RUMOR: Shanahan on Leafs radar?

So I just got an email stating the Leafs do have some interest in bringing on F Brendan Shanahan. I do not know if this is true as of right now I have sent some emails to people who I think would so I will have more right away.

(The Sources Take: I think he would be a great acquisition for the Buds I know he is the opposite of what a rebuilding team would want but think about it who better to teach your wingers about good hockey then a 3 time Stanley Cup Champion? I think the Leafs would benefit from this signing but don't expect any announcement as Shanahan may not be signed by anyone until after Sundin decides where he is going "Cough Toronto Cough"

The Source

Leafs VS Devils (6-5)

Hmmmmm what to say about this one should be a very wide open game tonight. I have it on good authority that we may see Toskala playing even though I think Joseph should get the start. Same lineup for the Leafs tonight with one exception Frogren will play.

I am expecting a better effort from the Leafs tonight they really had some dull moments last night.

1st Period: OH MY GOODNESS!! Devils opened up with a 2-0 lead 7 min into the 1st that's certainley not good enough. Can the Leafs come back yes of course they have shown that they can and really started to get some good chances there at the end of the 1st. I think they are tired from last night and are just waiting for there legs to get that extra steam going. I will expect a far better 2nd from the Buds they have a great opportunity to come back in this game with not Rolston or Elias playing. They should definitely use that to there advantage.

2nd Period: Roaring back to take the lead and then out of know where Ryan Hollweg is the smarter player..................WHAT? Yes that's right Hollweg was smarter than Mayers what was he thinking after the Leafs took the lead you don't do that. Brodeur looks shaky and the Leafs need to take advantage of that. Lets keep it going and tie the game.

3rd Period: I thought I would do the 3rd period along with OT and the SO, great 3rd by the Leafs to bad that the Leafs blew that lead but Toskala can only stop what he can see right?

OT Period: No Goals

SO Period: Great stops by Toskala and I was very surprised to see Kaberle and I was VERY happy to see Hagman who scored an absolute beauty. Great game by the Buds tonight all around.

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Lightning VS Leafs (3-2)

Should be a fast game but I don't expect much from Tampa as they have been very dissapointing this year.

Toskala gets the start and Smith will challenge him. Coliacovo, Frogren, and White are all healthy scratches. Toronto has taken 9 out of a possible 12 meetings with the 2 teams look for much of the same tonight as the Leafs finish a 2 game homestand at the ACC.

1st Period: Good 1st for the Lightning great goal by Vinny I still think Toronto is there better team thus far though as they had a few spurts where they dominated. Once again the Buds out shot there opponents. Good hard working goal for Matt Stajan on the PP I expect a good 2nd by the Leafs Wilson is really good at rallying them after a sub par period.

2nd Period: BAHHHHHHH!!! Through most of the 2nd Toronto did a great job in scoring the goal and they seem to be coming on. Great to see some old school hockey Stralman delivering the hip check to Stamkos. Lecavalier is the only reason this is a Tampa lead. Look for a much better pace from the Leafs in the 3rd.

3rd Period: "We have to beat teams like Tampa Bay they didn't play well" Is exactly what Stajan said after the game tonight to me. He is right the Leafs were really flat in this game not through all of it but through most. John Mitchell really turned up the heat in the 3rd and could remain on that line with Hagman and Grabovski. Kulemin hasn't been playing well lately and I'm wondering if he is injured in anyway. He doesn't seem to have the jump he did at the beginning of the season. Look for a trade soon from Fletcher as he has been on the phone he is looking to grab a young center and has had talks with teams.

The Source

Fletcher On The Phone?

Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher may not be about to pull the trigger on a trade, but the Toronto Sun reports he's having discussions with other teams.

Fletcher returned from the NHL's general managers meeting in Chicago yesterday and had "talked preliminarily with a few teams."

The paper suggests the Leafs could make a move in the coming weeks.

"At some stage we'll seriously consider trading a defenseman for a forward," Fletcher told the Sun. "But it's going to have to be for somebody who really, really appeals to us."

The Leafs have a surplus of defenseman, with two or three sitting out each game. Ian White, who has yet to play in a game this season, is among those on the trading block.

"I don't blame [White] for being frustrated," Fletcher. "He played 81 games for us last year. But I'm sure he'll get his chance."

