Time Flies

Too much time has passed. So much time gone. So little accomplished. 

I remember when Paul Maurice was hired. Young, smart guy. Honoured by the gig. Oh, the optimism. Since, he's been fired, almost guided a rival to the cup final, then split for Russia. Back then it was like, huh? What just happened? It was only yesterday he...

We should have known.

The Burke hiring was a great moment. So much promise (or promises) accompanied him to a place where people were so starving for something decent. We could feel it then. It was going to be worth it. Our patience would finally be rewarded. Yeah, ah... wishful thinking. It's over already, and we can't feel a thing. He's stunned. We're stunned. What the **** happened to the grit and greatness sold on us? Looking back, yes, there were many chances for Burke to make good on his plan. Several of them, moments, seasons. There was plenty of opportunity to resurrect the sleeping giant. None of it however was enough. It's hard to believe, man. After all of that, the fact Burke's tenure concludes without anything of substance produced is simply surreal. Again. Nothing.

When does this end?

And when does it begin?

So here we go, again. Another start to what most just have to expect will be a lacklustre finish to follow. And again it's Burke's understudy tasked with mopping up his mentor's mess, in addition to at last breaking the Leafs' perpetual, comical succession of failure. Good luck! But give Dave Nonis credit. He's done it before, like Burke had done it before. Just not here. See, that's where just about everyone who comes and then goes from this organization is linked.

Elsewhere.

Other places. That's where things happen for these hockey people. They come in with cred. Then start re-building it minutes after lift-off from a runway at Pearson. So what about us? What about here? When does success grace this place? The one that clamours for it most, yet continues to go without?

Well, I will say it like I've said before: It is our time, again.

It's always been our time.

So, until the next... we hope.

Burke against the world

It really is. Brian Burke against the world.

The man is down to his last play as GM. And he's going to play it his way, or get fired trying.

Credit the man. Criticize the general manager.

Burke is lauded for his honesty; but after an hour's worth of saying just about nothing enticing or encouraging in his year-end press conference, one should hope he's actually lying through his teeth. Because the truth, coming from Brian Burke, really hurts.

This is his mess. Based on what he's telling us, I don't feel confident that he's going to succeed in cleaning things up in time. I do believe he's been trying. And will continue to. Until the Chairman's next apology and thanks. Not to Leafs fans, but to Brian himself.

Related:
More Burke and playoff predictions

Tanks, we're good

What's with this tanking stuff?

Brian Burke telling Damien Cox that the idea of his team purposely tanking "ain't happening".

Got news for Burke: Don't worry about it, bud. Your Leafs have it taken care of.

Not sure the GM has been watching his club in action? Perhaps in the same way he'd been ignoring it's play around the time he fired Ron Wilson? Back then he said he still believed in his group. Really? After a slide like that? BS. Inside he had to know it was over. And he has to know it's over now.

Try as hard as they might, the Leafs' sail has zero wind propelling it forward. At this point, the oars are out. But rowing against the current once set adrift is futile, like any mini-run towards 10th the Leafs might attempt to go on.

Burke's loyalty is admirable, but it's also become a serious fault while in Toronto. He can talk up his players and people all he wants, but it doesn't mean he'll be rewarded with effort that's equally admirable. So far, here, he's been letdown on that front big time.

Call a spade a spade, Burke. Your team will be lucky to win 3 games down the final stretch. Knowing what's stake, that's not a bad thing. Just admit it. Make peace. Then make your pick.

Related:
Galchenyuk returns
Give Burke more time

Been there, heard that

Look, I know Brian Burke is a man of action. He's always working to make his teams better. But now, more than ever, BB's bite must out-weigh his bark. After listening/watching his "state of the team" address I came away feeling, well not exactly encouraged. I wasn't discouraged either. I felt exhausted, like it was all too familiar, like I'd heard it all before (God help us if Burke's rhetoric becomes as empty and predictable as the post-lockout Leafs). God help him too. He'll last his contract, but barely. Anyway, he talks quite the game. The same game.

C'mon

We know he'd do the Kessel deal again. We know Kadri's not a shoe-in. We know he builds from the net out. We know his teams are supposed to be skilled and pugnacious. We know. We know. We know. We do. Is there anything else?

Candor

It's what we're not aware of, the stuff behind the scenes, that has me hopeful. If Burke's offering of the "truth" masks the real potential of his summer plan, then we're in for a treat. If Wednesday's pow wow with the media was simply his attempt at pure transparency, well I guess it was nice of him to give us the heads up.

