So, it was one year ago today that I got off my ass and decided to start putting finger to keyboard and launch Torontosportsmedia.com. Who would have guessed that one year later, my little site would be home to 30,000 set of unique eyeballs a month and over a 100,000 pageviews. I must say I am humbled.

TSM started in part out of frustration and in part out of the love of the game. Frustration with how our teams and games are covered and I think the love the of the game thing is obvious. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the business when I wore a younger man’s clothes and I realized that I missed it and wanted a way to stay involved. This site has allowed me to do just that. I don’t fancy myself an insider or one who knows much of anything more than the average fan. I just like taking the time to talk to people, to listen and then to express myself on my Apple Macintosh laptop (when it’s not dead).

I have to say I owe a lot to several folks for getting the site to where it is. There are, of course the oopmah loompas behind the scene who have helped a non-techy look sharp and sophisticated (the good folks at hooplah, onroad, Alan, Slava and anyone else I am forgetting). I have had the helping hand of my good man LT from day one. He is a super fan, a great fill in and loves the teams and games as much as I do. The many many sites that link to TSM on a daily basis are just awesome. I am in awe of the spectacular work that you folks to each and every day. Whether or not blogging is accepted in the mainstream sports media, there are some amazing, truly amazing writers out there and I tip my hats to each of you.

To those of you who have emailed me, reached to me, offering advice, information and news and just plain support I hope that the site is what you have hoped. I enjoy “speaking” to you about the business and look forward to doing so in the future. Thanks to those who have also taken the time to do a podcast, there should be more time to do more this year as I have help in doing so and learned the tricks of the trade.

To the many folks who have been kind enough to write for the site, I thank you on behalf of all the readers as well, Anthony, Victor, RotoRob Dan and Lilly.

Most of all, I thank those of you who come back each and every day to read what I have to say. I especially appreciate all those who comment, post and take part in the conversation. I know many don’t agree with me or my views or those of other readers, but you have validated my hunch, that there is an appettie for this type of information on a daily basis. To my man Mike S for helping with the radio lineups, to Eggbert, Daniel, Julian, Wendel, PPP, The Meatriarchy, Mike, EYE, Al from Burlignton, and of course Nealio, keep it coming fellas….If I forgot someone shame on me.

Here’s to another good year of sports in the Toronto and cheers to those who cover it.

Make sure you check out Dan’s NBA draft coverage tonight, we will be back tomorrow afternoon with NHL draft coverage.

This little tidbit just popped up on the Globe site:

“Maybe Brian Burke has a trading partner before the NHL entry draft, after all. Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell admitted Wednesday he is listening to tenders for the fourth overall selection at the draft Friday evening, and he revealed he has swapped trade ideas with his Toronto Maple Leafs counterpart. “We’re certainly going to look at the trade market, but we’ve had no serious offers,” said Waddell, who was asked if he has been contacted by Burke. “We have talked to everyone. He has a better chance of getting to No.1 if he already has the [No.]4.”

Earlier tonight Darren Dreger announced that he has learned that Burke is actively shopping the #7 overall pick in attempt to secure a current roster player who can help now, and no that roster player is not, according to double D, Vincent Lecavailier. Dreger is saying that the Isles are going to stay away from John Tavares and draft Victor Hedman. This to me should be good news for Burke. If he really wants to get Tavares, he has a better shot trading to 2 then he does to 1. I can’t imagine too many current roster guys he can get in exchange for the 7th pick that I would really want (and that are realistic returns).

rumour on the globe is here

I love this quote from Bettman on the Tampa situation:

“I think sometimes they get a little overblown. When you have partnerships, people don’t always see eye to eye on everything, it’s like a marriage, like friendships, like all relationships,” he told a news conference in Montreal after a meeting of the league’s board of governors. “Sometimes these issues come to more of a head because people in other businesses are under more pressure. I don’t think any of them warrant the amount of attention that they’re getting, but they’re there and they’re all being dealt with.”

Ummmm, given your history with honesty on these matters mr. commissioner, I am finding this response to be anything but credible or the least bit believable.

Bettman is here

Andy Strickland has a pretty good rumour on his ESPN blog:

“Word is Phoenix turned down an offer from Toronto that would have sent Ed Jovanovski and the 6th overall pick to the Leafs for Kaberle. I hear Phoenix didn’t want to give up the pick.”

