Clarkson Takes Out Ref

This may arguably be David Clarkson's biggest impact on the ice since coming to the Leafs. Obviously I am being facetious but in reality lets take a look at Clarkson and his role on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

David Clarkson was signed as a Free Agent by Toronto in July 2013. He had previously played for the New Jersey Devils. After having an arguably one somewhat decent season and a good half season due to the lock out the Maple Leafs organization decided to reward Clarkson with a large multi -year contract. At 5.25 million for 7 years it would appear that Clarkson is a giant bust. In the 100 or so games he has played with the Maple Leafs he has 24 points. Just 14 goals. Last season he had a total of 11 points over 60 games and was a -14 to boot. I can't imagine a much worse deal made in recent history even by the Maple Leafs. Rick DiPietro and Alexi Yashin however due come to mind. If he is not going to put up big numbers at the very least we should expect Clarkson be some sort of catalyst for the team. A hard nosed grinder that you can rely on to make the big plays when the chips are down. Unfortunately it appears that Clarkson is doomed to continue playing the role he is currently in, that of a third line winger. Playing with the likes of Leo Komarov and Mike Santorelli, Clarkson seems to fit in nicely. But, at over 5 million dollars is that really the best bang for your buck? I think not. Dump Clarkson at the earliest possibility. I doubt he can be traded at that salary. Possibly the Leafs could use a compliance buy out to ride themselves of this terrible investment. 

Phil Kessel Interview January 7 2015

Phil Kessel has been known to be aloof and elusive when it comes to the media. At first it may have seemed like he was shy or possibly insecure in front of the cameras. After having watched him for several years now I have come to the conclusion that he just feels like he is better than everyone else. Watch this recent interview when Kessel is asked if he is a difficult player to coach. He immediately goes on the defensive stating; You think its my fault. Eventually he refers to the reporter as an idiot and terminates the interview.

http://www.tsn.ca/video/kessel-you-think-it-s-my-fault-1.176130

The Phil Kessel Question

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Toronto/ID/2646248138/

Not since the likes of Mats Sundin have we seen such a dominate player in a Maple Leafs uniform. Also much like Sundin we see the questions regarding Kessel's commitment to his team. There are countless stories and news reports proving that Phil Kessel is simply an egotistical, undisciplined mamas boy, however, he is also possibly the most gifted scoring talent the Leafs have had in a long time. Does his talent offensively make up for his poor attitude? I would argue no. There was a play the other night in which Kessel as per usual failed to back check when the opposing team began moving towards the Leafs zone. Not only did he fail to back check he also decided to go to the bench. This resulted in a two on one which led to a goal. It was plain as day that the fault lie directly with Kessel's inability to play at both ends of the ice. This lack of commitment and disrespectful attitude must be brutal in the locker room. Can you imagine watching a teammate of yours with such God given talent waste it night in and night out. The lack lustre performance that Kessel is becoming known for however doesn't seem to affect him very much. He continues to press on without so much as a sigh. Maybe it is time we look for leadership in some other number one talent. I think it is time we trade Kessel for a bona fide leader before it gets to the point that nobody wants him.

Randy Carlyle Fired

Randy Carlyle the Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs was officially relieved of his duties today. Less than three years into his role as the Leafs bench boss Carlyle was let go. This begs the question. Who is running the show now? The Leafs management team has stated that Peter Horachek the current Assistant Coach will now take over for the interim. I don't believe that management is looking to keep Horachek as the permanent head coach. Yet I don't understand why Carlyle was pulled in the middle of the season. Yes the Leafs have hit a slump over recent weeks but as we have all come to expect from the Buds this is something that happens. We are still in a decent place in the standings, comparatively speaking. There is no reason to suggest that the season should be given up on. However by firing the Head Coach without an adequate replacement it someone how seems like management has done just that. Carlyle has recently spoke to the media about his concerns that his players were not buying in to what he was selling. This sounds eerily similar to other coaches and managers in the past. Is it possible that maybe what is needed here is an ownership change? Wouldn't it be nice if we could change the owners and put a group of individuals in with different ideas on how the team should be managed. It doesn't matter who you get to run the Leafs if the overall authority is the same. If you look at recent years I see the same scenario playing out. Experienced professionals are brought into the organization to turn it around but it always ends up in failure. Wilson, Burke, Maurice, Carlyle all come to mind. Wholesale changes with players year in and year out as well. What is the only thing that hasn't changed in this time period. The ownership. Is this just a coincidence, because I see no one left to blame. If everything else has failed then what is left. Is it possible that the people pulling the strings behind the curtain are the ones who are driving this franchise into the ground every year? They are good business people I will give you that. The Toronto Maple Leafs is one of the most successful franchises in history. But does being a good business minded person make you also a good hockey mind. I would argue not. So maybe it is time for ownership to stop pulling the strings and give someone like Shanahan the leverage to make this team as truly great as everyone in Leaf Nation knows they can be.

New Winnipeg Jets Logo Unveiled

The new Winnipeg Jets emblem was revealed on Friday amid a hail of controversy.  The new look was set to be released on Monday but a leak onto the Internet forced True North Sports and Entertainment to open its doors a few days early.

