Brian Burke Re-Tools Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke shook up his club Sunday, shipping out six players, while acquiring a former All-Star and a Conn Smythe trophy winner. His first deal he acquired Dion Phaneuf and Frederik Sjostrom and propsect Keith Aulie from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White and Jamal Mayers. The second deal sent Jason Blake and Vesa Toskala to the Anaheim Ducks for JS Giguere.
To Sochi Or Not To Sochi Bob McCown, 03.16.2010
Some may find it hard to believe, but I actually was a "puckhead!" Like many in this country,
Some may find it hard to believe, but I actually was a "puckhead!" Like many in this country,
Olympic Channel Deserves an Answer from CRTC William Houston, 03.18.2010
The Canadian Olympic Committee has been trying for more than two years to get a license to launch
The Canadian Olympic Committee has been trying for more than two years to get a license to launch
Matt Cooke Retribution, Moron Style Nick Derence, 03.19.2010
A few days ago we discussed how certain media pundits have a tendency to overreact to controversial
A few days ago we discussed how certain media pundits have a tendency to overreact to controversial
NBA: Ball v.1.3 Chris Black, 03.19.2010
More Crunch Time Analysis Quick primer: The other day, we took a look at 82games.com's Crunch
More Crunch Time Analysis Quick primer: The other day, we took a look at 82games.com's Crunch
ECAC All Decade Team Adam Wodon, 03.19.2010
I was part of the group asked to submit a ballot for the ECAC All-Decade Team. These were my
I was part of the group asked to submit a ballot for the ECAC All-Decade Team. These were my
Sports... It's in our Blood Rick Zamperin, 03.18.2010
For many people, including myself, sports are an integral part of our lifeblood. Sometimes
For many people, including myself, sports are an integral part of our lifeblood. Sometimes
Raptors: Ball v.1.14 Chris Black, 03.17.2010
Lineup Analysis Question from regular reader Sivart: "I am sure it has been asked before, but is
Lineup Analysis Question from regular reader Sivart: "I am sure it has been asked before, but is
Chris wrote on Feb 1, 2010
Elisha Cuthbert at the ACC: Bonus! Toronto wins this trade. 8)Topcat wrote on Feb 1, 2010
This trade was not made to plan the resurgence of the Leafs. It was done to rid some dead wood yes, but was done mainly to cover Burke's you-know-what when Boston gets a choice draft pick for the Kessell debacle. We are bigger, we are tougher, we compete harder, ... blah blah blah The trades to rid us of McCabe & Kubina and bring in stalwarts such as Van Ryn,Finger, and Exelby were supposed to do that already, and clean up our own end. And Mike Komisarek is another "illusion" of such a "canny" signing. Yah, Burkie gonna continue to swap, shop, and give the Emmy-type interviews which the media so dearly love, but the guy has accomplished ZERO so far as a GM. Allaire better fix JS and quick, a 900 save pct elsewhere will get you killed behind this team. As much as I dont like Phaneuf, he shouldnt hurt this team no matter what about his attitude - dumb penalties. But at the end of the year I cant help but feel Burke will have to be graded as underachieving as the teams he has created.dlivery wrote on Feb 1, 2010
Blah Blah I would see this a measure to put some fires out but will this work as introducing some fresh faces as this is a difficult situation for the leafs are in. Trouble of goal tending and defense is major cause of concern.YukonSloMo wrote on Feb 1, 2010
Not worry Hugo..you still da man on Fadoo! And besides 3 degrees is impressive....I went the college route and got 3 diplomas...but know what..... it doesnt matter...especially to the folks that serve me my beverages when I am in Vegas....Nothing wrong with being a profession Hugo...nothing at all....besides its fun slagging guys like Dion.....until he gets it right!HugoMonster wrote on Jan 31, 2010
Dion Phanuef is the perfect example why hockey players in general are great guys, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer. But hey, I guess I am just jealous that I went to university and earned 3 degrees, and this high school drop out will make more in one year playing a game, than I will in my entire working life as a registered professional.Olde Buffalo wrote on Jan 31, 2010
Dion Phanego leaves Calgary, arrives in Toronto and at both ends of the plane trip continues to compare his trade to that of Wayne Gretzky. Get a grip Dion, you're not as great as you think you are, and you won't be as long as your ego keeps getting in the way. "Even Wayne Gretzky got traded"...who the hell do you think you are to compare yourself to the Great One. Good luck Toronto, you're gonna need it with this head case!Howard wrote on Jan 31, 2010
Well, I guess the Leafs are not going to have much offense for awhile. On the other hand, they didn't have much offense before. Is the season over yet?Chris wrote on Jan 31, 2010
Holy smokes! No surprise that a shakeup was coming, but this is huge! Too bad the Leafs lost White, but he deserved better than to play for this team. As for the rest, they were all ordinary players and easily replaceable. Thank God Blake and Toskala are gone!!! The Leafs get an instant upgrade in goal where the team needed it most. If Giguere recaptures his old form, this could be huge. Then there's Phaneuf: The first defenceman of his kind in Maple Leafs history!!! (Exactly what Toronto needed back in 2002 to win the Cup but never got.) I think this is a win-win for Toronto and Calgary.Johnny Canuck wrote on Jan 31, 2010
Holy ***! Leafs pick up the best players in both trades with Phaneuf and Giguere. Don't know if the guys Calgary picked up are gonna do anything but White and Stajan could be good pieces for them. Giguere for Toskala and Blake is clearly a win for Burkey but Giguere does make 7 million next year to battle with Gustafson for the #1 role. I think the Leafs won these trades but we shall see if this makes them have a better shot of not giving the B's a top 5 draft pick.YukonSloMo wrote on Jan 31, 2010
I thought I had made a comment about this already...perhaps PS re-tooled the blog?! Any ways for what it is worth...good trade for the Leafs....Dion was grossly underachieving in Calgary. Burke ever the chameleon makes a huge splash....I would have liked to have seen JS in Montreal.....to tutor either Halak or Price..Bob Gainey are you listening...yet again your counterpart gets better and you stand pat.....My thoughts move Gomez and Price...