Thursday 3 November 2011

Kessel and the Maple Leafs Off to an Amazing Start

Kessel: 12 games played, 10 goals, 10 assists
Leafs: 12 games, 8 wins, 3 loses, 1 overtime lose

What an amazing start to the season.  If the Leafs can keep this up they will make the playoffs for sure.  What do you guys think?  In what place in the Eastern conference do you think the Leafs will finish the season?  Comment below!

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Leafs Sign Two Key Forwards to Multi-Year Contracts

Yes Leafs Nation, the two forwards Tyler Bozak and Clarke MacArthur have both agreed to 2 year contracts with the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The Leafs were trying hard to sign these two individuals and got both deals done on the same day.  Tyler Bozak will make 3 million over 2 years while MacArthur will make 6.5 million.  I can't wait to see these guys back in action come September!



What do you guys think?  Will these guys be able to live up to the expectations that have been placed on them?

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Leafs Sign James Reimer to a Three Year Contract Extension!

General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs announced on June 7, 2011 that the Leafs Rookie goaltender has agreed to a three year contract worth $5.4 million (USD).  Reimer was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st.  This should settle who will be starting for the Maple Leafs come next season.  Although it is still undetermined whether GS Giguere will resign with the team as a veteran backup for the rookie phenom the general consensus is that he will test the free agency market to see if he can start elsewhere.


This leaves Reimer as starter with Gustavsson (who is signed for one more year) as a backup.  James reimer had 20 wins and 10 loses last season.  Could he be the goaltender to finally bring the Leafs deep into the Stanley cup playoffs?  Only time will tell!

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Leafs Sign Kenny Ryan to Entry Level Contract!

The Leafs signed there 50th overall pick fom the 2009 draft class last week to a three year entry level contract..  He is a tough, talented, 19 year old right winger currently playing for the Windsor Spitfire in the OHL.  During the 2010 - 2011 season he potted 21 goald and 37 assists in 60 games with the Spitfires.


This is a picture of him at the NHL rookie tournament in September of 2010.  I think he could be a great addition to the 2nd or third line for the Maple Leafs within a couple of years.  I really hope that Burkie let's him get a few games in this year so we can see what he's capable of!  What do you guys think?  Can you wait to see this guy play in the NHL?

Monday 23 May 2011

Clarke MacArthur Contract Talks Continue

The Toronto Maple Leafs have continued discussions concerning the contract of MacArthur for next year.  MacArthur is a restricted free agent this summer, and it is the teams #2 priority to sign him (Signing Luke Schenn being #1).  The Leafs are hoping to get him on a short term contract similar to the of Kulemin's, roughly 2.5 million a year for about 2 years.  He is hoping to get closer to Grabovski's salary, around 3 million.


Personally I think the Leafs must sign him!  He had great chemistry with his line and was one of the most consistant Leafs last year.  What do you guys think?  Will MacArthur resign or will another team try to steal him form the Leafs?  Will he be traded?  Post in the comment section!

Thursday 19 May 2011

My Favourite Maple Leaf

Alright guys, I recently posted a poll asking who your favourite Maple Leaf is.  Well I think it's only fair if I also answer the question, so my answer is Nazem Kadri.  This kid is sick.  He was drafted 7th overall in 2008 by the Maple Leafs, and although he hasn't played much in the NHL yet, you can tell he's going to be in the NHL for a long time.  This was a move he pulled in the shootout vs. Boston earlier this year


Every time he carries the puck during a game I get excited.  He is amazing at "dangling" defensemen and making goaltenders look like pylons.  I really hope this 20 year old continues to develop into a home grown Maple Leaf superstar.  He's got the potential, now it's up to him to fill out.

Reimer Flawless at Worlds


With Finland winning the Gold medal just over a week ago, it's time to summarize the Maple Leaf's performance during the World Championships.  James Reimer, who played net for Canada in 4 games, went a perfect 4-0.  Team Canada teamates Luke Schenn and Dion Phaneuf also played well for the Canadians.  Mike Brown and Mike Komisarek played for Team USA, Kulemin for Russia, Grabovski for Belarus, and Gunnarsson for Sweden, all of which had average performances.  Congrats to the Maple Leafs who participated in the tournament!  You have done us proud!

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Who's that Maple Leaf?

So I was at my local casino a few weeks ago and I caught sight of a Maple Leaf.  Does anybody recognize which player this was?  I found him at the 5/10 poker table.  He is the man with the black touque on.


The first person to comment below with the correct answer is the winner!  You can also ask any questions about my encouter.  I know the picture is low quality because it was taken on an iPhone, but I'm sure somebody will recognize this sniper :)

The 2011 Season Gave Us Hope For Next Year



With the conclusion of the 2011 season Leafs fans are lft with hope for next year with the great play demonstrated by Kessel, Reimer, Phaneuf, Grabovski, Kulemin, and Schenn.  Let's hope they continue to develop next year!

Monday 16 May 2011

Do the Leafs Need Brad Richards?

Brad Richards is one of the best pivots in the league.  He continues to perform every year on a team in Dallas that has been on an internal salary cap for years now, meaning that they can only spend about 40 million on players.  Richards would not only be a great centre to feed the puck to Phil Kessel, who is in a desperate need of a centre, but he can also play the point on the power play, filling the hole that was created with the Kaberle trade.  Imagine a Leaf's powerplay that features Kessel, Kulemin, Kadri, Phaneuf, and Richards.  Doesn't sound like a bottom 10 powerplay in league anymore does it?  Leafs Nation seems to be worried that Richards will cost too much?  He will probably be signed in the 7.5 to 9 million dollar a year range for 5 years.  Although that may be true we need to examine the other players that could be avaliable to the Maple Leafs via free agency or trade.



Another free agent set to be avaliable this summer is Brooks Laich.  He is currently playing for the Washington Capitals, and he would be a much cheaper option.  However, he is not the same player that Richards is.  He plays more of a power forward game, and although he has been producing decent point totals in Washington, most would agree their team has way more talent to make his performance look better than it is.  It could be the exact same situation that happened with Versteeg.  He looked great as a depth player in an organization, but put him in the spotlight and he may not shine.

A third player that may be avaliable via trade is Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche.  Here is a player that is being payed first line money to play on the second line ever since the arrival of Matt Duchene.  This player could shine in a Maple Leafs uniform, but what would it cost to get him out of Colorado?  Well to start, it would take a roster player, probably Nik Kulemin or Mikhail Grabovski, along with one or two prospects, including Nazem Kadri, Frattin, Colbourne, or picks from this years draft.

Now I ask you Leafs Nation, would you rather sacrifice salary or trade off our future for a player that is not as proven.  It is my opinion that we need Brad Richards!  Get it done Burkie!!