Covert

That Dion Phaneuf deal, anyone sense it coming? And the Blake for Giguere move? Yeah, another stunner escorted through the back door. Those were beauts. The kind we love. The kind we want and need more of. BB can talk 'til his face turns blue (or ours do first). If the stuff he isn't telling us is more interesting, even promising than the "official" update, then we'll just grin and bare it. Thing is, don't forget to brace. While we're being told one thing, something different, completely franchise changing, could be going down.

The latest with Nazem Kadri on Friday.

Kadri & Burke: The Meeting

New city, same tune. Or is it?

Brian Burke recently hit the Forest City with eyes for his prized pick, and ears for what ails him. They met. They talked. Burke shared his hopes. Nazem Kadri, his dreams. And in each other they may have found something that's eluded both of late: confidence and success. The Leafs' GM travelled the 401 to witness a few young players in action, but specifically Kadri who he hadn't seen play in person since the preseason. It's safe to say he liked what he saw on the ice, finally. While the London native didn't pot one against the Michael Liambas-less Erie Otters, he hasn't been doing much of that this season anyway, he did chip in on three others.

0 grapes, 3 apples.

Those pickin's aren't bad considering Kadri's OHL campaign has been fruitless thus far. Since his return to London the Leafs' 7th overall pick hasn't been his usual productive self. What, just 11 goals, 22 points this season? The league leader has over twice those numbers. To think Burke's presence might have sparked something in the talented centre isn't far fetched. As a matter of fact, I'll bet it did. Hey, if Naz needed a little Burkie to get him going, so be it. Doubt the Knights are complaining. To have even the slightest chance of hanging with the OHL's big boys (Windsor), Kadri will have to be beyond spectacular. Heck, maybe Burke should just hang in London for a little while longer, if for no other reason to get out from the intense Toronto glare under which he can do no right these days. Here in London things are equally bright, but in the potential a guy like Kadri shines on the future. And seriously, it's all about the days ahead...because where we're at right now is too dark to appreciate.

Burke nailed that Kadri pick, didn't he?

We won't fully know for a while. So for the moment the young Knight represents what's positive in the cold, cruel world eating away at Toronto's top hockey man. Friday's encounter with Kadri gave Burke a chance to forget about the troubles of today and get a glimpse of the possibilties of tomorrow. It was a rendezvous needed and well timed, and one that could set in motion better things to come for both men. Or so we hope.

The latest from Burke as reported by Brent Lale of /A\ News London:

Exploring trade possibilities, but things are tight because of salary cap restrictions. If deals don't pan out he's still willing to ship players to the minors. So, essentially same ol' story, different city. Or is it? Let's see what today brings.

Join me for Leafs pregame at http://am980.ca/ Saturday at 5:30pm. Wanna bitch about'em, even defend'em...give us a call 1.866.354.TALK. Chat soon.

For and against

I'm all FOR another NHL team in the Toronto market, like yesterday thank you. Get it done already. Think about it. The Leafs have been doing wonders for the league for decades. They constantly put in without taking much out. Each year millions of Leafs' dollars beef up the league's revenue sharing program, but league hardware never seems to go back the other way. Why wouldn't Gary Bettman want another major financial contributor to help better balance his disproportionate crew. If they're anything like the Leafs, it'll be a one way relationship.

I'm AGAINST Brian Burke's ridiculous posturing on Vesa Toskala. We all know Toskala is no longer the number one. It's the Monster's gig now. Thankfully. And no matter how much BB tries to talk him up, it's not going to up the value of his beleaguered keeper. Perhaps the GM believes verbal propaganda on Toskala is his only course of action; because his coach can't play him, not if it's wins he desires. It's too risky. Remember, the Leafs are still in a deep hole. To climb out, points, and a ton of them are a necessity...NOW. Unless this team pulls off a 10 game win streak or something stupid and unexpected, it's in no position to rehabilitate the psyche of the fragile Finn. Besides, teams already know what they'd be getting in Toskala if they traded for him: a guy who wasn't half bad before joining the Leafs. It didn't, hasn't, won't work out for him in Toronto. It would be nice if Burke just admitted it...or at the very least stopped talking to us like we're stupid.

I'm ON THE FENCE over the TV tax, Countdown to Liquor Day, American Dad, warm weather in November, Twitter, the Raptors, and the Leafs playoff chances.

