Leafs Sign Komisarek and Orr, Acquire Exelby, Get More Truculent

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 5:00 AM EDT in From The Branches

Let's Dance to Joy Division and Celebrate the Irony!

Yes, let's dance to Joy Division and raise our glass to the ceiling! After foolishly allowing my hopes to be lifted for a moment, only to have them torn to shreds, lit on fire, pissed on, buried, dug back up and used for toilet paper yesterday, I feel a bit better. Maybe you can relate?

The world hasn't ended (yet...) and when all is said and done, I don't have to be Bob Gainey and explain the roster I just cobbled together like a junkie in a crack house free basing Windex and using my last $5 for Kleenex...what was my point? Oh ya, the Habs may have gotten one good FA (I don't need to tell you who he is) but the rest, well the rest are Windex and Kleenex. Again, lost my point, moving on...

It's Day Two of free agency. Still some intriguing names out there, and a butt tonne (and a half, wee Ian White...) of d men on the Leafs roster. Burke was mostly all talk yesterday, and it's starting to become par for the course. That said, the rest of the league hates him, he revels in it, and I like him more every time he opens his mouth to talk about pugnacious tenacity and bellicose beligernece.

In honor of my river deep mountain high emotional roller coaster, enjoy the Wombats! Links after the vid.

The Wombats "Let's dance to Joy Division" video
by naivepromo

Archi checks out the beauty of bellicosity and belligerence, the pulchritudinous of pugnacity and the handsomeness of hardihood.
With day one in the books, Bitter Leaf mf37 takes a look at our Leafs. Skinny up the middle and lots of junk in the trunk if ya catch my drift.
Dr. Steve (PHD in Hockey) uses stats, science and a little common sense to point out when you sign/trade for a couple hundred pounds of defense and thin out your offense, you just might tilt the ice in the wrong direction.
The Leafs are the worst team in the league, and when you find out why, you'll agree too! Down Goes Brown takes time out from taunting sens fans (well, at least until the very end of the article) to tell you why.
Outlier management or analysis is the process where one tries to root cause anomalies within a process or product, and through a process of trial and error and analytical research, attempts to lessen the outliers impact on overall results. Case in point: Pavel Kubina was the only d-man to play all 82 games for the Leafs. An outlier in relation to the rest of the defense. Solution? Trade him. The general brings the science.
TSM recaps the day that was. Lions and tigers and bears oh my!
Remember when Dany Heatley was an incredibly remorseful young man who made a horrendous and foolish mistake? The kind of mistake young men are sometimes wanton to do. But, Heatley's mistake resulted in the death of his best friend, and the pain was so much, we all understood when he needed to get away. Well, screw that guy! Furcifer gives you the what's what on "Heater" and his prima-donna ways.
Saving the best for last, our own Loser Domi is having a contest! I've begun work on my own entry, I call it "Nik Hagman Gives Me Funny Feelings in My No No Places."

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ONE MORE LINK

Truculence? Check.

(Just published, sorry Blurr!!1)

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...

PLAYOFFS!!!!1

by eyebleaf on Jul 2, 2009 5:27 AM EDT reply actions

Following yesterday's action,

I think I’d rather dance to “Eve of Destruction”.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 7:34 AM EDT reply actions

nice choice…also something by “and you will know us by the trail of dead”!

Mee-Mee-Meep Meep Go Leafs Go Meep Meep! MEEP!!!

by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 2, 2009 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions

What’s the name of the title song of “Conan the Barbarian”? :)

Mongol General: Hao! Dai ye! We won again! This is good, but what is best in life?
Mongol: The open steppe, fleet horse, falcons at your wrist, and the wind in your hair.
Mongol General: Wrong! Conan! What is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
Mongol General: That is good! That is good.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions

that makes me want to listen to Man-o-War

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

I like your thinking, mostly cos I used that quote last night.

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer

by article1 on Jul 2, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I know, art. Had to put it up again- just fits so well.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

The Eastern ~~World~~ Conference
It is exploding
Violence flaring
~~Bullets~~Checks Un- loading
You’re old enough to kill
But not for voting
You don’t believe in war
But what’s that ~~gun~~ stick you’re toting
And even the ~~Jordan~~Don River has bodies floating

So tell me over and over and over again my friend
How you don’t believe we’re on the Eve of Destruction…

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Toronto sports fans, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Continuing my cherry-picking of offense-related comments- (from MLHS)

Joe July 2, 2009 12:41 am

was reading a post from Columbus saying that the GM accomplished some things he wanted and some he didnt. the biggest he didnt was to sign a puck moving defenseman to QB the PP and a 4th line center. Also Nash was quoted as being not very impressed with the first contract offered to him…sounded actually pretty insulted and ready to test the market if things didnt shape up.

