The trade deadline is just over a week away and the big fish on the market is Columbus Blue Jackets winger, Rick Nash. With an apparent short list of teams he is willing to go to and Toronto being one of the teams, should Brian Burke make a deal for the late twenties winger?
It really comes down to the price that Columbus's GM is asking for. If it brinks on ridiculousness, then I have no problem with Burke passing. I, however hope he tries to put in a decent offer.
Now, no one really knows Nash's true value, because well, we are not NHL GM's. I think a fair offer from Toronto would include Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur, one of Kadri/Colborne, Ben Scrivens and a 1st. Steep? Oh, it is very very steep. I'm not sure if I'd even do that trade. Realistically though, I believe that is what will be the asking price.
It will come down to a few factors. Ben Scrivens and a 1st is not a huge loss to be honest. The crucial decision will be deciding if we should let Kadri + Schenn go. Those are two big blows to our prospect pool and depth. If Burke believes Nash can push us over the top, then he will do it.
It is a very sticky situation. There is a possibility that it won't be settled by the Feb 27th deadline and it could drag on into the offseason. In any case, I don't see Nash being a Blue Jacket in the 2012-2013 season. This is the tipping point and he will be in a different jersey next year.
It comes down to which NHL GM is willing to risk it all on this underachieving winger.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Sentimental Side of Hockey
The Maple Leafs and Canadiens will square off for the 4th time this season and it always brings back memories of my dad. To the disbelief of most, he was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan. Thankfully for me, my grandfather made sure I became a Leafs fan. This led to many fun moments as a kid growing up.
The Saturday night battles between these two rivals would be a time where me and my dad would get together. We'd order in chinese food and watch the game at his place. It was always something Id looked forward to and is always etched in my mind when these two teams play even today.
My dad passed away 4 years ago in a car accident, but these games still hold an emotional value to me. At his funeral during my eulogy to him, I wore a Canadiens jersey. It was a special bond we shared and the same bond he shared with his father. Some people will say it is just a game, but it holds a different connection to me. It is a much deeper connection than anyone will realize.
When I turn on CBC tomorrow night, those great memories of my dad will come flooding back. It is something I cherish and hope to do the same when I become a father.
Love you and miss you, dad.
The Saturday night battles between these two rivals would be a time where me and my dad would get together. We'd order in chinese food and watch the game at his place. It was always something Id looked forward to and is always etched in my mind when these two teams play even today.
My dad passed away 4 years ago in a car accident, but these games still hold an emotional value to me. At his funeral during my eulogy to him, I wore a Canadiens jersey. It was a special bond we shared and the same bond he shared with his father. Some people will say it is just a game, but it holds a different connection to me. It is a much deeper connection than anyone will realize.
When I turn on CBC tomorrow night, those great memories of my dad will come flooding back. It is something I cherish and hope to do the same when I become a father.
Love you and miss you, dad.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Battle of Ontario
The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators in the most important game of the season as of this point. Trailing the Sens by three points with as many games in hand this morning, the Leafs had a great chance to make a positive move towards a playoff spot.
By winning in regulation, the Leafs are now only a point behind the Sens and can overtake them if they can defeat the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night.
This is a very important week for the Leafs, as they play four games in six nights. Edmonton, Winnipeg and Montreal are all very winnable games, while the other is against Philadelphia. Six of eight points should be required from this week.
It is going to be one tight playoff race.
By winning in regulation, the Leafs are now only a point behind the Sens and can overtake them if they can defeat the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night.
This is a very important week for the Leafs, as they play four games in six nights. Edmonton, Winnipeg and Montreal are all very winnable games, while the other is against Philadelphia. Six of eight points should be required from this week.
It is going to be one tight playoff race.
Friday, January 27, 2012
All-Star Break
Count me in as another hockey fan who doesn't enjoy the All-Star Game or the break that comes along with it.
This is the point in the hockey season where the playoff races become very tight. In the Eastern Conference there are around ten teams in the race. In the west it is the same.
Instead of cramming in five or six games over the next two weeks, teams could have been spared the back-to-backs by ditching the All-Star break.
The Maple Leafs will lead the league in most back-to-back games, and have most of them coming over the next few months. Scheduling of course can become difficult, because most arenas host concerts and in some cases, other sports teams. However, when there is a big gap between most back-to-back games and the least it makes you think.
Historically teams playing on the second night of a back-to-back win less than 50% of the time.
The National Hockey League needs to make schedule changes.
As for the All-Star Game, I find it extremely boring and it does nothing for me. The skills competition is watchable, but outside of that, the break is a waste of time.
That is the case with most leagues though, as the Pro Bowl is most likely the worst All-Star game in pro sports.
