Canuck players defend Vigneault / news links

You won't catch any players bad-mouthing Alain Vigneault's system in these tough times. When asked if AV was to blame Alex Burrows belted out:

"I think it's completely, bull****," said Burrows.
"We've lost seven or eight in a row, but he's not the problem. We've been in some different games where we've had penalty trouble, some other games we haven't been able to score, some others we couldn't keep the puck out of our net. So he's not the problem. He's not why we're losing. We just have to go back to work just like we did today and . . . get ready for Saturday and have a good game against the Wild."

Bernier chimed in:

"We all know it's the players on the ice who are doing the job," said Bernier.
"It's a good system. We just need to follow it. If we do it, we'll be back to where we were before these struggles. It's not the coach's fault. Sometimes you try to do somebody's job, and that's where you get caught. It's the same system we were winning with at the start of the season."

The anger from the fans and the rumors don't affect Ryan Kesler.

"I don't order the paper, I don't listen to the radio, and I don't watch TV, so it's not affecting me at all," said Kesler

. More at the Province.Hey this coach-defending is cute and all, and I think the players are going to do their best to come together. But if they don't succeed, the coach usually gets the axe.

---

Some arenas have questionable rules in regards to taking pictures. For example, you can snap pics at a Canucks game but you can't have a superzoom lens. I almost had my camera confiscated at a Prince George Cougars game because I wasn't allowed to take pictures AT ALL. Suckers.
Earlier this month, a 17 year old volunteer at an Ontario arena was banned from the building after taking pictures of Don Cherry and talking to him. He is hoping Grapes will say something about it on Coach's Corner.

---

Does Columbus' Mike Commodore know when to shut up? First he bad-mouths Mike Babcock and now Senator's GM Bryan Murray, who he played for in Ottawa.

"Bryan Murray said some things to the media that he shouldn't have," Commodore told the Dispatch in Columbus. "I'd have a meeting with him and he'd end up saying things to the media that he wouldn't say to my face.
I'm struggling, the team's struggling, and Bryan's telling the media that I'm a player with no hands and no ability. Then they'd come to me and I'd have to spin it somehow, or try to laugh it off."

Oh, but there's more.Way to start burning bridges, you idiot.

---

Old news: Unlike his bald buddy from Sweden, Peter Forsberg has made it clear that he will not play in the NHL this season due to his nagging foot injury. He will play for Modo instead. Actually, he signed there today.

---

From the Toronto Sun:

Several weeks ago, Brian Burke described the trade offers being presented to the Maple Leafs as "garbage."

That is not the case any more.

The Maple Leafs general manager admitted last night that talks are "heating up" as the March 4 trade deadline looms closer.

"I've had a couple of interesting calls in the past 48 hours," Burke said. "The talks are not boiling. And I would not say anything is imminent. But things definitely are heating up right now."

I wonder if Mike Gillis is one of the guys doing some inquiring. He may as well bring in Antropov and Ponikarovsky so Sundin has linemates that he can gel with. Send Bernier and Bieksa the other way. Did I say hat out loud? I'm kidding. We don't need Antro-karovsky here.

T Tags: Canucks+defend+Vigneault Mike+Commodore+bashes+Bryan+Murray jackass Brian+Burke Leafs+trade+talks Don+Cherry

Sundin decision could come by December 15 / Nonis to Leafs

It appears a Sundin decision may come soon, according to Sportsnet.

"We are driving towards making a decision by Dec. 15," J.P. Barry told the Vancouver Sun. "So right now we are trying to narrow the teams down. I have to ask some questions. There have been so many teams that have contacted us late so I need to go through the process and make sure I give Mats all the information."

I am not believing anything JP Barry says until the decision actually happens. This hoopla has gone on long enough. Like one commentor said at Sportsnet: "im still waiting to hear what his aug 1st deadline answer was"

That being said, I sure as hell hope Mats signs with the Canucks. Talk about a quick power play fix! Even seeing Sundin reunited with Wellwood would be a thrill for me personally. They had some good chemistry in Toronto a few years back.
Mike Gillis believes a Sundin decision may come soon:

Gillis told the TEAM 1040 in Vancouver that he is meeting with Sundin and his agent J.P. Barry over the next couple of days to make a final push for the Swede's services.