We have a great PP QB and loads of 4th liners. I wonder if theres any base here to start talking trade. they may be slightly more open to it if they think theres a chance they could lose him for nothing after this year.

Obviously Kaberle for Nash straight up wont work. and Kaberle plus Stajan or Mitchell wont do it either…but it may be worth looking into seeing what it would take since we do have something they need in Kaberle and at a decent price.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:06 AM EDT reply actions

Nash

is UFA next year, best to wait for that and try to sign him then, we would have to give up a lot to trade Nash this year and it wouldn’t make any sense given that he only has one year left on his contract and the Leafs are still rebuilding

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Winkle, what’s his present contract?
Also, if the above is true, we have an excess of defence right now. Maybe if the right deal can be struck…..
At any rate, if we do move Kaberle, I’d like to get Vinny, Nash, Schenn 2.0 or someone’s first round next year in the deal- preferably Tampa’s. That might win us the Taylor Hall sweeps right there.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Nash is a 7 mil cap hit next season
Not worth getting him for just one year considering what we would have to give up… now if they can trade him and sign him to an extension right away… different matter entirely

And Vinny, as much as I would love to have Vinny, I want nothing to do with his contract… his cap hit is TEN million starting next season for the next 4 seasons…

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions

And there’s no way to shave that $10 million, is there? Unless he agreed to re-sign a new contract for better terms?
I could handle Nash at $7 million for 5 years….
My one beef with Nash is the LW issue- we need a 1st line center, and we appear to be short on RWs in a big way.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Hrm...

Not sure if they can but I would imagine that it’s possible for a team and player to renegotiate the terms of a contract or simply null the previous and sign a new one… but don’t take my word for it… but even then I don’t think Vinny wants to, that’s a lot of money he’s guaranteed and he knows he’s good so… I’m not holding my breath either way…

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions

More juicy Nash info

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283509

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Also, this-

#
Alex Tran July 2, 2009 8:03 am

On Hockeycentral late last night, they were saying that the Leafs are preparing a 4 year, $16M offer for Alex Tanguay.

Not too bad I suppose. 29 years old, pretty decent player, pretty decent price.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Yea, 4 mil for 4 years, that’s not bad, he’s put up some great numbers with the Flames and Avs but that could be the playing with Sakic/Iginla factor because his points production was relatively quick weak last year with the Habs

I’m pretty sure Burke is going to go after a few of the Hab’s UFAs, they have some good names there and would be a good grab if they can be had for the right price

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Stats-

1999-00 Colorado Avalanche NHL 76 17 34 51 22 17 2 1 3 2
2000-01 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 27 50 77 37 23 6 15 21 8
2001-02 Colorado Avalanche NHL 70 13 35 48 36 19 5 8 13 0
2002-03 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 26 41 67 36 7 1 2 3 4
2003-04 Colorado Avalanche NHL 69 25 54 79 42 8 2 2 4 2
2004-05 Lugano Swiss-A 6 3 3 6 4 — — — — —
2005-06 Colorado Avalanche NHL 71 29 49 78 46 9 2 4 6 12
2006-07 Calgary Flames NHL 81 22 59 81 44 6 1 3 4 8
2007-08 Calgary Flames NHL 78 18 40 58 48 7 0 4 4 4
2008-09 Montreal Canadiens NHL 50 16 25 41 34 2 0 1 1 2

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Yea I saw… I don’t expect him to put up those kinda numbers he had with the Avs if he came to the Leafs though, hence why 4 for 4 would be a reasonable deal… he did make 5.375 with the Habs last year so we’ll see if he’s willing to take a pay cut

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions

I take a bag of chips and a case of cheap beer to get out of the train wreck the Habs are going to be (and already are) next season. I think Tanguay will get the hell out of dodge, stat.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions

id rather have Havlat than Tanguay, he’s younger and produces more, but he is way more injury prone

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

But he’s…………Havlat. Or, as me and my brothers used to call him when he was a Sen, “Have-Rat”. And what happened to your “Sens-stink” from last night, Jared? :)

