Reimer wants NHL team in Winnipeg

Reimer wants NHL team in Winnipeg Hockey Sports Toronto Sun

I knew this was a good kid. Staying true to his Manitoban roots, James Reimer talks about his time growing up on the prairies and watching the Winnipeg Jets. I would argue that someone would be hard pressed to find a player in the NHL that disagrees with having a team in Winnipeg. This is the heart and soul of hockey. It is not only a game here but a way of life. Ask any NHL player where he would rather play. In a half empty arena where nobody in the city knows his name but he can go golfing 365 days a year. Or, would you rather play in front of a packed house with screaming fans cheering you on. Being treated like a movie star when you walk around town. Sure you have to shovel some snow, but isn't it worth it. What kid dreams of joining the NHL so he can live on the beach? Let's bring hockey back to where it belongs!

TSN Reports Return Of The NHL To Winnipeg Season Ticket Drive By TNSE

It's so close I can almost taste it. The hype surrounding the return of the NHL has never been stronger and I suspect it is just a matter of time before the deal between True North and the NHL is realeased to the public. What I suspect is happening right now is that True North is trying to prove to the NHL that Winnipeg can in fact support an NHL hockey team once again.

The MTS Centre which holds 15,000 + seats is a little small for the liking of the NHL which sees an average arena size of upwards of 20,000.


Yes there has been talk that the MTS Centre can be expanded. To what capacity I am unsure, but what we do know is that the arena will have to be filled close to capacity for each and every game. We also know that concession sales at the MTS Centre are owned by True North as well. This was not the case when the Jets left 15 years ago.

Something that will also likely be on the table is the issue of broadcasting the home games. As is done with the Blue Bombers it is likely that the new NHL teamwould have a blackout in local regions until all seats are sold for that game. The average ticket sale I suspect would be near 100$. This may be alittle steep for the average Manitoban. It is noted that the economy of Manitoba is much better today then it was when the Jets left. The median family income is higher and the population of the local area has increased signifigantly. This combined with the strong Canadian dollar compared to U.S. currency makes the financial viability of a team in Winnipeg more likely than ever.

Put all of this in the mix adding in the deap pockets of Mark Chipman and the Thompson family and it appears that at least fiscally, an NHL team in Winnipeg is a viable option.

NHL coming back to Winnipeg

To add fuel to the fire one of hockeys most famous or infamous persons inferred last night that Winnipeg indeed would see the return of the NHL. Don Cherrys final words on CBCs Coaches Corner during the Montreal vs Boston game were; "Winnipeg, get ready!" This surely has to mean something. The rumor mill is buzzing with similar news. This time it sounds as though it is for real.

Here are some links to other articles regarding this story:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/Phoenix-Coyotes-move-to-Winnipeg-041511

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/04/14/source_winnipeg_coyotes/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/radio-talk-riles-up-winnipeg/article1986418/

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Truth-North-expected-to-trigger-campaign-for-NHL-season-tickets.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Canada-could-support-double-the-number-of-NHL-teams-report-119768314.html

Phoenix Coyotes moving to Winnipeg

I heard today from a member of the banking industry that a 180 million dollar transaction was made involving a Winnipeg based company and an unknown source in the United States. This may not sound like big news but in a city of 600,000 residents, a transaction involving 180 million dollars gets noticed. This figure is very similar to the price asked for the Phoenix Coyotes and with all the rumors swirling around about their relocation after the playoffs, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put two and two together.
Hopefully this is not yet another rumor and I have now contributed to the controversey that is NHL in Winnipeg, but, I remain hopeful that we will one day see the return of the Winnipeg Jets, in one form or another.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

So, the end of the NHL regular season has come and gone and today we have the start of the playoffs. Unfortunately for us die hard Leaf fans it is yet another year in which we will have to wait until the fall to watch the next Leafs game.
But what of the season? Was it a complete loss? Can we see any hope for the future? This is something every member of Leaf Nation and the media will be analyzing for the next several months.
Recent comments by general manager Brian Burke suggest that there will be no change in the head coaching department, regardless of what the "consensus" may be. But what about Burke? This is the third year now in which he has had the run of the team yet statistically the improvement is next to nil. Every year I hear the same b.s. about how we made a good push at the end of the season and this is a good sign for the beginning of next year. Well I for one am getting a little tired of hearing this song and dance. Burke is giving the appearance of a one trick pony and the appeal is quickly fading. How many more times can his 5 year plan be extended.
Let us take a look at some of the high points and low points of this year as we try to analyze what the future may bring. I don't see any point in predicting what the future lineup will be as I know Burkey will be devilishly wheeling and dealing come free agent time. So, I would like to take a look at who put up a solid effort this year and who failed to produce.

The Good

James Reimer
-to some he is the saviour of the Leafs. To others he is a hot goalie that may fade under pressure. Whatever your opinions are about Reimer, lets face it, he did do a nice job during the last half. Lets hope this guy is for real.

Mikhael Grabovski
-a good all round second line centre ice man. Grabovski works hard night in and night out. I look forward to seeing him on this Leafs lineup come next season.