It's also been widely reported that the Leafs are entertaining the thought of trading Matt Stajan, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Carlo Colaiacovo.

The Source

Schenn Stays

Luke Schenn will be staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 18-year-old defenceman was told by Leafs' head coach Ron Wilson before practice on Monday that he will be staying in Toronto for the foreseeable future.

Once he appears in his 10th NHL game this season, Schenn will use up the first year of his entry-level contract. If he hits the 40 game mark with the Leafs, it will count toward a year of service when it comes to filing for free agency in the future.

Should he be sent back to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League later this season, he would not be eligible to return to the NHL unless an emergency injury situation in Toronto arose.

When asked if Schenn would be released to play for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship in Ottawa, Leafs head coach Ron Wilson gave a quick and concise answser.

"If he's playing in the best league in the world, why would we have him go play in a teenage tournament?" Wilson said after practice on Monday.

The Maple Leafs host the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre on Tuesday. Schenn's 10th game would take place the following night when the Leafs visit the New Jersey Devils.

So far this season, Schenn is averaging over 21 minutes per game through eight contests.

The Source

This article courtesy tsn.ca

Senators VS Leafs (2-3)

Toskala VS ????????? who cares Ottawas goaltending is so bad that it doesn't matter who starts for them. Jeff Finger is in tonight 1st game for him and I can't wait to see him play. He should bring a needed grit to the backend that only Frogren and Schenn have brought thus far. News to pass everyones way Jiri Tlusty has been demoted to the AHL Marlies.

1st Period: LUKKKKEEEEEEEE!! Dropping the gloves with Chris Neil STRONG props to the youngster for that. The PP is better and the PK is definitely better I know its early but I think people are seeing why you shouldn't underestimate the Leafs right now. They truly are coming together as a team and will only get stronger as the season goes on. Great working goal by Dom Moore. Toronto is dominating the faceoff circle as they have won about 75% of them and are really dominating the Sens so far.

2nd Period: Grabovski has finally scored its about time! Toronto once again is out shooting there opponent again and look to be well in control of this game. I was worried about Toskala after the cheap shot at the hands of Chris Neil. Should be a fast paced 3rd but I expect the Leafs will hang for the win.

3rd Period: Despite the 2nd ACCIDENTAL goal by McCammond (I love how emotional Van Ryn was shows real passion) the Leafs simply out played the Sens tonight. They just keep getting better game by game ad I truly feel this will be a HUGE momentum builder for a lot of the Leafs. Great game and a very well deserved win for the Leafs.

The Source

Mats is in the Papers again

The Mats Sundin watch is on again.

The former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs took a physical in Toronto Wednesday and immediately tongues began wagging. Is he going to play again? If so, for whom?

Sundin is heading to California for a vacation and is expected to make a decision about his hockey future in the next couple of weeks. He has no training sessions planned.

If he plays again, it has been rumoured the New York Rangers are his first choice, but a member of the Rangers organization wondered, "Will he play for $100,000? That’s how much we have left to spend." According to hockeynumbers.com, the Rangers actually have less than $100,000 of cap space remaining.

The Vancouver Canucks offered Sundin $10 million a season for two years and still have interest in his services.

"Once we have an indication that he is going to play, then we will move ahead quite quickly," said Canucks GM Mike Gillis.

The Montreal Canadiens pursued Sundin in the summer, but when they couldn’t sign him, they settled for Robert Lang who had three goals in his first six games with the Habs. Canadiens owner George Gillett told Rogers Sportsnet last week his team is no longer interested in Sundin.

The Source

This article Courtesy Sportsnet.ca

Leafs VS Bruins (4-2)

Boston took the season series from the Leafs last year pretty handly. However I think the Leafs are due for a win. Look for a 2-1, 3-2 type game for the Leafs tonight.

No word as of yet on starting goaltenders but I assume Toskala and Thomas. Jeff Finger has apparently become a game time decision for this one.

1st Period: Due to a blogspot blackout I wasn't able to update the site but here I go 2 quick goals by the Bruins in the 1st and up but lets take a look at them and then Toskala ones a tip and the other is also a tip. In my opinion Toskala has not looked very good in any of his starts this season and he really needs to work on his breakaways and rebound control. I will admit that Stralman was partially to blame for the goal but come on Toskala should not be giving that much space off his posts.