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions

and tanguay has dirty hab stink all over him, which has been much more pungent lately.
not saying either is a palatable option, just that goal scoring is needed

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Havlet

Signed with Minni last night, same deal as Cammy

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions

well, never mind then

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions

If we could pick him off now for around $7 million per, it does avoid the bidding war next year though. He’s a consistent top 5 goal scorer.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Depends on how willing or how much he wants to play with T.O. versus testing free agency, he knows he will command top dollar although he is a big forward so Burke might be willing to throw more $$ his way as opposed to a smaller forward

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions

He would be “the franchise” for some time. I do love how healthy he is, year after year.
Nash-Kadri-Hagman? :)

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions

RICK NASH!!!!!!1

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Plus, I always thought he was a BC boy, he’s from Brampton.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

If would get him for between 7 or 8 that would be a pretty damn good deal… my only concern is that some nut GM (Gainey, Sather, I’m looking at you) is probably going to throw some 10+ mil per year deal at him next July and the smell of money is going to clog all his senses

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions

well hopefully after all those years playing in obscurity and the leafs on their way out of the basement he realizes how awesome it would be to play for his home town team for less

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

And if we trade Kabby to get him, we can still sign Tanguay, cap-wise.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

and still have enough to sign moen

or did i miss him geting signed too?

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

not

signed yet

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Nope, but there’s something wrong with him. It’s like he’s dead in the water out in SJ.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Like I said, pick him off now, re-sign for 5-7 with a minor home-town discount at $7-$7.25 million.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely

What worked for JFJ in the past will surely work for Burke!

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s definitely not a good idea to wait on Nash hitting the open market. Howson, by all accounts, is extremely smart. If Nash won’t sign then Nash will get traded and the Leafs don’t have the assets to move to get him. Actually, we do but next year’s first should not be going anywhere.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

next year’s first should not be going anywhere.

if it was top 5-10 protected id say do it up, but Howson isnt gonna bite on that

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

exactly

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I think this is our defence next season

Kaberle – Van Ryn
Schenn – Rek (I refuse to call him Komi. That was his Montreal name. Plus, Rek sounds tougher.)
X – Finger
The Viking

Oreskovic & Stralman play 22-25 minutes a night with the Marlies. We convert White into a 3rd line winger.

And you know what? I’m totally fine with that.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Jul 2, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

So, you’re saying that our #2 pairing would “eRek-Schenn”? :)
I have a feeling loserdomi will love that one.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions

that is actually kinda awesome

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions

I actually surprised myself for 9 AM. I’m usually asleep right now.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions

(X) Rearrange the whole game with my rugged sound
(X) Won’t even say your own name when I come around
(X) Stay on top but remain from the underground
(X) to the Z and we all in the family

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions

just so you know...

Komisarek & Schenn is easily the best looking defensive pairing in NHL history.

The Handsome Man's Guide To Life- Now With 100% More Handsome!

by Archimedies on Jul 2, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

so, who the hell is left?
Beauchemin, Tanguay and?

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:09 AM EDT reply actions

Here you go, Jared. A whole sandbox to play in.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11816

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Im gonna build a castle!!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

You go, girl!

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Lots

of Habs UFAs still on the market, Schneider, Koivu, Kovalev…

there’s also Sundin :)

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

did samuelsson sign?

cause if not, we should get him

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions

You can just click over on that TSN page to the signing widget thingie.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

you’re asking me to do a lot of work here

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

You’re the man, Jared. “You can dooooo it!”.
I just realized Joel Ward was re-signed by Nashville. Crap.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Samuelsson

is unsigned

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

there we go, potential 30 goal scorer, get up on that Burkie!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Antropov!

That one was for PPP

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Fuck that. Poni would be happier, but his production would drop way off……….

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Colby Armstrong?

40 pts in 82 games w/ Thrashers last season @ 1.2 mil

also a RW!!!!

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions

RFA, need to trade for him or lose draft picks

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

ah

sheet did not see that

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Samuellson’s points aren’t that great and he will be 34 next season. OTOH, he’s a RW as well.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions

playing in Det he didnt get the best offensive assignments, and he should be pretty cheap, dude is a sniper with the puck

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Petr Sykora?

