Phil Kessel still a Maple Leaf

Phil Kessel is still a Toronto Maple Leaf two days before the March 2 2015 deadline. Although, it would not appear that he really cares very much either way based on his most recent interview.

Is it possible for Kessel to make it anymore clear that he no longer has a vested interest in the Maple Leafs. If he ever did in my opinion. I think it is long since past the time that we trade this arrogant, mediocre player. Sure he is a big league scorer but the few points he does put on the board are nothing compared to the bad impression he gives off onto other players. Instead of being a role model he appears to have done the exact opposite. Never back checking, never showing much effort and above all else never interested in talking to the media. To be a true leader especially in a large hockey market it is imperative that a player have at least some rapport with the media.

Franson and Santorelli Traded

Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli have been traded to the Nashville Predators for a 2015 First round draft pick and forwards Ollie Jokinen and Brendan Leipsic.


Franson and Santorelli are both U.F.A.s at the end of this year. As such they are essentially rental players for the Predators which will be making an attempt to go deep into the playoffs. Franson and Santorelli will provided extra depth and strength from a defensive end as Nashville makes that punch.

It has long been rumoured that Franson and the Leafs were having trouble coming to an agreement on salary. This is unfortunate and as a result we see Franson moved. Both players had strong seasons with the Leafs this year and hopefully there will be a chance to sign either of them in the off season.


In return the Leafs receive a First Round draft pick in 2015. This is likely to be in the 25-30 spot but it is still a decent pick considering Franson and Santorelli may not even sign with Nashville when the season is over.

The Leafs also receive veteran centre man Ollie Jokinen. At 37 years of age Jokinen will provide a veteran presence for the Leafs down the road. He has had troubled scoring as of late but was at one time a very talented player. He still holds the record for the most points as a Florida Panther. I like this player and have watched him play for at least 5 or 6 different NHL teams over his career. I think he can still contribute in the NHL.


Brendan Leipsic is a prospect originally from Winnipeg. He will be immediately assigned to the Toronto Marlies. Considered to be a smaller forward it is said that he has some skill and the determination to make it in the big show. At 20 yrs of age it will be some time before we see the results of this acquisition. 

Fire Stroumboulopoulos

This year Canadian hockey fans have been thoroughly annoyed and tortured by the on-air antics of the new Hockey Night in Canada host George Stroumboulopoulos. Stroumbo who is a Canadian tv personality took over the show when it was purchased along with the rights to air all NHL games in Canada by Rogers Entertainment.

The decision to demote Ron MacLean has in my mind been an utter detriment to the hockey viewers experience. The move by Rogers to take over HNIC, the CBC's most popular show has been anything but impressive. A new post modern set and the addition of Sportsnet cast and commentators has destroyed what was once a Saturday night enjoyment for myself. Why Rogers would ruin what was my favourite show is beyond me.

By bringing in no -talent ass clowns like George Stroumboulopoulos and Dave Randorf some hockey games are completely unwatchable, save for watching them with the mute button on. Tonight for example Stroumbo displayed his typical immatureness and disdain for the classic HNIC by wearing bright red socks and giving Elliote Friedman a fist pump at the end of his segment to which Friedman appeared shocked stating something to the effect of, I now feel hip. Stroumbo responded; "Dude you own it with that suit." I don't what hockey so that I can listen to this stupid tom-foolery. I watch it because I enjoy the game. I watch it because I want to be informed between periods by intelligent commentators. I do not watch it to listen to Dave Randorf struggle through a play by play analysis and George Stroumboulopoulos trying to stay relevant by acting like a someone going to high school. Please Rogers, please do the world a favor and send these two clowns back to whatever backwater they came from.  Please bring back the old HNIC crew and send the Sportsnet wannabes back to Sportsnet where all the other untalented sports casters are employed.

This is a quote I found on the City News website when it officially aired the story that Stroumbo would be taking over as host of HNIC. I agree with it wholeheartedly.

"How is George cool? A 41 year old dressing like he is 20? Greased up hair, earrings, questionable facial hair. How does this man-boy deserve one of the most respected chairs in Canada? Hockey is already insanely popular and yet Rogers deems it necessary to entice more young people? Is Rogers that naive? ... No one cares about George and hockey was better without him. Guess I’ll be watching other stations that aren’t HNIC. This wasn’t broken Rogers and therefore needed no fixing. Great job."