Tag Search Results for "burke"
Enough of the busy banter and wasted efforts on the Stars fan. The question of Monday nights game was, who will advance? The answer? Trevor Linden and Roberto Luongo answered it for everyone. Of course it was the Vancouver Canucks that were going to come through for their fans. Now, bring on the Ducks.
No one in Vancouver is going to openly admit that the Canucks are t...
Originally my blog was going to be on a different topic altogether, and I'll get back to that topic in the very near future. For now, however, we have to turn our attention to the Ducks vs. Wild series.
But the Wild are already out, you say.
You're right.
You won't find one Wild fan anywhere homer enough to say we're still in it. Nor will you find one that can s...
This is a tough blog for me to write. During his tenure in Vancouver I had several opportunities to speak personally with Brian Burke either via letter, email or in person. In fact, in the hours leading up to his dismissal as General Manager/President of the Vancouver Canucks, I keying an email to the big irishman. As I pushed the 'Send' button, I received an 'undeliverabl...
When Vanek was signed by Oilers, I immediately voiced my violent opinions to all Oiler fans i knew well. How on earth could they do this ? It drives the market up, forget that its within the 'rules' but it drives market up, PERIOD. These are the same Oiler fans that I have heard cry, and they cry a LOT, when all these years they have lost their players.
Yes, this...
I just got home from the ceremonies inducting Brian Burke, Bret Hull, Dennis Kearns and Bob Hall into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame here in Penticton BC. It was an absolutely amazing ceremony mc'd as usual by former BCTV sportscaster Bernie Pascal. This is an annual event sells out every year and this year was no different. Anybody that is able to come to this event should as...
I don’t understand how people make the argument that Lowe was trying to make “his” team better. How can any GM make a team better by over paying a player that isn’t worth the money, offering a long term contract with a lot of money tied up in one player. Most will say Penner is worth probably around the same as Ouellet, which turns out to be $1.25-million. That’s...
All week I have been sitting here reading post's from some bloggers that belive that signing group 2 free agents is poaching in the new CBA. Most of the writters who are saying this are fans of teams that are in a strong position and either have had this done to them or feel it may be heading there way. With the salary Cap and mid market players stocks rising every night I...
Well, perhaps this Edmonton offer sheet thing has been beaten to death, especially since Strickland seemingly launched a Molotov cocktail onto Whyte with his latest blog. But maybe there is a method to Lowe's offer sheet madness.
So for all of you who think Lowe is crazy or overpaying for "unproven" talent, think of his offer sheet like a poker game. I don't think Kevin...
Since Kevin Lowe offered RFA, Dustin Penner, the 5 year/21.25 Million Dollar Offer-Sheet there has been outrage by both the NHL and us hockey fans. I have on question for all of you, why?
Lets a look at some sections of the CBA:
Any player who meets the
qualifications set forth in the following chart
and (1) is not a Group I Player o...
Well its finally done I have been waiting for a week to finally see if the 245 pound power forward from portage (30 minutes from where I am Winnipeg) would finally become an oiler. I didn't think Burke would match the offer from the oilers but lets just say I was sitting on edge for the last week. You never know what can happen and what other teams are thinking. I'm glad t...
If Todd Bertuzzi signed in Anaheim thinking a low pressure, quiet, hockey outpost would be a comfortable situation to get his career back on track, he may be sadly mistaken.
Thursday morning, the Ducks chose not to match Edmonton's five-year, $21.5 million offer sheet for Dustin Penner, the man many consider to be the next Bertuzzi.
Even Ducks general manager Brian B...
Lowe was desperate for some help upfront and he found it in the form of a RFA, Dustin Penner. Who just happened to play for Anaheim, where Chris Pronger ended up last year after his wife complained about Edmonton, and while Mr. Pronger couldn't be a man and honor his contract he opted out. Kevin Lowe got snubbed in the UFA market, and needed to improve his team so he went ...
[i] "Just stop enough of the limitless critical comments on my life, just drop the judgement and all the pseudo-involvement in my life." -- Disturbed, "Just Stop." [/i]
It is unlikely the band knew Brian Burke when they wrote the song, which is ironically played at most Anaheim Ducks home games, but it could not be any more appropriate.
Just ask Kevin Lowe.
Or, ...
For anybody who was wondering (which quite possibly is nobody...haha) I never did write part 3 of Living up to the Big Bucks.
There are some interesting stories developing already in this young NHL season; The Avalanche led by sophomore Paul Stastny, the Edmonton Oilers starting 2-0 against two tough teams, the Defending Champion Ducks starting 1-3, and the Capitals sta...
If you look at a copy of the Ducks depth chart, you will notice something very odd. Right now they are carrying 3 goaltenders in Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Ilya Bryzgalov and Jonas Hiller.
This made sense when the Ducks started the season because JS was on the injured reserve, however he has since returned to the lineup and is playing a strong game. Also playing well is...
I think that Brian Burke is an overrated General Manager and alot of his praise should be given to Senators GM Brian Murray. The only good move he has made was the pronger deal. He lost Penner to RFA when he had ample time to sign him. Neidermeyer only signed because his brother plays on the team, it had nothing to do with Brain Burke. He signed Bertuzzi to a moronic deal ...
Welcome to the definitive guide to a very successful Trade Deadline Day. Over the next few paragraphs, I will describe to you my gameplan.
Brian Burke
[img:right]http://i26.tinypic.com/2w2os2b.jpg[/img]1) Always say you are happy with your team. Announce that you made your moves earlier in the season and do not plan on being active. Of course, you will be active, read on...
Yes Mats is still with us in Leaf land. Yes he invoked his no trade clause at the deadline. Yes Mats Sundin will be back in the blue and white next season and yes it will be with a no trade attached to the bottom of the contract. There is no reason to believe Sundin will retire at years end with or without a playoff appearance by the blue and white express. This stea...
Brian Burke did nothing at the trade deadline, essentially, for the second straight year. Most people agreed last year and especially this year that the Ducks weakest point was scoring. Supported by an elite caliber defense corps and goaltending trio, the Ducks had a stingy 2.35 GAA, good for 2nd best in the league. There is a saying "Defense wins Cups". That may be true, ...
Burke Is [b]Not[/b] the new GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. So now what? Well this may be a blessing in a disguise, or maybe it just sucks. Personally Burke was a qualified candidate who had the savvy to deal with media and ownership. His draft record however was abysmal, but maybe with some money injected in our scouting department who knows. Personally I want Nill to get ...
I'm afraid fans in Toronto are still delusional. They may have opened their eyes after having them closed for so long, but they are still blinded by the sun.
I cannot see any well respected and established General Manager taking a job with the Leafs. The team is currently coming off of a disaster of a season, with little help coming from within the organization. Top ...
Willie Wilts writes...
LEAFS Accepting Defeat Before Puck Even Drops On '08-'09???
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With the latest class of youngsters ready to take their seats in Ottawa and wait to be called upon, Leaf Nation is being shaken by rumblings that the blue and white may already be conceding defeat before the zambonies are even gased up. Although it isn't a real big surprise to anyone that the Leafs will likely struggle in the new campaign it IS however disheartening to he...
Update: Saturday 07/05/08 --- you can find the interview here: http://www.justagame.ca/audio/Kevin%20Lowe%20Full%20Interview%20July%204.mp3
On local radio in Edmonton this afternoon, Kevin Lowe was interviewed and finally fired back at Brian Burke. The interviewer asked K-Lowe what his thoughts were, on Burke's latest whining over high salaries (Corey Perry) and how Bur...
With the recent reaction from the NHL to have the two feuding GM's cease and desist, I have come to ponder the real reason Kevin Lowe finally came out with a response to Brian Burke's one sided rants.
I am not here to say that either one of these GM's is accurate or correct in their assessments of each other as in business every decision is a risk. We hear the banter of...