46 pts in 76 games w/ 2.5 mil cap hit last season

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Kaberle for Jordan Stall and grab Sykora and/or Fedotenko while we’re at it.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

pens arnt a good trading partner for Kabby, they have GOnchar and Goligoski, not maximizing the return
neither is LA for that matter

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, LA seemed to be in the hunt for a puck-mover on D, let alone a 4-time allstar who is undervalued.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah, but with Doughty in the pipe, its gonna be hard to make them over pay

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m betting Lombardi is not even picking up the phone when he sees Brian Burke on the caller ID

If anything happens with LA its going to involve Schenn Jr.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

That’s the dream I just can’t let go of. I’d actually give up our first next year for that one.
Funny thing- on Brayden’s prospect page, he lists the Hawks as his favorite team and Hal Gill as his favorite player. I think he therefore has a good sense of humour as well as some character and grit. :)

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

As eyebleaf has been telling us all morning……..

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

MATS!!!!!!!!1

COME HOME!!!!!!!!1

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...

PLAYOFFS!!!!1

by eyebleaf on Jul 2, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions

atta kid

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

wants, Samuelsson, Moen, Calder, LaRose,

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

If we add LaRose and Tanguay, wow, boners.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...

PLAYOFFS!!!!1

by eyebleaf on Jul 2, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Kaberle and……….2 someones for Schenn 2.O plus Calder.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Calder is a UFA, the only thing we should give up for him is monies

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, whatever- so long as we pry Lil’ Schenn out of there.
LaRose looks like a keeper, but another leftie.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions

LaRose

is a right winger Willis

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions

A right-shooting center, but could go right wing I assume. And my bad.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Poor Dany Heatley

‘Everyone is crucifying Dany.’ His mother is very upset. And the attacks are all personal stuff, about his character. Nobody mentions that this is a guy who gives up a month of his summer every year to play for Team Canada."

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Toronto sports fans, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

Wade Redden was crucified in Ottawa despite all the work he did for underprivileged kids.

I’d guess it was because of the coke but in loony land who knows.

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Toronto sports fans, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Here’s the linky

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Toronto sports fans, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Seriously?

I thought everyone said it was a privilege to play for Team Canada in any hockey tourney?

Plus is he really giving up a month of his summer? If he wasn’t playing in the Worlds he would still be playing for the Sens in the playoffs.

Also maybe, just maybe his bullshit attitude has effectively canceled out any goodwill or credit he has earned

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions

its a cop out “look at me padding my stats for the country because my NHL team sucks!!! I am the highest scoring forward at the worlds because players like Iginla and Thornton keep making the playoffs, but its all for yoooooou!”

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup

Its silly. I could be the ultimate philanthropist giving billions to orphans every year, but its not going to buy me a free pass if I go and screw a hooker and strangle her afterward.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah, if your a good person and you fuck up by accident, sure you get some sympathy, if your a privilaged person who does good things to look good and then does something dickish, you can go fuck yourself

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

BINGO

Playing in the Worlds gets him on the Olympic team and that translates to more money.

Also, tidbits from a local:

a week before the accident Waddell had a meeting with Kovalchuk and Heatley about speeding because he had been contacted by the cops and Kovy had a tonne of tickets and they were told to head up to the raceway to get that out of their system.
Heatley actually asked for an outright release from Atlanta and not a trade. He wanted them to get shit all.
He never did his community service hours in Atlanta.

The guy is a real piece of shit.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Why not just arrest the fucker next time he touches down in Atlanta? Let him do, say, 10 times the community service Mark Bell had to do.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

No idea why they don’t do that. I think what happened was he did them in Ottawa instead but he never gave back to the community he hurt.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah, not a day served in prison for vehicular manslaughter, not an hour given back to the comunity he hurt, and now he is bolting because he cant handle the softest organization in hockey, he can get fucked

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

He just brings out the best in everyone, doesn’t he. Jaysus.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

He should thank his lucky stars that the Snyder’s thought that he was their son’s best friend.