Nikolei Kuleiman
-a career high in points, Kuleiman has seemed to have found his groove playing on a line with Grabovski and MacArthur.

Clarke MacArthur
-another player with a career high in numbers. Does his Restricted Free Agency play into Burke's plans? Lets see if this guy is the real deal.

Colby Armstrong
-seems to be a good fit within Burke's Leafs. Hopefully the late season injury he suffered doesn't affect his continued performance with the Leafs.

Other notables which had a strong performance:
Darryl Boyce, Tim Brent, Joey Crabb, Keith Aulie,

The Average

Phil Kessel
-hyped to be the number one go to guy on this team Kessel has faltered somewhat under the pressure. I see the potential that is there but as of yet I don't think he has truly realized it. The addition of a top line centre is essential to get this kid to the top of his game.

Luke Schenn
-stay at home defenceman. What more can I say. He did his job and that's all we can expect. Nothing particularly extraordinary here. He is a first round draft pick, he should be able to keep the leagues best from tearing up our goalies.


Other average performances:

Carl Gunnarson, Nazem Kadri, Brett Lebda

The Bad

Thomas Kaberle
-the loss of this franchise player is in my mind indescribable. Hopefully he will come back to us after July 1st.

Mike Komisarek
-extremely over priced and under performing Komisarek failed to live up to his potential. Hopefully next year he stops trying to do so much and just plays the game the best way he knows how. I see positive potential once he gets the skeletons out of the closet.

J. S. Giguere
-for 6 million plus per year, I would like to see a lot more than an aging, injury plagued back up goaltender. Maybe he would be better off in a coaching or back office role. It may be time to hang up the skates my friend. Adding the fact that he is RFA, I don't see Giggy get Giggy with the Leafs again next year unless he takes a drastic pay cut.

Tyler Bozak
-touted to be a first line center, Bozak has failed to live up to expectations. Is this just a case of the jitters or does Bozak lack the talent to be a legitimate starter in the NHL?

Dion Phaneuf
-a small bump in productivity towards the end of the season wasn't enough to raise Phaneuf to even a sub standard performance year. This player is expected to excel every night he is on the ice. Unfortunately I can count on one hand the amount of games I saw Dion make a real presence. Much more is expected next year.

Ron Wilson
-yes he is one of the most successful coaches in the NHL but, I compare this to a bad romantic relationship. You may have all the desire and love for that person and everything looks good on paper but for whatever reason it just doesn't work. I think its time we realize that this is the situation here and stop trying to save the sinking ship. Wilson and Leafs just weren't meant to be.

Other notable under performers:
Fredrik Sjostrom, Colton Orr (mostly due to injury), Jonas Gustavsson (possibly due to injury)

Defending the un-defendable: Why the NHL made the right decision on the Chara hit - The Cheap Seats

Defending the un-defendable: Why the NHL made the right decision on the Chara hit - The Cheap Seats

Hits to the Head (Max Pacioretty Injury)

There has been a tremendous amount of discussion recently regarding hits to the head in the NHL. This has been fueled by a media which is all too pleased to show clips over and over again of a player being injured.
Injuries in hockey are not a new concept. They have always been there and will continue to be there. Hockey is a full contact sport. Just like football, rugby or lacrosse. Is their a higher proportion of injuries in the NHL as compared to the NHL. I don't really know but I would suggest that they are most likely similar with the NFL possibly even higher. Its not very often I watch a football game and don't see a player leave the field at some point due to being injured.
The injury Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens suffered the offer night was quite severe. Yes I feel for the young guy. But there is an implied consent given by every player that steps on the ice. The reality of possible injury is present and ever player knows this. This is why you will not often see cases of injuries on the ice prosecuted by criminal courts. The player who caused the injury has to do something really extraordinary for it to qualify as a criminal offence. The act must be something not generally acceptable within the game. The hit Chara put on Pacioretty hardly qualifies. The fact that the Montreal Police are investigating this issue to me is insane. It is an attempt to placate the Montreal public. The outcry has been so large that the police feel they need to do something for fear of more riots like in years passed. One thing we know for sure is that French Canadians are passionate about their hockey.
Should the league crack down on hits to the head? Yes. I don't think there is anyone that would disagree with that statement. Should hitting be taken out of the game? Should fighting be taken out of the game? No, I don't believe so. Then it is not the same game. There are many things that can be done which will not drastically affect the game that we all so much love. New developments in equipment. Pads, helmets etc, are being design which will hopefully better protect players. Rule changes. Stiffer penalties for gross misconduct. Abolishment of the touch icing rule. A specific penalty for hitting players from behind. More education among players. Most professional hockey players are not out there to deliberately injure someone. They are reasonable people just like everyone else. Give them some training on how to check safely. When to and when not to check someone.
These ideas are not rocket science, but, for whatever reason the NHL has failed to implement any of these strategies. Yes the injure to Pacioretty was gruesome and I wish him all the best in his recovery. Was it committed with intended malice? I don't think so. Lets let the players play hockey and leave the courts out of it.

