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

Kuestions for Kadri

Have any? Doing a TV thing with him Friday. If there's anything you'd like to know, lemme know. I'll ask him.

He's gotta bulk up. He's gotta think pass before he gets picked. He can only control one of the two over the off-season. Wonder how he'd take to a start in the minors? Might not have any other choice, but would it sour him? We'll see...

Boo finish

Go back to game 4, in Kitchener... the Knights let it get out of hand, and lost it... on a bullshit goal in overtime. A bullshit goal, but a goal and a fortune spinner. That now notorious bouncer, up, over and off of a soon-to-be shell shocked, Michael Hutchinson became the turning point of the series. Instead of 3-1 London coming home, it's deuces, followed by sevens, and ultimately a bust for the Knights.

So much for the Kadri point machine. 26 points in 11 playoffs games, now forgotten with a less than respectable effort in what's pretty much his OHL conclusion. Worse was Justin Taylor's exit. A slew foot from the captain ended his night and his Jr. career in embarrassing fashion. It's that OT goal in Kitchener, I tell ya. It gave the Rangers life. It put the Knights on their heals and they'd never regain their balance.

What could've settled things, only compounded the problem. London's goaltending and defensive posture was amongst it's worst in recent playoff memory. What's ironic, the tandem in place (Hutchinson and Houser) was brought in and expected to be better than previous spring efforts between the London pipes. In the end it wasn't even close.

Poor Hunters. They tried. But hey, that's hockey. You make deals, put faith in players and it blows up in your face. It does work. And it doesn't. Painfully for the Knights it didn't, again. So now what?

* Nazem Kadri must become more decisive with the puck. Problem is he can't evolve in that department over the summer. Expect some dynamics and many dammits courtesy of Kadri in the NHL preseason, that long, excuse spawning preseason.

Expect

...a bounce back game from Nazem Kadri tonight. He owes himself, his team and his fans.

Naz gets plenty of good press, so he must face the music as well. That charge he took late in game 3 leading to Guelph's winner was a rotten move on his part, and dangerous. We hope that kind of stuff is already being singled-out and punished by the time he gets to the NHL (word today apparently it will be). Now Nazem's not only under the microscope, but on a timer. For his sake I hope he ends his OHL career on good terms. And for London's sake, with a championship.

The good, the bad and the beauty

The Good:

Theresa Carriere and Ian Clarke on Da Hook this Friday
http://onerun.ca/
http://rednationonline.ca/
http://www.am980.ca/

The Bad:

Nazem Kadri's charging penalty late in game 3. Irresponsible is the best way to put it. Too bad it also put his team in a tough position. But if anyone can snap'em out of it, it's Naz. We'll see.

The Beauty:


Ericka Grace James at 49 days old

Kadri relieved

The Knights' leading scorer didn't want to be traded.

He got this wish.

Now the coveted 18-year-old Leafs' draft pick will finish his OHL career at home, focusing on development for the NHL in the place he feels most comfortable, London. It's not that Kadri went unwanted by other clubs. Not even close. It's just the Knights couldn't get what they wanted for him.

London GM, Mark Hunter had already acquired 7 picks for 3 players before the deadline, none of whom with nearly the same value as Kadri. You can imagine the kind of package Hunter demanded in return for anything involving his best player.

Didn't happen. Couldn't happen.

So Kadri stays put, in a situation where the Knights appear to be having it both ways: rebuilding while remaining competitive. Remember, they're still in first place in the Midwest. And as they spent-to-get a season ago, due to smart management this past week, they'll get to spend again a season from now. For now, the Knights plan on spending at least two more months with one of London's all-time favourites. Doubt this bothers too many fans of the club. Afterall, Kadri owes'em a show. He set statistical goals for himself (40, 100) that can still be achieved. It's going to take some work to accomplish. Actually plenty of work. But it's all possible and realistic. And still very much worth the price of admission.

Kuestions for Kadri

It's all about Da Bruins... and beating'em Thursday night. Anywho, according to Nazem he was "depressed" when the Leafs sent him back to London this fall. By all indications he's loving life again, both on and off the ice. Hey, 20 goals and a date with the World Junior team in Saskatchewan? Does it get any better than that? It's good news for the Knights, Canada and ultimately the Leafs.

Naz talks about his demotion, his World Junior dreams and maybe just maybe... playing on a line with Phil Kessel one day... that's Friday, 8pm on Da Hook http://am980.ca/

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.

