My Toronto Maple Leafs

Nik Antropov : From Bust to “In Nik We Trust?”

August 31st, 2008, Comments Off

Nik Antropov, the former whipping boy of the Maple Leafs should soon be getting the praise he deserves.

The 2007-2008 season was a breakout one for Nik Antropov, even if it was a disappointing one for the Maple Leafs. The 6′-6″, 250 pound forward from Kazakhstan notched 26 goals and 30 assists, accumulating 56 points, and was a +10 last season. He showed what potential he had while showing his ability to put the puck in the back of the net.

Antropov was selected 10th overall in the first round by the Maple Leafs in 1998. He was expected to be a big time player and possibly a strong cornerstone in their franchise. However, injuries had slowed down his career and caused him to miss a lot of games. In eight seasons with the Leafs he has played in 446 games and has 104 goals, 141 assists for 245 points.

Last season, he played in 72 games and while he was still injured he wasn’t out for too long. He still played a physical game and seemed more mobile last season compared to previous ones.

Not to mention, he was suspended for three games on a questionable call, so if he hadn’t had missed those games those numbers may be a bit better.

Still a 26 goal season where 18 was his career high, is a great sign and even his highest point total was 33 and he passed that mark as well. If you look at the past three years for Nik, you see improvement and with all the injuries he’s had that’s a great thing for the Maple Leafs.

With Mats Sundin pretty much done in Toronto and quite possibly the NHL, that leaves Antropov as the No. 1 center on the Leafs. The only way the Leafs will have a chance at the postseason is if Antropov’s continues to improve his numbers or at least continue to have a few 25-goal seasons.

Leaf fans who had ridiculed Antropov and called for him to be traded in the past will need to rely on this guy and support him this season, because Nik is going to be the one carrying this team to the postseason.

It remains to be seen if Sundin leaving will have an impact on Antropovs’ play, we’ll have to wait and see if he can produce on his own and put up big numbers.

It’s been a long ride for Antropov’s and his career with the Leafs is quite a tale. He’s no longer the big bust he was made out to be, he’s now the guy to trust in Toronto.

Matt Sundin’s Soliloquy

August 31st, 2008, Comments Off

To skate or not to skate—that is the question:
Whether tis nobler in the rink to suffer
The checks and slashes of outrageous goons
Or play golf and swing away my troubles
And by retiring end them. To retire, to quit
No more—and by hanging up the skates we end
The aches, and the thousand clutches and grabs
That flesh is heir to. Tis an ending
Superstars can wish. To retire, to quit—
To quit, perchance to fish: ay, there’s the rub,
For in that fishing boat what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off that frozen pond,
Must give us pause. There’s the missing cup
That makes un-beautiful this long career.
For who would bear the days of training and practice,
The bad calls, the other stars who’ve won it,
The missed opportunities, the failed playoffs,
The inept front office, and the slugs
This patient star unworthily played with,
When I myself might my chances take and with
A contender sign? Who would blame me,
For having grunted and sweat for such a weary team,
But that the thought of golf and fishing,
Those pastimes from whose bourn
No retiree returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather pick up the stick
And play for others that we have not before?
But conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the blue blanc et rouge of my resolution
Is sicklied o’er with the pale blue and white of Toronto
And enterprise of holding the cup – that career moment –
With this regard their currents turn awry
And lose the name of action.  Soft you now,
The aged Fletcher!  Sage, for thy contract
Be all my remaining games played.
Where do I sign?

The Florida Maple Cats

August 30th, 2008, Comments Off

The Florida Panthers have not hesitated on making transactions with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the past, but with the supposedly approved Bryan McCabe trade on the horizon I will recap some key moves the Panthers have made with the Leafs, and how they have affected both franchises.

Panthers acquisitions

Joe Nieuwendyk—The Cornell graduate did not play in the 2004-05 season, and became an unrestricted free agent coming into the 2005-06 season. Former Panthers GM Mike Kennan pounced at the opportunity to acquire the all around center. Nieuwendyk did not disappoint in his first season with the Panthers, as he scored 26 goals and added 30 assists in only 65 games.

He unfortunately was forced to retire in the 2006-07 season due to reoccurring back problems. Soon after Nieuwendyk was hired as a special consultant to the Florida Panthers GM. He would later take the same role for his former team the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Gary Roberts—Along with childhood friend Joe Nieuwendyk, Roberts was signed by the Panthers in 2004-05. Roberts was brought in for his grit, desire and ability to get in front of the net. He showed his toughness for the Panthers as he caused fights and scored the “ugly” goals.