2nd Period: Great come back by the Leafs 2 bad penalties by Luke Schenn though could cost the Leafs the game we'll have to wait and see. Antropov is machine and the Leafs if you have noticed like me are getting a lot better on almost everything in the game. The PK and the PP have been good tonight and the Leafs are playing a great 1-2-2 game against the Bruins trap. I don't know what to say about the 3rd anything could happen lets hope the Leafs can pull out a win.

3rd Period: Great job Toronto! The Buds came out flying and really deserved this win a very well played game. Van Ryn was terrific tonight and he seems to be getting better with every game. Toronto did played great down low and there PP and PK was much better tonight especially there cycle game in the offensive zone. Lets hope they carry the MO into Ottawa.

The Source

Ducks VS Leafs (3-2)

This is a game where both teams will be looking to improve the Ducks 1-5-0 and the Leafs 1-2-2 are struggling out of the gate.

The Leafs will be eaten alive if they lose at the ACC again so look for a little extra MO for them in this game with that in mind. The Ducks are reportedly starting Giguere the Leafs will counter with Toskala. Even though the game is national I will still have my analysis after each period. Coliacovo will sit tonight and Van Ryn will play.

1st Period: George Parros??? How do you let Parros score on a break a way? He is slow and Toskala should have had that shot. The Leafs are not playing well in the 1st as they usually do and its showing on the scoreboard. I imagine Wilson is tearing into them right now. The Leafs need to get a scorer and with Marian Gaborik being shopped where is Toronto. Fletcher needs to do whatever he can to get him, and that's final. Hopefully there will be a better effort come the 2nd.

2nd Period: Ask and you shall receive is the old saying isn't it? MUCH better 2nd by the Leafs and the Antropov/Stajan/Ponikarovsky line is VERY VERY GOOD! Wilson needs to keep them together. I will go out guarantee the Leafs tie the game and win late in the 3rd hopefully I'm right LOL. Should be a dynamite 3rd, however the Leafs seriously need to get better on that PP.

3rd Period: SCORESSSSSSS!!!!! Nik Antropov I could have ripped my TV off of it stands I was so happy. Great 3rd period by the Leafs MO is totally in there favor look for the Leafs to win in OT.

Over Time Period: Very rushy and definitely some edge of your seat moments. The Leafs practiced shootouts yesterday for roughly 30 mins I expect to see Kulemin, Grabovski, Steen.

Shootout: BIG SURPRISE with Cujo getting the start for the shootout Kulemin and Kaberle both missed and Perry and Selanne both scored another shootout another shootout loss for the Leafs seems that 30 mins didn't help.

The Source

Boumeester Still Unhappy!

Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester can walk away from the team next summer and it doesn't sound like he's about to change his mind, reports the Edmonton Journal.

Bouwmeester, 25, can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. He's been concerned with the atmosphere of South Florida, and while the Panthers are hoping he changes his mind and signs a long-term extension, that doesn't appear to be the case.

Now in his sixth NHL season, Bowmeester has yet to see post-season play.

"It's been hard to get over that hump. We've been saying that for a number of years now. With everything that goes on off the ice, it reflects on what's going on the ice and our lack of success," Bouwmeester told the Journal.

"I'm not casting blame on anyone. It's the guys who play that it comes down to."

The Edmonton native is set to make $4.875 million this season and will likely see his salary jump when he signs a new deal.

If the Panthers are unable to get Bouwmeester to agree to a contract extension in the coming months, the team will have no other choice but to explore his trading value.

The Source

This article courtesy thefourthperiod.com

Maple Leafs On The Hot Seat This Week

I thought I would put up a list of potential players leaving town this week either through waivers or trades.

1.) Matt Stajan: He is the most likely to be moved he has been horribly inconsistent over the 1st 2 games of the season and Wilson let him know it by sitting him in the pressbox. He came back and showed no signs of improvement in either of the games against NY or Pitts.

2.) Ian White: Hasn't even played a game yet and more than likely won't put on the Maple Leafs jersey again. He isn't the type of player that fits into Wilsons grand scheme of things and there are rumors he'll be packaged with Matt Stajan.

3.) Carlo Coliacovo: Great player easily a top 4 Dman on any team......................... BARRING he can stay healthy and while he has managed to do that he and White have been pushed back to 7th and 8th in the rotation on the blueline. Cola could have a lot of worth when it comes to a return Fletcher just needs to find the right team to take him.