Gillis believes that Sundin will make a final decision within the next 10 days and remains confident that the Canucks are still in the running.

"Everything from our perspective has been positive with him from day one," Gillis told the TEAM. "He explained in detail how he felt about the situation he was in and I completely appreciate it. I've represented players who have been in similar situations and I understand and appreciate it. From where our team is today, I think he'd be the perfect fit for our group. He brings something to the table that would enhance our offense and enhance the leadership stuff that we are so focused on. Yeah, we're hoping that he'll come our way."

---

I am willing to bet that many Canucks fans are finding the new Burke / Nonis combo in Toronto kind of surreal. Does the picture below not anger you somewhat? They are playing for the enemy!
I am still trying to get used to the concept, but think this is a great combo for the Leafs.
















T Tags: Mats+Sundin+decision+soon Sundin+to+Canucks Nonis+to+Leafs senior+VP

Canucks 4 Leafs 2: The day after

That was a beautiful display put on by the Canucks last night.

- Can Wellwood roof the puck quick or what? He continues his brilliance and is officially recognized as a smart pickup in hockey pools. That is, according to Rotoworld.

-I was wondering how Lawrence Nycholat drew into the lineup... Edler had the flu.

- As much as I hate to say this...Welcome back, Demitra! I believe it was the Vancouver Sun saying today...if that's how Wellwood and Demitra can play together for the first time, imagine how they'll play when they get used to eachother. No shit. That was a treat to watch. Pyatt is just the Pylon on the other wing.
And speaking of wing, that's where Demitra looks content.
I think I saw Demitra backchecking. I did! I did!
So Jes Golbez was quick to spew his Demitra love campaign at me after a 3 assist night...fair enough. So I have made Jes a deal: From today on, if Demitra plays 20 straight games and scores 18 or more points in that period, I will put P.D. (and him only) in the header on this site for 2 weeks. During that potentially life-altering time frame I will post one nice thing about Demitra per day.
Gad, that will almost kill me inside. Good thing the odds are in my favor.

-from the Toronto Sun today:

Having just been given the hook by coach Ron Wilson midway through the second period, Vesa Toskala peered up at the scoreboard, shrugged his shoulders, then plopped his butt on the Maple Leafs bench.

"I actually felt really good," Toskala said later. "I guess that's what sucks the most."

Enjoy your stay in Toronto, Vesa. It's amazing how the Canucks buried their chances so well against the Leafs, where they failed to do so against the Wild.
It's also amazing how happy Willie Mitchell looked when he bagged his first goal of the season.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

BOXSCORE

T Tags: Canucks+beat+Leafs game+review November+2008 Demitra+returns Wellwood+rules

Canucks vs Leafs: My favorite game of the season!

Sure, Mats Sundin no longer plays for the Leafs and the team is rebuilding, but I don't think the Canucks-Leafs game will lack intensity. It could/should be a war. There is still going to be blueshirts scattered all over GM Place. That atmosphere will still be present. The Leafs have not played in Vancouver FOR 3 YEARS! Good gad the schedule used to suck.

QUICK NOTES

-How will Wellwood respond playing against a team that gave up on him? Answer: About as well as he played for his current team when they gave up on him. Go Woody!

-I don't know how many people would have thought that the Canucks would only have 1 more point than the Leafs at this stage in their preseason thoughts and predictions. I think it's fair to say that both teams are exceeding fan/pundit expectations for the most part.

-The Leafs' season success is like a roller coaster ride. They have not found any consistency yet except for being consistent in being inconsistent. (yikes) They can thump on Montreal one game, lose to the Flames 3 days later, and then beat the Oilers handily 2 nights after that. That has been their week. The Leafs have 2 wins in their last 5 games.
Ron Wilson is behaving that way I thought he would. He'll bench any bum who doesn't play hard, including the higher-paid guys like Jason Blake. I wish more coaches would do that. As a result, we could draw a hard-nosed Leafs squad tonight and cannot take them for granted.