Due to his constant physical play Roberts only played in 50 games, but put up solid numbers with 14 goals and 26 assists. In the 2006-07 season the Panthers struggled to stay in the playoff hunt and dealt the left winger to the Pittsburgh Penguins, for defenseman Noah Welch. Today, Roberts remains in the Sunshine State, playing for cross state rival Tampa Bay Lightning.

Wade Belak- At the 2008 NHL trade deadline, the Maple Leafs dealt winger/ defense man Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers for a 5th round draft pick in the 2008 NHL draft. Belak was the enforcer the Panthers had been in search of since the loss of Peter Worrell.

Belak played the final 12 games of the 2007-08 NHL season with the Panthers. In those games he became a solid forward who could hit, fight and protect the younger Panthers forwards. He looks to continue to bring his physical play to the Panthers line-up in the 2008-09 season.

Chad Kilger—A last minute acquisitions at the 2008 deadline for a third round pick, Kilger was brought in to help the Panthers add bulk to their offensive lines. Kilger put up 10 goals and seven assists for Toronto.

Once he became a Panther Kilger requested a leave of absence for undisclosed reasons, which was granted. Kilger however failed to return and was suspended without pay on March 5. His issues have still yet to be discussed and his future with the Panthers and NHL is up in the air, retirement may be in view for the right winger.

Possible acquisition—Bryan McCabe

Maple Leafs acquisitions

Robert Svehla—He moved from the Panthers to the Maple Leafs, in the 2002-03 season. He was strong defensively and loved body-checking. Svehla controversially wore the number 67 jersey in Toronto. The number was controversial because the Leafs have not won a cup since 1967. This did not sit well with Toronto fans.

Svehla was solid in his one year with the Maple leafs, scoring seven goals with 38 assists. He once again proved his durability playing in all 82 games for the fifth time in his NHL career.

Trevor Kidd- He was a fan favorite among Panthers fans. Kidd used his streaky, emotional play to fire up his teammates and fans alike. Kidd was waived by the Panthers before the start of the 2002-03 season.

In the 2003-04 season Kidd was solid as a back up goaltender for the Maple Leafs. He posted a 6-5-2 record with an .876 save percentage while backing up another former Panther Ed Belfour.

Niklas Hagman- He was drafted by the Panthers in the third round of the 1999 NHL draft. Hagman struggled in his time as a Panther, as he never blossomed into the scorer everyone expected. Hagman was traded to the Dallas Stars in the 2004-05 season.

Hagman enjoyed great success with the Stars, scoring 27 goals with 14 assists in the 2007-08 season. In the off season Toronto signed the former Panther to a four year three million dollar a season deal.

Possible acquisition–Mike Van Ryn

The September 1st bonus for Bryan McCabe is quickly approaching and we may see these two teams deal to each other once again. How each player will effect their respective teams will be a question worth asking and waiting to be received.

Mats Sundin, Thanks for the Memories!

August 30th, 2008, Comments Off

Mats, as a big Leaf fan I have to thank you for all the years you’ve given the organization. We never got you that Stanley Cup, but we’ve been home to the accomplishments that you’ve made in your career—500 goals, climbing the Leafs’ all-time points list, etc. You’ve done a lot in Toronto.

You have managed to do all these things with mediocre linemates. Playing on lines with Jonas Hoglund and Alexei Ponikarovsky, you have still managed to put up great numbers each season.

Nothing is mediocre about your numbers, or your ability to come back from injuries earlier than expected. You don’t seem to slow down either when coming back from injuries. You always knew where the team stood and what you needed to do to help us out and win games.

There’s been a lot of talk this summer about where you’re going and if you’re playing again at all (it’s all you read these days).

The Leafs seem to have moved on from all of this. And although trading you at the deadline and getting good pieces back may have been better for the team, I think you have deserved the right to walk away from the team on your own terms.

You may not be a guaranteed Hall of Famer because you don’t have cup rings and your numbers are lower than other potential Hall of Famers. Still, you will always be one of the best Leafs ever to wear the jersey for years to come.

If you do play again and decide to play elsewhere it will be tough to see you in another jersey. However, it is still easy for me and maybe other Leaf fans to thank you for all you have done in Toronto. Mats, thanks for the memories!

Mats Sundin Coming Back to Toronto Soon

August 30th, 2008, Comments Off

You may have heard about Mats Sundin coming down to Toronto for a charity game that will be played at the Air Canada Centre. I was excited by the headlines, mind you; anything in relation to the Leafs or Mats Sundin is exciting. So I decided to ponder a bit and try to figure out what could possibly happen during this trip.