4.) Mike Van Ryn: Although a +2 this season Mike really hasn't shown why he was a 1st round choice so far this season (By the Panthers) if he wants to stay he will need to put forth a better effort on the PP.

There are plenty of rumors right now involving most of these players and one or all could be moved by the end of today or the end of the week. If Fletcher is looking to try and steal away young players he has to try and not over value these guys. I mean I will agree that if you were to look around the league there are teams looking for a puck moving Dman and Van Ryn and White fit the bill but the most we can get are 2nd to 3rd rounders and that's all.

Coliacovo and Stajan are the real worth and word has it Fletcher is looking hard at a few players from the western conference that coach RW has said would be perfect fits on a fast western style team like the Leafs.

While the NHL is still looking at the Leafs and Ducks Fletcher still wants F Bobby Ryan and is willing to do almost anything to get him and that goes the same for the Coyotes 1st round pick something I said GM Maloney isn't going to part with this early in a season.

Anyways interesting week ahead the Ducks and Leafs play Tuesday at the ACC could we see some trades before then or during even we shall see.

The Source

Leafs VS Penguins (1-4)

1st Period: Joseph looks good so far and Luke Schenn is amazing as always. Hagman took a bad penalty 5 seconds into that game but the Leafs continued there solid PK from last night and took over the 1st from there drawing 3 penalties in a row and then finally on a play in front Nik Antropov put the puck between Fleurys legs. NOW my pet peeve so far TOMAS KABERLE IS INVISIBLE! I am really not happy with his play so far this season and he looks lost out there without McCabe. But all in all good 1st by the Leafs and the Pens.

As I said TOMAS KABERLE IS INVISIBLE! I do apologize for not keeping everyone up to date tonight the game got ugly and I got busy with some family stuff. The Leafs could have made this game 10-1 with all the PP time they had and failed to capitalize on any of them but one. Toronto continues to play solid but if there PP doesn't improve they will continue to flounder. Next game is Tuesday against the Ducks I believe after tonight that Stajan and Coliacovo may be traded sometime next week maybe even Monday as 3 or 4 teams are interested in the 2 players.

Curtis Joseph was terrific tonight and its great to see that a 41 year old tender can make those kind of saves against guys like Crosby and Malkin.

The Source

Stajan being shopped hard and people have interest!

Leafs Lunch is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs are receiving calls about 24 year old C Matt Stajan.

Apparently the teams most interested are Carolina, Colorado, Washington and NY Islanders. But Dreger went on to say that St,Louis is hard up for the young center as well.

The Leafs are believed to be interested in Stastny and Stempniak I think if they packaged the right Dman they could get both but its seems unlikely that the Blues would move both.

Tonight could be make or break for Matt Stajan we could be saying goodbye to him after tonights game.

The Source

Leafs Vs Rangers (0-1)

Another dominant 1st period by the Leafs the thing they worked on in practice the last 3 days is keeping it up for a full 60 mins hopefully they can do that. Toskala looks shaky again tonight but hopefully he will work out those kinks in time. Finally a great PK by the Leafs and where is this Dominic Moore from if he can sustain this level of play over 82 games there is no telling where he will finish and he definitely deserves an extention.

So 40 minutes have passed and the Leafs have remained strong. Niklas Hagman has to be one of the best stick handlers I have ever seen and he is definitely a great pick up for the Buds. Luke Schenn is having another sharp night and Toskala seems to have put that shakieness behind him. Tomas Kaberle is not doing his job on the PP while he is a great passer he needs to shoot as we've seen from him in the past he has the ability to crush that puck and he needs to do so more often. The PK is brilliant tonight and hopefully it will remain that way in the 3rd my prediction Nik Kulemin or Hagman score the winner for the Leafs, Dubinsky for the Rangers.

Stephen Valiquette and Vesa Toskala are star 1 and 2 tonight Toronto is letting themselves willingly get into penalty trouble. OT should be entertaining tonight hopefully the Leafs can get the MO back.

LUKEEEEEEEEE!!!!! What a great game by the 18 year old phenom and WHAT a block by Frogren.

Shootout: Kulemin, Stajan, Grabovski are my picks.

Once again the Leafs lose in a shootout and Kulemin is the only highlight for the Leafs. It is so frustrating to watch this team play so well and not win games.