I don’t know how they summoned the strength to be so forgiving.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

I get why they did it, it probably helped them heal better. But it was way better than Heatly deserved.
They could have forgiven him and let him rot

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, remember PPP, forgiveness is more about setting yourself free from crippling rage and grief than it is about letting the person who caused it off. It’s essential if you want to move on instead of slowly turn into rage-dust.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

for me, Rage dust works, for others, not so much

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Just keep it in check at your wedding, Jared. :)

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

that's

what the ~~sedative~~ booze is for

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

mmmm barbiturates

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

we wuz

just pointing out that Heatley so far has gotten far better treatment from everyone then he actually deserves

I mean c’mon, Ottawa management has treated him like a frigging saint, no one has ever touched or criticized him up to this point and he was given a ludicrously lucrative extension and what does he do when they so much as say “you’re not meeting our expectations”? He runs, cries and throws a temper tantrum

If you ask me, Hasek must’ve rubbed off on him

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

there is something in that citys water, Yashin, Hasek, Hossa, Havlat, Heatly….

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s coming from the Experimental Farm.

by general borschevsky on Jul 2, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Fuck I hate those mutants. It’s always “my whole body hurts” and “braaaiinnnsss”.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree, Winkle, just saying that out of their character, his parents wanted to let it go, and in their generosity of spirit, they forgave as much as they could.
Another money quote with some ??? attached-

According to Molloy, Heatley was with many of those teammates at a “bachelor party” last week for Senators centre Jason Spezza, Heatley’s longtime linemate.

Any PPP guesses as to how much coke was on the table?

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

nah I get your point also, which is a good one

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I knew that degree in church education would come in handy someday…..

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I get it from that perspective. I’ve done it. It not the easiest thing in the world to do it so quickly.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Someone needs to work up a Number Six on him

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Toronto sports fans, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Forwards

If the Leafs add Tanguay it’s a good addition but if he doesn’t then we get what we supposedly wanted: young kids playing big minutes on the first two lines.

Where are the goals coming from?

This gets asked every year and every year the answer is the same: Everywhere
From the kids or we’ll know that they aren’t top-line players.

If the kids can’t score then the Leafs won’t win and we’ll get a great draft pick next summer which will give us another prospect that can hopefully help out.

It’s kind of funny that the consensus seemed to be for a slow thoughtful rebuild but yesterday was about getting quick fixes.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

I get where everyone is coming from with the “Get a goal scorer” because everyone (except the sens) seems to have loaded for bear up front, the Leafs did the opposite and created a crazy fierce back end.

but you make a good point, this isnt supposed to be a one year turn around, I more than expect the leafs to finish in a similar spot next year, just to be much more violent in doing so and Mark Bell’ing our division rivals so they get mauled in the post

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s kind of funny that the consensus seemed to be for a slow thoughtful rebuild but yesterday was about getting quick fixes.

Bang on. They had a lot of folks on the radio this morning who was rather peeved that the Leafs didn’t try to out-do Gainey in the Crazy-Insane department and sign some big names to ludicrous contracts.

I would rather see the Leafs try to get balanced scoring from all their forwards as opposed to having one or two players racking up all the points… cuz if one of them gets injured for any period of time (and they will) then we’re screwed.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

the sad thing is, the Leafs are going to get a lot of flack from the haters for paying about halt to a full mill too much for Komeserik, bug Gainy will get a free pass from most because he landed scorers at a 40% inflated rate and crippled his team

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Guarantee

Within a season the Habs fans are off the bandwagon and burning Gainey in effigy for completely fucking up the Habs.

Meanwhile, we’re laughing our asses off watching our D beat the ever-living shit out of the league, and adding skill through our prospects.

I don’t care if the guys we added score one goddamn goal next season. if they keep the puck out of your net, they’ve done their job. And if the kids up front want to prove they are top six forwards in the NHL, they’re never going to get a better chance than this season.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

yah, hopefully having such a bruising defense behind them will give players like Bozak and Hanson some confidence and they turn into top 6ers

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Yea

To me, it looks like Gainey is desperately trying to revamp his line-up but doing it quickly and with big names at whatever cost to appease the fans and keep them from lynching him… for the time being

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

hope is a dangerous ally, and from a forward perspective, it’s all we’ve got.

that said, It’s quite obvious Burke needs to move some d. Given the completely underwhelming return he got for Kubina, my hopes aren’t set to high for Kaberle. He’s far more valued in Toronto than he’s elsewhere, and it’s certainly not because no one’s ever seen him play.

In other words, no more ridiculous “Kabby and Baskin Robbins Coupon for Brayden Schenn” rants por favor.

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

mmmm ice cream

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

heh

Brayden Schenn rumours should get the same treatment as 9/11 conspiracy theories.