First thing is a meeting between Sundin, agent JP Barry, and Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher for about one hour over dinner to perhaps better understand the position of Sundin as far as his return or retirement is concerned. I do believe that this meeting will be held and we will hear about it in the next 24 hours.

It seems to me that the fate of Bryan McCabe has something to do with the decision of Mats Sundin. I know some people have said that Sundin has stood up for McCabe before, but let’s not forget the frustration that surrounded Mcabe last season and how Sundin, for the first time, lost his cool over some underachievers within the team. 

The way things are going now—from Canadiens GM Bob Gainey losing optimism over landing Sundin, to full denials of the centre joining the New York Rangers, and to Sundin stating that if it was about the money he would have signed with the Vancouver Canucks—it’s becoming obvious that Sundin’s decision to come back will come soon, and rest assured it will be with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He has stated on many occasions that he wants to retire as a Maple Leaf, and—guess what, gentlemen?—a retirement right now would jeopardize his whole establishment with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What kind of retirement and exit does Sundin want to make? Well, let me tell you. A full season of pain and gain with the Leafs, followed by a retirement celebration at the Air Canada Centre and an announcement of a new captain with Sundin handing over the flag.

Once you look at the events and facts in that perspective, you will realize that Sundin’s return to the Toronto Maple Leafs is guaranteed. I am no fortune-teller, but I have followed the comments and events surrounding this team. Get ready, gentlemen, the next few days will prove what I am saying is right.

We will see you at the Air Canada Centre for a new chapter with new faces and fresh blood.

Don’t Expect Bryan McCabe to Crack the Florida Panthers Starting Unit

August 30th, 2008, Comments Off

Now that I have talked about Mike Van Ryn going to the Maple Leafs, it is time to talk about who he was traded for, Bryan McCabe, and how he is going to be a top-two D-man on the Panthers…wait, what?

Yes, Bryan McCabe will help the Panthers somewhat, but he will not be a top-two defenceman. The Panthers have really straightened out their defense this offseason, also acquiring Kieth Ballard and Nick Boynton and getting Jay Bouwmeester signed to a one-year deal (though he might be traded). Look for McCabe to instead fit in as a top-four or -five blueliner.

He was 10th on the Leafs in points (23) with five goals and 18 assists last season, playing in just 54 games. The veteran blue-chipper struggled, and it didn’t help his season when he attempted to clear the crease of the puck but ended up putting it in his own net during a game.

McCabe agreed to waive his no-trade clause in the offseason, realizing that he needed to get out of Toronto so he could try and get his career back on track. This year I’m looking for McCabe to play 75-to-82 games, posting at least seven goals and 25 points. McCabe should slowly get back to his 15-to-18-goal seasons, but don’t expect that for about three more years.

Maybe McCabe will be able to help the Panthers to a playoff appearance.

Toronto Maple Leafs : Outlook On The 2008/2009 Season

August 29th, 2008, Comments Off

Toronto Maple Leafs, “when oh when will they ever win a cup again?”

Better yet, “When are the Leafs going to make the playoffs again?”

Well fans, no need to worry.  There is a tiny glimmer of hope—and that hope is for the upcoming season.  The Leafs will make the playoffs next year.

A few Leafs (some more loved than others) have left the team and gone elsewhere.

Fan favourite, Darcy Tucker, has gone to the Avalanche along with former Leaf whipping boy, Andrew Raycroft, and Kyle Wellwood has signed on with Vancouver.

The big dilema is that of Mats Sundin.  It may be too little, too late for Sundin and since being asked to get traded last year at the deadline Sundin may have had enough in Toronto.

Sure he will be missed—Sundin is a Leaf legend and he’s played with some good and some mediocre players over the years while maintaining a steady amount of points, despite who they were.  He’s battled through injuries and always came back sooner than later, but Sundin seems to want to go to greener pastures, someone who has a chance at the Cup this year and the Leafs certainly won’t be that team.

However, the Leafs have a strong chance of making the playoffs and ending the drought that started the season after the lockout. John Ferguson Jr. and Maurice are gone and Fletcher and Wilson are in.

Depsite being “temporary” Fletcher has done well to rid the team of its older underperforming players and get a youth movement going. Wilson will be coming into Toronto with a defensive mindset and good track record—he will be laying out a nice blueprint for this team for years to come.

New, old faces in Toronto are Jeff Finger, Niklas Hagman and Curtis Joseph. McCabe is on his way out and that makes room for other defensemen on the team (don’t expect Schenn to make the big team this year).

Players already on the team will be expected to carry the offensive load for the team in Sundins absence. Antropov will need to have a similar or better year to that of the season he had last year. Blake should bounce back into a 25-goal, 60-65 point guy after his cancer scare has passed.