The Source

More Rumors! Leafs shopping White

With a surplus of defensemen on the roster, the Maple Leafs appear to be shopping Ian White around the league, reports the Toronto Sun.

White, 24, has yet to play a game this season and he isn't sure when he'll be called upon.

"No, there's been no dialogue and no indications as to what the plans are for me," White told the Sun. "I haven't said a word and they haven't said a word to me since I've been here. So I have no idea."

White's heard his name mentioned in trade speculation, but he's trying not to ignore it.

"I'll just let the chips fall where they may," he said.

The Source

Leafs Have Interest In Gaborik?

According to a few people including Sportsnets Nick Kypreos and TSN's Bob McKenzie the Toronto Maple Leafs are putting there hat into the Marian Gaborik sweepstakes.

If any deal is made I could see our 1st gone and I don't know if Gaborik is worth that pick unless its conditional which I'm sure any GM will do with Gaboriks injury history and UFA status at the end of the season.

I could see some like Coliacovo and 1 or 2 prospects involved as well if a deal with the Leafs were to go down.

Now to just make this whole thing even crazier Doug Riseborough has said that Marion will not play tonight due to a "lower body injury" which in my eyes means "healthy scratch" or Riseborough is trying to protect Gaboriks worth by not telling what his injury may be.

Should be some interesting couple days

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Kulemin Shining, Stajan Invisible

Rookie left-winger Nikolai Kulemin is looking like a major find for the Toronto Maple Leafs, while veteran forward Matt Stajan is struggling to adapt to the demands of new head coach Ron Wilson.

Kulemin, a 22-year-old Russian taken 44th in the NHL draft two years ago, is fast, defensively responsible and has a great work ethic. He was never projected for first-line sniper status. A third-line checker -- that's what most of the scouts saw in his big-league future.

Kulemin scored 21 goals in 57 games with Russian club team Magnitogorsk Metallurg last season. Before that, he got little attention skating in the shadow of then-teammate Evgeni Malkin.

Wilson is giving the six-foot, 183-pound Kulemin all the opportunity in the world to strut his stuff, and he's responded wonderfully after being given a top-six forward's role. He scored two goals when the Leafs took three of a possible six points in the opening week of the new season.

"We're going to give our young people opportunity to play," Wilson said after practice Wednesday. "They've got tremendous offensive potential and the only way we're going to develop it is by playing them."

Kulemin, who wears No. 41, is saying little because his command of the English language is limited and he's still feeling his way in a new life in Canada. His US$850,000 salary will no doubt make the adjustment an enjoyable one. On the ice, if he keeps progressing the way he has during the last year, he'll soon have plenty to talk about.

Stajan would love an opportunity to play, too. He'll get it Friday in New York where the Leafs take on the Rangers. They then move on to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins on Saturday night.

Stajan was a healthy scratch for the first time since March 2006 when the visiting St. Louis Blues won 5-4 in a shootout Monday.

"Matt's just got to play better than he's been playing -- period," Wilson said.

Wilson demands an up-tempo pace, while insisting on stick-like-glue checking, too.

"Other guys have adjusted," Wilson said. "(Stajan) hasn't, so he's probably just finding out what the parameters of the job are."

Stajan is an unspectacular third- or fourth-liner. There's not much that's negative about his defensive play but, if he can't contribute more offensively than he has in the past, he'll remain in Wilson's doghouse. He'll reappear against the Rangers in place of Ryan Hollweg, who'll begin a three-game league suspension as a repeat offender for checking from behind.

"I'll keep working and, hopefully, things start going better than they have," Stajan said after practice. "Right now, things aren't bouncing my way.

"I've been battling the puck. It's too bad I haven't shown anything earlier. It's hard to sit out. I'll keep my head up and go out and play hard and do whatever I can do to help the team win. Obviously, I've got something to prove to (Wilson) now."

He'd be the last player to mope.

"I'm behind this team 100 per cent and, hopefully, I'll get my chance to get back in there to play and help contribute," Stajan said.

Wilson and Hollweg huddled at the team's lakeshore practice facility. Hollweg's latest transgression sent rookie Blues defenceman Alex Pietrangelo crashing to the ice on a hit from behind.

"We talked about the danger of those types of hits, and it's going to get worse if he keeps hitting (from behind)," said Wilson. "We need him to play, we need him to play a lot.