O Four

This doesn't hurt... the Leafs 4th loss of the season. When you're a punching bag you're used to being beaten up. It is getting tiresome tho... for the players of course, and us too.

Pat Quinn rules! I miss that guy. I'd trade him for Ron Wilson any day.

Nazem Kadri would still love to be there. He's not the only one who's wishin'. Love that Grapes showcased Nazem's goal vs. Ply Mouth. What a beaut. Only 37 more to go. Naz needs 40.

Remember how much fun this team was to watch during the preseason? Those kids really made our viewership worth while. Now, not so much.

78 games left to play. Maybe the geniuses will figure it out? Would be nice. Don't hold your breath.

And if the Wings have figured it out, look out.

60 plus, boyz

It's apparent. This team will be fun to watch. It'll also be a frustrating group to follow if it doesn't have enough in the tank to push for better through the latter portion of the game. They came out like world beaters, they closed out a beaten bunch. Hey, OT's get wacky, but the Leafs have to sense things are slipping towards the unpredictable and CALM IT DOWN. It's a crucial and necessary part of earning those extra points. They didn't do it on opening night, lost, with a point for effort, but must now move onto thinking of an upset in Washington. Hey, why not? It's a possibility with this team. Really, after just one game, 60 plus minutes, the ups, the downs, it's all possible in Toronto this season. Strap in folks, and prepare for just about anything.

Stars:

Price
Stajan
Metropolit (I grew up with the guy in Regent)

Jars:

Toskala
Gomez
Schenn

*I still can't wait until Tyler Bozak and Vik Stalberg are working together again. I think they were meant for each other.

*Kadri opened the scoring for the Knights in Sarnia on Thursday. London beat the Sting 4-3. The Leafs 7th overall pick in June is shooting for 100 points in Junior this season. More with Naz on "The Hook with Norman James", Friday, 8PM at http://am980.ca/.

Da Hook is cookin'

Nazem Kadri of the Knights/Leafs
Josh Foster of the Stangs/Marauders
Mike Meyers of Tavares/John
UWO Football tickets of won/to be

Leafs post talk, homecoming build-up and more. That's why you muss join uss...
Friday 8:00pm at http://am980.ca/.

Oh, have I mentioned that I think "Young Tom" should wear the Leafs' C?? I'll have to explain.. Listen to "The Hook with Norman James".

Here's hoping

... for a good game between old rivals, Mike Faulds and Justin Dunk. Faulds might be the better brain, Dunk the better body. I think the CFL would be better off with both of them. Oops! There I go dreamin' again.

Nathan Riva, Dunk and Mike Hayes joined me on the radio show Friday as we again celebrated all things local football. We also speculated on Nazem Kadri's future, again. We talked, he scored...again. I still believe he should spend another season with the Knights.

Leafs looked good in Detroit. 5-4 viktors in the breakaway bonanza. The kids, man... the kids. Vikor Stalburg is the fastest guy on the ice, already. And that John Mitchell is something else. He's one of the smartest players on the ice, already. His shootout winner appeared too easy. But that's the skill talkin'.

Kudos to Mike Hutchinson. His 34 save shutout, his first win, first goose egg as a Knight. London 3-0 winners over Mississauga.

Roy Halladay, thanks for the memories. Congrats on the great finish in Toronto. Congrats on the possibilities, finally, that lie ahead for you.

Listen to the Hook Saturday, 5:30 for your chance to win Detroit Lions tickets. We're giving away a pair of tix to Sunday's game at Ford Field. Keep these digits handy: 1 866 354 8255. If you wanna win'em you'll need'em.

Peace.

Coming up

Wish I had more time to blog... listening to Andy Frost. The guy is a legend.

Is it just me or has NHL preseason hockey coverage gone through the roof?

Anyway... CIS player of the week, Nathan Riva joins "The Hook" http://am980.ca/ Friday evening. Saturday, it's Knights' dynamo, Daniel Erlich and Julian Sanchez of http://pensionplanpuppets.com/. We'll talk Leafs.

On Kadri, Bozak...

As a fan, right now, I want this guy in the NHL. Same for Bozak. As a hockey guy, I do believe another year in Junior would help Nazem develop into a much superior young NHL'er. Plus a 100 point season and a world jr. title would certainly look nice on his portfolio of work. Until he gets his notice let's enjoy this little glimpse into the future he's providing us. I'm confident, not certain, that Nazem will take his demotion with pride and purpose. He's going to be a star in the big leagues.. just not yet. I hope he can accept that.