-The Canucks are coming off a shootout loss to the Avalanche and should play inspired right off the bat. They have 3 wins in their last 5. They must bury their chances this time. Put it top corner, boys. If you thought Budaj was great...Toskala can play the same way.

-I wonder if Sami Salo saw my Glass Joe Photoshop, because he is slated to play tonight.

"I felt pretty good out there so I should should be ready to go," said the 34-year-old Finn, who revealed it was actually his upper back, not his shoulder, that was ailing him. "We've done a lot of work on it the last couple of days and the practice went well."

Oh geez. Maybe there is something wrong with your head! Regardless, it's good to have him playing.
The same Vancouver Sun article also stated that Rob Davison will replace Kevin Bieksa. Davison is not known for playing a ton of minutes, so expect a guy like Alex Edler to get more ice time. That is a good thing.

-It looks as though Pavol Demitra is a game time decision.

-Watch for Mikhail Grabovski. He is on a 6 game point streak and has scored 7 goals and 3 assists in that span. He reminds me of Sergei Berezin in almost every way. He has come alive.

-Tomas Kaberle is kicking it lately as well. After starting the season off slowly (2 points in 9 games), he has 11 points in his last 8 games. He has 6 points in his last 3 games.

-The Canucks will be sporting their new 3rd jerseys tonight. I have not said this yet but I like the new design. You gotta have Johnny Canuck on there! The stick in rink logo looks modernized and less boring than the original.

I like our chances against Toronto. This isn't a lock, but we should be able to inch past these guys or blow by them if they are not ready. Don't expect any quit out of the Leafs though. They have a guy with a huge whip coaching them.

GAME TIME: 4:00 PST (gotta make sure the Torontonians get to watch the Leafs lose before they go to bed)
TV: TSN

T Tags: Canucks, Leafs, game+preview, November+2008 Grabovski Kaberle Salo+returns new+3rd+jersey

Jason Blake questions future with Leafs after benching

No player with any form of competitiveness likes to be benched. I always get a kick out of what the player says when he does ride the pine and how he responds on the ice afterwards. Yesterday, Blake said:

"Maybe it's not meant for me to be here," Blake said yesterday after a Leaf practice here before the team headed to Edmonton. "It obviously hasn't worked out in the year and 16 games we played here.

"If it's not going to work out ... I know I can play, and I love to play. I'm not going to quit. If it's not here, I don't know."

That's hilarious. I can tell you where you'll play if not in Toronto, Jason.... the minors. At $4 million per season, Blake has not given the Leafs the kind of consistent offence that they intitially paid him to put out. "I'm glad he's upset," said coach Ron Wilson, who has coached Blake on Team USA.

"You don't want a guy to roll over and die. I want him to step on the ice, and play with piss and vinegar, which he hasn't done consistently."

I love this coaching by Wilson. He pulls no punches. He punishes those who sin. The Leafs have needed a Hitler for a long time now. Nobody is safe from being benched in Toronto these days.
Blake is a guy who put up 40 goals and 29 assists in his contract year with the Islanders, and then recieved the raise from the Leafs. In the previous couple years he averaged about 22 goals and 50 points. His first season with the Leafs (last season) he scored 15 goals and 52 points in 82 games. I'm starting to see a trend here. An overachiever in a contract year. God I hate those players.
The Islanders must look at this and laugh, because at least in this scenario they were potentially smart in letting Blake go. When can you ever say the Islanders' organization is smart?
Well, let's see how Blake responds. I'm guessing the inconsistency continues, as he has been benched twice this season already. This situation has fireworks written all over it.
In some form of credit to Blake, he was diagnosed with leukemia last season yet didn't miss a game. That's gutsy stuff, and I recognize that. But you can see that he has the skills to pay the bills when he plays and needs to find his scoring touch back regardless.