Will it be Burke or will it be Joe??
This is the new question cropping up in Leaf land. With the recent hiring of Joe Nieuwendyk as Cliff Fletchers assistant GM, there are whispers that Joe maybe the Leafs next GM in the next couple of years (if not before the 09/10 season). Mentoring under Cliff for possibly 2 seasons, learning the ropes, everything seems to be in pla...
It needs to be said...after all the hype and rumor and silly "connect the dots" conspiracy theories trotted out this Spring to suggest that Brian Burke wants to be the Leafs' next GM...somebody has to say it: "Why Burke?"
Even before Kevin Lowe leveled the boom with suggestions that Burke is more luck than genius, that he Left Dave Nonis with a mess in Vancouver; that ...
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http://flyerflies.com/blog/
Have a great weekend.
First off let me apologize to all of the Toronto Maple Leaf fans that were hoping Brian Burke was going to be their General Manager next year, but the writing is on the wall that he is staying with the Ducks.
What is that writing you may be asking yourself? Well, it’s the Ducks resigning of Randy Carlyle to a two year contract.
Now I'm sure you're asking yourself,...
One more word of thanks to those of you who took the time to read my first post, and special thanks to nephew23 for helping me clean up some "technical difficulties." Anyway, last time I noted that all future posts would be more condensed and follow a general format, so let's get right to it.
The latest signing by the Ducks is of a Norris Trophy winner, but before you ...
Not much to report concerning the Ducks this past week, or even the league in general, so this entry will focus more on speculation than hard news.
GM Brian Burke joined Wild founding owner Bob Naegele, Jr., former NHL defenseman Phil Housley, and Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay as recipients of this year's Lester Patrick Trophy. The award, named after the former Ranger play...
If the lingering stench of getting nothing in return for Ilya Bryzgalov last season has worn off, then Brian Burke needs another reminder.
In two consecutive seasons, Burke has managed to give away top NHL talent and get ZERO in return. People can discuss all of the backroom negotiations and who offered what, but it will NEVER change the fact that the Anaheim Ducks j...
Just a little nostalgia to get you in the mood to enjoy your reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjAPoN8qs0Q
Can anyone smell that? I'm talking about the mild aroma that is building in Anaheim. I'm hoping the autumn breezes and winter rains can wash it away and renew a freshness. I'm hoping for spring flowers and a summer Cup. However, this aroma has the potent...
Lets start with the most overdrawn annoying story in hockey.
Sundin-- I keep repeating I don't care what happens with this except i hope he doesnt want to play in Ottawa.
And while I'm going to probably take flack for this, Montreal isn't a possible destination, Gainey said he has no interest in Sundin at this point and with how good Montreal is doing it'd be retard...
Lets start with the most overdrawn annoying story in hockey.
Sundin-- I keep repeating I don't care what happens with this except i hope he doesnt want to play in Ottawa.
And while I'm going to probably take flack for this, Montreal isn't a possible destination, Gainey said he has no interest in Sundin at this point and with how good Montreal is doing it'd be retard...
Lets start with the most overdrawn annoying story in hockey.
Sundin-- I keep repeating I don't care what happens with this except i hope he doesnt want to play in Ottawa.
And while I'm going to probably take flack for this, Montreal isn't a possible destination, Gainey said he has no interest in Sundin at this point and with how good Montreal is doing it'd be retard...
BURKE LEAVES DUCKS?!?
Yes it has happened. As reported by TSN and Ek, Ducks GM Brian Burke has indeed left his job after indicating that he was not looking to seek an extension with the team. Assistant GM Bob Murray will take over the reigns and much deservingly so. Murray has been around different organizations in different roles. He has had previous GM experience with...
I don't have a whole lot to say this morning as I've been swamped the last little while with travel back and forth across the continent as well as a quick trip to Europe to see a kid play, but believe it Leaf fans, the Brian Burke era will begin shortly.
My quick phone conversation with Burke the other day pretty much had me convinced he'd be in the Leafs top position n...
Actually I'm just kidding,
This ship is still at the bottom of the ocean. Yes i realize its very early in the season and things CAN turn around, but this club only shows flash's of potential and then reverts to the nightmare of last season.
And I've tryed very hard to stay positive about my beloved Sens but you can only hang on for so long before it's finally time to...
Months of uncertainty and speculation are likely to come to an end in the next week when Brian Burke and his associates meet with Richard Peddie and the MLSE. The groups have already spoken albeit lawyer to lawyer last weekend to confirm the Anaheim Ducks had signed papers allowing their former GM to talk with other teams and if reports are to be believed, groundwork was l...
As I have heard and observed Burke over the past few years it's clear that he is going to make a few changes with the roster and the admin at MLSE, I hope the Silver Fox and Joe are allowed to stay on as an Executive Commitee of Consultants but I think this guy will waste no time to gut this team and put his stamp on it.
The fact the Leafs have a lot of mediocre Russia...
The Leafs have traded away another two players from the non playoff clubs of the past three seasons, we can say goodbye to Steen and Colaiacovo as they pack their bags and head over to St. Louis while the Leafs get Lee Stempniak the 25 year old former 27 goal scorer. The Leafs who are getting closer and closer to the Brian Burke era seem to be content on a complete makeove...
As I posted in this blog over 2 weeks ago, Brian Burke is ready to step in as president and general manager of the Maple Leafs.
The timing couldn't be better for both Burke and the Leafs. Burke now has plenty of opportunity to assess the team, prepare for the trading deadline and prepare for next summer's draft. It seems that MLSE has finally got something right and h...
Brian Burke.
Surprise, eh?
Everyone knew it would be coming for about a week now, and now what to expect? I was never a fan of Brian Burke. I think his draft record stinks, I hate that he supposedly does not like Europeans, and I think he doesn’t know how to manage the cap. But that’s just my worthless opinion ;)
A look at his draft record could tell us exact...
Slasher98 writes...
A look at Brian Burke's probable moves before the deadline
Posted Monday | Comments 0
During Saturday's press conference to the Toronto media, Brian Burke all but confirmed that the Leafs are officially out of the Sundin sweepstakes. “I don’t think we fit his profile as a team,” said Burke. He referred to the 2-year $20 million offer from the Vancouver Canucks, putting the emphasis on the fact that Sundin's comeback is not about money, but about playi...
[b]Wow[/b], [b]what-a-loss[/b]. What an amazing team the Sharks are. Setoguchi is playing some great hockey, and I still can't believe the Bruins traded Thornton for what they did. I did have a feeling Patty Marleau would have a good night. A real winner they have in San Jose. I'm sure they went the extra mile to beat their former coach's first return to the silicon valley...
With the announcement of Brian Burke as Leafs GM, the trades are inevitable.
After all, this is not Burke's team, it's Cliff Fletcher's.
That's not a bad thing. In fact, Fletcher's acquisitions have instilled hope to a fanbase in dire of need of it - and I speak for all of Leaf Nation when I say it feels damn good to be building for the future.
That said, Burke's ...
TML35 writes...
The Cost of Moving up in this Year's draft: Is it Worth it?
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
It's tough to say what the price of moving up in a draft like this one would be. Moving even a few spots in the top ten could be quite expensive.
Garth Snow was demanding the Leafs pick along with two additional 2nd round picks(we ended up giving him a 2nd and 3rd) in last year's draft to move up two spots. This was the price in a draft not as strong as this one. With ...
These last few days have been interesting, especially in regards to what Brian Burke has said about Tomas Kaberle.
In a very good interview with Steve Kouleas on the Score he said a few really key things that us Leafs fan were wondering about since Brian Burke took over.
He tackled all the talk about him not liking Europeans which he said was completely not true, [i]...
Ron Guillet writes...
Welcome Back, Toskala + The Future of Justin Pogge
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Vesa Toskala has reclaimed his role as the Leafs' top player.