Bozak's a definite keeper. His skills and smarts are of NHL calibre. Besides, I'd rather watch a guy like that make new mistakes than veterans like Lee Stempniak and Alex Ponikarovsky commit the same old ones. I do like Poni though, just not enough if it means we can't move him out for someone with more promise.

Bozak, man. That's a ROY candidate. The Leafs first in a while. You'll see.

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.

Kadri confirmed

Nazem Kadri would like to be a Leaf this fall. He'd also like to finally become a part of Canada's Junior team. Can he do both?

Is there anything the London native can't do?



We'll talk about it... this Friday, 8PM on "The Hook" with Norman James.

Listen at: http://am980.ca

Kadri top 6?

He's confident, slightly cocky, always consistent. It's the Nazem Kadri way. It's what makes him a winner. And what'll make him an impactful NHL'er...one day.

Is he ready?

But could 'that day' be October 1st against the team he grew up idolizing? The Leafs are expected to open the 2009/2010 season against the Canadiens and Nazem believes he's good enough, and by then big enough, to be part of that game.

Even if he is qualified to earn a sweater this fall, the popular belief is that Nazem would be better served to play another season with the Knights, win a gold medal with the Canadian Junior team, then re-focus on arriving in the show by late 2010. But get into Nazem's head space, today, tonight, tomorrow or even next week, and you'll see that his goal is clear: become a top 6 forward for the Maple Leafs now...not later. He told me Monday morning he thinks Ron Wilson's attackers for the coming season will include either himself, Tyler Bozak or Christian Hanson. Word is Bozak, the University of Denver standout, is the front-runner for any gig offered to one of the kids. Could a pair of these prized 'rooks' find themselves in the opening night line-up? How about all three?

Whether Nazem's fooling himself or simply posturing, the "I want it now" attitude is a good one to have. Maybe he's ready to play in the NHL? He was drafted 7th, a no joke pick that's expected to produce a sure-fire NHL'er. So it must be safe to assume as choice number 7 Nazem WILL be NHL'er. His skills suggest a 25 to 30 goal scorer. His physical attributes leave us wondering when? Still on the lighter and younger side of manhood, Nazem may not be ready to endure the constant ruggedness of the world's top league just yet.

With his sights set so high, Nazem could be headed for a crash landing once NHL training camp roles around. If that's indeed the case it'll be followed by a ticket back to London, which turns out to be ironic. He's from the Forest City and it's the last place he wants to be playing hockey this fall. Re-joining the Knights will no doubt piss him off, but that's okay. It's terrific actually. Brian Burke wants players in his system who 'want more'. Who want better. Nazem fits that mould perfectly. It's written all over his game, and suggested every time he talks about it.

One more Knight?

The Leafs' top pick has less than two months to pack on 7 pounds and plot a strategy that'll shake up an organization. It's a long shot he pulls it off and is still a Leaf come October 1st, but the fact he's aiming high is encouraging and hopefully indicative of a system-wide objective.

Dieing hard

The 7th overall pick has some convincing to do. Now that he's seen the light, time for his old man to see it too. But the dark is deep.

Says Nazem about dad's coming to terms with his son's lucky break: "He's in denial".

Even the filthiest of habits can be broken. Stay on him, Nazem.

Can you imagine though???? Attempting to switch allegiances after so long on the other side of the feud? Guess I'd have to "be there", but if my kid were drafted by the club I'd always despised I'm not sure I'd be able to jump ship with him. And ya know what? If Nazem fails in converting his father into a Leafs supporter it wouldn't be a big surprise, or rare even. I know other pro's whose family's support didn't go with them to their NHL club.

I'm not really sure who I'd like to see BB to sign up on Wednesday, so why am I so eager for the big day to arrive? I guess we're all interested in change, and every day forward represents something fresher, newer for the massive lot of us who've been supporting something stale for so long.

Oh, speaking of dieing hard. It's not hard to determine that the Jays' playoff hopes have, well...

Funny thing, a week ago they were tied for the wild card lead with the Yankees. Love them or hate them those Yanks know how to win, consistently. The Jays don't. That's why they're slipping out of the race as we speak. Give'em credit though, I guess? 3 and a half games back at this point of the season was better than expected. But don't let anyone tell you these aren't important days for any team with playoff aspirations. The further you fall now, the slimmer the odds become of any sort of resurgence down the road. That's just baseball in the American League "Beast". And sadly its once again Blue Jays baseball.