More on the story at the Toronto Star.

T Tags: Jason+Blake+benched angry Leafs Ron+Wilson Hitler

Ducks' GM Burke to be replaced by Bob Murray

A commenter at Sportsnet said it best by providing a link to a story about massive speculation that Brian Burke would become the next Leafs' GM. The following is what Burke said back in January:

"I have no intention of going anywhere else," says Burke. "I've said this repeatedly to anyone who will listen.

"I'm not sure which part of it I'm not saying in English."

The Toronto job would be great, he said, but he and his wife are happy in California.

"We really love it in Anaheim," Burke said. "We work for special people there. We want to stay."

So what gives? It's too early to say. Burke may just stay in California and take a different job for all we know. But if he heads to Toronto, then you will know how much lip service this guy gives.

**UPDATE**
Aha! Bullshit it is! Burke is heading East at some point. He wants to be in the same time zone as a couple of his kids.
Richard Peddie says in the clip that he is surprised by Burke's move. Yeah right.

According to TSN's sources:

Burke will remain in a senior advisory capacity with the Ducks for now but that the final word on any hockey operations decisions in Anaheim will be made by Murray. Sources say Burke will, in this advisory capacity, have the ability to freely negotiate future employment opportunities as a GM in the NHL.

The press conference is coming up in a few minutes. The link to the stream is here. I can't wait to hear Burke get riled up during or afterwards if the media asks 'certain' questions. Those should happen later on today.

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

Bob Murray used to be a Professional Scout for the Canucks from 1999-2005 under who? Brian Burke. Murray has an a fair bit of managerial experience.
But Murray is better known to Blackhawks fans. He spent 25 years in that organization as a player, assistant GM and GM (1997-99). More Murray info can be found here.

T Tags: Brian+Burke+replaced+Bob+Murray Anaheim+Ducks+GM
Bob+Murray+profile

Sundin sells his mansion in Toronto / Shanahan may find a home soon

Of course people are taking this as Sundin will not play for the Leafs again. Maybe that is justifiable. But that house has been on the market for quite a while apparently (May 2006). Sundin bought the mansion in 2003 for $1.7 million, renovated the bloody hell out of it, and sold it for $5.7 million.
Of course, the article/news sparked a lot of Sundin bashing by Leafs fans, as they are saying 'goodbye and good riddance', but it reeks of bitterness.
Word is that Sundin is practicing, but that's about it. Big surprise.

---

Brendan Shanahan's agent Rick Curran is suggesting that Shanny may be signed by a team by the end of the week. Most people say the Flyers are front-runners, but the Blackhawks, Penguins, Blues and Devils are also reportedly showing interest.
Personally, I'd like to see him play in Chicago. But if there were 2 teams that really need a kickstart right now it would be the Flyers and Blues. I'm definitely no capologist, but it seems that if any of the above teams would acquire Shanahan, they may have to make a roster adjustment or two to stay under the cap.

T Tags: Mats+Sundin+sells+Toronto+mansion

Canucks place Matt Pettinger and Jason Krog on waivers

Matt Pettinger was acquired by the Canucks from the Capitals for Matt Cooke last season. He was getting squeezed down the depth chart anyway. I thought Krog might have stuck. Nope. Rumors have him heading to the KHL if no NHL team picks him up.

The current Canucks roster up front looks something like this:

Sedin-Sedin-Bernier
Raymond-Demitra-Pyatt
Burrows-Kesler-Hansen
Hordichuk-Wellwood-Johnson

But not even that is in stone yet. If it is, I almost like it. At this point of the game I don't know where Wellwood properly fits in. Is he going to get 2nd line duty? He isn't a 4th line player. Thoughts?

Several teams are finalizing their rosters and putting players on waivers. How about Boyd Devereaux and Staffan Kronwall out of Toronto, Peter Schaefer out of Boston, and Kyle McLaren out of San Jose.

There's more.