Similar to last season, Toskala got off to a slow start, struggling to provide his team with solid goaltending. Looking at how the defense has performed this season, consistent goaltending is a necessity.
But have no fear, Toskala is here... finally.
The re-emergence of the Finnish goaltender is not onl...
I was just watching the TSN panel talk about Burke's moves for next season and one of the guys (Mr. Hockey Insider) was talking about the confirmed and approved trades Fletch got last year but was blocked by NTCs. It was a terrible reminder of how futile Fletch's trade deadline push was. For of you who don't remember or never heard about it:
Sundin Higgins, Grabovski &...
It appears Vesa Toskala has been complaining of a sore groin for some time, and during the Leafs' 7-3 win over the Pens last night, the soreness had reached a limit. TSN is reporting that Toskala will be out of the lineup when the Leafs face the Thrashers on Monday.
For goaltending prospect Justin Pogge, this is the best news of the season (but he won't tell you that).
...
TML35 writes...
Christmas Wish List: Ten Things the Toronto Maple Leafs Need
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
It's that time of the year again, and Leafs fans head into the holiday break with a sour taste after an 8-2 [b][u]OBLITERATION[/u][/b] by the Dallas Stars. That was simply embarrassing. Losing that bad to a team that has had just as much difficulty as us, possibly even more!
[img:left]http://blog.mlive.com/redwings_impact/2008/05/medium_turco15.JPG[/img]I find this curi...
Brad May from the Ducks to the Leafs for a 6th round conditional draft pick.
as heard on Leafs Lunch Am 640
Brian Burke made his first two moves as Leafs GM -- acquiring Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional 6th round pick in 2010, and assigning Nikolai Kulemin to the Toronto Marlies.
Minor moves, but perhaps Burke has finished analyzing his team and is ready to reshape the roster to his liking.
With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, just und...
As of January 10, 2009 the Toronto Maple Leafs are in familiar territory- no mans land.
Yknow that place in the standings where you are a ladder rung or 2 away from a playoff spot, but clearly not inept enough to be banking on a lottery pick in the draft. There is, at least a shred of understanding on my part for those who in the past three seasons felt that this was t...
In the event of Tomas Kaberle waiving his NTC on March 4th, I'd be willing to bet that his fellow countryman, and teammate, Pavel Kubina, would follow suit.
If the Leafs' top two offensive defensemen are subtracted from the lineup, not only will a wealthy amount of skill and potential be included to their farm system, but it'll pave the way for a top 5 pick at the 2009 ...
As the Leafs continue to lose hockey games the past few weeks, one can only wonder what is going through the mind of Brian Burke. Burke has added Brad May for a 6th round pick this past week, not for scoring ability and not for the future but for some grit and leadership purposes. This should win the Leafs a few more games this season but a playoff run with the teams curre...
* I can't let you read this blog without first apologizing for the title. Shameful, just shameful. *
Alexei Ponikarovsky is in the midst of a career season.
14 goals and 30 points in 42 games played – on pace for 26 goals and 58 points.
But who is responsible for this sudden jump in production?
Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the so-called back-stabbin...
Last season I had a big post on what I think the leafs should do and it was pretty decent in predicting reality even though everyone in Leafland thought it appropriate to tear me a new one. Specifically, one of the "crazy" things I said was to trade Toskala and sign huet in his place. Alas that is what we should have done but we didn't and we may be paying for it a bit.
...
Last season I had a big post on what I think the leafs should do and it was pretty decent in predicting reality even though everyone in Leafland thought it appropriate to tear me a new one. Specifically, one of the "crazy" things I said was to trade Toskala and sign huet in his place. Alas that is what we should have done but we didn't and we may be paying for it a bit.
...
March 5th will be a significant date for Anton Stralman.
Why?
He's going to be re-inserted into the Leafs' lineup, and finally serve the role he was intended to grasp as an offensive defenseman in the NHL.
That is, if Burke can manage to dislodge Kaberle and/or Kubina from the lineup.
It's currently unclear whether the duo of defensemen have a long-term future ...
TML35 writes...
The True Blue and White: No more Exceeding Expectations
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Half the season is over, and the leafs are finally beginning to show their true colors.
Burke isn't surprised, although he denies that he and his staff are quote "tanking," he says that these losses are just the growing pains of icing a young team. Growing pains that will deliver us a much needed 1st round pick. As always with rebuilding, and any city that has undergon...
TML35 writes...
Maple Leafs Goaltending Dilemma: Justin Pogge gets his Shot
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It looks like after two weeks since the Leafs sent goaltending prospect, Justin Pogge, down to the minor leagues, they're gearing up to bring him back up to give him a prolonged stint in with the Buds.
Things have not been right for Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala. After coming of a strong season he wasn't able to put it together at all - at times he cost the Maple ...
Don't look now, but Jason Blake is on pace for 25 goals and 56 points (in 78 games).
And don't give your eyes a rub, that's actually on your computer screen, folks.
While Don Cherry is red in the face over the coaching of Ron Wilson, Blake couldn't be happier. After registering a disappointing 15-goal (although he did have 51 points) campaign in 2007-08, Blake has ...
[img:left]http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0201/nhl_g_nantropov_200.jpg[/img]The Leafs and Nik Antropov head into the All-star break in a pretty big slump.
Good thing? Depends on what you think of tanking, but is it a bad thing? No.
Today we are a lot closer to having a successful rebuild then we were a few short weeks into the season. A high 1st round pick in t...
... and all through the league,
there were plenty of rumors,
for us to enjoy ...
When out of the shadows a blogger appeared,
With laptop in hand and opinions to share!
Well, with that out of the way ... I figured it would be interesting to evaluate the current Leafs on their contributions and performances so far and gauge whether they should be available in Burke'...
With the trade deadline just over a week away, there will no doubt be an altered Leafs lineup next Thursday when the team visits the Capitals. Here is my take on the most talked about Leafs and whether they should stay or go.
[b]Jason Blake:[/b] He's playing very well this season, but his contract and attitude make him an anchor. I'd like to see him moved, but it's l...
Tomas Kaberle will be traded on March 4th. I guarantee it.
Kaberle, who's dawned the Leafs uniform for a decade, would be wise to waive his no-trade clause at the NHL Trade Deadline. This would allow him to control his fate, rather than have Burke decide it for him when his contract nullifies his NTC in the off-season due to the Leafs' failure to make the post-season th...
A lot of Leafs fans after looking at what we grabbed on March 4th were disappointed, and thought Burke had failed in what he tried to do.
What did he try to do though? Leading up to the deadline he said that he really liked Kaberle and that he would not want to trade him, yet the media still acted as if he was on the market. He said that Kubina would not be available fo...
That rumble that you have been hearing since last Tuesday, from around 3 pm EST, has been the collective groan of the TANK NATION - those that believe that the Toronto Maple Leafs should be bottoming out in search for one of the top 5 picks in this year's entry draft.
Admittedly, membership to the TANK Nation has, of whom Michael "From Buffalo" Augello is mayor and chi...
This is a funny city we seem to live in, the same media who bad mouths the Leafs when they don't sign a free agent or make the better trade or are not able to win more games against Montreal or Ottawa now has turned their attention to wanting the Leafs to tank and finish last in the league.
I find it ridiculous that in reading a couple of daily papers, last night's game a...
First off, I would like to thank the New York Islanders for running the NYI Blog Box for a second straight year and allowing me to be a part of it this season. Over the course of the year I have met a lot of great people that helped me get adjusted to something that was very new to me while never making me feel like that "new guy." Despite the season being a long, hard sea...
Brian Burke steps in front of the media last week and comes right out and lets everyone know that he is targeting John Tavares the potential first overall pick in this years NHL entry draft. Leaf fans jump for joy but when you sit back and think about it, what would the Leafs give up for the #1 overall pick. The guess here is at least two first rounders this years and next...