Come Sunday, I will not be watching the NHL All-Star Game. I'd rather re-watch the NCAA National Championship Game.
This is the point in the hockey season where the playoff races become very tight. In the Eastern Conference there are around ten teams in the race. In the west it is the same.
Instead of cramming in five or six games over the next two weeks, teams could have been spared the back-to-backs by ditching the All-Star break.
The Maple Leafs will lead the league in most back-to-back games, and have most of them coming over the next few months. Scheduling of course can become difficult, because most arenas host concerts and in some cases, other sports teams. However, when there is a big gap between most back-to-back games and the least it makes you think.
Historically teams playing on the second night of a back-to-back win less than 50% of the time.
The National Hockey League needs to make schedule changes.
As for the All-Star Game, I find it extremely boring and it does nothing for me. The skills competition is watchable, but outside of that, the break is a waste of time.
That is the case with most leagues though, as the Pro Bowl is most likely the worst All-Star game in pro sports.
Come Sunday, I will not be watching the NHL All-Star Game. I'd rather re-watch the NCAA National Championship Game.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Playoff Push
The next three games for the Maple Leafs are crucial for their playoff run. With 10 teams having a real chance to take one of 8 spots in the Eastern Conference.
The Maple Leafs play the Canadiens and a home and home with the Islanders. All 3 games should be wins, but with Toronto's inconsistency, that is never a sure thing.
If Lupul and Kessel keep producing along with secondary scoring stepping up, that will go a long way towards a playoff run.
The Maple Leafs play the Canadiens and a home and home with the Islanders. All 3 games should be wins, but with Toronto's inconsistency, that is never a sure thing.
If Lupul and Kessel keep producing along with secondary scoring stepping up, that will go a long way towards a playoff run.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Winter Classic 2013
With Bob McKenzie all but confirming that the Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Detroit Red Wings in next years Winter Classic, I cannot hold in my excitement.
First of all, it is being played at the Big House in Ann Arbor. For those who don't know, the stadium will hold around 110 000 for the Winter Classic. Factor in that about half will be Leafs fans and now I'm even more excited.
I will be attending the game with my Leaf buddies, as tickets shouldn't be too hard to get or too expensive, because of the mass amounts of seating.
The one aspect I am really looking forward to is HBO's 24/7 series. The awkwardness that Phil Kessel gives out every time he is one camera will make 24/7 worth it. I'm also interested to see how Ron Wilson acts behind the cameras and if he still says his HANTA YO speeches.
It's only the beginning of 2012, but I cannot wait until next New Years Day!
First of all, it is being played at the Big House in Ann Arbor. For those who don't know, the stadium will hold around 110 000 for the Winter Classic. Factor in that about half will be Leafs fans and now I'm even more excited.
I will be attending the game with my Leaf buddies, as tickets shouldn't be too hard to get or too expensive, because of the mass amounts of seating.
The one aspect I am really looking forward to is HBO's 24/7 series. The awkwardness that Phil Kessel gives out every time he is one camera will make 24/7 worth it. I'm also interested to see how Ron Wilson acts behind the cameras and if he still says his HANTA YO speeches.
It's only the beginning of 2012, but I cannot wait until next New Years Day!
Friday, January 6, 2012
2 In A Row
After a four game road trip where the Leafs only won a single game, they have started 2012 off with a bang. With 9 of 10 games at the ACC in January, it is crucial the Leafs come out of this month with a winning record.
The Leafs opened the month with a convincing 7-3 win over a Tampa Bay Lightening team that has been playing better then their record shows. It was a huge character win.
Yesterday night, the Leafs continued their solid play by shutting out the Winnipeg Jets in a convening fashion. Jonas Gustavsson recorded both wins.
With Mike Komisarek and Mike Brown returning from injury tomorrow night against the Detroit Red Wings, the Leafs roster will finally be close to healthy. The only remaining Leafs injured are Colby Armstrong and JM Liles who are both suffering from concussions.
With a big home stand upcoming, the Leafs need to take advantage of this opportunity if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
The Leafs opened the month with a convincing 7-3 win over a Tampa Bay Lightening team that has been playing better then their record shows. It was a huge character win.
Yesterday night, the Leafs continued their solid play by shutting out the Winnipeg Jets in a convening fashion. Jonas Gustavsson recorded both wins.
With Mike Komisarek and Mike Brown returning from injury tomorrow night against the Detroit Red Wings, the Leafs roster will finally be close to healthy. The only remaining Leafs injured are Colby Armstrong and JM Liles who are both suffering from concussions.
With a big home stand upcoming, the Leafs need to take advantage of this opportunity if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
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