T Tags: Canucks+place+Jason+Krog+Matt+Pettinger+on+waivers Peter+Schaefer Kyle+McLaren
Boyd+Devereaux

Sundin watching the Leafs

From Sportsnet:

"I saw they won their first exhibition game so that was great," Sundin told The Canadian Press on Wednesday. "I think Leaf fans are going to be surprised about some of the younger players that are coming through the Leafs system. I saw some of them at the end of last year.

"I think the Leafs are going to have a good year. They should be fun to watch with a lot of new faces and some excitement around the team. I'm going to follow them here as the pre-season goes on."

Sundin is no further ahead with his decision to play.

T tags: Mats+Sundin+watching+Leafs+play

Trouble at the Leaf house?

From The Toronto Star:

The strangest of sights met Leafs CEO Richard Peddie's eyeballs: Empty seats. On a night when the tickets were given away free – this being the so-called Fans First Game, a much-publicized pre-season giveback to the embattled loyalists of a hockey team that hasn't been to the post-season in a quadrennial and counting – there were no-shows by the thousands.

Said Peddie of the empty seats:

"It's just classic. Anything that's given away free, people don't attribute as much value to it," he said. "Anything free, you won't get 100 per cent (of) people showing up."

He could be right. But let me copy/paste a few reactions to the article from Leaf fans.

Its a pre-season game for a team that gutted all of its talent for nothing in return. NOTHING. They've lost draft picks! Is it really surprising that people weren't coming.
Stay away people. Thats the only way to force change. MLSE loses earnings and Peddie will be gone, and then someone will fix this wreck.

Reaction #2:

Could it be that people in Toronta are finally getting smart? Leave the seats empty and maybe the team will be forced to get better. After all, this is year 42 of the rebuilding plan. Nonetheless, CBC will show them just about every Saturday on Hockey Night in Toronta!

Reaction #3:

We (the fans) are the only ones to blame for not getting a much better team long ago.
We have been faithful to the point of blindness when giving our money away to this organization!
The ONLY ones who have benefited are the investors! Do THEY care about the leafs? HAH! Not likely. They only care about making money.
Bottom line people: Stop going to the games. Stop buying the product. Stop wasting your hard earned money on this good ole boys club.
When they (the fat cats upstairs) see a loss in revenue, you can bet they will do something!
Money talks! Speak up Leaf Nation!

OK, hold on a second. First of all, this Leafs team could surprise people this year. A playoff berth? A very distant possibility. But I'm not shining up 30th spot for them either.
It just cracks me up that Leafs fans are so angry. I was a Leaf fan since 1977 and still am in a sense, just not as die-hard as I used to be. If Leaf fans ever had something to complain about it is not the present. The Harold Ballard years were definitely worthy of yelling and kicking a hole through your TV.
But not now. Cliff Fletcher has returned to clean up the mess that was left by his predecessors years ago. It was Fletcher who saved the team in the early 90's. Now he's doing it again.
It is going to take patience for Leafs fans to fully see Fletcher's plan. Gutting the team was the right start. Bringing Ron Wilson's defence-first mentality was long overdue. Flogging Bryan McCabe was genius. Patience. Something Leafs fans are not good at. It's that very lack of patience that has fucked this team over the past decade: bringing in big-name free agents and pissing away the youth. Oh yeah, the the fans drooled over the UFA's like a bum over a bowl of soup. You can't do that anymore. Not when the team has lacked success. And not under a salary cap system.
If you look at the current team, you'll wonder where the scoring is going to come from. Answer: By committee. And they'll all buy into Wilson's system. The Leafs aren't going to roll over and play dead this season. No way. So stop being so negative! Sure, if you get kicked in the sack enough times you start wearing a cup (in reference to not winning a Cup since '67). But Fletcher has the right idea here and needs to be trusted.
The fans will fill the seats this year. It's Leafs hockey. It's Canada.
Oh and by the way, the Leafs won 7-4.