Rumours continue to swirl about the possibility of Brian Burke landing both Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin should the pair opt for unrestricted free agency this off-season. My take on the rumour? Don't do it, Burke!
Let me begin by stating that the Sedin twins are indeed offensive weapons, and are valuable commodities to any team; but only under the right circumstances--...
In the MLSE land of unreasonable expectations, even a superstar troupe like Burke and Wilson will not be afforded another record breaking season; at least not if said record is a fifth consecutive season of playoff free hockey. Subsequently Burke is going to be looking for a catalyst to the rebuilding project come summer and the most obvious route will arrive in early July...
This will be the future headline in all the newspapers, tv stations and the internet once the free agent period begins on July 1, 2009. Brian Burke looks to place his own big stamp on the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer and rebuild this team back into a playoff contender this off season when the UFA period begins. The questions many Maple Leaf fans have, myself included is...
The June 26th NHL Entry Draft is not far away and now that the Stanley Cup Finals have come to an end, the hockey world now shifts its focus to the draft. Here are my predictions for who will go in the top 15.
[b]15. Anaheim Ducks – RW Scott Glennie (Brandon-WHL). [/b]Glennie has made amazing strides in the last year or so. He is definitely a bonafide goal scorer but...
Celebrating a decade of squandered potential and faded dreams, the draft of 1999 turned out shallower than an infant’s paddling pool, yet despite being regarded as an acrimonious footnote in league history the draft of ’99 also served as an unlikely backdrop to one of the most meticulously engineered pre-draft coups ever.
Having only entered the Vancouver office si...
approximately 2 days from now we'll know who the Leafs drafted with their first round selection. I have all the faith in Burkie (hence my Burke leafs jersey I purchased before he was announced as GM/President) but I do think he has a very tough task to complete in Montreal.
For Starters with all the media attention he has received over his stay up until now I can surel...
As repoted on TSN.ca
Darren Dreger
6/25/2009 3:20:25 PM
Sources tell TSN the Toronto Maple Leafs have received what the team considers to be a significant offer for defenceman Tomas Kaberle.
There are few details available, however the offer arrived unexpectedly Thursday afternoon and is believed to be from one of the teams who may have been in the hunt, trying...
There seems to be tons of blogs surrounding the Leafs/GM Brian Burke's pursuit of a higher pick ahead of Friday's NHL Entry Draft - very few of those blogs are actually analyzing the work that Burke has done thus far.
With the regular season coming to a close, Burke stated to the mass media that he would do anything and everything in his power to land the Islander's to...
While the highly anticipated trades, wheelings, and dealings that were expected at the NHL Entry Draft last Friday never materialized, there was a sense that a lot of teams ended up a lot closer to understanding just what they need to do come July 1st, the opening of the NHL's free agency transaction period.
Brian Burke, so frustrated at the lack of movement at the pro...
July 1st is tomorrow, folks. Where has the time gone? Not complaining, though, I couldn't be happier as I prepare to bask in the excitement of the Free Agency Frenzy.
Oh, and it's also Canada Day, too.
Brian Burke, after failing to make his mark at the NHL Entry Draft, will presumably have big plans for tomorrow. He loves the limelight, after all, so it wouldn't surpr...
While he would never admit it, Ontario native Nazem Kadri must of felt a twinge of anger at how the biggest day in his life panned out. Treated like a high steak pawn at the 2009 draft where the dreams he worked so hard to achieve were to be realized, Kadri watched as a bitter Brian Burke failed to secure the vaunted trade northwards, then faced the ignominy of TSN analyst...
I wrote a blog a few days after the draft, and quite harshly got ridiculed for suggesting that the Leafs would not be after the top-end talent available during yesterday's NHL free agent frenzy.
I suggested that Brian Burke, in all his common sense, would realize that now is not the time for the Leafs to sign big, while taking smaller, more rational steps would be the ...
When John Ferguson Jr. took over as General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs I was hoping that he would bring the Leafs back to glory.....that didn't really happen. His first year saw the Leafs miss the playoffs for the first time since 1998, and long-time coach Pat Quinn fired after missing the playoffs by one point. It also saw Toronto buy out the contract of long-ti...
Or is the team a lot closer than most people seem to think?
This is just a rough draft ... sorry for misspellings (if any), but to me, this team isn't that far off top 6 in the conference!
Blake Grabovski Stajan
Tlusty Ponikarovsky Kulemin
Stempniak Bozak Mitchell
Orr Mayers Hanson
Kaberle Komisarek
Schenn Exelby
Van Ryn Finger
Toskala
Pogge*
*=if no...
With news breaking about the Chicago Blackhawks possibly making a critical error in filing qualifying offers to Restricted Free Agents Cam Barker, Kris Versteeg, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser, Aaron Johnson and Troy Brouwer, I can’t help but think Brian Burke is salivating at the thought of acquiring two players who would strenghten the Leafs' core in an instant.
Those two ...
HabAve37 writes...
The New York Yankees of Hockey...tough to stomach for Habs
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[b]In Bob I trust...[/b]
It is a phrase that I have used over the past six years more than anyone else in this city. Unfortunately, no more. The truth is, Bob Gainey got rotten luck. He put together a team that should have competed for a Stanley Cup, filled with talent on all sides. Unfortunately, injuries, distractions, and regressions from young players led to yet ano...
It's been a little while since I've posted a blog... and I have a number of ideas and thoughts on the current state of the Calgary Flames that I would like to address when I find the time...
For now, I want to focus on the tampering allegations toward the Toronto Maple Leafs in regards to the Sedin twins.
I really feel these allegations by the Vancouver Canucks ha...
Michael Lindow
July 14, 2009.
Toronto – It has been less that a year since Brian Burke took the reigns as the Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager but already the team has a new look and some much needed optimism in a city that was starved for it. Having to clean up the mess left behind by the previous GMs John Ferguson Jr. and Cliff Fletcher Burke stil...
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been active in the free agency period to say the least. Signing Komisarek, Beauchemin, Orr, Gustavsson, Wallin, and Kadri. Trading Kubina and Stapleton for Exelby and Stuart. And of course the makeover of certain staff led by arguably the best goalie coach in Francois Allaire. However do not think for one second that Burke is done. Not even clo...
Leafs nation has been all a-buzz since draft day when a rumour leaked that Kaberle would be sent to Boston for Phil Kessel. The GM's had thier wires crossed. Clearly. That deal has fallen out and since then nothing has come of it. Burke has built a wall of defenders in front of Vesa Toskala. The group looks strong with Kaberle, Schenn, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Exelby and, Mi...
On draft day I was one of many thinking Burke would move up in the draft. To grab JT or Brayden Schenn. I was dissapointed to see the Kings draft Brayden. So the leafs selected Nazem Kadri at which point I cursed in disgust. But the more and more I look at it, the better it seems. Kadri was only cut from the world junior team last year because of a broken jaw. Even though ...
puck-off writes...
The 2009-2010 edition of the Leafs are Play-off bound!
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It doesn't take a rocket scientist nor an arm chair GM operating in his Mom's basement much to understand that the Leafs will make the play-offs this year.
How you might ask?
The Leafs defense on paper is second to no one in the east and is top 3 in the west.
Their goaltending has youth and depth with proven performers as Joey MacDonald, Gustavvson and Toskala who...
Marc Savard. Assuming the Bruins dont resign his the leafs MUST! He would immediately be our best forward. The bruins have a back up plan for Marc departure. It's David Krejic. So im hopefull the Bruins don't re-sign him at which point he'll be UFA. Immediately the Leafs need to sign him. 6 years at least 30 million. Also I would love for them to sign Pat Kane as I believe...