Quote o' the day

"My assessment now is that he'll need more time in junior... but I would love to be proven wrong on Nazem Kadri."

- Leafs GM, Brian Burke in the Toronto Star: http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/691615

And Western by...15.

Primeau F*** up?

Aside from that 2nd round pick there's little to laud in what's coming back from Calgary. What's Wayne Primeau going to bring that the other pugnacious, truculent sob's in Blue and White don't already? How many more characters does this unit need? A little more talent would've been nice. Not less. But that's the deal, Camille.

Again, that 2nd round pick - if used wisely - should provide value. Down the line.

Going back to Cotown, this Anton Stralman kid, could be the piece BB one day wishes he could have back. He's the kind of player some of us believed would thrive amongst the Leafs new and brutally improved blue line. With Tomas Kaberle gone to trade, Stralman was supposed to be the slick puck rusher, now with plenty of room to operate thanks to those gorillas backing him up. Thanks, BB. That idea's shot.

So does this mean Tomas Kaberle remains with the club? Sure hope not. I'm not a Kabby hater. I just don't think he serves much purpose for this re-developing group. He's too good to be here. Not good enough to stay. I suppose Kaberle can fill in for Stralman...in the meantime.

BTW -- "The Hook" with Norman James debuts at AM980.com this Friday at 8PM.

Soaring expectations

A "Monster" signing and already monster expectations are back on the world's most scrutinized hockey club. It's nothing new (the spotlight), except for this idea the Leafs might actually be good soon. Yes, BB's moves have been positive (Bozak, Bozak, Bozak) bringing with them reason for optimism and excitement, but stay cautious, my friends. When and if this team finally wins a championship it'll contain many more pivotal pieces than just those in play today.

It's been what, 5 years since the Leafs last qualified for April play? If the weak streak's broken next Spring, so be it. If not, not to worry. As fans, supporters, worshipers, whackos and even you jackos, we've trudged through enough mud with this team to believe smooth sailing is on the immediate horizon. But what we can finally and clearly navigate is that the process towards 'betterness' is well upon us. For the first time in years Big Blue is moving forward, one smart step in the right direction at a time. Just enjoy the journey again. You deserve it.

Reality's gonna bite

Are you like me and can't get over the fact people actually appreciate Alexei Kovalev? It's wild, man. Some people (the dummies) respect, even revere, the guy to such a degree they demonstrate on his behalf. Must've been the locks, because it couldn't been his sporadic flair? It couldn't have been all of that false hope over 5 seasons? Well, it had to be something, because he's got a hold of some people real good. So serious is his influence, in front of Santre Bell they shouted, screamed, and chanted for the guy to be re-signed, while of course failing to refrain from a chorus of "ole...ole, ole, ole...". Now, that ole ole bullshit is one stupid chant, and that Kovalev love-in was one stupid event. Give him credit though, AK has an image that sends "the dreamer" into complete disorientation. It's a special power with a special affect that's overcome many-a-poor-bastard who's bled those three magical colours. Anyway, the Habs, that fan friendly organization, made a prudent hockey move by choosing not to retain l'artiste. Good for them. Bad for the organization, a desperate one, that brought him aboard.


Courtesy: Canadiens.com

5 years of just about nothing in Montreal to be followed up with something in Ottawa? What a way to spend the twilight of your career. And I'm not sure how Kovalev makes the Senators much better? He can play-make, yes, but for who in the capital? Doubt Dany Heatley returns. And if he does I hope the good folks who pack Scotiabank place to put up with this garbage boo the fuck out of him. Dany Heatley sucks btw. Screw him. Anyway, many of us forecast a lot of booing at SBP this coming season, especially when the Sens' newest edition is fully settled into his latest edition of under performance. For as desperate as they are in Ottawa I doubt the faithful there will too fall under l'aritise's spell. See, there are no dreamers left in the capital. BB and the quackers killed it (the dream) in 2007. Here's betting it won't take long for AK to realize that world of heroes and icons exists only further East. Where a culture of worship created on phenomenon and folklore is today barely kept alive by phonies and fantasy. Yes, Alex those days are over. It's time to get real.

Gustavsstein

I know they call Jonas Gustavsson "The Monster", but I think we've created one. And if not yet, we're well on our way. Can't remember when someone so unproven has demanded so much proof from potential employers?


Will he bite?