The logo is based on a simple design incorporating the city's long standing tradition with the Canadian Air Force. It consists of a white circle with two rings around it and in the center a CF-18 on top of a red maple leaf. The top of the circle has a notch which represents a compass pointing to "True North."
I personally like the idea behind it but find that is looks too military. When I first saw the new emblem on the front page of the Winnipeg Free Press I had assumed it was an article regarding the Canadian Armed Forces pulling out of Afghanistan. It was only after I got to the sports section that I realized what the cover story was actually about.

The second emblem I found to be much mpore entertainment worthy. A picture of two hockey sticks across a set of wings. Reminds me of the Houston Aeros logo of the American Hockey League.

Either way I am satisfied with the new logo and have already purchased my first t-shirt. Hey, if its good enough for Don Cherry, then its good enough for me.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/24/cherry-loves-new-jets-logo

Brian Burke's Free Agency Hooplah A No Show

Brian Burke signed a free agent on Saturday but he didn't pull the trigger on a top line centre. Instead Burke opted to signed Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Connolloy to a two year contract.

On Sunday Burke also made a trade to the Nashville Predators getting Mathew Lombardi, and Cody Franson in exchange for Brett Lebda, Robert Slaney and a conditional fourth round draft pick in 2013.

To be brutally honest I don't see the Leafs getting better with either of these moves. This is another prime example of what we have come to expect from Brian Burke. Simply put I am starting to think that Burke has a much bigger bark than a bite and am feeling a little disillusioned with his five year plan which keeps getting extended every year. I would really like to know what Lombardi, a 29 yr old player likely out of his prime whom missed all but two games last year due to a concussion is going to bring to the Leafs. Likewise, what has Burke accomplished by gaining Connolly another 30 yr old soon to be has-been and Franson a 23 yr old that will at best continue to be a mediocre AHL player? Burke allowed Tim Brent to sign somewhere else last week. A forward that showed much improvement last year and proved to be a real depth player for the Leafs and then acquired Connolly. He then ships of Lebda and Slaney for two players I would argue are not even equally worthy assets. At least Lebda played more than two games last year and has the experience of playing on a Stanley cup winning team like the Red Wings. Yes there was rumour that there was some personal issues with the organization, but my spidy instincts tell me that this sounds like a couple of egos getting the best of one another.

I just don't see any improvement with these moves. Much like the years gone past I see Burke making changes and creating a lot of smoke but in reality doing absolutely nothing to make this Leaf team any better. Frustration is the word of the day here when it really should be optimism. I like Burke a lot and respect what he has done in the past but I don't think I would be the first to say that sometimes things just don't work out. It's not necessarily anybodies fault but sometimes you just have to part ways and end a relationship, simple as that. Everyone knows what I mean. Like when you have that wonderful girlfriend but there is just no chemistry. She seems so great and has all the characteristics you want but you just don't have the feelings for her that you should. I get that feeling about Brian Burke and the Leafs. I would have to say the same for Ron Wilson. I think it may be time they go back to the United States which they love so much and try to relive past glory with another franchise.

Send me your comments. I'm interested to hear how the rest of Leafs nation feels on the subject.

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Winnipeg Jets Draft Scheifele, Leafs Draft Biggs and Percy

The Winnipeg Jets selected Mark Scheifele (pronounced Shy-Flea) of the Barrie Colts (OHL) 7th overall in lat nights draft. Despite being ranked 16th by central scouting the 18 year old forward is exstatic to be in a Jets jersey. Obviously playing under Dale Hawerchuk with the Barrie Colts would have something to do with that. It sounds like the youngster definetley has the heart and the right attitude.

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Tyler Biggs and Stuart Percy. Burke stayed true to his name by picking an American as his first round choice.

http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1195&id=116584
Check out Brian Burke's comments after friday's draft day.

Winnipeg Jets Name Offiicial

Mark Chipman made it official last night. Manitoba's newest NHL franchise will be named the Winnipeg Jets. He said the decision was made after taking a long hard look at what he was seeing from the fans. There was so much support from the Winnipeg fans that he couldn't ignore it eventhough they had looked at incorporating Manitoba into the official team name.

Toronto Maple Leafs 2011/12 Season Schedule

Maple Leafs land John-Michael Liles in trade from Avalanche

Maple Leafs land John-Michael Liles in trade from Avalanche

The Leafs traded their second round draft pick for defenceman John-Michael Liles from the Colorodo Avalanche. You may remember that their was some talk about acguiring this player at the trade deadline this year but it never materialized. Obviously Liles has been on the radar for some time but I wonder, do we really need another high profile defenceman? It seems to me that we have a fairly strong defensive core, at least on paper. I realize that the loss of Kaberle leaves a bit of a whole but I have an idea, how about we fill that whole with Tomas Kaberle as he will be a free agent in a few days and likely will fetch not much more than Liles 4+ million. I personally think we should be exerting our efforts on finding a top line centre and another top six forward. But that is just my opinion.


"The pick was previously acquired by Toronto from the Boston Bruins as part of the Tomas Kaberle trade last February.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Liles is set to make US$4.55 million this season and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
He’s coming off a strong season where he registered six goals and a career-high 40 assists in 76 games.
The Indianapolis native, who has played his entire seven-year career in Colorado, led all Avalanche defencemen in scoring the past five seasons.
Liles has also played 36 playoff games in that span, notching four goals, seven assists for 11 points."
The Canadian Press