Let’s hope they change their mind, eh EYE??

The next couple of days should be amazing folks, lots of speculation and tons to talk about…Keep tuned to all the outlets and of course to TSM for the updates…

Thanks again to all, this has been really, really fun.

TSM

What a day it was, Burke was busy, not as busy as I would have liked but busy nevertheless.

Here is a review of the deals (in case you didn’t know:

1. The Maple Leafs acquired a 2009 second round draft pick and a conditional draft pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Nik Antropov.

2. Toronto traded forward Dominic Moore to the Buffalo Sabres for Carolina’s second round draft pick in 2009.

3. Toronto obtained goaltender Olaf Kolzig, defencemen Jamie Heward, Andy Rogers and a fourth round draft pick in 2009 from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenceman Richard Petiot.

4. The Maple Leafs claimed goaltender Martin Gerber off waivers from the Senators and defenceman Erik Reitz from the Rangers.

Here’s a tour of the reviews:

Damien:

“The Maple Leafs started the day with five picks in this summer’s draft, selections in the first, third, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. They ended it with eight picks, adding two second rounders and a fourth, as well as an extra conditional selection acquired in the Nik Antropov deal with the Rangers. Nothing spectacular, but certainly necessary. Instead of having one pick in the top 60 selections, the Leafs should have three in the top 50. Instead of having two picks in the top 120, the Leafs now have five.That’s how the restocking of the prospect cupboard starts.”

Interesting that Damien has a positive spin on the Burke’s day…

“Dominic Moore, acquired after waivers last year by John Ferguson, re-signed by Cliff Fletcher and traded away Wednesday by Brian Burke, netted a second-round pick, a net gain for the Leaf organization.And what of Antropov, the 10th overall pick in 1998, moved to Manhattan for a second rounder? Well, the Leafs got a lot of years of service for the Kazakh. We watched him grow from a skinny, confused kid with little ability to speak English into a power forward with scoring ability, not to mention a gentleman and a father. Was he a bust? Well, he didn’t become a star, but look at the other players taken in ‘98. After Vinny Lecavalier went first, the order went David Legwand, Brad Stuart, Bryan Allen, Vitali Vishnevski, Rico Fata, Manny Malhotra, Mark Bell, Mike Rupp and then Antropov. Based on that group, Antropov was a very successful pick by the Leafs. At the end, he was traded because he wasn’t good enough for the dollars he’ll be looking for as a free agent to a team that’s at the very early stages of a long rebuilding period. And if he pans out for the Rangers and helps them win two playoff rounds this spring, the Leafs will get an additional fourth rounder.”

The fact he is so positive scares the hell out of me. Let’s see what the days ahead bring….

Hunter:

“Vesa Toskala is finished for the season. Toskala has been struggling though hip and groin problems and said he would have surgery to correct those issues next week. His spot between the pipes will be filled by former Ottawa Senator Martin Gerber, who the Leafs claimed on re-entry waivers. As expected today, the Leafs also traded Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore, two players who were headed for unrestricted free agency this summer. Antropov went to the Rangers for a second-round draft pick and another conditional draft pick. Moore went to the Buffalo Sabres for a second-round draft pick.”

Just the facts maam!

Brunt:

“Brian Burke has a way with words, and in his current gig, that’s going to come in mighty handy. Yesterday afternoon, at the conclusion of his first signpost day as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was called upon to explain the absence of highlight-reel goals and home runs and one-punch knockouts. The trade deadline had come and gone, leaving the franchise minus a couple of useful pieces they declined to sign for what those players and their agents believed they were worth, Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore. The Leafs are now in possession of a marginal starting goaltender acquired on the waiver wire, Martin Gerber, to replace the now-shelved Vesa Toskala, and have four new drafts picks — two second round, one conditional, one fourth round — to partly fill the gaping hole left behind in that department by previous administrations. But there were no first-rounders acquired, though that was the original asking price for Antropov. There were no bright young prospects added who might some day be part of a contending Leafs team. There was no real blockbuster deal, through which a Tomas Kaberle might have brought something truly significant in return. It was more housekeeping than renovation, which for an understandably anxious fan base might not have been quite the Burkean miracle they had imagined.”

Don’t disagree with anything Brunt says there…

“To get better, the Maple Leafs will have to make far better use of the draft than they have in the recent past. They will have to patiently and skillfully develop those players. They will have to create a positive environment and create cap space so that they can attract free agents. And they will have to get lucky, because however adept Burke is at manoeuvring through the current collective agreement, however savvy he is in his dealings with his peers, at some point his team is going to have to stumble on a franchise player. Today, early in his honeymoon period, most fans are probably willing to take Burke at his word, and to cut him some slack, especially since he declines to make excuses. “If you hear me start complaining people should throw something heavy at me,” he said. “I work in one of the greatest cities in the world, I work for one of the greatest teams in the world and we’ll get this sorted out. I didn’t think it was going to be an easy or quick process and it’s not going to be.” But check in again in a couple of years, on another deadline day, in what will likely be a rather different NHL, with the Leafs’ building process advanced, the stakes higher, and the movie presumably well into its second or third act.”

This passage could have been written at any time during the last 9 months. Nothing new here folks, nothing at all.

Wharnsby:

“The Toronto Maple Leafs restocked their supply of draft picks, but also have left their roster bare to play out the remainder of this season.
Not only did the Leafs deal forwards Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore for a pair of second-round selections yesterday, they also shut down goaltender Vesa Toskala.”

And this is a bad thing? Plummet, maple leafs, plummet for god sake!

“Although such talk is taboo, the move enhances the Leafs’ chances of sliding into the bottom five in the league standings and being eligible for the draft lottery. With 18 games remaining, the Leafs are 23rd in the 30-club NHL, six points up on the 26th-place Colorado Avalanche.”

Now you are talking. That is more like it.

“As a fill-in for Toskala, the Leafs plucked Ottawa Senators goalie Martin Gerber off re-entry waivers. Gerber will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and he hasn’t played a NHL game since Jan. 8, when the Senators buried him in the minors. What made the Toskala decision intriguing was that Leafs general manager Brian Burke publicly scolded Toskala last month for poor work habits in practice. The harsh words prompted the Leafs goalie to inform his boss that he took it easy in practice because of his chronic hip problems. After the information session, Toskala, Wilson, Burke and the medical staff discussed their options. When surgery as soon as possible was agreed upon as the best course of action, Burke and his management team began searching for another goalie last week. “I have been talking with the team and I’m on the same page,” Toskala said. “We made a decision that is best for me.”

I am calling bullshit on this one. Watters and Brady have been saying for weeks that Toskala is bust. Then Burke attacks him. I don’t know why, but I am just not buying the chain of events as they are being laid out. This doesn’t smell right. To be honest, who cares.

“Both Moore and Antropov, who were kept out of the Leafs lineup on Tuesday, were moved because they are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer. Antropov was the first to be traded. He went to the Rangers for a second-round pick and a conditional pick. Moore went down the highway to the Buffalo Sabres, also for a second-round selection. These were moves expected to be made by Burke, who will now turn his attention to signing two or three U.S. College players, then the draft and possible trades there as well as the free-agency frenzy in July. “We intend to be aggressive on a lot of different fronts,” Burke said.”

Let’s hope so. I am not thrilled with what happened to day. I wanted more. Having said that it appears to be a start. Maybe more tearing down is needed before the rebuild starts…

Hornby:

“Brian Burke is committed to rebuilding the Maple Leafs, but other National Hockey League teams were just as determined not to let him do it with their best draft picks. Burke’s attempt to wrestle a first rounder for Nik Antropov and a high second rounder for checking centre Dominic Moore were only partially successful on a day when the Leafs also shut down goalie Vesa Toskala with hip/groin surgery and added goalie Martin Gerber and defenceman Eric Reitz on waivers. Antropov is taking his act to Broadway, dealt to the New York Rangers at today’s 3 p.m. deadline for a second rounder and a conditional pick, likely based on the Rangers making the playoffs. Toronto began the day with a first pick in the top 10 at the June draft and hoping to parlay Antropov into another, but had no second or fourth rounder. It turned out just one first-rounder changed hands as the anticipated slow day because of salary cap concerns came to pass.”

Like his counterpart at the Star, Lance offers no opinion.

Arthur:

“But you want a deal that epitomizes the new NHL? Try one of the day’s final trades, in which the Toronto Maple Leafs sent an undistinguished gentleman named Richard Petiot to cash-strapped Tampa Bay for the expiring contracts of Olaf Kolzig (torn biceps), Jamie Heyward (concussed), minor-leaguer Andy Rogers, and a fourth-round pick. Kolzig and Heyward are unlikely to play a game for the Leafs; Rogers, from all appearances, is an afterthought.So basically the Leafs are paying the salaries of Kolzig and Heyward until the summer – a total of about US$500,000 – to get a fourth-round pick, while the Lightning save some cash. Toronto can afford it; Tampa cannot. Welcome to the new NHL. “I think part of it is people are scared to death of the 2010-11 season,” Burke said. “The coming season, what the cap’s going to be, the cap will be based largely on this year’s revenues, and most of our revenues were in the tills before the bad news really hit. So I think it’s artificial in terms of what revenues will be in a year. But because the cap always follows 12 months of financial developments, my sense is that teams – and I know I am – are scared to death of 2010-11 in terms of committing money or locking up guys.
“This is where, if you go back to when guys were doing six, seven, 12-year, 15-year deals and patting themselves on the back for how smart they were, I think some teams are really going to regret going that far along.”

Not editorial on Burke or the Leafs per se, however very interesting to see how Burke used cap space and wealth to acquire a later draft pick.

Brophy:

“Toronto’s Brian Burke likely hoped to make a bigger splash than he did as he tries to resurrect the Maple Leafs, but with Antropov and Moore gone, and Martin Gerber tending the net down the stretch, perhaps the Leafs stand a better chance of getting a lottery pick. That, for the record, is a good thing especially if they get John Tavares or Victor Hedman.”

Here’s hoping…..

Kelley:

“One could even make a case that the winner is the one that comes up with the most innovative way to perhaps legally circumvent the rules of transaction, much the way Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke is attempting to do in essentially buying a fourth-round draft pick for $500,000 by buying off injured and likely retiring players via a complicated transaction with the Tampa Bay Lightning.”

If it weren’t lega do you think the league would have passed it?

“Take Burke’s deal with Tampa Bay. Burke may have done something outside the spirit of the rules while working completely within them. He traded Richard Petiot to the Lightning for veteran goalie Olie Kolzig, Jamie Heward, Andie Rogers and a fourth-round pick. Knowing full well that Petiot isn’t likely to ever be a player in the NHL, that Heward hasn’t made it (and likely never will) and that Rogers is also looking at the end of his career, he essentially delivered about a half million dollars in cap space to the Lightning in exchange for a fourth round pick. If this kind of transaction holds up, Burke will have won a battle he’s been losing for years, that being the ability to trade cap space from a team that has it to a team that doesn’t. This bears a whole lot of watching.”

A GM has to do what he can within the confines of the rules. That is a two way street. The bolts are tight on cash and need and break they can get. The leafs needed a pick and took some dead weight from the Bolts and turned it into a pick.

Berger:

“What seems like an emotional let-down today for fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs may ultimately be viewed as the perfect beginning to a long, complicated process. And, don’t fool yourself for even a second into thinking there are any short-cuts in the task of properly re-structuring the Maple Leafs, a franchise that only now – four years after the fact – is starting to be managed compatibly in the post-lockout NHL. Brian Burke was depicted by some as a media manipulator with his tempered comments of the past couple of weeks. He was merely lying in the weeds – managing expectations in the unseemly event he couldn’t re-shape the hockey club with a few bold strokes. In the end, however, Brian was typically shooting straight. He warned observers not to work themselves into a frothing mess over the Leafs’ trade deadline possibilities, suggesting as recently as Tuesday night that it was only the first step in his long-range plan.”

I think Howie is right (i know 2 blogs in a row). Lots of us were hoping for much more today and are disapointed with the little that he did. I guess in time we will see if it was enough.

“Whether or not that plan actually lifts the hockey club out of its perennial quagmire remains to be seen, and will obviously determine if Burke was, indeed, the best man for the job. But, on the day of his first trade deadline with the Leafs, Brian kept his word. He mentioned on numerous occasions that his primary goal in this initial step was to re-stock the franchise with draft picks that were lost in recent trades, and he did exactly that – acquiring two second-rounders, a fourth-rounder and a conditional selection. In bartering for those picks, he vowed not to take on wasteful salary – contracts of middling players that extend into the 2010-11 season, when the global economic crunch is likely to affect the league’s payroll cap. Again, Burke stuck to his guns. And, the players he moved – Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore – were widely rumored to be going elsewhere as they prepare to test unrestricted free agency this summer.”

Credibility is a good thing in this town. I still am not buying the Toskala thing one bit, but that is a discussion for another day. While all the pundits were yelling bullshit, that Burke is merely playing poker, the reality is he was being pretty straightforward. Not only that but his near f-bomb on the TSN deadline marathon was priceless.

“So, really, an outbreak of clinical depression should not be endemic among Leaf fans that chose to pay attention, and viewed the 2009 trade deadline for what it was – a table-setting exercise. Much more anticipation can be reserved for the warm months, when Burke will begin to replenish his draft stock, and will have more cap room to work with in free agency than most other big-market teams. It will enable him to sign a premium talent such as Richmond Hill native Mike Cammalleri – a bonafide 40-goal shooter that is young enough, at 27, to be a vital cog on a contending team three or four years down the road. It will allow Burke to try and deal for a top-end player with a contract that does extend beyond next season, now that he eschewed taking on fringe holdovers at the deadline. And, the process of fashioning the Leafs into a winning club will advance to the next level.”

Here Howie heads offside. One, he predicted in his last blog that Burke could make up to 6 or 7 deals if he wanted to. So didn’t give me this if you paid attention crap. Also, folks, should Burke sign Cammalleri, remember this blog post for when Berger slams Burke for doing so.

“There was much deception from the Leafs – and from Toskala, himself – over the goalie’s suspected groin and hip problems this season. It’s never pleasant to be outright lied to – Ron Wilson, you’ll recall, assured that Toskala’s recent hip examination showed no structural damage – but the Leafs aren’t the only team to go down that path, and it’s understandable that teams would wish to protect their assets in any way possible.”

Hey come on Howard, it’s not a lie if you know the truth!!!

“Burke doesn’t yet seem like the “hot shot” he rhetorically called himself on the radio last month. The moves he made at the deadline lacked even a modicum of flair. But, showy maneuvering isn’t the recipe for a pseudo-expansion team with legitimate designs of advancement in today’s NHL. Large steps must be preceded by baby steps.”

Modicum, love it! I don’t necessarily disagree with this comment. I think the Tampa deal was creative though. Interesting to see Howie give a hat tip to Burke’s moves though.

All in all it was an interesting day. I think the tv networks looked like idiots being on at 8 am. The 8-9 hour was an hour of my life i will one day wish i can get back. To me, the big winner of the day was those of you who were on twitter, and twitter itself. It was pretty wild to see all the dialogue on it. For those of you who are curious as to what I am talking about, point your browser to http://search.twitter.com when you get there, enter #nhltrade into the search bar and you will see all those who were talking nhl trade deadline over the last several hours. I can tell you that the numbers were staggering. It just proves once again that NHL fans are the most tech savy of any sports fan out there.

Second place goes to the folks over at the globe and mail. There online live blog was good. I don’t think they talked to the room enough, but this was their first time. Coverage on the fan 590 was weak. Really weak. It started with Hogan and Toth who essentially started the day with nothing to talk about. They seemed almost annoyed to be there. The rest of the day was, well, just boring. I know the moves didn’t really start until later in the afternoon, but man, they didn’t seem to have an real planned programming. I only heard about an hour of Brady and Bill Hayes. In my opinion it paled in comparison to what the TV guys were doing. Then again, that isn’t a fair comparison.

So technology won the day for me. A buddy hooked me up with his slingbox so i could watch tv on my laptop. It was phenomenal. Add twitter to that and it was a fun day. Here’s hoping draft day and free agent day are more active. More thoughts and commentary tomorrow.

TSM

those articles can be read at all the daily sites.

Here we go folks, the day we have been looking forward to since, ummmm, training camp. Here are some random thoughts:

1. If you want to listen to bad radio, get a listen to 640 Toronto’s Jonas Siegel chat with Greg Brady today. I know Jonas is 22, but man was he weak today. No, he wasn’t weak, he sssssssucked. His attempt to suggest that Burke should sign Moore becuase he is a good guy who really wants to play here was pathetic. Antropov a “top nhl player” was so homerlike it was sad. What, however made it unlistenable was that not only was he wrong, but he showed he had no spine. When Brady attacked Jonas on a point, he turtled, instantly. He didn’t try to disagree, he said “that’s a good poing Greg.” He said that a few times. Jonas, no one cares if you are right, if you pick a point, defend it. Don’t tell the guy you are talking to that he made a good point. Show some conviction. Stand up for yourself. If you say something, back it up, don’t back down so damn quickly. We don’t need another Toronto basher, Berger has that wrapped up. We don’t want another Fergie Oliver though either. Fair and balanced would be good.

2. No matter what is said before or after tomorrow’s deadline passes this is Burke day to blow. If all you can get for Antropov is a second pick, do it. Don’t let assets walk out the door when the season is over. If Moore wants more then you are willing to pay, don’t cave. There isn’t a single guy on the roster worth paying 1 penny more then market value for. Not one. Don’t go get a goalie. If Toskala is hurt, go with what you got. Cujo and Pogge will be fine the rest of the way. Will we win a ton of games? No. As season ticket holders and fans we understand that and hell, we want it. Not one less person will go to a game because either Pogge or Cujo is in net. Tomorrow should be about no reasonable offer being denied. Fairly or not, tomorrow is the first of a defining moment in the Burke era. If decent moves aren’t made, leaf fans are going tobe disappointed. That’s not because they are being impatient. Rather because there is a common belief out there that Burke should deal anyone he can for a reasonable prospect or draft pick. Come 2:59 pm tomorrow it’s time to stop the game of poker and start the rebuilding or building of this franchise. Let’s hope he has the smarts to do it.

3. Always interested to see who wins the day from the media perspective. Please let me know who you are watching and why. If you read, hear or see something let me know. I will put it up on twitter the blog or anywhere else I can. If it’s a great day perhaps we can do an impromptu chat tomorrow night. You can post here or email me at torontosportsmedia at gmail dot com twitter is @yyzsportsmedia.com

4. Moore for a 2nd rounder and hopefully a 4th too. Antropov for a 2nd rounder and hopefully something else too. That seems to be the concrete rumours out there. Kaberle may or may not be injured. I still say deal him if you can. Mayers is likely to be dealt, try to get the same pick back we gave up for him.. I say it again, Brian, do as much housecleaning as you can….

Talk to you after a quick sleep.

Despite what he has said in the past. Despite what he will say today. I am more convinced that the extent to which the Leafs are “busy” tomorrow lays entirely with Brian Burke. Too many people are saying the same things:

1. There are very few sellers.
2. There are lots of buyers
3. Burke’s assets are worth more then as parts then they are collectively
4. The parts Burke is selling are of decent value and high demand

This is the time of year our pal Howard Berger used to shine and his blog today is reminder of what once was:

“According to three National Hockey League sources [one general manager and two scouts], Maple Leafs’ GM Brian Burke will have the opportunity to clean house at the trade deadline on Wednesday, if he so chooses.“Brian has at least a half-dozen affordable players that can be useful parts on contending teams, and there will be lots of tempting offers,” said an Eastern Conference scout. “Based on what I’m hearing around the league, I’ll be surprised if [Nik] Antropov and [Alexei] Ponikarovsky are still with the Leafs after the deadline. Big forwards that can score between 20 and 25 goals don’t grow on trees and not many will be available on Wednesday.”

Now we have to be careful here. People speak for a reason and in this case both Berger and his moles may have agendas. Berger’s is simple. If Burke does little, then it is very easy to point the finger at him. The mole’s (assuming we believe they exist) are different. Everyone likes to shit on the Leafs and thier fans so it’s not hard to think of reasons why someone wouldn’t want to mislead.

” Western Conference manager agrees that Burke will have lots on his plate. “It just depends on how quickly he wants to get things done,” said the GM. “Brian isn’t in a rush — he has a long, lucrative contract, and there isn’t a a ton of onus for the Leafs to get better right away. That will allow him to be more selective, and he’s put quite a price on some of his top players. But, I don’t think there are going to be as many sellers as in past seasons. A bunch of teams in our conference are feeling great internal pressure to make the playoffs this year, and they might want to add rather than subtract. That’s why I feel Brian will have lots of opportunities to trade, if he wants.”

That echoes all the chatter and opinions I am hearing too.

“One thing to remember about trades at the deadline,” continued the GM, “is that many of them are made at the last hour, and a lot of them don’t have their origin until it’s very late. Things happen every year in the final 90 minutes or so that have had no basis in discussion prior to that. So, it’s difficult to really predict how active Brian, or any of us, will be.”

There is nothing better then the reactionary deal. One team does one thing, which causes other teams to do others. Should be a fun day. Good job Howie.

Don’t forget tonight’s chat: http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/40996

Please signup for a free account with talkshoe.com before hand so that when you call in you can ask Matt questions directly as opposed to through the webchat.

Once you have created an account (and a pin) at 9pm, login to the website, and call Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 40996. You will then be able to participate.

See you at 9pm Est.

Please signup for a free account with talkshoe.com before hand so that when you call in you can ask Matt questions directly as opposed to through the webchat.

Once you have created an account (and a pin) at 9pm, login to the website, and call Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 40996. You will then be able to participate.

Tonight is the second of our NHL Insider Chats. The chat will take place at 9pm Est.(6 for those on the west coast)

Tonight we are very excited to be joined by the Globe and Mail’s Vancouver Canucks’ beat writer Matt Sekeres. Matthew was born in Montreal and raised in Kanata just steps from the Corel Centre. In 2001, he graduated with honours from Carleton University, where he was editor-in-chief of the independent student newspaper, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications. At 25, Matthew found himself travelling on the most competitive sports beat in the country: the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Globe’s Vancouver-based sports reporter, Sekeres covers the NHL’s Canucks, the CFL’s Lions and the 2010 Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. Born in Montreal and raised in Ottawa, Sekeres has covered the Beijing Olympics, three Super Bowls, seven Grey Cups, an NBA Finals, and the NHL playoffs.

The last session with Bob McKenzie was amazing. Please signup for a free account with talkshoe.com before hand so that when you call in you can ask Matt questions directly as opposed to through the webchat.

Once you have created an account (and a pin) at 9pm, login to the website, and call Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 40996. You will then be able to participate.

See you at 9pm Est.

“speculation about an Antropov and Stralman deal to Columbus for injured goalie Pascal Leclaire. The Blue Jackets netminder is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.”

That from the good folks over at the Globe and Mail.

“The Leafs were involved in two bits of trade speculation yesterday — that they were haggling with the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets over possible moves. But Burke denied he’s talking to either club.”

Denial, you all will remember is more then a river in Egypt.

Leaf fans, would you make that deal? Keep this in mind:

“If the Leafs were to make such a move and keep starter Vesa Toskala, they would have $7.8-million tied up in their goalies next season. Leclaire has two more seasons after this one at $3.8-million each. Toskala has one more season left at $4-million.”

A frosty Monday morning folks.  It’s a blustery -15C here in Toronto.  The only place it may be colder is on Brian Burke’s cellphone.  There are a numerous theories out there this am as to what is happening and what is going to happen.  In essence they all boil down to 2:

Burke is playing rope-a-dope:  Set expectations low and over deliver

vs.

There is no real interest in the Maple Leaf players and therefore Burke’s hands are tied

Take a look at the Boston based Tomas Kaberle rumour this am.  The rumour was Kaberle for 1st, a 3rd and a prospect.  Burke quickly “pissed” all over it.  Why would he do that?  Of course there could be because there is no truth to it and Burke is a straight shooter.  Burke, said that he hasn’t talked to Boston about Kaberle.  Now, let’s take a look at that comment too.  Why would he make that comment, besides the fact that it is truthful?  Isn’t it in Burke’s best interest to at least give the impression that the wheels are in motion?  With the Kaberle rumour, Burke not only shot down the specific rumour but shot down any talks involving the Leafs and Bruins as they relate to Kaberle.  If you are Burke and you are hopping to get your socks knocked off woudln’t it be in your best interest to have as many teams think that you are talking about Kaberle as possible?  Isn’t that how the game is played?  Let me throw this out there for a second.  I believe, (I, not Eye) that in many a hockey markets, owners react to news they read in the press.  I am convinced of it.  The owner of team A reads that the Bruins have offered x for Tomas Kaberle, whom he has heard that his team may like and therefore reacts.  He calls or goest to visit his GM.  In other words, I believe that the reason that stories get scooped in the media is that the teams use the media as vehicles to help them get info and get shit done. In some markets the press (what’s left of them) can make or break an executive’s career.  I would say that the press killed JFJ here in Toronto but I think it’s safe to say he did it himself.  I think there is tremendous pressure on a GM from owners and I am positive that owners react to what they read or hear in the press.  I think that GM’s react to that pressure, or are forced to.