T Tags: Maple+Leafs fans angry empty+seats ACC Preseason

Finally, a Leafs coach that preaches defence first / JFJ to San Jose

Ron Wilson is going to preach defence-first with the Leafs. And if they don't like it, they won't play. It's about time somebody did this in Toronto. If every player buys into Wilson's system I think the gutted Leafs could turn a few heads this year. We know Pavel Kubina played ina tight defensive system before and won a Cup doing it in Tampa. Now let's see how Tomas Kaberle deals with the change.
Like the reporter said: the Leafs were 4th-worst in the NHL for goals against last season. That will change.

John Ferguson Jr. will not get another crack as an NHL GM anytime soon. But he has been named the Sharks' director of pro scouting. That may come with a little fan backlash I'm sure. But at least he is not in the position to piss away the good picks he finds, right? He just has to find good prospects. He'll be fine.

T Tags: Ron+Wilson+preaching+defence+first Maple+Leafs Amen Sharks+hire+John+Ferguson+jr director+of+pro+scouting

Ron Wilson hacks Leafs leadership in recent years

Ooo, a little stab at Sundin by Wilson. He wasn't 100% blaming the coaches and GM for the Leafs' futility in the past few years, but the leadership from the players.

"As an outsider coming in, I would say I was concerned about the Leaf leadership the last three years," Wilson said, when asked about leadership for the upcoming season. "Failing to make the playoffs, it didn't always rest 100 per cent on the coach and general manager's shoulders. You have to look at the leadership in the locker-room, and it has not been there. The team has struggled in third periods, and rarely does that come from a coach -- that comes usually from your top players.
We just have to go in a new direction. There is going to be opportunities this year for different people to lead as a group. It won't be shouldered by one or two players -- we will try to get everybody to act like leaders this year."

It looks like Wilson is challenging every player in the locker room and he HAS TO, because the team is gutted and rebuilding. What is he going to do, put the "C" on Nik Antropov? It's going to be a long, trying year in Toronto.
More on that story here.

Sundin's not the only person with his leadership abilities being questioned. Check out this article from The Gazette that questions Saku Koivu. My god. Koivu skipped the team's inaugural golf tournament because he's practicing in Finland. The French media is all over him. Oh, and they would like it if he would try to learn a little more french. I think he should learn Parisian french. Now THAT would piss off those jackasses wouldn't it? No love between Quebec and France.

T Tags: Ron+Wilson+questioning+Leafs+leadership Montreal+media+questioning+Saku+Koivu+leadership

Sundin has met with the Leafs and will meet with Montreal before Monday **UPDATE**

From TSN:

Sources tell TSN Mats Sundin and his representatives JP Barry and Claes Elefalk met with Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher Friday morning. Joe Nieuwendyk, recently hired as Fletcher's assistant was also involved in the discussions.

Sources say Fletcher outlined his plan for the team this season and assured Sundin that Toronto will keep the door open for the 37-year-old captain in the event he decides to resume his career.

"It was a very relaxed meeting," said Barry on AM640 Radio in Toronto. "It was a chance to reconnect since Mats was in town and talk about the changes on the Maple Leafs and make sure Mats was aware of everything that was going on with the team."

Sources say Sundin is also expected to meet, or speak with the Montreal Canadiens before returning to Europe on Monday.

"Whatever happens to me, whether I'm not going to play tomorrow or whatever, I know Toronto's always the team in my heart," Sundin said Thursday. "When I retire, whenever that happens, that's not going to change."

So, if Fletcher's Leafs have any success this season (and that's a stretch) and are in the hunt for a playoff spot, you can bet Sundin will return to Toronto. But that is unlikely. The fact that he is meeting with the Canadiens' brass before Monday may be a matter of convenience because Montreal isn't that far away.
I just wonder:
-is Mike Gillis anywhere near Toronto? He is going to be patient and leave the door open for Sundin
-is this TSN not mentioning or having sources knowing/telling them that Sundin is/has met with Gillis or any other interested teams' GM's in the time he spends here?
-I'm sure the Bruins were the team in Ray Bourque's heart when he was dealt to the Avalanche for a chance to win a Cup in Colorado.