Leafs vs Hawks. Too little too late.

Saturday night the Leafs took on the eight place Chicago Blackhawks. 4 points out of a playoff berth themselves, each game has become a do or die situation for the Leafs.

The Blackhawks jumped out to an early 3-0 in the first period due to some lack lustre play by the leafs in particular the tender James Reimer. Allowing two more goals in the second Reimer would not start the third period. J.S. Giguere was summoned from the bench to close out the game.

In the third period the Leafs started to shine. If only the Leafs had played the entire game like they did in the third, this one would have been a true delight. Unfortunately, even with a multitude of chances in the final frame, the Leafs would go down this night by a final of 5-2.

There are some things I would like to note regarding the Leafs performance. In particular, the goal tending. I have had enough time to thoroughly evaluate James Reimer and his worthiness as an NHL starting goaltender. I have come to the conclusion that he may not be entirely ready for the spot he has been thrown into. Yes his play has been decent and yes he does seem to have the maturity and poise to be a valid starter. However, I have some concerns regarding his glove hand and his ability to sustain the constant pressure which the media and Leaf nation pour down on any main role Leaf player. Does Reimer have what it takes to bring the Leafs into the post season? We will have to wait and see.
Secondly I have a concern regarding J.S. Giguere and the Leafs coaching/managing group. It is well known that Giggy is nursing an injured groin yet he remains the back up tender sitting on the bench. Knowing what I know from high school physiology, a injured groin like Don Cherry stated, is going to take a long time to warm up. Any physical activity while cold will increase the chances of further injury. This add the fact that Giggy is an aged goalie in his thirties says to me that a back up role may not be the best fight. If you notice whenever he is put in to replace Reimer it is always following a period intermission. Is this because he requires extra time to warm up? If this is the case I would argue that a back-up role which requires constant readiness is not the most responsible role to be put in. Yes I know he makes 6 million a year and the Leafs are not likely to have him next year but why not bring up another youngster like Ben Scrivens who is at the beginning of his career and can use the NHL exposure?
Food for thought.

Leafs Squeek Out Win Against Pens

Wednesdays night game against Pittsburgh was truly an enigmatic one. The Pens ravaged by injury have some how managed to keep their playoff hopes afloat. Missing the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Brooks Orpik for example would be enough to sink most teams, but this has not been the case. On Wednesday Pittsburgh and half the Wilkes/Scranton AHL affiliate rolled into the ACC for what was hyped to be some good hockey.
The Buds fell down by one early in the first but rallied back on a goal by Nikolai Kuleiman to finish the period tied at one. Kulemin notched his career high 23 of the season. This makes him the second highest scoring Russian born plaayer in the NHL this year. The highest scoring, Alexander Ovechkin with 25 so far.
The end of the first period saw the Leafs best hockey of the night. They looked like a real playoff contender. It was exciting and joy full to see such a young vibrant team working their butts off to get the job done. This enthusiasm however did not return for the remainder of the game. The second and third periods were full of defensive scrambles and giveaways. At one point I wasn't sure if the Leafs would ever get the puck out of their own end.
Although they floundered for the last two periods the Leafs somehow managed to pull off a tie and the game went into overtime. The overtime would not need to go into a shootout as Mikhail Grabovski scored his first in 7 games to give the Leafs two much needed points in the standings.

NHL Trade Deadline

Having made all his big moves already Toronto Maple Leafs G.M. Brian Burke was almost inactive on the NHL Trade Deadline day. One trade was made however. John Mitchell was traded to the New York Rangers for a 2012 7th Round Draft Pick.
Mitchell has played his entire career with the Leafs organization having spent most of it in the minor leagues. Drafted in the 5th round of the 2003 draft, Mitchell became a career minor leaguer. He did have some bright moments with the Leafs during a few call ups, but ultimately failed to realize any real potential. Possibly a trade to a new team will be good for the still young player. As for the Leafs, receiving a 7th round pick sounds about right. It would have been nice to see some gain for Mitchell but at this point I think Burke is lucky to get what he can. This is a backroom trade with very little media play and even less affect on the organization. In 159 games with the Leafs Mitchell had 20 goals and 35 assists.
The real story for the Leafs on the deadline day was the trades that didn't get done. Rumors that Clarke MacArthur who is currently in the midst of contract negotiations was likely to be dealt. Other names including Mark Komisarek were also floating around. Although Komisarek's massive contract and lack lustre performance as a Leaf likely drove his price down. MacArthur however is having a career high year with the Leafs. He has 19 goals and 29 assists so far this year with the Leafs.
Another interesting story involves the Florida Panthers Stephen Weiss. Weiss was rumoured to be one of the more valuable assets up for grabs during the run up to trade deadline day. Weiss however has a No Trade Clause and is being quoted as saying he would only lift it for a spot in Toronto. For whatever reason, most likely salary size, Weiss never ended up being traded.

Some of the more notable trades on the deadline day were:

Dustin Penner to Los Angeles for a prospect plus a 1st rd and a 2nd pick

Jason Arnott acquired by Washington for David Steckel and a 2nd rd pick