Like, the sucking-up thrust upon this guy is mind-boggling. And if he's not overwhelmed by it, he's surely spoiled from it. I mean, Brian Burke, arguably the biggest named and mouthed GM in hockey, flies across an ocean to just get his attention. Twice! That's a lot miles and shitty meals all in hopes of convincing a B-League netminder to play back-up to someone who's probably still better. And you'd think when someone puts in that kind of effort, they'd reap some benefits. Well, not when you're dealing with "The Monster". BB's trip did give him a reprieve from the annual madness associated with July 1st, but not much else. Both times he returned from Scandinavia with nothing but a monster "maybe". I'm sure BB would say it was all worth it. Wonder though if truly feels that way? Geez, it must be frustrating baring your soul only to go unfullfilled. Hey, but if you're Big Bonus Jonas, it's got to be nice to feel so wanted on the promise of...promise.

Waiting for a goalie like you.

I count myself among the many who are waiting with bated breath for this guy to make up his mind. It's like he's a superstar or something. But is he? We have no clue. And that's what so intriguing. That's why the team we follow is digging into what's left of it's dignity to lure him here. It's a very real possibiliy that "The Monster" could really be a monster between NHL pipes. And if that turns out to be the case, it will have been worth of all of this trans-Atlantic running around. But the monster could get mashed and shit the bed, which in hockey's mecca means stinking really, really bad. Maybe that's why he's taking so long to make up his mind? Sure, Toronto would be a great place to win. And so would Dallas. Losing in either city isn't the same however. Taking the money and running for Big-D is almost the better choice for this coveted kid. If he wins, he wins big. If he loses, it's no big deal. There's just so much more riding on Gustavsson succeeding or failing in Blue-and-White. Like careers, jobs, and pride...for a player who's getting treatment fit for a King, and a once dominant Kingdom desperate to re-establish it's former glory. From what I've read, the kid says he's not worried about the pressure of playing in Toronto. Most players say that though, and while some mean it and demonstrate it, others abruptly learn they can't live with the hype.

Can Jonas Gustavsson?

It's probably what he's asking himself. It's a question he'll need to solve and feel comfortable with before he delivers the answer we've waited so long to hear. Finally then this monster-sized suspense will end, just as our monster-sized expectations begin. Hey, he's "The Monster". It may not be what he wanted, but it's what we've created.

Hedo it his way

So NBA free-agents are willing to come to Canada after all. Well, as long as they're not American.


Toronto? Really?

Case in point, Hedo Turkoglu is ready to sign a big deal with the Torarctic Raptors. At first glace this appears like a rare thing. An aberration even. Honestly, how and why would a big name NBA free-agent think of Toronto as a place to continue ballin'? Well, the answer is simple: Hedo's not American. That's it. If he were, he wouldn't be coming. But he's European, from way the fuck over there and not next door. And at the end of the day Canadians are less foreign to a guy from Istanbul than to someone from Detroit. I know, it's weird, unfortunate even, but that's just the way it is. Like in most walks of life, business, politics, etc. our teams will NEVER be taken seriously in their leagues. Unless, of course, the parties passing judgment are from elsewhere. Like Turkey's Hedo Turkoglu. I know Americans will never understand why a player of Hedo's stature would rather play here than there, and that's okay. It's who they are, and what we've come to expect of them.

All that said, I think the Turkish shooting phenom made the right choice by signing in Toronto. It's the team he's joining I'm not too sure about?

Big on this, short on that

Yankee stadium is beautiful and bogus. Luxury and little league. Terrific and tiny. No, really, the place is wondrous, an icon in his inception, it's just those short home run porches I don't appreciate much. Look, short down the line is one thing (318 in left, 314 in right), but short in the gaps? Right field at the new park is the worst. From humble beginnings the wall dashes straight out. It doesn't round out. While the measurement to the deepest part of the alley is respectable, the mid-field fence is easily reachable. Too reachable for guys who don't need the advantage. How many homers in Saturday's Jays/Yanks game? 4! And to where? Yep, right-centre field. It sets up pretty well for the Yanks' arsenal of left-handed swatters, and the many who'll snag home run balls out there. Hey, the smaller the yard the more seats you can crowd around it. And packing them in is obviously more important than keeping them from going out.

So now what?