Hope is a dangerous ally but if we don’t try out the kids how will we ever know what they can do? Plus, free agency isn’t over yet. Lots of players are still on the table.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Exactly

And we’re in a good position to grab a few solid players for reasonable to lower prices while some of the other GMs are busy avoiding angry phone calls from their cap-management departments

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

absolutely

Lot’s of players left on the table. Do we want any of them? Do they fit into the plan? Are they any good?

My guess is the answer is no to at least 2/3 of those questions.

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Wait so you’re saying 9/11 WAS a conspiracy and we ARE getting Schenn? woooohoooo!

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Toronto sports fans, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Everyone is allowed at least crazy, off the charts hope- it what makes us human. That ones mine and I’m keeping it. :)

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Oops. “At least one”.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

I am onboard with getting forward help if it is a. reasonable and b. a player that might still be around in a couple of years and helpful (see my desire for the Sedin’s) but signings for signing’s sake just like trades for trading’s sake are never a good idea.

And what a surprise that after clamouring for trades and roasting Burke for not making more trades that once he does make a trade he gets pilloried because it doesn’t match the rumours. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: Draft picks (especially first rounders) are like gold under the cap. They are not moving for just anyone and to be honest Kubina is not that great.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I liked Kubby because he did everything a little bit better than good, except be physical.
i wouldnt mind one goal scorer to come in for the first line, preferably a center, it would help the kids develop and plug a weakness,i am glad burke did what i dont wantand get the lolypopguild like montreal to steal all the mins from their prospects

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I think the community is just feeling so bad in league with our beloved blurr, PPP. :)
I have no interest in an expensive quick fix, we definitely need at least one more high draft either through finish or a trade if we’re going to build anything resembling a powerful team for a while.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

my consensus

was to rebuild as quickly as possible. it doesn’t have to take five years…

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

It definitely doesn’t have to take 5 years.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

In my eyes, the D is now set.

Now we work on the forwards.

Resident Capologist

by clrkaitken on Jul 2, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

and so far

it certainly doesn’t appear like it’s going to be 1…

I won’t say I’m cautiously optimistic, or that i’m reserving judgment, just that my enthusiasm for this squad is on hold currently.

Also, I really, really, really don’t like Komisarek, but that Habs fan gave some interesting stats on the guy, yesterday.

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Those were interesting stats. I am writing a post about Komisarek because, needless to say, I think that he is a gutless puke but now he’s ours so lets see what we got…

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I was watching all the Habs/Leafs games from this past season and I noticed (in the 6 minute game recaps at least) that if Komisarek wasn’t being a gutless puke, incredibly dirty or going after guys like Grabovski instead of guys like Mayers or Kubina, he was invisible.

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

So what you’re saying is you haven’t made your mind up yet, right?

You should wash your beard, then shave it off, nail it to a Frisbee and fling it over a rainbow.

by Mattblack on Jul 2, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

speaking

to a co-worker who is also a die hard Leaf fan… he is loving the Komi signing and Kubina trade, quite disappointed about not getting Cammy but agreed with me that he wasn’t worth 6 mil a year to the Leafs when we already have Blake

also pointed out that we are Deleted’d if all the players that Gainey signed manage to gel and click

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Gomez with Gionta has worked before, adding Cammalleri as a secondary option for Gomez’s passes is just scary.

So, ya, if they gel, we’re in for some embarrassing nights.

"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...

by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Potentially, I’m also interested in seeing how the Leaf’s D will shape up next year, we were pretty small last season, way too many folks could just waltz in and skate around with impunity… so yea, hypothetically it could be disastrous for Toronto but it could hypothetically go the other as well…

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jul 2, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

“If I was the owner of the Senators, I’d be calling my manager in and say, ‘Why don’t guys want to play here anymore?’”

From the Heatley article by Tom Molloy.
Hmmm, maybe he’s onto something there…………..
Just don’t tell Sens fans.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

did they even sign anyone but chris Neil?

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

If I was the owner of the ottawa senators I’d ask myself why I say that I am willing to spend money to make the team a winner but I wouldn’t swallow $4M to make a great deal.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

“The new coach (Cory Clouston) has decided that Dany is a second- or third-line player, uses him on the second power play and plays him 14 minutes a game. Dany had many closed-door conversations with him and was told that the situation would improve, but it didn’t in the two months they were together.”

Also from Molloy.

"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09

by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s so funny because Heatley is mad basically because Clouston is trying to rectify the biggest issue that the senators have and that is that they are a one-line team.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions