MapleLeafsBlog

TheStar.com - Sports - Blake gives Maurice options at forward

2007-07-18T07:52:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Blake gives Maurice options at forward: "Combining Kyle Wellwood and Jason Blake on the same line drummed up a wonderful offensive scenario for Leafs coach Paul Maurice yesterday – and the two won't be on the same sheet of ice for another month or so.

'Bringing in a guy with 40 goals (Blake), you're expecting he'll play a bit with Mats Sundin, but we see him playing with Kyle as well,' Maurice said yesterday, casting a glance forward while the Leafs ran their annual kids summer hockey camp at Lakeshore Lions Arena."

Happy days of summer nearly finished

2007-07-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Happy days of summer nearly finished: "We're not saying that Paul Maurice is ready for the season to start, but with July barely half over, the Toronto Maple Leafs coach has already mapped out training camp, which is three months away. And we're not saying Maurice took the end of last season hard -- watching the New York Islanders win a shootout that left the Leafs one point short of the playoffs -- but let's just say that his smile didn't immediately accompany him on vacation."

globeandmail.com: Maple Leafs quietly pulling the strings

2007-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Maple Leafs quietly pulling the strings: "It has been quite the propaganda war.

Gary Bettman, cast as a hater of all things Canadian. Jim Balsillie portrayed as a zillionaire maverick, bordering on kook.

On both sides of the fence, some very fine and sophisticated fiction has been spun around the potential sale of the Nashville Predators and their move to Southern Ontario - a deal that now seems dead in the water."

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs' picture about to get cloudier

2007-07-10T09:06:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs' picture about to get cloudier: "Just what are the Maple Leafs up to?

The board of directors of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is interviewing candidates for a hockey operations job that doesn't yet exist. They want an adviser, or a consultant. Ideally, he'll be some sage hockey mind, someone perhaps in his retirement years, who either is or isn't a direct threat to GM John Ferguson's job, depending upon whose side you're on.

Far from being an open process, information is coming out in dribs and drabs and it can sometimes be difficult to separate fact from fiction."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign yet another goalie

2007-07-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign yet another goalie: "Scott Clemmensen may not have been able to help the Maple Leafs into the playoffs last season, but he'll get a chance to help them more directly now.

According to Star sources, the former New Jersey Devils goaltender has signed a two-way contract with the Leafs and is expected to be the club's No. 3 goaltender this season, working with the AHL Toronto Marlies alongside youngster Justin Pogge."

TheStar.com - Sports - Clemmensen signs, Muckler drops by for a chat

2007-07-10T09:04:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Clemmensen signs, Muckler drops by for a chat: "The Maple Leaf net is getting crowded.

Maybe the front office, too.

The Leafs signed former New Jersey Devils goaltender Scott Clemmensen to a two-way contract yesterday.

The 29-year-old will play for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, alongside youngster Justin Pogge.

In other Leaf activity, fired Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler was in town yesterday to chat with Toronto brass about working in concert with current GM John Ferguson Jr."

Did Scotty plan on recruiting Larionov to coach Leafs? - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com

2007-07-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Did Scotty plan on recruiting Larionov to coach Leafs? - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com: "Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons claims that Detroit Red Wings consultant Scotty Bowman may have done more leg-work in considering a job offer to become the Toronto Maple Leafs' director of hockey operations--including asking former Wing Igor Larionov if he'd like to coach an NHL team:"

globeandmail.com: Maple Leafs keep quiet about Muckler, sign goalie

2007-07-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Maple Leafs keep quiet about Muckler, sign goalie: "As the Champ Cars roared nearby at Exhibition Place, nothing but the sound of silence emanated from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and John Muckler yesterday.

Muckler was to meet with MLSE president Richard Peddie and MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum to discuss the new mentor position they want filled to assist Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson."

Maple Leafs, Eastern rivals narrow gap on Senators

2007-07-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs, Eastern rivals narrow gap on Senators: "The Battle of Ontario will be far more competitive in the 2007-08 NHL season. So will the Eastern Conference.

As much as Ottawa Senators fans might be loath to praise the Toronto Maple Leafs for anything, it appears the wide gap between the organizations has narrowed in the past week."

RealGM Hockey: Wiretap Archives: Maple Leafs Sign Ling To One-Year Deal

2007-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

RealGM Hockey: Wiretap Archives: Maple Leafs Sign Ling To One-Year Deal: "This will be Ling’s second tour of duty with the Maple Leafs organization. During the 2004-05 season he led St. John’s, the Maple Leafs former AHL affiliate, in scoring with 88 points on 28 goals and 60 assists, along with 152 penalty minutes.

Ling has played in 93 career NHL games with Montreal and Columbus where he recorded four goals, four assists and eight points, and added 191 penalty minutes. "

TheStar.com - Sports - Is Leaf goalie Raycroft out in the cold?

2007-07-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Is Leaf goalie Raycroft out in the cold?: "Andrew Raycroft's honeymoon is just beginning.

Not the one with Leaf fans. That ended somewhere around January. This is his real one. The Leaf goalie got married over the weekend and is on his honeymoon with his bride, Erin, at an undisclosed location, said his agent, Jordan Neumann.

Whether he returns from his nuptials a Leaf remains anyone's guess. The $2 million (U.S.) a year goalie is rumoured to be on the Leaf trading block as GM John Ferguson finds his club's finances pressed up against the salary cap while carrying two capable goalies."

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs sign new goalie till 2010

2007-07-05T07:22:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs sign new goalie till 2010: "The Toronto Maple Leafs have locked up goalie Vesa Toskala until 2010.

The Finnish netminder agreed to terms on a two-year extension that will kick in after next season. The 30-year-old will earn $1.375 million (all figures U.S.) in the final year of the deal he signed with San Jose, then will get a pay hike to $4 million a year for the two seasons that follow."

TheStar.com - Sports - Toskala's biggest save will be JFJ's job

2007-07-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Toskala's biggest save will be JFJ's job: "This, you have to believe, is the litmus test for John Ferguson.

If Vesa Toskala turns out to be the same type of steal from the San Jose Sharks that Miikka Kiprusoff was for the Calgary Flames, JFJ will have cemented himself atop the Maple Leaf hockey pyramid for a long time.

If he's horribly wrong, well, there will be no Ferguson defenders left."

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs put money on Toskala

2007-07-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs put money on Toskala: "Easily the best-dressed player on the San Jose Sharks, Vesa Toskala makes no bones about it: he likes to shop for clothes.

Now, armed with a two-year, $8 million (all figures U.S.) contract extension, the Finnish goalie can buy whatever he wants.

But to GM John Ferguson, he'll look just fine wearing a Leafs jersey for the next three seasons."

Muckler to meet with Leafs - Hockey Hearsay - Sportsnet.ca

2007-07-05T07:19:00.001-07:00

Muckler to meet with Leafs - Hockey Hearsay - Sportsnet.ca: "John Muckler is set to meet with the Maple Leafs in the next few days, and there are rumblings that Predators GM David Poile is in the running as well.

As reported in Thursday's Globe and Mail, a source confirmed yesterday that the 73-year-old Muckler is interested in the new senior adviser position, and will stop by for an interview session with MLSE president Richard Peddie and possibly MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum in the next two or three days."

globeandmail.com: Nemesis Muckler seeks Toronto adviser job

2007-07-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Nemesis Muckler seeks Toronto adviser job: "The quest to find a mentor for Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson Jr. will continue this weekend when John Muckler visits Toronto.

A source confirmed yesterday that the 73-year-old Muckler is interested in the new senior adviser position that team owner Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment wants to fill this summer to give Ferguson assistance in rebuilding the struggling National Hockey League franchise into a playoff team.

Muckler will stop by for an interview session with MLSE president Richard Peddie and possibly MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum in the next two or three days."

ADVANTAGE MAPLE LEAFS

2007-07-05T07:18:00.001-07:00

ADVANTAGE MAPLE LEAFS: "t's not something we're used to from the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the quiet, laid-back approach has served them well these last few weeks.

Did you hear Word 1 from the Leafs when Blackberry magnate Jim Balsillie was moving to set up shop down the street in Hamilton these past few weeks? Undoubtedly there was some dialogue between chairman of the board Larry Tanenbaum and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, as there is little doubt the Leafs opposed the intrusion into the southern Ontario territory they monopolize."

New Leafs netminder saying all the right things

2007-07-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

New Leafs netminder saying all the right things: "Vesa Toskala presumably moved to the top of the Toronto Maple Leafs depth chart when the team acquired the goaltender from San Jose in June.

He has better numbers than the incumbent, Andrew Raycroft. He came at a price, with the Leafs giving up three draft picks to acquire Toskala and forward Mark Bell hours before the NHL entry draft. And, after agreeing to a two-year, $8-million US contract extension with the Leafs on Wednesday, Toskala is making more money than Raycroft."

Leafs laud Ferguson's recent moves

2007-07-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Leafs laud Ferguson's recent moves: "When John Ferguson acquired goaltender Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell from the San Jose Sharks at last month's NHL Entry Draft, the Maple Leafs general manager received a congratulatory phone call.

It was from Mats Sundin's European-based agent.

'He said Mats wanted me to pass this along: 'He thinks it's an excellent deal and he's excited,' ' Ferguson said.

After the Leafs signed free agent sniper Jason Blake on Sunday, Ferguson's phone rang again. But this time, it was Sundin who had placed the long-distance call."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs won't break bank with Blake

2007-07-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs won't break bank with Blake: "Of all the unrestricted free agents on the market this summer, none scored more goals last season than Jason Blake. In fact, only nine NHL players lit the lamp more often than the little roadrunner last season. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the Maple Leafs need Blake to repeat those numbers next season or beyond for their decision to sign him yesterday as a free agent to be a success."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs get boost with Blake

2007-07-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs get boost with Blake: "The thing coach Paul Maurice used to hate about new Leaf Jason Blake is what he loves most about him now.

'What I like about Jason is that I really didn't like him,' said Maurice. 'I didn't like coaching against him. I didn't like how hard he competed. He's a guy that you're cursing.'

Now, thanks to a five-year, $20 million (all figures U.S.) free-agent contract signed last night, Blake is a Leaf, not a New York Islander. Maurice believes fans at the Air Canada Centre will be singing his praises instead of hurling insults."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs reward Battaglia with 2-year deal

2007-07-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs reward Battaglia with 2-year deal: "The Leafs re-signed one of their own unrestricted free agents when hard-nosed winger Bates Battaglia got a two-year deal worth $650,000 (all figures U.S.) per season.

Battaglia re-established himself as an NHLer with a solid performance last year, starting on the fourth line but getting some first-line time on occasion alongside Mats Sundin."

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL - Toronto - Maple Leafs told hands off Muckler until at least July 4

2007-07-03T09:19:00.002-07:00

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL - Toronto - Maple Leafs told hands off Muckler until at least July 4: "There's an off-ice Battle of Ontario brewing over former Senators GM John Muckler, the Sun has learned.

League sources confirmed yesterday the Maple Leafs have asked the Senators for permission to speak with to 73-year-old Muckler about an advisory role with the club, but they've been put on hold."

Leafs re-sign Battaglia

2007-07-03T09:19:00.001-07:00

Leafs re-sign Battaglia: "The feeding frenzy apparently over and most of the big names snapped up, Day 2 was much slower than Day 1 for the NHL’s unrestricted free agents as 30 players changed teams over a 24-hour period.

Yesterday, the Maple Leafs re-signed one of their own. Hard-nosed winger Bates Battaglia got a two-year deal worth $650,000 (all figures U.S.) per season."

CityNews: Leafs Re-Up With Battaglia On Second Day Of Free Agency

2007-07-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

CityNews: Leafs Re-Up With Battaglia On Second Day Of Free Agency: "After a furious first day of spending in the NHL free agent market, teams put away the pocket books Monday with only a smattering of others inked to deals.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the clubs in action, re-signing veteran winger Bates Battaglia to a $1.3-million, two-year contract."

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs re-sign Battaglia

2007-07-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - NHL - Leafs re-sign Battaglia: "The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed hard-nosed winger Bates Battaglia to a two-year deal worth worth $650,000 a season, according to TSN.

Battaglia re-established himself as an NHLer with a solid performance last year, starting on the fourth line but getting some first-line time on occasion with Mats Sundin."

London Free Press - Hockey - Maple Leafs ready to cast six adrift

2007-07-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

London Free Press - Hockey - Maple Leafs ready to cast six adrift: "Before signing anyone at noon today, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be cutting some adrift as unrestricted free agents.

Unless there's a change of heart later this summer, forwards Yanic Perreault, Travis Green, Jeff O'Neill, Bates Battaglia, Michael Peca and goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin are finished in Toronto."

London Free Press - Hockey - Maple Leafs sign high-scoring Blake

2007-07-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

London Free Press - Hockey - Maple Leafs sign high-scoring Blake: "The Maple Leafs signed a high-scoring forward on the New York Islanders, but not Captain Canada.

After some excitement that they'd be able to afford Ryan Smyth, the Leafs settled last night for a 40-goal man who out-pointed Smythe 69-68 last year, the pride of Moorhead, Minn., Jason Blake."

globeandmail.com: Help sought for Ferguson

2007-06-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Help sought for Ferguson: "Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president Richard Peddie confirmed yesterday that his organization is seeking to hire a senior adviser to work with Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson.

The club first approached former Detroit Red Wings head coach Scott Bowman, who still works with Detroit as a consultant, about the position, but the Hall of Famer wasn't interested."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign Simon Gamache, re-sign Harrison

2007-06-26T06:20:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign Simon Gamache, re-sign Harrison: "Simon Gamache is taking another shot at the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 2001 Canadian major junior player of the year, who couldn't make a go of it in the big league with Atlanta, Nashville and St. Louis before moving to Switzerland to play last winter, signed a two-year contract with the Leafs on Monday."

Bowman turns down Leafs--again - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com

2007-06-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Bowman turns down Leafs--again - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com: "The Toronto Maple Leafs tried to lure Scotty Bowman away from the Red Wings again after the NHL Entry Draft. Bowman did his due dilligence, but declined the offer:"

TorontoSun.com - Hockey - Bowman turns down Leafs, Muckler on list

2007-06-26T06:19:00.001-07:00

TorontoSun.com - Hockey - Bowman turns down Leafs, Muckler on list: "A nine-time Stanley Cup winner has decided he doesn't want to work for the Maple Leafs.

Which moves a five-time Cup champion into a position of negotiating strength.

Scotty Bowman has turned down the overtures of a three-year contract worth at least $6 million because he determined he couldn't, or didn't want to, work for CEO Richard Peddie."

Maple Leafs sign D Harrison, RW Gamache

2007-06-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs sign D Harrison, RW Gamache: "The Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Jay Harrison to a one-year contract and signed right wing Simon Gamache to a two-year deal.

Financial terms were not disclosed for either player."

Torontoist: The State of Leafs Nation

2007-06-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Torontoist: The State of Leafs Nation: "As any hockey fan in Toronto already knows, the NHL draft took place this weekend and featured John Ferguson Jr. trading for a veteran goalie for the second straight year. The newly acquired Vesa Toskala, traded from San Jose, should provide a more stable presence in the net than Andrew Raycroft, and is projected to become the starting netminder.

While a quality goalie was obviously a necessity for the Leafs, the fact that they gave up first and second round picks from this year’s draft and a fourth-rounder from 2009 was yet another move by Ferguson that brought out the contradictions of his words and actions. For all that he talks about building a system from the ground up through quality scouting, drafts and prospects, it was the second year in a row that he sold out the future for the present."

The Fourth Period :: Toronto Maple Leafs :: Leafs looking for upgrades

2007-06-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Period :: Toronto Maple Leafs :: Leafs looking for upgrades: "The Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking for ways to improve their team this week, in preparation for the start of free agency, reports the National Post.

The league-wide salary cap has not been identified yet, although it's expected to climb to almost $50 million.

The Leafs already have roughly $43 million committed to 21 players, and the Post reports they're trying to sign newly acquired goalie Vesa Toskala to an extension."

The Fourth Period :: Toronto Maple Leafs :: Leafs looking for upgrades

2007-06-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

FOX Sports on MSN - NHL - Colaiacovo re-signs with Maple Leafs

2007-06-25T06:47:00.001-07:00

FOX Sports on MSN - NHL - Colaiacovo re-signs with Maple Leafs: "The Maple Leafs re-signed defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to a three-year contract worth $3.85 million on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Colaiacovo, who has appeared in 73 games with Toronto, had eight goals and nine assists in 48 games this season. He was second in goals and sixth in points among rookie blueliners."

Maple Leafs ink D Colaiacovo to three-year extension

2007-06-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs ink D Colaiacovo to three-year extension: "The Toronto Maple Leafs did not allow Carlo Colaiacovo to become a restricted free agent, signing the defenseman to a three-year contract extension Thursday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Drafted 17th overall in 2001, Colaiacovo played in 48 games with the Maple Leafs this past season despite suffering several injuries, recording eight goals, nine assists and 22 penalty minutes. The 24-year-old ranked second in tallies and sixth in points among all rookie defensemen."

Sharks trade Toskala, pick Couture No. 9

2007-06-25T06:46:00.001-07:00

Sharks trade Toskala, pick Couture No. 9: "The San Jose Sharks can only hope new center Logan Couture is as quick and creative as general manager Doug Wilson, who turned two of his club's biggest dilemmas into a top draft pick Friday.

The Sharks first traded goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell to Toronto for three picks in the first big deal of NHL draft day, resolving their goaltending logjam and dumping the underachieving Bell's exorbitant contract in one move."

Let the trades begin

2007-06-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

Let the trades begin: "Goalies ruled the day Friday as the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Vesa Toskala sweepstakes and the Florida Panthers landed goalie Tomas Vokoun.

The Panthers acquired Vokoun from the Nashville Predators for a package of draft picks in a blockbuster deal a few hours before the first round of the entry draft, giving up a first-round draft pick in 2008 and a pair of second-draft picks, an ’07 and a conditional ’07 or ’08."

London Free Press - Other Sports - Maple Leafs as guilty as 15 other teams

2007-06-25T06:45:00.001-07:00

London Free Press - Other Sports - Maple Leafs as guilty as 15 other teams: "The Alexei Cherapanov Watch begins now. And next year.

And the year after that.

Not just for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who squandered another first-round draft pick, but for all those teams that passed on this immense talent in the NHL entry draft."

TorontoSun.com - Hockey - Leafs' moves excite captain

2007-06-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

TorontoSun.com - Hockey - Leafs' moves excite captain: "Mats Sundin might well be basking in retirement on the shores of a pristine Swedish lake by the time the majority of kids from the draft class of 2007 finally claw their way into the NHL.

For the 36-year-old captain of the Maple Leafs, the future is now.

And if that means trading away some of the team's future in order to improve the roster for the coming season, Sundin apparently is all for it."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs throw future out the window

2007-06-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs throw future out the window: "The deal, ostensibly one to correct the goaltending misjudgment John Ferguson made at this time last year, may work out just fine.

Vesa Toskala may indeed provide the Maple Leafs with an upgrade in goal over Andrew Raycroft, although it is historically curious that after using a Finnish goalie prospect to acquire Raycroft, who was better as a rookie than in subsequent years, the Leafs have now used a top draft pick to acquire a Finnish goalie who was much more highly rated in his own country a decade ago than he is now."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs get Toskala, Bell in draft deal

2007-06-25T05:37:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs get Toskala, Bell in draft deal: "If we are to believe Mark Bell, the Maple Leafs have found themselves a No.1 goalie in Vesa Toskala.

Both Bell, a tough, scoring forward when he's on his game, and Toskala, a 30-year-old who split netminding duties in San Jose last season, will don the Blue and White next season after general manager John Ferguson pulled the trigger on a draft-day deal that addresses the team's biggest needs.

'Vesa is an unbelievable goaltender,' said Bell. 'I personally believe Vesa is highly underrated.

'You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get a puck by him.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs pick Generals’ Dale Mitchell

2007-06-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs pick Generals’ Dale Mitchell: "It’s not often that the face of a team’s draft is a third-round pick, but Dale Mitchell is okay with that.

Mitchell, a 5-9 forward from the Oshawa Generals was picked today in the third round, 74th overall, but he was the first pick in the 2007 Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Their first two picks had been traded away on Friday to San Jose (and flipped to St. Louis) for goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell."

TheStar.com - Sports - Trade creating Mo' excitement

2007-06-25T05:36:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Trade creating Mo' excitement: "Leafs coach Paul Maurice, smiling like a kid at Christmas, has big plans for his two newest players.

He's just not ready to share those plans just yet, but rest assured Vesa Toskala will see a lot of action in net, and winger Mark Bell will get a lot of ice time.

He wouldn't say whether he thought Toskala would assume the No.1 goalie's job from incumbent Andrew Raycroft.

'That's going to take care of itself,' said Maurice. 'We've got two very good goalies. One set some franchise records for us this year, another one's got outstanding numbers coming in."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leaf scoutzzz get busy

2007-06-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leaf scoutzzz get busy: "Dave Morrison's shrug said it all even as his words towed the company line.

The Leafs director of amateur scouting had little to do for two rounds with Friday's trade for goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell for a first-round pick on Friday night and second-round pick yesterday (plus a fourth-rounder in 2009).

'Obviously we made our deal which was great for our team,' said Morrison. 'Any time we make our big team better, I'm on board. That's okay. That's the nature of the business.'"

globeandmail.com: Ferguson pulls off another deal for goaltender

2007-06-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Ferguson pulls off another deal for goaltender: "Andrew Raycroft matched a Toronto Maple Leafs club record with 37 wins last season, but general manager John Ferguson Jr. showed how much faith he had in him when he surrendered three draft picks for goaltender Vesa Toskala yesterday.

The Leafs acquired Toskala from the San Jose Sharks, along with forward Mark Bell, in exchange for the cost of a conditional first-round selection and second-round choice this year and fourth-round picks in 2009.

The Sharks then flipped the first-round and second-round picks to the St. Louis Blues for the ninth overall selection last night, which the Sharks used to draft Ottawa 67's forward Logan Couture."

TheStar.com - Sports - Hey Vesa, don't get too excited about Leafs

2007-06-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Hey Vesa, don't get too excited about Leafs: "It may be true what Vesa Toskala says, that 'every player in the world wants to play in Canada at one point in their career.'

But Toronto? Nice place to live but you wouldn't want to play pro hockey here. Not, at least, if you want to be part of a winning tradition.

This is a city that is home to a franchise that last year celebrated the fact that it had been 40 years since it last won a Stanley Cup. Not five. Not 10. Not 20. Forty. Most places, the operators would have been laying low, trying to make people forget such a miserable statistic. Here, there is no shame, only opportunities for re-packaging (plus taxes)."

Hockey Night Extra: Leafs get it right

2007-06-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hockey Night Extra: Leafs get it right: "So, for the second straight year the Maple Leafs have used draft day to trade for a goaltender.

Last year it was Andrew Raycroft.

This year it is Vesa Toskala.

The burning question is not why the Leafs again traded for a goaltender, but this time did they get it right?

It would appear so.

While Raycroft gave the Leafs steady and at times very good goaltending last season, he still couldn't steer the Leafs into the playoffs. Now, that is not the responsibility or the result of the play of one player, but what the Leafs needed last year was great goaltending and they didn't get it."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs add pair from Sharks

2007-06-22T12:12:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs add pair from Sharks: "John Ferguson bolstered the Leafs goaltending Friday by picking up Vesa Toskala in a draft-day trade with the San Jose Sharks.

The Leafs general manager remained in the Leafs' suite in a downtown Columbus hotel Friday, believed to be working on a contract extension for the Toronto's new netminding saviour.

Toskala, 30, has one year remaining on his contract that pays him $1.375 million (all figures U.S.) next season. Toskala had split time in San Jose's goal last season with Evgeni Nabakov, but has shown the ability to be a No. 1 goalie."

ESPN - Sharks deal Toskala, Bell to Leafs for first-rounder - NHL

2007-06-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

ESPN - Sharks deal Toskala, Bell to Leafs for first-rounder - NHL: "The San Jose Sharks traded goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday for three draft picks, including a first-rounder, in the first big deal of NHL draft day.

Toskala teamed up with Evgeni Nabokov over the previous three seasons to form one of the NHL's best goaltending tandems. But both players' desire to be starters prompted general manager Doug Wilson to give up a homegrown talent in exchange for draft picks.

The Sharks got the choice to take Toronto's first-round pick Friday _--13th overall -- or next season's pick. San Jose also got the Maple Leafs' second-round pick -- 44th overall -- and a fourth-round pick in 2009."

Sharks Trade Two Players to Maple Leafs - Forbes.com

2007-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Sharks Trade Two Players to Maple Leafs - Forbes.com: "The San Jose Sharks traded goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday for three draft picks, including a first-rounder, in the first big deal of NHL draft day.

Toskala teamed up with Evgeni Nabokov over the previous three seasons to form one of the NHL's best goaltending tandems. But both players' desire to be starters prompted general manager Doug Wilson to give up a homegrown talent in exchange for draft picks."

Sharks Trade Two Players to Maple Leafs on ChicagoSports.com

2007-06-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Sharks Trade Two Players to Maple Leafs on ChicagoSports.com: "The San Jose Sharks traded goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday for three draft picks, including a first-rounder, in the first big deal of NHL draft day.

Toskala teamed up with Evgeni Nabokov over the previous three seasons to form one of the NHL's best goaltending tandems. But both players' desire to be starters prompted general manager Doug Wilson to give up a homegrown talent in exchange for draft picks."

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL Trades: Leafs stock up via trade

2007-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL Trades: Leafs stock up via trade: "John Ferguson has acquired a goalie on draft day for the second straight year.

One year after trading with Boston for Andrew Raycroft, the Toronto Maple Leafs GM made another splash Friday, reeling in Vesa Toskala from the San Jose Sharks - by far the most attractive goalie available on the trade market this off-season."

Maple Leafs acquire Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell from San Jose Sharks

2007-06-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs acquire Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell from San Jose Sharks: "John Ferguson has acquired a goalie on draft day for the second straight year.

One year after trading with the Boston Bruins for Andrew Raycroft, the Toronto Maple Leafs GM made another splash Friday, reeling in Vesa Toskala from the San Jose Sharks - by far the most attractive goalie available on the trade market this off-season.

Forward Mark Bell also comes in the deal for Toronto’s 2007 or ’08 first-round pick (that’s San Jose’s option), a 2007 second-round pick and a 2009 fourth-round selection. The Leafs went into Friday night’s draft with the 13th overall selection.
"

San Jose ships Toskala and Bell to Toronto for picks | KGET

2007-06-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

San Jose ships Toskala and Bell to Toronto for picks | KGET: "The first big trade of NHL draft day occurred hours before the first pick as San Jose shipped goaltender Vesa Toskala and left wing Mark Bell to Toronto for a handful of picks on Friday.
The Maple Leafs sent the Sharks a first round pick (San Jose's option for 2007 or 2008), the second-round pick in this year's draft along with a fourth-round pick in the 2009 draft.

Should the Sharks decide to take Toronto's first round pick in this year's draft, they will have the 13th selection. "

TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader

2007-06-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader: "The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired goaltender Vesa Toskala and winger Mark Bell from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a conditional first round pick, a second-round pick in 2007 and a 2009 fourth-round pick

The first round pick is set for 2007, but if the player the Sharks want isn't available, San Jose has the option to move the pick to 2008 with a top 10 protection covering the Leafs.

That means if Toronto's 2008 pick is a top 10 pick then it will slide to 2009."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs fish with blue line

2007-06-22T07:04:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs fish with blue line: "Carlo Colaiacovo is back in the Leaf fold. And Andrew Raycroft could soon have some netminding help.

The Leafs and their oft-injured defenceman reached an agreement that will pay the emerging star $1.283 million (all figures U.S.) a year for the next three years.

'He has demonstrated a commitment to the organization and us to him,' said Ferguson. 'He made some great strides as a pro last year especially and we ended up relying on him in a lot of situations. He's got a real good up-side for us. I impressed upon him the importance of keeping that going in the right direction.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Draft a blip in Leafs' big picture

2007-06-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Draft a blip in Leafs' big picture: "In an ideal hockey world in which people were fairly recognized for their diligence and hard work, this would be Dave Morrison's day.

In case the name doesn't ring a bell, Morrison is the chief scout of the Maple Leafs, hardly a position that has been repeatedly crowned with glory over four decades of generally mediocre Leaf drafting, but a notable posting all the same.

Somewhere around, oh, 9 p.m. tonight, after 12 other teams have hemmed and hawed and thanked the city of Columbus for its Ohio hospitality and congratulated the Anaheim Ducks on winning the Stanley Cup, Morrison will call out a name of some young man who will immediately be deemed the newest next great hope."

Leafs re-sign defenceman Colaiacovo

2007-06-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Leafs re-sign defenceman Colaiacovo: "Defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo secured a multimillion-dollar contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday, despite a history of injuries.

The team announced it had reached a three-year, $3.85-million US deal with their oft-injured blue-liner."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs hang out `Help Wanted' sign

2007-06-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs hang out `Help Wanted' sign: "Reportedly rebuffed in an effort to make Scott Bowman part of the team's front office, the Maple Leafs have not given up on augmenting their hockey operations.

There has been speculation the Leafs are looking at hiring John Muckler, recently fired as Ottawa's general manager, to act as a consultant to Toronto GM John Ferguson.

Richard Peddie, president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., would not comment on the club's interest in Muckler but did say bringing an experienced hockey man on board has not been ruled out."

Maple Leafs ink D Colaiacovo to three-year extension

2007-06-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Leafs like Legein at lucky 13

2007-06-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

Leafs like Legein at lucky 13: "Some hockey insiders have the Toronto Maple Leafs set to pick feisty Mississauga IceDogs winger Stefan Legein with their first pick in this weekend’s 2007 National Hockey League entry draft in Columbus.
Legein is one of five players ranked the 13th best prospect by various scouting and news organizations dedicated to hockey — and the Leafs happen to hold the 13th pick in the first round.
The other Lucky 13’s are Logan Couture. Oscar Moller, Thomas Hickey and Coulton Gillies."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs and Colaiacovo no closer to deal

2007-06-21T05:26:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs and Colaiacovo no closer to deal: "General manager John Ferguson wouldn't say he's getting any closer to re-signing restricted free agent to-be Carlo Colaiacovo, a worrisome sign that perhaps talks between the Leafs and the defenceman could drag through the summer.

'I don't know that closer counts,' said Ferguson. 'There are only two important times with deals: Done or not done. Close, I don't know what close means. Close just means no deal.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs set to draft, trade

2007-06-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs set to draft, trade: "Logan Couture. Oscar Moller. Stefan Legein. Thomas Hickey. Coulton Gillies.

It depends on who you believe. And it really does depend on what the 12 other general managers do prior to Leafs GM John Ferguson heading to the podium at the 2007 NHL entry draft in Columbus tomorrow (TSN, 7 p.m.).

But those five names are among players rated 13th by various scouting and news organizations dedicated to hockey. So if one of the prognosticators is right, one of these players will be the property of the Toronto Maple Leafs by the time the first round of the draft is complete."

TorontoSun.com - Hockey - Cujo has backup plan for the Maple Leafs

2007-06-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

TorontoSun.com - Hockey - Cujo has backup plan for the Maple Leafs: "For most of his illustrious career, the man known as Cujo has been the top dog between the pipes.

But the veteran goalie, who has been a starter for most of his playing days, admits that he would accept a supporting role if it meant donning the blue and white again.

'To be back here again? Ya, absolutely I would, for sure,' former Maple Leaf Curtis Joseph revealed during a phone interview last night.

Leafs officials have publicly stated that they would like to find a backup to 'push' incumbent Andrew Raycroft, who endured an inconsistent roller-coaster season en route to tying Ed Belfour's franchise mark for victories with 37."

Maple Leafs 2007 draft preview

2007-06-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs 2007 draft preview: "There is a certain school of thought that says the 2007 NHL Entry Draft on June 22-23 in Columbus, Ohio could be the most important draft in a long time for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Currently, the Leafs are on the brink of becoming a playoff team. But as everyone knows, without a solid core of players coming through the pipe every couple of years, it can turn ugly very quickly - just ask the Carolina Hurricanes."

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL - Toronto - Leafs prepared for all scenarios

2007-06-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL - Toronto - Leafs prepared for all scenarios: "Chances are slim and none the Maple Leafs will come out of this weekend's National Hockey League draft with a hot young winger ready to plug into Mats Sundin's line.

But few if any of the 30 teams involved expects an automatic windfall in Columbus. The shifting fortunes of the Central Scouting Bureau's top prospects through this year are the first clue and lack of any recognizable names beyond the top five or six skaters means a lot of clubs are in wait and see mode."

THERECORD.COM | NEWS

2007-06-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

THERECORD.COM | NEWS: "Several times over the past few years, I have laughingly suggested that the way for Hamilton to land an NHL team is to let the Toronto Maple Leafs run Copps Coliseum.

But is it still such a big fat joke?

It seems far-fetched but such an agreement could work, from a business perspective, for both sides."

Leafs could sure use Muckler

2007-06-19T14:54:00.002-07:00

Leafs could sure use Muckler: "It was late September, and John Muckler sat in his bunker-like general manager's office at the then-Corel Centre, talking hockey before an Ottawa Senators pre-season game. Outside, the sounds of the National Hockey League were cranking up for the first time in a year, as the NHL clambered out of hibernation. A reporter noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa's chief rival, did not appear to be set up for the post-lockout NHL.

'No,' said Muckler, shaking his head. 'No, they don't.'

That was almost two years ago. Yesterday, the 73-year-old Muckler was fired by the Senators after Ottawa lost in the Stanley Cup final. After rejecting another role in the Ottawa organization, he is a free agent. So here is some entirely unsolicited advice for Toronto, the hockey --and hockey mediocrity --capital of the world.

Hire John Muckler."

Toronto Maple Leafs draft needs and recent draft history

2007-06-19T14:54:00.001-07:00

Toronto Maple Leafs draft needs and recent draft history: "NEEDS: At 36 years old, Mats Sundin can't be expected to carry the Maple Leafs' offense much longer. The team is in desperate need of offensive forwards. After Sundin, the top scorers last season were defensemen Bryan McCabe and Tomas Kaberle. While the defensive duo's scoring output can be considered a team strength, it further emphasizes Toronto's lack of firepower. Outside of Sundin's 76 points, no forward on the team recorded more than 45 points. The Maple Leafs also could use some help on the blue line beyond McCabe and Kaberle, but that consideration should take a back seat to the team's more pressing need. Toronto appears content with Andrew Raycroft in net for the time being."

TheStar.com - Sports - Maple Leafs have so many choices, so much money

2007-06-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Maple Leafs have so many choices, so much money: "The top five free agent forwards remain Ryan Smyth, Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere, Chris Drury and Jason Blake, with the next level including Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, Todd Bertuzzi, Ladislav Nagy, Alexei Yashin, Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie and Ruslan Fedotenko. Nobody's quite sure yet what's going on with Peter Forsberg, Gary Roberts or Brendan Shanahan."

TheStar.com - Sports - Mats welcomes $5.5M deal

2007-06-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Mats welcomes $5.5M deal: "Mats Sundin says he signed a one-year contract extension to keep pressure on himself.

But clearly he also has turned the heat up on the Maple Leafs.

By moving off talks that were headed toward a two-year deal and instead pushing for and agreeing on a one-year, $5.5 million (all figures U.S.) salary, the Leafs captain says it gives him the chance to evaluate his play, health and state of mind next summer before deciding whether to continue his career.

But, he notes, it also will give him a chance to 'evaluate the Toronto Maple Leafs.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - It's playoffs or bust for Sundin

2007-06-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - It's playoffs or bust for Sundin: "Mats Sundin won't have to worry about making a decision on his future as a Maple Leaf this time next year if the club misses post-season play for a third straight season.

He'll be headed out the door, and he won't be alone.

General manager John Ferguson almost certainly will be fired, and possibly head coach Paul Maurice, as well. Player-wise, you can bet goalie Andrew Raycroft won't be returning if he can't backstop the club into the playoffs.

Conversely, if the Leafs do qualify, it likely will be because the captain had a strong season, and therefore he'll be less inclined to call it quits or look elsewhere for employment."

Maple Leafs sign captain Mats Sundin to extension

2007-06-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs sign captain Mats Sundin to extension: "The Toronto Maple Leafs have locked up captain Mats Sundin for another season.

The NHL club announced Tuesday that it signed Sundin, 36, to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million US. The contract includes a no-trade clause."

TheStar.com - Sports - One-year deal for Sundin?

2007-06-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - One-year deal for Sundin?: "Mats Sundin's long-anticipated contract extension may end up being for one season instead of two.

Sundin, whose wonky hip has been bothering him since Christmas, isn't yet ready to announce that this is his final season but he suggested to Swedish paper Aftonbladet over the weekend that, physically, he's at the point in his career where he is better to assess his future on a year-to-year basis.

'At my age, there is no use to plan too far ahead,' the 36-year-old told the paper. 'I am happy for every year I can play hockey at this level.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs closing in on deal with Sundin

2007-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs closing in on deal with Sundin: "Leaf general manager John Ferguson and J.P. Barry, Mats Sundin's agent, will meet this morning to discuss what's believed will be the final terms that will lock up the Leaf captain for another two years, the Star has learned.

They may come out of the conversation with their long-awaited, much anticipated deal today or tomorrow at the latest as Ferguson faces a Friday deadline to determine whether the Leafs will pick up or decline the option year on Sundin's salary.

The Leafs are satisfied Sundin's wonky hip – which held him to one goal over his last 20 games – is healthy. Two doctors have determined the 36-year-old does not require surgery."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leaf Nation can enjoy its summer

2007-06-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leaf Nation can enjoy its summer: "Saved by the Ducks.

That was one of the wise-acre lines going around after Anaheim finished dismantling the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup final, and it applied to the Maple Leafs and their championship drought of four decades and counting.

How would, after all, the Leaf Nation have handled seeing the Ottawa Senators parade with the Cup? Bit embarrassing to every Leaf lover in the universe, yes?"

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign another familiar face

2007-06-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign another familiar face: "For better or worse, Nik Antropov will be back with the Maple Leafs next season.

In fact, most of the team that missed the playoffs for the second season in a row will return, at least for training camp.

Including Antropov, general manager John Ferguson has re-signed six players who were due to become either restricted or unrestricted free agents."

Maple Leafs ink Nik Antropov for 2 years

2007-06-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs ink Nik Antropov for 2 years: "The Toronto Maple Leafs have given forward Nik Antropov a two-year contract extension, the club announced on Wednesday.

Antropov achieved a career-best 18 goals last season, despite playing in only 54 games due to an ankle injury. He also contributed 15 assists."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs, Sundin close on deal; Antropov not so much

2007-06-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs, Sundin close on deal; Antropov not so much: "Talks are continuing between Leafs and the camps for both Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov.

Leafs general manager John Ferguson and J.P. Barry, the agent for Sundin, are said to be close to a two-year, $11.5 million (all figures U.S.) deal. Both were taking in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals Monday night."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs, Sundin close to new two-year deal

2007-06-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs, Sundin close to new two-year deal: "Leaf captain Mats Sundin, who got a clean bill of health from a Colorado sports doctor yesterday, is believed to be mere days away from a signing a two-year contract worth $11 million (all figures U.S.).

'I don't want to be premature with close or not close, but we've had real good conversations of late and our intent is to get something done and get it done in a timely fashion,' said Leafs general manager John Ferguson."

globeandmail.com: Maple Leafs fans just can't bring themselves to watch Senators

2007-05-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Maple Leafs fans just can't bring themselves to watch Senators: "They're the only Canadian team still alive in the National Hockey League playoffs. And they're a good bet to win the Stanley Cup.

But the Ottawa Senators are not drawing the sort of television audiences expected of a team en route to a championship. A Senators game on the CBC has yet to produce two million viewers. In fact, for the fourth game of the Eastern Conference final between Ottawa and the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, only 1.693 million tuned in."

680News - ALL NEWS RADIO

2007-05-23T11:28:00.002-07:00

680News - ALL NEWS RADIO: "Tough guy Tie Domi is trying to show his softer side.

Since the ex-enforcer announced his retirement from the Maple Leafs, his life away from hockey has been anything but quiet."

Q&A: Leafs' McCabe ready for team's fresh start - NHL - NBCSports.com

2007-05-23T11:28:00.001-07:00

Q&A: Leafs' McCabe ready for team's fresh start - NHL - NBCSports.com: "An older corps of players, an aging Stanley Cup drought and a newer, faster NHL have given the Toronto Maple Leafs an impetus to get with the program. Traditionally fueled by veteran firepower, the Leafs didn't make the playoffs in 2005-06 after getting to the semifinals in 1999 and 2002; so out went coach Pat Quinn, and in came Paul Maurice with names like Kyle Wellwood, Alex Steen, Ian White and Johnny Pohl playing roles."

Maple Leafs AHL/ECHL prospects review

2007-05-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Maple Leafs AHL/ECHL prospects review: "It has been two years of change for the Toronto Maple Leafs top affiliate. After moving from St. John’s – where the Leafs had developed prospects since 1991 – to Toronto for the 2005-06 season, the Marlies, as they are now known, have had an interesting two years.

Coach Paul Maurice guided the Marlies during the 2005-06 season and it was no secret he was being groomed as the next head coach of the big club. When rumor became fact at the end of the 2005-06 season, Greg Gilbert was hired as the new bench boss of the Marlies. Gilbert came to Ricoh Coliseum with an extensive resume, which included head-coaching stops with the Calgary Flames, the AHL’s Worcester IceCats and, most recently, the Ontario Hockey League’s Mississauga IceDogs. "

TheStar.com - Sports - Leaf Nation needs new team to diss

2007-05-22T05:40:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leaf Nation needs new team to diss: "Under the radar they glided silently all season long.

But in the year nobody thought the Ottawa Senators were worth talking about or deserved to be assigned the expectations of a true contender, they finally fulfilled their promise."

TheStar.com - Sports - Suglobov no longer a Leaf

2007-05-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Suglobov no longer a Leaf: "Alexander Suglobov has parted ways with the Maple Leafs.

The oft-scratched, underachieving right winger who was ultimately demoted to the Toronto Marlies has signed to play with SKA-St. Petersburg of the Russian Elite League, according to the website Eurohockey.net."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign Swedish defensive prospect

2007-05-18T08:51:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs sign Swedish defensive prospect: "The Maple Leafs have signed one of Sweden's top defencemen, Anton Stralman, to a three-year entry-level contract.

The 6-foot-1, 180 pound native of Tibro, Sweden, was the Maple Leafs' fifth choice, 216th overall, in the 2005 NHL entry draft.

'Anton is a top-level defenceman in the Swedish Elite League whose hockey sense and puck moving ability make him a real asset,' Leafs general manager John Ferguson said in a release. 'We are looking forward to having him at training cam"

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs adding Stralman to burgeoning blue line

2007-05-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs adding Stralman to burgeoning blue line: "The Toronto Maple Leafs' blue line just got a little deeper.

Later this afternoon, the Leafs will trot out their first new signing of the off-season, Anton Stralman, one of Sweden's top young defencemen.

And the Leaf blue line, which is already deep with quality rearguards, will have yet another. It will be hard – but not impossible – for Stralman to crack the lineup out of training camp.

'He'll come to camp and compete, just like everybody else,' said Leafs GM John Ferguson, who inked the native of Tibro, Sweden to a three-year, entry-level contract."

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs hoping Stralman is '80 per cent' Lidstrom

2007-05-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Leafs hoping Stralman is '80 per cent' Lidstrom: "There was a definite line between the hype and the reality surrounding Anton Stralman as he was introduced by the Leafs to the Toronto media yesterday.

Somewhere over the past few days, Stralman, the 20-year-old Swedish defenceman whom the club signed to a three- year entry level contract, picked up comparisons to Detroit's Niklas Lidstrom."

Leafs ink Ponikarovsky to 3-year extension

2007-05-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Leafs ink Ponikarovsky to 3-year extension:

"Alexei Ponikarovsky was rewarded for a career season by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday with a three-year contract extension worth $6.315 million US.

The fourth-round pick (87th overall) of the 1998 draft has recorded only 120 career points (54-66) in 268 games with Toronto but the majority of those points were recorded in his last three seasons as a Maple Leaf."

Leafs deal would shake TV landscape

2007-05-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

Leafs deal would shake TV landscape:

"The mind boggles.

Just imagine what the Toronto Maple Leafs could charge for TV rights if they ever won anything.

If a team that hasn't made the playoffs since the Blue Jays told the truth about injuries can ask for a 55 per cent increase in regional rights fees, up to about $700,000 a game, one can only assume a winner could get $1 million. Or more."

Leafs and Poni Sign

2007-05-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

Leafs and Poni Sign:

"The Maple Leafs rewarded Alexei Ponikarovsky for a career season yesterday, signing the forward to a three-year contract extension.

The 27-year-old Ukrainian tied a career-high in goals (21) and established new personal bests in assists (24) and points (45) in 71 games this season."

Stand down, Leaf Nation

2007-05-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Stand down, Leaf Nation:

"Reports of John Ferguson's imminent demise as general manager of the Maple Leafs, it's fair to say, were premature.

Ditto for reports of the imminent demise of Mats Sundin's hip – and career.

So on a day on which dramatic storm clouds were thought to be hovering over the Leaf hockey operation, not even a light shower actually emerged."

Leafs fans to pay high price

2007-05-09T13:02:00.001-07:00

Leafs fans to pay high price: "The price of being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan continues to go up, both for fans and broadcasters. After Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment raised ticket prices this month, the company is now planning to put as many as 20 Leaf games on its digital channel – an increase of up to eight over last season.

While those without digital TV boxes will have to pay $4.49 a month or $99 up front to watch those 20 Leafs games, that price tag pales in comparison to what broadcasters will ante up for the right to carry them."

Ferguson carries on with business

2007-05-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ferguson carries on with business: "With John Ferguson's fate with the Leafs to be decided today at a meeting of the board of directors of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the general manager is acting as if it's business as usual.

Ferguson re-signed rookie defenceman Ian White to a three-year contract yesterday after the 22-year-old scored three goals and 23 assists in 76 games."

Decision time for Leafs

2007-05-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Decision time for Leafs: "As they count the massive profits realized through a robust Canadian dollar, the newly popular Raptors and an NHL salary cap system that has saved the Maple Leafs at least $20 million in payroll costs in each of the last two seasons, the directors of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment probably can't stop giggling long enough to get too worried about some significant hockey decisions facing them, starting today."

No surgery for Sundin: report

2007-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

No surgery for Sundin: report: "The bad hip that reportedly could have ended Mats Sundin's NHL career won't need to be operated on after all.

Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry, told the Globe and Mail Wednesday that 'surgical intervention will not be required' and that the off-season will be 'business as usual' for the Toronto Maple Leafs star."