TSN has reported that Burke has re-aquired his 2nd round choice in next years draft. Meaning he has all the tools to offer Phil Kessel a contract. The yays and nays have been cast out. I say to Burke. DO IT! A future 40 plus goal scorer. Pull the trigger Burkie. I finally see all his planning with the Stralman trade coming to fruition. So Kessel would put on a leafs jersey...
I was at the Leafs/Pens rookie game in Kitchener earlier, so I have decided to try and write a blog about it. This is my first one ever, so any criticism and advice would be helpful. Here we go.
[u][b]Final Score:[/b][/u]
Leafs Rookies 3, Penguins Rookies 1
[u][b]Goals:[/b][/u]
[u]Toronto:[/u]
1st Period - Viktor Stalberg - Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson
...
The Maple Leafs were $2 million under the cap before the trade for Kessel. They now sit $3 million over. I know Burke said he had the cap room to make this trade, but it is hard to see how. He does have some bonus cushion but not enough to make up the difference. Don't forget how important it is to have a little cap cushion. The Flames couldn't even get a full rost...
chparkes writes...
Ready the Reinforcements: The Leafs Roster Solution
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With the regular season only one week away and the Leafs needing to trim their roster to a maximum of 23 players, the debate rages on as to whether to play the youngster or to stick with the veterans assembled over the course of the last 2-3 years who actually produced a respectable offensive output last season. What makes this decision difficult is that the temptation to ...
The Toronto Maple Leafs have started the season as many non Maple Leaf fans would have hoped for losing their first three games with the possibility of making it four when the defending Stanley Cup Champions come to town on Saturday. The Maple Leafs have scored eight goals in these three games but is their any forward on the Leafs that scares any opposing team that faces t...
As leafs fans we find ourselves asking this question far too much as of late. Truth is, yes the team is struggling, and yes, the season may be lost. But would it not be sensible to suggest there might be more to gain from a season many are claiming to be over for the Leafs?
One of the biggest issues this season has to be the acquisition of Phil Kessel. Why have fans ...
With the latest Maple Leafs' loss the same question remains regarding the status of several players on the roster. Brian Burke promised changes, and while the roster has seen a major overhaul, and the future does look brighter, one has to still find themselves asking if this is where the changes should end for this season. The Leafs have managed to crawl out of last plac...
Well, I have been away for a while and have just decided to rejoin the world of Hockeybuzz.com. As most of you know that know me, I am a Leaf diehard. We saw our Buds get off to a rough start this season but they have been heating it up as of late and now sit a mere 2 points from the 8th spot in the east. I thought I'd drop a few interesting tidbits that have been bounc...
As the 2009 calender year comes to a close with the Maple Leafs three points behind a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Brian Burke will need to look at making some decisions in 2010 and the first one on his list needs to be the resigning of defensemen Ian White. The 25 year old on many nights this season has been the teams best rearguard and overall it's not much of...
I can hear it now:
"Not to be out done in stealing the spotlight, Brian Burke this morning announced that he has signed both Mats Sundin and Peter Forsbeg to contracts for the NHL minimum to end this season."
Naw....never happen. But you have to wonder if GMs out there are looking for ways to top or equal the latest move by the Devils.
There really aren't many big bi...
I am a father.
I have four children who are individually and collectively the biggest and brightest pieces of my life. I ache because I cannot do more for them. Sometimes, as children do, they can be testy and they can push me to my limits of patience. Sometimes I yell. Yet no matter what, these are my little flashes of light, and the joy they bring me is immeasurable. ...
When I think about life, I often take so many things for granted, including family. Our hearts go out to the Burke family. My heart aches for what they are going through. You know, sometimes when a team does not click, we as fans really seem to get very upset, we seem to forget what is really important in life.
We all got a hard lesson yesterday when the Burkes loss th...
It's been 3 games since the Leafs made the big trades for Phaneuf, Sjostrom, and Giguere last Sunday. And aside from the final 3 minute meltdown against New Jersey Friday night the team has looked very very good.
Again last night the Leafs put on a very strong performance against a team who seemed unbeatable since the return of Daniel Alfredsson. Since Alfie's return to...
When the Leafs made the deal to acquire Dion Phaneuf (as well as Aulie and Sjostrom), there were comments of realism and nonsense. Some heard the big name on the radio or saw it in headlines and thought Phaneuf= another major piece to the puzzle. Others commented on the number of goals the Leafs sent the other way. And surprisingly, some experts (people who are actually p...
On September 19, 2009 the Toronto Maple Leafs traded away their first and second round picks in the 2010 draft along with their 2011 first round pick to acquire 36 goal scorer Phil Kessel from the Boston Bruins. Leafs Nation for the most part jumped for joy as the team had acquired a 21 year old sniper and top six forward for the squad. The Toronto Sports papers, radio sta...
D-Men, new money and the future.
Here is how the new optimism works for me and the new revamped Leafs (I know Leaf fans are forever optimistic but I believe there is truth in my words). To assess the situation of Leafland we need to start from the net out. Giggy is expensive (but a proven performer) and "The Monster" is unproven. We have $6 mill freed up in 2011 if Gigg...
Quick question. Would you dig a hole if you didn't have enough dirt to fill it? That is precisely what Leaf management would be doing if they finally trade Tomas Kaberle when his no trade clause is lifted during the off season. Most leaf fans and Leaf reporters see it as a no brainer to rid themselves of # 15. Their points (somewhat valid) are as follows: (1).Kaberle will ...
When the Toronto Maple Leafs began the '09-10 season 0-7-1, it was determined that even though they were not as bad as their record indicated, the horror movie like start demonstrated they could not compete when points "mattered most". Lately, nearing the end of a 5th straight non-playoff year, the Leafs (as has been their season ending trend) have been on a tear; their 7...
Ron Wilson, an alumnus from Providence College, was playing for Davos in the Swiss National League A in 1985 when pivotal Minnesota North Stars defenseman Craig Hartsburg was injured. Embroiled in a battle for a playoff spot, Minnesota were in tough to find a stabilizing replacement to hold down the North Stars backend whilst Hartsburg recovered. Ron Wilson, a standout col...
Right now, plenty of Leaf fans are wondering about what sort of return MIGHT Brian Burke get for Thomas Kaberle once the trade window opens on his contract. Last year, he was a potentially valuable chip. In December 2009, he was playing some of the best hockey of his career and many hoped that he might be traded to speed along a re-build if the Leafs could not get back in...
On a Toronto radio station earlier this week, Leafs GM Brian Burke indicated that defenseman Tomas Kaberle is generating some interest throughout the league. Local Toronto radio is reporting that Buffalo was one of two teams that have contacted Brian Burke about acquiring defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
This is a move by the Sabres that makes a great deal of sense. Kaberle i...
In three years from now, the Buffalo Sabres will be a completely different team, but that could be said about any team. The Sabres have a big couple of years ahead of them that will prove whether or not they will be a contender come playoff time.
The management will likely change soon, which may not be a bad thing. Lindy Ruff had and will face criticism regardless of wh...
Looking back, Evgeny Artyukhin, Raffi Torres, and Cheechoo are still out there, If any of these guys get an offer, it is going to be a cheap one. The bulk of pundits think Torres may get an offer once the Kaberle situation is clarified. The other two seem to be on nobody's radar as of Aug 1. Savard has the best chance of going someplace like Calgary, if he goes anyplace at...
[b]Do you honestly think "[quote]Burke"[/quote] type of players will win the maple leafs a cup?[/b]
I don't think so. Okay so Burke loves players with a lot of grit and toughness. First of all he signs Colby Armstrong a third line player to a 3mil/Season. Thats outrageous for a player that plays on the third line. Wouldn't you love to see elite players on the leafs team...
This is a question that many news reporters and Leafs fans are wondering when it comes to the Tomas Kaberle saga, is it possible for Leafs general manager Brian Burke to switch gears and move the younger Luke Schenn for a top forward instead of the veteran blueliner. The one thing that most NHL teams covet is a puck moving offensive defensemen and Tomas Kaberle more then f...