Which brings us back to Burke.  From the beginning of training camp we have been told several, honest, not so flattering things about our Maple Leafs.  Everything from Nik Antropov being the only top forward on the team, to the team being devoid of any real talent.  We have also been told to be patient, that this could take some time.  We are all fine with this.  We have recognized that this season is little more then a necessary evil, we are doing little but hoping that the calendar would move a little faster then it is, without any real care for current results.  There are 3 specific days or times of the year that are actually important to us.  They are milestones in the development of our team.  They are, the draft, the opening of the free agent period and the deadline.  For Maple Leaf fans that is it.  That’s all we got.  so people can or should understand the pent up energy as one of these days approaches.  Burke, is strong enough not to really care about that.  He has the spine to do whatever he thinks is in the best interest of the team that employs him.  However, like Cliff before him, he does have an ego.  Matt Millen, after will be forever remembered as the GM which built the first and only to date, NFL team to not win a single game in an entire season.  This is now Burke’s team.  It has been for a few months.  This is shot to make his first imprint on it.  Trading a pick for Brady May was one move.  The next couple of days sets up the beginning of his legacy here.  For now, all is quiet.

I will say it again.  There isn’t a single guy on the roster I wouldn’t move for the right package.  For 50% of the guys, give me a draft pick back, any pick and I am good.  The rest, it would be nice to get an earlier draft pick for.  It says here, that Burke’s inability to move players for picks, or use available cap space to his advantage will be detrimental to the franchise.  Does it all have to happen now?  No.  Does it have to start?  Yes.  To hell with the rest of the season….

From the Sens PR staff:

February 20, 2009
Ottawa Senators acquire Comrie and Campoli from New York Islanders
McAmmond and first-round pick (San Jose) sent to New York

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Feb. 20, 2009) – Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today the club has acquired centre Mike Comrie and defenceman Chris Campoli, eight- and four-year NHL veterans respectively, in exchange for centre Dean McAmmond and the San Jose Sharks’ 2009 first-round draft pick, obtained from the Tampa Bay Lightning in August 2008.

Comrie, 28, returns to the Senators, having played 61 games during the 2006-07 season, including 20 playoff meetings en route to the Stanley Cup final. Ottawa had acquired Comrie from the Phoenix Coyotes on Jan. 3, 2007, for centre Alexei Kaigorodov. He had 13 goals, 12 assists and 24 penalty minutes in 41 regular-season games with the Senators, as well as six points (2-4) and 17 penalty minutes in 20 post-season meetings.

In 41 games this season with the Islanders, Comrie has seven goals, 13 assists and 26 penalty minutes. The Edmonton native has recorded five two-point games. He missed 17 games in November due to a hip injury.

In 503 career NHL games, Comrie has registered 151 goals, 180 assists and 389 penalty minutes with the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Senators and Islanders. He was originally drafted by the Oilers in the third round, 91st overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Campoli, 24, is in his fourth season in the NHL and with the Islanders. In 51 games this season, the 6-foot, 190-pound defenceman has six goals, 17 assists and 43 penalty minutes. He has already tied a career season high with two game-winning goals and a shorthanded marker. Campoli has missed seven games to injuries.

Selected in the seventh round, 227th overall, in the 2004 entry draft, Campoli came to the New York club after playing the 2004-05 season with its American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 228 regular-season NHL career games, he has 83 points (20-63) and 128 penalty minutes.

Campoli played four seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, serving as team captain in his last year.

McAmmond, 35, joined the Senators as a free agent in August 2006. In 916 regular-season games, the Grand Cache, Alta., native has 176 goals, 246 assists and 442 penalty minutes. In three seasons with the Senators, McAmmond recorded 26 goals, 32 assists and 56 penalty minutes over 193 games.

San Jose’s 2009 first-round draft pick that is included in the trade, came from the Tampa Bay Lightning when they acquired Andrej Meszaros on Aug. 29, 2008, for Filip Kuba and Alexandre Picard.