What next?

Probably not much. The salary cap sucks. Still won't restrict Ilya Kovalchuk from getting undeserved money somewhere. Maybe the Islanders overpay for him? Suckers, maybe.

Working on something with Mike Van Ryn this coming week. Watch for it on ATV London. He aims to return in 2011. Toronto's still his choice. It's a long way off. We'll see?

Oh, chatted with Nazem Kadri after the Versteeg and Armstrong signings. He wanted to clarify which position up front Versteeg played. When I reminded him that ex-Blackhawk is a winger he responded with a simple, 'good'. See, Naz plans on being a centre-piece to the Leafs' own plans at forward this coming season. Wonder where he'll fit in? I know he's wondering, and preparing.

Can't say I remember a sports ass-kicking like the one the Germans punished the Argentines with on Saturday. If it weren't so bloody vicious it would've been breathtaking. Hard not to be a fan or admirer of German football after that demonstration of excellence. I originally had Germany to fall to Spain in the semifinals, but the Red Fury hardly appeared furious against Paraguay. Shouldn't have even won the match really. Know this: the Euro Champs had better tighten up and smarten up in time for the Germany match or they too will go down in embarrassing fashion.

By the way, anyone know where Maradona is tonight? Passed out somewhere... maybe?

nj twitter

Snarlyee

Leafs' Defenceman, Mike Van Ryn on Da Hook this Saturday, the final Saturday show of the season. Beginning next week Da Hook will be heard exclusively on Friday's at http://am980.ca/


Babyeelvis

Talkin' with Mike Van Ryn

Good guy, dealing with and working through another tough break. He says he watches every Leafs game and even while rehabbing in London keeps in close contact with his Blue and White mates, especially head coach Ron Wilson. Mike's a free-agent at the end of this season so it's possible he's played his final game as a Leaf, but not if he had the choice. He'd like to re-sign in Toronto. For one, he says the Leafs' dressing room (the people in it) is the best he's been a part of in the NHL. And hey, part of the reason he welcomed the move up from Florida is that it sent him home, back to Ontario. And home is where he wants to be for now on. Is retirement a possibility? Of course. At his age and at Fowler Kennedy more than ACC, it's always in the back of his mind. But the reason he's busting his ass to get better is because he wants to get back in the game. He wants to play, then ultimately end his already abbreviated NHL career on his terms, not when an injury and certainly not when a reckless competitor forces the issue. In the case of Mike Van Ryn, time should both heal and tell what happens next.