Had Rick Nash still been available today, I'd be fine with BB's moratorium on moves. But I'm already over what's already been done, and like many of you, know there's still so much more that can be...done. I do trust that things will take shape for the better, it's just that I want the evolution of the Leafs to continue NOW, while I'm into it, while I'm high on anticipation (and nothing else!). Bottom line: I'm just eager for more...soon. Jay-Z sums it up best on my behalf: "I got no patience and I hate waitin". Especially these days when the winds of change are a blowin'.

You're off the hook

No, BB didn't set the world on fire on day one of the NHL draft, but he did pick up a pretty special player and person in Nazem. And when you're taking shots at the Montreal dummies...

From the Sun:

"I don't give a rat's ass about that," Burke said of the booing. "The best hockey fans in the world are not here in Montreal, they are in Toronto.

"When (the draft) is in Toronto in a couple of years, (last night's reaction) will be child's play."

If you can't beat'em, insult'em. Actually I'm not sure Leafs fans care enough about Bob Gainey to boo him. Blue and white supporters aren't resentful. All they want is a winner. And if an ex-Habs fan can chip in to help out the process, so be it.

BTW: Congrats to Islanders' fans. Gotta admit, nice showing at the old building in support of your club on Friday. Heard tickets to the function were free... still I guess you could've been doing other things instead of watching a hockey draft on TV. Hey, what's one night without a Camaro cruise? And maybe John Tavares helps boost the Islanders back to relevance in the crowded New York sports scene? Better to have that opportunity than not at all.

Brian Bad Ass

Love BB's quote from yesterday's NA Cup gathering at Mohawk...

"We are going to be a much more hostile group. We will be tougher. I'm not watching this again,"

I'm not watching this again? Priceless. If he's true to his word the time to throw his body, landing some toughness, is now. Or better yet, maybe a punch or two where the real suckers are: Sauntra Belle.

Norman James Sports debuts on AM980 (London) Friday evening, July 31st. Catch me at am980.ca every Friday and Saturday night in the weeks following.

How much would you pay for the Leafs?

So our good friends from Montreal just sold for a mere $550 mill (or $600+ according to the CBC). Any way you tabulate the digits that's some cool cash. But what about the cash cow? How much milk would it take to tip'er? Is it udderly impossible to determine?

Sorry, I'm feelin' a bovine kinda fine. I just got Milk. Like literally, I just got up and got some. I like the jug from Mac's over the bags. Stays fresher.

I swear I DID NOT grow up on a farm, but BB should check into a "funny" one if he attempts to sign defenceman, Mike Komisarek July 1st. I'd rather see the soft American stick with the 550 Guys of Gauchetiere and the Billion Boys of Bay push for something else, or not. When healthy isn't Mike Van Ryn the same type of player?

Hey, do you think the Leafs could actually fetch a bizzzillion bucks? I've read and heard the whole package (Leafs, Craptors, ACC) is valued at one and a half bill. That's lozza dough, but you've gotta believe if sold tomorro it would all be worth a ho lot mo. I mean the whole organization is arguably at its combined worst these days, mostly thanks to its really bad performance on the floor and ice. I'm just sayin', but wouldn't an improved product help grow the bottom line subsequently inflating the size of the empire? We often criticize MLSE for reaping major benefit from us minus much reciprocation, if any. Now imagine if the company's sporting entities actually gave back? Mo money fo sho. Mo revenue. Mo value.

New and improved?

Let's face it: the Leafs brand, while still very lucrative and widely popular, needs a boost. Tradition's great, a winning tradition is greater. I'd argue that building and maintaining a winning tradition is the Leafs' obligation to Canadian sport, culture and even our ecomony. When the Leafs are good so is just about everyone else. Unfortunately they've been ducking their responsibility of national importance since the lockout, 42 years if you're only counting cups. But hey, with any luck or even bovine intervention, a major push upwards towards better will take occur later this week in Montreal, where franchises and the rinks in which they play sell for serious money, just not Maple Leaf type money. And depending on just how big a "boost" we're talking about here, maybe nowhere even close.

Last October forbes.com valued the Leafs at $448 Million. So, how much would you pay for the Leafs?

Calm before the storm?

It's a big week for us suffering supporters of the area's pro sports teams. The NBA draft is almost upon us!!

Anyway...