As Burke has built our team from the mesh out, I will talk about the future of our team the mesh out.
Giggy, our six mill a year net minder, was a brilliant acquisition by Burke. Shedding Jason Blakes ridiculous contract and, the transparent between the pipes, Vesa Toskala for a goalie who could stop a puck let alone a beach ball was genius.
It’s important to note ...
Maybe it was indicative of how fragile the Leafs psyche had become after relinquishing such an unexpectedly high draft pick to the Bruins, or maybe it was just a reaction to the mid-summer boredom brought upon as the Kovalchuk saga stop-gaped the NHL trade wires, but the recent trade rumours surrounding Luke Schenn suggests a seismic shift has taken place in Leafs Nation w...
Probably the most interesting story to all Leaf fans this summer is whether Tomas Kaberle will be dealt or if he will stick with the Buds. More importantly, if he is dealt, what kind of talent will Brian Burke get in return. Now that Ilya Kovalchuk has finally signed a contract (maybe I spoke too soon???), the Kaberle saga should soon come to an end.
Brian Burke has b...
John_Anderson writes...
Afinogenov, Potential Blue and White Candidate??
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I believe that Afinogenov would be a great pick up on free agency for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Give him a chance to bring in a veteran presence for the young top 6 forwards, since he is now in his Early 30s.
He may have had a great season last year, but that could've been a fluke if you look at his stats the previous two seasons, where he didn't even mass a total combin...
tnotarianni writes...
Taking a look at the Leafs Roster and Cap Situation
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The Toronto Maple Leafs ended last season with a 10-5-3 record after the Olympic break, giving them the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference for that time period. Many people consider this garbage time, when the games don’t matter, but the team put up this record playing against teams whose games meant a hell of a lot. Now I do not think the Leafs will finish in...
To make a long story short, for those who have not seen the summer blockbuster Inception (which I highly recommend you do), a totem is an object that separates reality from dream. The totem distinguishes reality from dream because it takes on different characteristics in a dream state. Therefore, if the owner of the totem knows their totem well enough, they should be able ...
This has been a quiet off season for the Toronto Maple Leafs when it comes to the unrestricted free agent market. The Leafs signed Colby Armstrong when the gate opened July 1st and Brett Lebda on July 7th, they also look to have loaded up the Marlies with a few other minor signings but the biggest move of this off season will not be a free agent signing and may just be the...
I heard a caller on the radio this afternoon talk about the effect that the Phil Kessel trade has had and will make on the Toronto Maple Leafs. I was a proponent of the Phil Kessel trade but I didn't think Brian Burke needed to give up 2 first round picks to do it since he essentially had Chiarelli cornered with the threat of the offer sheet (I know Burke lashed out at Ke...
This is my first blog with Hockeybuzz and I'm choosing to speculate on a topic which has been discussed for several years now, that being the eventual departure of long time Maple Leaf Tomas Kaberle.
I write eventual departure because I do believe that come the August 15th deadline, before Kaberle's no-trade clause comes back into effect, he will be moved. Never in the...
With a spot in the bottom 5 league wide freshly secured, the fear of giving up 2 lottery picks to a divisional rival because more of a reality. It also becomes more difficult to right the ship and end the free-fall. The team lacks confidence, can't score consistently, has horribly timed defensive lapses, sporadic weak goals, increasingly ineffective special teams and only ...
This is Burke's team, this is Burke's mess. Brian Burke had a hand in acquiring every player on our roster except Kaberle, Schenn, Gunarsson, and Kulemin.
When Brian Burke was brought on board as the Maple Leafs' GM, he had an aura about him. He was big and boisterous, he was confident and charismatic. He was our savior that was to lead us out of the JFJ years. Whateve...
Well things in LEaf Nation are not any better then they were last year, perhaps Burke is still trying to clean up his blunders and the remains blunders left over from Fergie. Burke has done so far what he can to try and help the Leafs win some more games, he has upgraded the blue line and the goaltending, he has dealt player and got players and yes he has d...
Those of you still holding a bloody stick from beating the dead horse that was the Phil Kessel trade, this is for you. All your talk about the importance of draft picks has finally come back to bite you in the buttocks.
Brian Burke is a fucking magician.
Pardon my french, but did he just get 2 first round picks and a potential second for Kaberle's expiring contract?...
It's no secret the Toronto Maple Leafs have got a lot thinner on the blue line in the past couple of weeks, shipping out Francois Beauchemin and fan favourite Tomas Kaberle. Beauchemin's value has turned out to be quite good for Toronto, as Lupul has made his presence known on the top line alongside Phil Kessel (assists on Kessel's last four goals). The Leafs can also look...
It is amazing to think that only a few months ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded their 'star' defenceman to Boston for Joe Colborne(1st round pick), a first round pick, and a conditional pick - when now, Tomas Kaberle is luck to even see ice time in their latest playoff game against the Habs.
12 D KABERLE, TOMAS 1 1 [b]21:10 [/b]28 00:45 03:46 00:00 [b]17:24 [/...
For Leafs fans, Mike Komisarek is the new Bryan McCabe. To an extent at least. He is an overpaid defensemen who really can't play defence really well. To be fair, that isn't really true. He's had his good years, and was one of the more solid shutdown d-men in the NHL until Lucic messed him up. But you think he'd be healthy by now. It's been two and a half years since the i...
Willie Wilts writes...
LEAFS – Richards or Stamkos Possibility? Is Vinny The Key?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The debate over where Dallas superstar center Brad Richards will play next season is heating up again after Richards basically said goodbye to the Dallas fans via twitter Saturday night. Many teams are in the hunt for his services of course but the Leafs and Rangers were thought to be the front runners. That is until it became known Brad preferred to play in a less Media...
Its coming close to draft and free agency time and it's time to bring up the age old question! Will the Leafs ever find their #1 centre they desperately need?
In this day and age its definetly hard to find that #1 centre via trade without giving up an abundance of youth and picks to get said player, but its not impossible. The Leafs have been linked to many #1 centre'...
[img]http://leafshq.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Brian_Burke.jpg[/img]
Its coming close to draft and free agency time and it's time to bring up the age old question! Will the Leafs ever find their #1 centre they desperately need?
In this day and age its definetly hard to find that #1 centre via trade without giving up an abundance of youth and picks to get said ...
With all the hoopla surrounding the need for a 1st line centre in Toronto, a key idea is being missed.
It's true: Brian Burke [i]needs[/i] to acquire a legitimate, 1st-line centre this offseason if he wants any shot at even making the playoffs this year.
However, I'd like to point out, that the Leafs are still missing a much-needed cog to any playoff teams chances: A p...
First off, this is my first blog. Just fyi.
Today, the Flyers made two big deals. Carter too Columbus for a pair of picks and Jakub Voracek. They also sent Mike Richards too the Kings for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a 2nd round pick (overpayment imo). So how do these two trades affect Toronto and there train of thought going into the draft?
The first trade onl...
Personnally I don't feel that the leafs have missed out on Carter or Richards, neither player are the type of guy that any of us thought we needed. While both are very talented Richards is unpredictable and is still prone to taking terrible penaltied at bad times that hurt his team in late stages of the game and in the playoffs, and Carter is as pure a sniper as Kessel is...
Happy Friday!
As anticipation grows with the looming draft tonight, like most Leafs fans, I'm hopeful that big Burke can live up to his reputation and pull the trigger on a trade that will shed the limelight on the city that eats, sleeps and lives the Leafs!
In wandering my way through the many credible tweeters today, it doesn't appear there is much life to many r...
