Are We There Yet?
I'm giddy with anticipation, yet, as a Leafs fan, I'm also expecting nothing. I'm trapped in a glass case of emotion!

This handsome fellow may be switching jersey's today. Should we call it the "Eyebleaf Banner Curse?" There's a distinct correlation between his banner at Sports and the City and players leaving/sucking. Hear me loud and clear eyebleaf. Luke Schenn is not allowed on your banner.
- The Bitter Leaf, mf37 has all the expert opinions you can handle, in an easy to carry package.
- Like a virus born of swine, the love of Brian Burke is spreading faster than you can say "quarantine." The Meatriarchy is it's latest victim.
- TSM gives you the case of Schenn vs. Tavares through the eyes of a ten year old. And, no bull, it's a convincing argument the kid has.
- MLHS weighs in on the "significant offer for Kaberle" and focuses in on goaltenders. Can't win without 'em...
- Hockey analysis gives us some pre-draft musings. Commence chin stroking...
- The Hockey News has a great piece on the anatomy of a trade. Strangely though, there's never a mention of the difference between how you tell boy trades apart from girl trades.
- Gustavsson dreams of Toronto. Well, we dream right back big guy.
- And, TO Sports also gives you the rest of the draft scuttlebutt. Literally.
- Because we have no idea what's going to shake down, here's a look at the top 2 goaltending prospects in the draft.
- And, lastly, to get you through the draft, here are the meanings behind a few common phrases you'll be sure to hear.
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86 comments
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Comments
Damn son, those are some early links.
You should wash your beard, then shave it off, nail it to a Frisbee and fling it over a rainbow.
by Mattblack on Jun 26, 2009 5:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love your early links
because I can drunkenly read them before bed.
by doggit on Jun 26, 2009 6:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOOOOO!!!!
Less than 12 hours to go!
On the train with patchy Wifi. This should be interesting.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 7:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jared’s was “Jason Allison slow.” Please comment.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Allison and Hal Gill could have a race and none of us will be alive to see who crosses the finish line first!
Mee-Mee-Meep Meep Go Leafs Go Meep Meep! MEEP!!!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jun 26, 2009 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hal Gill would jump out to a quick start when he fell over forwards, though.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol just the two of them? Jason finishes third and Hal sixth.
by wayne scarlett on Jun 26, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
el oh el
and recd
If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way. - Homer
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Jun 26, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s as consistent as Carey Price.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey…was that Price comment in keeping with the “5 things to annoy people”?
by wayne scarlett on Jun 26, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kessel for Kaberle?
Dreger twittered at 8:07
The Bruins made the offer for Tomas Kaberle in a bid that includes Phil Kessel. The story is posted on www.tsn.ca
I’d pass on Kessel. Bad attitude RFA looking for a big pay-off.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 8:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282921
What do you base the “Bad Attitude” comment on?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scouting reports, Gare Joyce’s book, a few sports reporters I hang with.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hadn’t heard that, but I don’t read sporting reports, haven’t read that book yet, and don’t hang out with sports reporters. I had heard that he got a lot better after getting sat in the 2008 playoffs. Or maybe that was just that he picked his game up.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gare Joyce’s book is a great read, but Kessel doesn’t come off very well in it. Then again he was an 18 year old kid at the time.
I’d consider Kaberle for Kessel and a pick, but the 7th overall and Kaberle for an RFA that’s looking for $4M/year? Not a chance.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, seems kind of unlikely that that’s a fair trade. Could be a conditional pick, if the Leafs sign Kessel the bruins get next year’s first rounder or something like that.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if a piece of the deal isn’t missing. It does seem a bit lopsided. Maybe it’s Kaberle and a 7th round pick, not the 7th overall, for Kessel?
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it’s not a salary dump on either side, either.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Bruins can’t afford to pay Kessel $4M+, how does Kabs $4.25M fit into their cap?
The more I think about this deal, the more I wonder if Dreger got the details right. Burke said that it was a player and a pick coming to the Leafs. Dreger has it the other way…
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah something doesn’t smell right about this (and no it’s not me, I did shower this morning thank you). Kabby and the 7th pick for Kessel only is not enough. This can’t be the significant offer. At least I hope not.
Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated!
by stucky on Jun 26, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I smell it too.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I’d rather have Grabovski at at least $1m/year less.
They both have the potential to be offensively gifted malcontents for us, but I like my moody forwards a) Belarussian and b) slightly crazy.
Resident Capologist
by clrkaitken on Jun 26, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
$1M could go a long way to getting UFAs…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Getting ready to go! Bus tho, no wifi… but only about 1.5 hours
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 26, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fanshotted...
if you see these things, don’t be afraid to throw up a fanshot. Even if it’s a tweet…
If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way. - Homer
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Jun 26, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kaberle and the 7th for Kessel’s RFA rights? No thank you.
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by empathetic association.
by SkinnyFish on Jun 26, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I like kessel and all, but I’d do that deal if possible. Hey, maybe Toronto can get Peter Schaefer too!
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody wants Peter Shaefer!!
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by empathetic association.
by SkinnyFish on Jun 26, 2009 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what? You can just take him.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eklund says the Kaberle offer isn’t from Boston. Enjoy Kessel, he’s a damn good goal-scorer.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No offense, but I’m pretty sure I would trust Dreger over Eklund. Just saying.
Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere
by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 26, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I trust the person sleeping next to me on the train more than Eklund.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. Eklund said it was an atlanta-toronto deal. Therefore, the boston-toronto deal is all but approved by the league.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure the Lehner kid is good and stuff but I blame his father is obviously very evil
Как же так может быть?
by sleza on Jun 26, 2009 8:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I shouldn’t change my mind of what I write in the middle if the sentense, shouldn’t I….
Как же так может быть?
by sleza on Jun 26, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no you should not. although on the plus side, it makes you sound drunk
Wings fan by birth. Leafs fan by empathetic association.
by SkinnyFish on Jun 26, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and I haven’t even yet finished my first glass… i was just overwhelmed by his evilness
Как же так может быть?
by sleza on Jun 26, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another reason I don't do the Bruins deal
If the Leafs signed RFA Kessel to a contract worth $4M to $5M/ year, the Bruins would get the Leafs’ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks.
If you look at this proposed trade, Kabs and the Leafs’ first for Kessel, it essentially means Kaberle is only worth a 2nd and 3rd round pick. That ain’t right.
(and yeah, I know the Leafs don’t have their own second round pick and Burke said he won’t go the offer sheet route so the argument is moot. Just trying to contextualize the value in the so-called trade that’s on the table).
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 8:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome Point
Shades of JFJ trading Rask to Boston for Raycroft even though he was an RFA…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would the Bruins gets all thoe picks? If the Leafs trade for Kessel, they wouldnt have to give up the compensation.
Disappointed since 1984
by leafer1984 on Jun 26, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s using it for evaluation purposes only.
by hallandnash on Jun 26, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My mistake, I read that wrong
Disappointed since 1984
by leafer1984 on Jun 26, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re not the only one. I tried to re-tweet MF37’s idea and the character limit led to people thinking that I am a moron.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry about that…that 140 character limit can make it difficult to communicate more subtle thoughts.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My fault. I couldn’t manoeuvre it well enough and I hate txt spk.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cutting words elegantly is the art of twitter.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thinking?
You should wash your beard, then shave it off, nail it to a Frisbee and fling it over a rainbow.
by Mattblack on Jun 26, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well good morning to you Mr. Sunshine!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not going to Montreal and I’m in a bad mood.
You should wash your beard, then shave it off, nail it to a Frisbee and fling it over a rainbow.
by Mattblack on Jun 26, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know
I forgive you.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ta Overlord – Your benevolence knows no bounds!
You should wash your beard, then shave it off, nail it to a Frisbee and fling it over a rainbow.
by Mattblack on Jun 26, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, kick some ass in MOntreal buddy. If you meet Eklund, start spreading fake rumours, tell him off or kick him in the dick. Either any or all is good
Disappointed since 1984
by leafer1984 on Jun 26, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely going with giving him a fake rumour.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PPP – remember, in your new capacity as credentialed member of the press, I want you to work “in November” into every question you ask.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
by mf37 on Jun 26, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely
At least until Burke kills me.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't joke
That might actually happen. I had a dream last night that you and I were on a plane, having a lovely time, and at the end you were being chased by killers and I couldn’t help you.
I hope it’s not one of my prophetic dreams.
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, looks like we’re never flying anywhere!
Just kidding, I’d do some Parkour and beat the killers.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I guess that means you don’t want to go on vacation with me, then. :)
It was quite upsetting, let me tell you. But I have faith you’d kick their asses in the end. You’re not the boss of us all for nothing.
Have a great time in Mtl!
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, looks like we’re never flying anywhere!
Just kidding, I’d do some Parkour and beat the killers.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is a horrible, horrible deal. no way burke is even considering it.
by daoust on Jun 26, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gettin’ on the road. Love you all.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Jun 26, 2009 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
See ya there
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 26, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Safe travels, all. Burn it down, smush the rubble.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jun 26, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I still have dishes to do, a shower to take(and all the post readiness that it implies)
and a half hour walk ahead of me.
Bus leaves in 2.5 hours…. but I think FantasyRealm said something about Fireball shots at his place between 10-11, sounds like fun.
Normally I don’t drink in the morning(unless it is just overlap from the previous night) but what the hell, Jared has a huge head start.
Ciao all, see you in the land of Bagels and Belarussians
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 26, 2009 9:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHOOO!!!
See you soon
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you just passing through Brockville now PPP?
If that is the case, you will be about 1km from my house in about an hour.
I won’t be here tho….
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 26, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should be in the are yeah.
This train thing is actually very comfortable. Much better than driving for sure.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how much is a train ticket to montreal now? i took it about 5 or 6 years ago, but i have no recollection what i paid for it.
by daoust on Jun 26, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
$220
With some discounts but not as many discounts as I could have had.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jun 26, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
220? Really?
I got all the way to Rimouski two years ago for just over 100.
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think PPP has your legs…
:)
If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way. - Homer
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Jun 26, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You make an excellent point, blurr :)
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Duhatschek:
Even Calgary Flames winger Jarome Iginla, one of the league’s premier players, was the subject of trade rumours yesterday involving the Toronto Maple Leafs among other teams.
I love Burke for asking.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jun 26, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
From Kevin Allen @ USA Today
Don’t rule out GM Brian Burke reuniting with G Giguere, particularlly if he doesn’t land Jonas Gustavsson, Ducks would have to take Toskala
If we give them Toskala, I like that deal.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jun 26, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Giguere still has a little in the tank.
Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere
by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 26, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No he doesn’t!
(oh, I’m just kidding coolman856. I’m just trying to be totally annoying and dispute everything you say. I may need a hobby :) )
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crap, I don’t have a comeback at all for that.
Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere
by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually agree with you, but thought I should try to be consistent.
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
do we have a new winkle/karina relationship forming here?
I have a soft spot for Giggy and would love him as a Leaf.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jun 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I drove Winkle out with two comments. I may be taking your place, Karina.
Honestly, I have no issue with Giggy, though trading for him before the Monster makes his decision would likely mean that the Monster wouldn’t sign in Toronto, I’d think.
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
er, ‘means this decsion’ I may need typing lessons. Or grammar lessons. Or both.
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not one team wants Heatley:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/ottawa-senators/Heatley+offer/1734978/story.html
Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere
by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 26, 2009 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
With that attitude and contract, who can blame them?
That $4M bonus sounds like a real deal-breaker right now.
Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated!
by stucky on Jun 26, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is
and Ottawa has said if they have to pay it, he’s not going anywhere…
If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way. - Homer
The Left Coast Lock
by blurr1974 on Jun 26, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He does have a large contract, and did himself no favours by being public with this demand.
I also wonder if Ottawa wants too much for him. The article says they’ve had no offers, but maybe Ottawa is starting the talks with something so high that people aren’t even replying right now, and instead are waiting.
"If this is another one of your lectures about how we should all blah blah blah and whatever, well you can save it because we all know it by heart."
by Mabel on Jun 26, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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