Who knows for sure. There's no point in taking that report literally that Sundin will only play for Montreal of Toronto or retire.

Monday, he'll return to Sweden and do nothing but run, work out, fish, play poker and golf. Until there is word out of Sweden that he has begun preparation skating, then there's no point in getting any hopes up at this point.

**UPDATE** Sundin has had the talks with Leafs brass and has stated that

"It was a nice meeting but what was said wasn't anything that hasn't been said before."

He will no doubt say the same thing after he meets with Montreal and then go back home to ponder his future.

T Tags: Mats+Sundin+talking+to+Leafs+and+Canadiens September+2008 update

McCabe and a 4th round pick in 2010 officially traded to Florida for Mike Van Ryn

I have waited years for this day to happen.

You're so stupid Florida. You're so stupid. But thanks!
Check out Jay Boumeester's reaction to the McCabe signing. Am I reading it wrong, or does he seem quite indifferent to the whole thing? Like his opinion of the Toronto media! Blunt.

**UPDATE** McCabe told Nick Kypreos after the trade that he was only asked to waive his no trade clause once last season.
In an interview with floridapanthers.com McCabe said:

“Jacques was the ‘D’ coach (at the Olympics) so I got to spend some time with him,” McCabe said. “Jacques went out of his way to bring me here and I’m happy to be wanted. Jacques has done a great job (in Florida). He’s got good young talent. And, obviously, the acquisitions this summer have been great.
Bringing in Cory Stillman, a guy with two Stanley Cups…guys like that are few and far between. And the acquisitions of (Keith) Ballard and (Nick) Boynton is a big upside. With myself added, and Jay Bouwmeester, who is one of the best defensemen in the league, hands down, I think we have one of the best defensive units out there. Plus you have an All-Star goalie.”

Kind of sounds like the Canucks. The Panthers are going to need young guys like Booth and Horton to step it up on offence, but they do have a pretty good defence and goalie. Losing Jokinen and adding Stillman isn't exactly an upgrade or reason for the fans to get excited.
Time will tell if McCabe can become a consistently reliable guy on the back end. It's doubtful. We know he can put up the points though.


T Tags: Bryan+McCabe+traded+to+Panthers+for+Mike+Van Ryn

Announcement of McCabe trade to Panthers likely Tuesday

According to Sportsnet:

A trade to send Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe to Florida, first reported by Sportsnet, should be announced on Tuesday. The Leafs are expected to get defenceman Mike Van Ryn from the Panthers in return

Wow, Nick Kypreos really got the scoop on that one early. But he knows a lot of players. This is a day I have been waiting for for a long time. I won't attack McCabe's character away from the ice, but honestly I won't miss his insanity on the ice. He is just another one of those guys with a low IQ on the ice, much like Jovanovski was in Vancouver. They can blow your mind with some of their goals and offensive output, but the mental mistakes they make are more the center of the story.
I will say that this is another bad move by Florida. Like they needed anymore headaches there....
And a great move by Fletcher though. Van Ryn (if he's the player coming to the Leafs), can be a 37-40 point producer. He scored 37 points twice in his career recently.
The Panthers will be paying McCabe $6.15 million this season while Van Ryn will make $3.35 million. A huge savings by Fletcher. He will have plenty of icetime in Toronto to prove himself.
While I'll somewhat reserve judgment on Fletcher's over-paying of Jeff Finger ($3.5 million per season), I think the Leafs' GM is taking the team in the right direction right now. It's about time!
Gonna miss Darcy Tucker in a Leafs jersey though. Now we have to put up with him in Colorado. Damn!

T Tags: Bryan+McCabe+trade+to+Panthers Mike+Van Ryn announcement Leafs trades

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos has learned that a McCabe trade to Florida is imminent

A deal "in principal." And Sportsnet's sources say that Panthers' defenceman Mike Van Ryn could be a part of the deal. The trade would occur after September 1, after McCabe collects the $2 million in bonuses owed to him by Toronto on that date.
Most outlets were suggesting it would be Jay Boumeester coming to Toronto. Time will tell.