If you are like me you sat there glued to the television waiting for the big announcement last night... you know the one that didn't happen. Once again Brian Burke was unable to find anyone willing to trade with, I wonder if i it is because people around the league believe that the leafs players aren't worthy of much. Is Brian Burke overvaluing the prospects and draft p...
jeffgreig writes...
Can there really be a "HUGE" free agent landing in Toronto
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I don't believe that there will be any "HUGE" signing this summer from Brian Burke. I believe that perhaps Andy Mac may be an option, but is he available? Mr Augello wrote that he would be a nice fit, I also think that Andy would be a great fit. Not only would he be a relative bargain due to injuries, but he could actually end up being the type of guy that Kessel needs...
jeffgreig writes...
Steve Simmons vs. Brian Burke and other neat things
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Is it just me or does everything that Steve Simmons say sound the same? Further more everything he writes seems to directly involve Brian Burke's innability to get the hockey team into the playoffs. I honestly don't believe that there is a less intelligent and more negative individual in the Toronto media. The questions this guy asks are irrelavent and offending, only S...
You know, I’ve been pretty quiet during the whole Stamkos fiasco. If I were to don an NHL jersey it would be of the blue and white variety, but I try to keep a level head when projecting where the Leafs will go with respect to trades, free agency, draft etc. Burke has clearly upgraded over last year’s squad already. With the addition of Connolly at center and the wh...
I am hearng more and more that Brian Burke has been in contact with Carolina re: Stall.
Now it would be interesting to hear what Carolina would want in return & what Burke is willing to part with. Could be that Carolina gets Kadri, Blacker & 2012 first round pick.
Is Stall worth that much? Would you make that deal?
Let me know.
Jermz13
Hey all,
Now, I realize that with a bit of common sense and realistic expectations it's pretty easy to take a stab at what the Leafs will look like next season. Yet I frequently see people making odd guesses/ projections for the team to then defend themselves till their blue in the face...
So I'm just going to write down the lines I believe most likely to be put out...
As we start to ramp up for another action packed NHL season we also start to see/hear the many couch experts (myself included) start offering their opinions and projections for the race to April and what it will bring. Who’s going to jump out early.. who’s going to suffer the xmas slump.. Who has all the pieces to go all the way? It is worth noting that it is always su...
This is purely my opinion and that is based on observations over the past 20 years or so that I can clearly say I was a full blood member of the Leafs Nation.
1. The New york Yankee syndrom: From what most people say they hate that the leafs would buy their way into the playoffs, and clearly there is no point in saying otherwise because it is very true. It seemed as t...
tml1967 writes...
30 Insane Predictions for the Maple Leafs upcoming season
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The 2011/12 Maple Leafs season is two days away against our arch rivals the Montreal Canadiens, the Buds will be looking to make the post season for the first time since the lockout. The club is one of only two clubs to have failed to do so (Florida Panthers the other) and will be looking to charge into the post season. Can the club score enough goals? Will the penalty kil...
So I woke up today looked in the mirror and saw Brian Burke staring back at me? Weird, I know, but I figure now that I look like him I may have the chance to scratch one item off my wish-list, which is to be the GM of the Leafs! Now, I don’t know how long this is going to last, so I am going to have to act fast if I want to make a difference. So to cut to the chase, I am...
I have been watching the leafs for 12 years now (the better part of my life) and I can honestly say, without any doubt in my mind, that a group of hockey players must have kidnapped the Leafs, stolen their jerseys, and played out the entire first period of Toronto’s 3-2 win over the Rags, before letting the real Leafs back on the ice in the 2nd. There is no other explana...
After a close-call win against the conference dwelling Hurricanes, the Maple Leafs dropped two hard fought games this weekend against two good teams, Buffalo & Vancouver, who for the most part, played a little better than Toronto did over the 60 minute span.
Yes, both games had glaring errors. Neutral zone turnovers, horrible PK, a couple soft goals, HORRIBLE refer...
Jackets GM Scott Howson has mentioned that he is going to make his last-placed club and make it a top 10 team. He has also mentioned that his team will be shaken up in the up comming weeks leading to the Febuary, 27 trade dealine.
Now the Columbus Dispatch has mentioned that the Blue Jackets' players are feeling some sort of effects that moves are comming up and they a...
It has yet not been confirmed but it will be within the next few days to the next week. But the Detroit Red Wings will be hosting the 2013 Winter Classic, and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be visiting. There will also be a HBO 24/7 Road To The Winter Classic special. There really hasn't been much to say other than what has been leaked but the Leafs GM Brain Burke tweeted sa...
The Maple Leafs are in an all familiar spot in the standings since the lockout, out of a playoff position once again thanks in part to a dismal month of December that saw the club go 4-6-3 and in a tight Eastern Conference that sees 10 points separating 3rd place from 12th place in the Conference the Buds need to get their game back on track
The team plays nine out of t...
Grab your pen and paper parents.... Next Christmas's number #1 hit will be the next edition in Activision's première video game series... Call of Duty 9: Hockey Warfare 1!!
I am stoked!! Activision has sent me a few prototype trailers, and it is appears to be the real thing!!
So like the preceding editions of this game, you take on the views of varios facets of the...
Most Leafs’ fans are getting excited with the possibility of a playoff berth for the first time since the lock-out, and who can really blame them? While I think it is Burke’s intention for the team to make it to the post-season this year, I have also heard the GM mention on several occasions that the cup is his primary target, and a first-round exit is not his goal.
...
Let’s face it, with how inconsistent this team has been over the course of this year (and the last 2), we can basically be assured that Ron Wilson will not be the coach of the future for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His “systems” make for some exciting hockey, but the run n’ gun offense will not survive in today’s NHL. Players these days have far too much skill and a...
The Maple Leafs have done a complete 180 degree turn from their usually post lockout performances and that is not a good thing Leafs Nation. The club has gone 4-6-2 since the all star game and an even worse 1-6-1 in their past 8 and as February 24/12 comes around the club looks like they will be sitting in a familiar spot post lockout..... out of a playoff spot.
The clu...
WillGilligan writes...
Burke must be commended for not giving into temptation
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It must have been hard for Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke not to concede that the group that has seemingly kidnapped his team and played oh so poorly in their place since their win against Edmonton on February 6th had to be compelled with the power of the trade deadline.
However Burke has managed to see the forest for the trees and has...
WillGilligan writes...
Burke must be commended for not giving into temptation
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It must have been hard for Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke not to concede that the group that has seemingly kidnapped his team and played oh so poorly in their place since their win against Edmonton on February 6th had to be compelled with the power of the trade deadline.
However Burke has managed to see the forest for the trees and has...
WillGilligan writes...
Burke must be commended for not giving into temptation
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It must have been hard for Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke not to concede that the group that has seemingly kidnapped his team and played oh so poorly in their place since their win against Edmonton on February 6th had to be compelled with the power of the trade deadline.
However Burke has managed to see the forest for the trees and has...
wgilligan writes...
Burke must be commended for not giving into temptation:
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It must have been hard for Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke not to concede that the group that has seemingly kidnapped his team and played oh so poorly in their place since their win against Edmonton on February 6th had to be compelled with the power of the trade deadline.
However Burke has managed to see the forest for the trees and has...
Dear Ron Wilson,
I along with most Leaf fans today feel your pain. Our team is not performing and it is frustrating as can be for fans, as well (I’m sure) for players and the coaches. You may feel that you are being unfairly blamed, as has been your feeling throughout your time in Leaf’s Nation. What I saw last night was pathetic. The players let you down early with...
- The whole Rick Nash saga played out about as I expected, although it may not be for exactly the reasons I described here [url]http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=6464&post_id=13064[/url]. I honestly think that Scott Howson really had no intention of dealing Nash unless someone was going to give up the house...and no one did. He did get a fair return for Jeff Carter...