...Friday night in Montreal Brian Burke and his posse will continue with the arduous task of re-shaping and reinvigorating hockey's biggest outfit. We're wondering if it'll happen with that 7th pick? Perhaps a little a persuasion and coercion results in an earlier selection? And what about some Burke "hocus pocus" magically generating a choice in the top two? It's all possible. Remote maybe, but possible, and that's what counts. As NHL draft day approaches speculation persists that Burke will indeed attempt to move into the top 5. I believe that's exactly his goal though forget about the 5th, 4th or even 3rd picks, he's after the one of those juicy top two opportunities and nothing less.

So that narrows things down to the runner-up position.

Hell could freeze over before Smlsles' GM, Garth Neige gives up that number 1 selection to the Leafs, so Burke's gotta get focused on those sloppy but yummy 'seconds'. It's attainable and the prize could still very well be an oft-criticized GTA boy who'd love nothing more than to begin his pro hockey career at home. Unlike a growing list of others, I still think John Tavares is a phenomenal talent on the verge of a huge NHL career. He's worth any pick for any team.

History tells us Burke makes more deals on the floor than a hotshot broker at the TSX, so maybe that's where he tries to pull off the deuce and that shot Mr. T (if still available)? But with a good 4 plus days before the contestants begin walking the stage there's plenty of time for Burke to make things happen before the Bell Centre dummies begin chanting "Leafs Suck". Can't wait for that BTW. On the topic of those dummies: to piss'em off Burke should summon Mikhail Grabovski from the Far East just to strut the stage then cobble together enough Anglais to announce the Leafs' first pick. Oh, to dream up crazy scenarios...

Whether a deal for a higher pick comes down early this week or ground work is laid for a serious attack day-of, many of us expect Friday's draft to present not just new faces but fireworks, most of which probably lit by Toronto's own fire starter.

It's draft week.

Time for change.

The calm before the storm...

we hope.

Don't do it, Brian

July 1st is a comin'.

Listening to Bob McCown, thought I'd revisit a previous post.

I have no problem with the Sedins twins, but I might if they end up playing for the team I support. Are we to believe these guys will contribute more in Toronto, where the process forward is several steps behind the organization they'd be departing? No chance. The Sedins are a notch below what most of us would consider NHL Stars. They're good, honest folks, but not what the Leafs need right now. Its not a Swedish thing, I just don't feel they're the right fit in Toronto. Okay, say for a minute they did sign here...and stunk. Wonder how they'd absorb and exhaust the media's BS? Vancouver's a tough place to play, but Toronto can be much worse if things don't go your way. The Sedins would offer double the target to pick on.

And at what cost?

Some believe Henrik and Daniel will ask for $12 t0 $14 mill combined, per year. Wow! And let's just forget about it. Brian Burke has to resist the urge to go berzerk with all of this new blue-and-white dough at his disposal and think of what's to come. I know I'm not alone when I say this: please save, Brian.

Better days ahead

The 2010 market is expected to bear much bigger, more delicious fruit. And hey, if the Leafs keep their cash under the mattress just one more year it could then be unearthed for the pursuit of Brampton's best: Rick Nash. Injuries, big ticket and all I'd take Nash in a heartbeat. And I know I'm not alone on this one either.

Me and Scallopini

Wednesday at 'A' News studios in London

He's 63 going on 25. Can't believe this guy's been out of the NHL since 2004. He was a terrific, colourful character for the league and is a terrific, colourful guy in person. Ray Scapinello is the man, a good man:

http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=2ea4995f-3a80-42df-a6ee-593ac5324b8e

Don't like what I'm hearing about BB going after the Bobsyee twins July 1st. I have no problem with the Sedins, but I might if they end up playing for the team I support. Are we to believe these guys will contribute more in Toronto, where the process forward is several steps behind the organization they'd be departing? No chance. The Sedins are marginal stars at best. Good folks, but not what the Leafs need right now. I don't care that they're Swedish. I just don't believe they are the right fit in Toronto. Wonder how they'd take to the media's BS? Vancouver's a tough place to play. Toronto won't be much more fun if things don't go their way. And the cost? The speculation is Henrik and Daniel will ask for 12 t0 14 mill combined, per year, forget it! BB has to resist the urge to go nuts with all his new found cash and think of what's to come.

Earth to BB!!!

SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!

The 2010 bizaar will be much more fruitful. Time will pass in a flash. And who knows? You might just end up with Nash.

Jesus Murphy to the Leafs

Its a BB deal long in the works. So far back he worked for another NHL team at the time. Who knew? And tonight, the best of...

pssssst - listen for the JM reference



"Its a good deal. You should do it."
- Trevor

In conversation with Brian Burke