T Tags: Sportsnet Bryan+McCabe+to+Panthers+for+Mike+Van+Ryn rumor trades Leafs

Former Canucks European scout expects Sundin to play

Image from Expressen.se.

Oh yeah, I'll throw a few more sticks in the Sundin fire. I have no shame.
According to The Fourth Period yesterday:

Mats Dahlberg, a Canuck European scout from 1985-94 now working for Swedish radio, told the Province he expects Sundin to play.
"His heart says Toronto," said Dahlberg. "If it's about the money, it's Vancouver. Montreal is too close to Toronto. I think it's Toronto or Vancouver, but he's going to play."

TFP mentioned that it's sources have said that Sundin will decide by the end of the month before training camp begins. We'll see about that, even though I agree with Dahlberg in principle.
HockeyExpressen.se has an article up that roughly translates into Sundin saying on Swedish TV that he will not jump back into the NHL in the middle of next season. The link to the video there is not working...but you get the drift. A decision is coming soon.

Besides posting this as a Sundin news source/update from yet another person of importance, I do want to say once and for all that I hate it when reports say that "if it's about the money, Sundin will sign with Vancouver." How about: "If it's about the money AND playing for a winning team, Sundin will choose Vancouver." I mean, let's be honest, the Canucks and Leafs are in 2 different modes right now. Canucks could kick some butt and the Leafs are rebuilding.

T Tags: Former+Canucks+European+scout+expects+Sundin+to+play Canucks Leafs decision+by+September

Nick Kypreos has heard out of South Beach Florida that Bryan McCabe has lifted his no-trade clause

Link to the article and video here. Kypreos also mentioned that Jay Boumeester wants out of Florida. Kipper is betting that McCabe will be a Panther by training camp.
We'll see how good Kypreos' sources are.

T Tags: Bryan+McCabe+lifts+no-trade+clause Sportsnet Panthers

Sundin to start skating this coming week

From the same Toronto Star article as the McCabe story, Cliff Fletcher states:

"He's working out off the ice and he's supposed to start on the ice the beginning of the week.(in Sweden)"

Does Fletcher know something that we don't? It could be Toronto or nothing for Sundin it seems. Even Wellwood alluded to that in his interview with Canucks.com: that Mats has played for the Leafs for so long that he doesn't know that he wants to put on a different uniform.
The question is: What kind of offer is Fletcher possibly pitching to Sundin? If the Leafs are rebuilding, then how can Fletcher even present a deal to Mats that would involve a no-trade clause, except out of respect? It would be in Fletcher's best interest to sign Sundin now and then trade him to a contender in February for an obsene amount of draft picks, right?
Well we know how Sundin liked that type of notion judging by last spring's deadline events.... he didn't like it. But even through all that, I think Sundin understood it was a business, as he stated in that interview from the above link.
Maybe Fletcher can absorb Sundin's possible contract if McCabe pisses off and Fletch will let Mats retire as a Leaf in 1-2 years during a rebuilding phase. Mats could guide the influx of young talent coming into the Leafs' roster. His passion for a Cup would come into question, but I'm getting the feeling that Mats wouldn't care.
We'll see.
To be honest, it wouldn't kill me to see him finish his career there. But if he chooses not to...it's Vancouver or retire, in my opinion! I don't want to see him wearing any other jersey!

T Tags: Mats+Sundin+skating training sign+with+Maple+Leafs

Bryan McCabe may waive his no-trade clause in about 2 weeks, says Fletcher

From the Toronto Star:

"Bryan is starting to think about possibly getting his career started somewhere else," said Fletcher. "We'll leave him alone. He's going to get back to us in a couple of weeks. There's not going to be any issues. I'm really confidant it's going to be resolved amicably before training camp."

It looks as though the constant badgering by Fletcher may pay off. We'll see. It will be a major burden off the Leafs' shoulders if McCabe does move on, in more ways than one.

T Tags: Bryan+McCabe+may+waive+no-trade+clause Leafs trade