It seems that I am the only Blue and White fan that actually enjoyed the presser this afternoon. Over the past week I have been listening to what Leaf fans wanted Burke to say, versus what they expected him to say. I full out believe that it didn’t matter what was said by the Leaf’s GM and that the failure of the season was enough to simply cast aside anything meaningf...
tml1967 writes...
Toronto Maple Leafs embarrass themselves and their fans
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
This season is finally over and after a lot of promise and hope, the Maple Leafs collapse, which saw them go 7-18-4 from February 6th at the time they sat in 6th place in the Eastern Conference and dropped all the way down to 13th by the time the season ended, with the fifth worst record in hockey. What the hell happened?
We can point fingers at everyone in the organiza...
Vokoun is no longer welcome in Washington. Not because of his play (which has actually been just as excellent as his time in Florida), but simply because it's a numbers game. It should be pretty clear to everyone in the hockey world that Vokoun took a large salary cut to play for a potential cup-winning team instead of sticking it out with his bottom of the heap Florida Pa...
[b]"Big Splash"[/b]
So Ek reports today that the Leafs([i]Burke[/i]) are([i]is[/i]) yet again proclaiming to the hockey world that they will be making bold moves this off-season. Not only will they be doing whatever it takes to get Rick Nash out of Columbus but they will also be signing a high end free agent. Haven't we heard this all before?
Yes, of course we have ...
Colin Dambrauskas writes...
My thoughts on Luongo and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
After many conversations, it appears most Leaf fans feel that Luongo coming to Toronto either wont happen or is a bad idea primarily due to the length of his contract, and secondly because he might not even want to play there.
After having failed with the Gustavsson and Reimer duo, Burke is at a point where he is desperate for a legitimate starter for the 2012-2013 sea...
zigomanis92 writes...
Leafs Off-Season: A City With it's Head in the Clouds
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Bros,
Many Torontonians find themselves qualified to do the job of Brian Burke. Toronto and the surrounding GTA is infected by a plague of arm-chair GM's who believe themselves to be educated and well versed on the inner-workings of the National Hockey Leaue. I happen to be one of these "arm-chair GM's" yet wish to bring a more level headed perspective to the situation....
With the draft approaching, there is a lot of talk about what Brian Burke could possibly be up to, in order to better the club for the upcoming season and the future. There have been many scenarios bounced around over the past few weeks and every option discussed seems to have a bevy of supporters, regardless how different the path may be. After watching some of these conv...
aaronjoseph writes...
Centre Of The Hockey Universe.......Burke Better Step Up!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Just like the New York Yankees are in baseball, Machester United in soccer, Dallas Cowboys are in football, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the centre of the hockey universe. It has been for many years now.
All of the teams i mentioned above have high revenues and don't hesitate when it comes to spending money on big name free agents or making trades for big time players....
Gotta say...I'm more than a little tired of hearing how Burkie dropped the ball in Leafville by not trading off his players for 1st rounders. I implore you...what possible sense would that have made?
Burkie said he had offers for his players. He said 1st rounders were offered. What he DIDN'T say was where those picks were. It's no secret that this is a weak draft. ...
Why does every year feel more and more painful as a Leaf fan? I think that after this year the new CBA will work to the advantage of the leafs or at least put the on a level playing field with the rest of the NHL teams. Burke doesn't believe in these long term contracts, and even though it sucks to see big names pass up Toronto year after year, there is a method to his mad...
3 Years. 7 Months. 14 Days. This is how long it has been since Brian Burke took over the reigns from interim GM Cliff Fletcher. Needless to say, the team Burke inherited on Nov 28 2008 bears little resemblance to the team that ended the 2011/2012 season.
Opinions of what Burke has accomplished with his team, up to this point, are mixed to say the least. I do not preten...
a-mak15 writes...
Brian Burke's inactivity should not be lauded and tolerated
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It's been an inescapably quiet summer for Brian Burke and his boys in blue. The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently being shut out on the trade front, have whiffed on every prized free agent on the market and, as is customary with the franchise, the team has largely ignored addressing its unmistakably glaring needs for a top-line center and a quality goaltender.
If the n...
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Matthew Barry has made an excellent point in his blog on Bernier to Toronto for Frattin and a 3rd rounder (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Matthew-Barry/Frattin-and-a-3rd-for-Bernier/125/45651)
Barry's quote -
[i]Yeah, Bernier's been moaning like a kid whose parents won't t...
I'm not sure about you, but I am so sick of hearing about the needs of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. Every off-season, trade deadline or rumor has to do with Toronto filling those much needed areas to make the club a playoff team. But here is my issue, a proper rebuilding plan (that I thought they were doing...) will take at the very least, 3-4 more seasons.
For...
Been with HB since '06, first blog :) Any feedback welcomed. @Feltzer89
It was so obvious at the end of last season, even the management group admitted the team needs a 1C and a proven 1A goaltender with experience to have any chance at success. There are options available to fill both of these holes, but for some reason I get the feeling it's not going to be address...
This blog is to dissect the many moves, trades, free agent signings, and now current roster that is presented to us by the Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. I will do a series of blogs looking at a multitude of subjects from the inherited Leafs, the turnover, the forwards, the D, and the goalies.
First, to truly understand how this current of the Leafs was built, I...
PauljBoychuk writes...
A History of Trade with Leafs GM Brian Burke- TRADE #1
Posted Friday | Comments 0
In this blog I will be examining and breaking down, the trades that the Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager, Brian Burke has made. I will provide brief anaylisis for each deal, and examine what the club got, and what they gave a way.
I will only be examining trades of a certain level of significance. Unless everyone would like to me to regail in Burke's ma...
The firing of Brian Burke in Toronto should serve as a clarion call to other executives and coaches in the NHL, alerting them to the fact that the natives are restless. As bizarre as the timing of the Leafs removing Burke is, it only serves to reinforce the heightened sense of urgency that many franchises have, not just the Maple Leafs. However, in the case of the Leafs, t...
I swear I didn't take that title from anywhere. Anyways as many of you readers know already, Brian Burke was relieved of his duties as Gm and head of Hockey Operations by the two-headed behemoth that is Rogers and Bell, and Dave Nonis will replace (from here until who knows) him.
Now, I'm sure I'm not the only person who was at a loss of words. Burke was going into his...
The time has come for the Sabres to commence an overhaul. No more waiting for that breakthrough year from team-drafted players. No more counting on primary offensive players to provide secondary scoring. No more patience with veterans who simply do not perform. The core of this group will simply not get it done.
The needs and shortcomings of this team have been glaring...
Humans hold grudges. Most of us have a strong desire to hold people accountable for not treating us well. And if you want to not treat another GM well in the NHL, I recommend tendering an offer sheet for one of their RFAs.
Ever since the Oilers swooped in and scooped up Dustin Penner, offering him 10 times his old salary, there has been bad blood between Burke and the ...
Dear Brian Burke,
You are a complete and total idiot. That is all.
Yours truly,
Oilersrule66
Brian Burke dismissed Jay Feaster back on December 12, 2013 for reasons which were purposely left ambiguous. It wasn’t that long ago but a lot has transpired since then, so it might be time to take an early look at what has happened since.
Mr. Burke traded former first round pick, Greg Nemisz, to Carolina for Kevin Westgarth (pending UFA at the time). Nemisz had not p...
Even the most reality-deprived hockey fans won't ever mistake Brendan Shanahan for Tommy Chong, but the Leafs have conveyed a similar message in the firing of Dave Nonis, Pete Horachek, and the entire coaching staff (aside from Steve Staios, who has been reassigned).
Nonis should be judged entirely on his own merits, and there is much blood-letting and ...
Brian Burke was Right about something now hold on before you abandon ship give my theory a chance. Like many of you I am excited the boys in blue and white are back on the ice, talking to the media and even the hockey shows have started to spin narrative for us to try and follow. That being said as summer winds down I go to thinking how did we arrive to where we are now, a...