it ask: "Evander, could you do this to Avery next year too"?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW9Sp-WndwA
5. Brian Burke's outgoing press conference today will consist of a lot of negative marks for himself, his coaches and his players. He'll be right. Although he will get some good marks for how the team finished, how he did as GM at the Olympics, and how he handled his son's coming out and then sudden death. It's been a tough year for Brian. One hopes he takes a few weeks and gets some sleep because with all due respect he looks just terrible.
6. Raise your left hand if you're now suddenly worried that if you don't take any Sharks in your pool will this be the year they go to the finals...
7. ODDS OF WINNING THE CUP: Washington Capitals 4/1, Pittsburgh Penguins 5/1, San Jose Sharks 5/1, Chicago Blackhawks 5/1, Detroit Red Wings 6/1, New Jersey Devils 10/1, Vancouver Canucks 10/1, Phoenix Coyotes 12/1, Buffalo Sabres 12/1, Ottawa Senators 20/1. ODDS THAT SENS FANS WILL MENTION THE LEAFS AT LEAST 27 TIMES TODAY AT BoO: 2-1
8. Speaking of bets, who wants to bet me that Ottawa don't make it out of the first round? $100. Money can go to a 3rd party until the series is over. Any takers? DC?
9. Raise both your hands if you're now completely insane trying to make your office playoff pool picks because now you're worried Colorado might upset San Jose...
10. You put down your arms and take all Detroit and Pittsburgh players and call it a day.
1. Ottawa and Montreal are the only two teams in the playoffs who had a minus goal differential on the season. The Habs would be in 12th place in the west and if the Sens were an expansion team from Seattle instead of Ottawa, they would be emptying their lockers today with a 9th place finish. They would also be in Seattle, looking forward to a beautiful ocean view and incredible restaurants instead of dinner at a Kelsey's next to a river.
2. Raise your right hand if you are very seriously considering NOT picking ANY San Jose Shark players in your office playoff pool.
3. This link deserves more applaud so I'll re-paste it ask: "Evander, could you do this to Avery next year too"?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW9Sp-WndwA
5. Brian Burke's outgoing press conference today will consist of a lot of negative marks for himself, his coaches and his players. He'll be right. Although he will get some good marks for how the team finished, how he did as GM at the Olympics, and how he handled his son's coming out and then sudden death. It's been a tough year for Brian. One hopes he takes a few weeks and gets some sleep because with all due respect he looks just terrible.
6. Raise your left hand if you're now suddenly worried that if you don't take any Sharks in your pool will this be the year they go to the finals...
7. ODDS OF WINNING THE CUP: Washington Capitals 4/1, Pittsburgh Penguins 5/1, San Jose Sharks 5/1, Chicago Blackhawks 5/1, Detroit Red Wings 6/1, New Jersey Devils 10/1, Vancouver Canucks 10/1, Phoenix Coyotes 12/1, Buffalo Sabres 12/1, Ottawa Senators 20/1. ODDS THAT SENS FANS WILL MENTION THE LEAFS AT LEAST 27 TIMES TODAY AT BoO: 2-1
8. Speaking of bets, who wants to bet me that Ottawa don't make it out of the first round? $100. Money can go to a 3rd party until the series is over. Any takers? DC?
9. Raise both your hands if you're now completely insane trying to make your office playoff pool picks because now you're worried Colorado might upset San Jose...
10. You put down your arms and take all Detroit and Pittsburgh players and call it a day.
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