If Sundin did decide to come back the team would be much better than they were last year in many categories, if he doesn’t the team is still in a good shape and will end up surprising critics and fans alike. I’m putting money on a 7th/8th place finish in the East but a first round exit in the playoffs.

With the exception to McCabe this will be the lineup the Leafs will have going into the 2008/2009 season:

Steen – Antropov – Blake
Kulemin – Grabovski – Tlusty
Poni – Stajan – Hagman
Mayers – Moore – Devereaux

Extras – Newbury, Williams, Bell

Kaberle – Kubina
Cola – McCabe
Finger – Stralman

Extras – White, Kronwall

Toskala
Joseph

Solid first two lines with great potential and great checking lines. The Leafs are on the right track to ending one streak and will be able to answer one question after this season is over as the playoffs look very possible.

That magical Cup run is going to have to wait a few more seasons though.

Puck Headlines: Leslie Nielsen meets the Hanson Brothers (Yahoo! Sports)

August 29th, 2008, Comments Off

Happy Labor Day weekend to those of you still reading this silliness today. We’ll have "5 ways I’d change…

Mike Van Ryn and the Toronto Maple Leafs

August 29th, 2008, Comments Off

Now that we know Bryan McCabe will leave for Florida on Sept. 1, it has been said that the Maple Leafs will get Mike Van Ryn and possibly another player in return. Since we don’t know if there is another player, I have decided to write about what Mike Van Ryan could do for the Maple Leafs.

Let’s start with his production. Over his 326-game NHL career, Van Ryn has scored 27 goals and 91 assists for a total of 118 career points. Van Ryn has been known for his ability to block shots, as he has always plays better on the defensive side of hockey rather than the offensive side.

Van Ryn, just like Bryan McCabe, has struggled lately and is looking for a better career with a new team.

Last season Van Ryn played just 20 games, scoring two assists for two points. In his seven-year career Van Ryn has never played all 82 games in the NHL, and he may not play all 82 games this season either because the Maple Leafs defense is stacked.

Josef Boumedienne, Carlo Colaiacovo, Jeff Finger, Jonas Frogren, Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Anton Stralman, Ian White, and possibly Luke Schenn all make up the Toronto D. However, it has been said that there will also be another player going to Florida that has not been named yet, so that defense could change.

Look for Mike Van Ryan to get into at least 55-60 games this season with the Maple Leafs, while bolstering the blue line.

Bryan McCabe: Four Days Left as a Toronto Maple Leaf?

August 29th, 2008, Comments Off

Many believe that when the calendar reaches Sept. 1 Bryan McCabe will be on a flight headed to Miami. So with McCabe’s time winding down, let’s take a look at the downfall of his Maple Leaf career.

In the 2005-2006 season Bryan exploded for 68 points in 73 games. He had developed a powerful and accurate one-timer from the point. The shot fooled goaltenders and other teams. This career season led to a bloated contract that was surrounded by drama even before McCabe inked his name on it.    

Bryan waited until the last day before free agency to sign the contract. Rumours swirled that he was interested in signing with the Islanders or Rangers. The truth came out of a teary eyed McCabe when he told reporters that he had waited so long because his wife needed to have major surgery and he wanted to have things in order before signing a five-year, $29 million contract.

After an average season for someone with such a large contract, Bryan wanted to start last season fresh. Only seven games into the season Toronto was playing Buffalo in a game that went into overtime. McCabe, in an attempt to clear the puck, batted it into his own net, giving Buffalo the overtime win.

The next day the Toronto Sun’s cover featured a picture of McCabe and the headline “Bryan McKlutz” in big yellow block letters. This nickname stuck with him the entire season.

2007-2008 saw Bryan commit countless gaffs and sloppy plays. A dramatic fall in point production made Bryan want to throw a bag over his head to hide his face and his goofy mustache.

The offseason was seen as the time to kick McCabe to the curb. There was just one problem: buying McCabe out would be to pricey and McCabe wasn’t about to let them trade him. He would not waive his no trade clause (another brilliant contract perk given to him by JFJ).

As the calendar flipped its way into August a story broke that McCabe was considering a trade. Like a godsend, just a few days later Nick Kypreos of SportsNet, reported that Toronto and Florida had agreed in principle to a trade that would see McCabe exchanged for Mike Van Ryn.

McCabe accepted this trade, but JFJ (again) had given Bryan a contract bonus to be paid on Sept. 1.

So as we wait for the trade to become official, a new story has developed. Rival Ottawa, who have been unable to sign young defenseman Andrei Meszaros, are in need of an offensive defenseman and may be willing to take a gamble and trade for provincial rival Toronto’s fallen star.