"He's a very effective player, and he's one of our more enthusiastic guys in the room. Being suspended is not helping our cause.

"He's got to be a lot more aware when he's going in to finish his checks when somebody's in a vulnerable position. If he keeps doing it, he keeps getting suspended, and the next one could be a very long suspension.".

Wilson was asked if Hollweg has malicious intentions when he steps onto the ice.

"No, not that I know of," he replied. "But there seems to be no filter.

"We've got to find a way of putting an effective filter in there. He looks up and sees a guy's number and he should be really thinking about pulling up. It's going to be up to him to figure that out or he won't be playing very many games."



Notes : Kulemin's two goals were scored on only four shots on goal. Jason Blake has one goal after a team-high 15 shots on goal ... D Jonas Frogren, who missed the Monday game with a bruised foot from blocking a shot during the 6-1 loss to Montreal last Saturday, might suit up against the Rangers ... D Jeff Finger, who has yet to play for his new team, will remain out till next week with a foot injury ... C Nik Antropov is a team-best plus-3 on the plus-minus chart ... Mats Sundin, the all-time Leafs scoring leader, is back in town after spending the summer in Sweden. The unrestricted free agent continues to mull over his future ... Toronto's next home game is Tuesday against Anaheim.

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This article courtesy sportsnet.ca

Vancouver 3rd Leaked

Nicest one so far next to Torontos this will look good going up and down the ice this year.

Soon enough we should have all jerseys out and we can get that code for NHL 09 LOL.

Some rumors to come later

The Source

Fletcher Denies Internet Trade Rumors

Cliff Fletcher was on a Toronto Radio Network where he denied any knowledge of him shopping anything to the Coyotes including Ian White.

While I have no doubts Fletcher will try and acquire some picks this season it is to early in the season for a solid pick like that to be traded TO any team. Don Maloney isn't crazy and the only way we get that 1st is by offering up someone like Schenn or Kulemin this early so I wouldn't expect any miracle trades from Fletch right now.

If the Leafs continue to struggle in the face off circle and on the PK I would think then that Fletch may make a trade for a gritty center or winger to help those situations out. I will keep looking into this for you guys.

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Cheraponov Dies

Today during a game we lost young prospect Alexei Cheraponov there is no word on what happened just that he passed out during the Omsk KHL game the trainers tried to revive him but failed to do so.

LCR would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and the NY Rangers


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Blues VS Maple Leafs

Toskala will get the start this afternoon I have some news regarding Toronto and Pheonix and I will give that info after the final horn sounds.

Sheer dominance so far in this game the shots are 15 to 4 in favor of Toronto a GREAT goal by Kulemin so far this kid is proving to be Calder Trophy material and is already out scoring this years 1st rounder Stephen Stamkos although it is early and anything could change from now and the end of the year.


The 2nd period was one long PP for the Blues I can on say one word for the Ryan Hollweg WAIVERS! Cliff Fletcher would be dumb to keep this guy around he is a cancer to the team and could easily cost them the game tonight.

It was nice to Hagman get his 1st goal and I will give you guys a tidbit about the Pheonix Toronto info they are showcasing Stralman from what I am hearing.

A 3-0 LEAD!! Once again Leaf fans we had to endure a collapse at the hands of a lesser team. Ryan Hollweg should be placed on waivers after this game he is a disgrace to the Leafs and is a cancer to the NHL this is his 4th major in less than 50 games and he will serve a 3 game suspension for this one.

As for the Pheonix Toronto trade I am hearing Stajan may be involved Stralman was playing because of a bruised foot that Frogren is suffering through. He is not being shopped apparently the Leafs want a 1st from Yotes and a prospect the Leafs are trying to ship out 2 dmen as well.


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Leafs VS Canadiens

Should be a good game tonight the Leafs and Canadiens split the season series last year so I expect much of the same this year.

1st Period: Meh! The Leafs look lost out there in the 1st 2 mins and they got scored on because of that Toskala should have the 1st one and the 2d one is arguable. The Grabovksi/Hagman/Tlusty line looks good again and I seriously think Fletcher needs to give his head a shake when it comes to talking about Antropov he looks nothing like a 1st line forward. Matt Stajan needs to be moved he looks terrible out there and doesn't really do anything for this team.

I see a much better 2nd period for the Leafs Wilson won't take that crap that we saw on the ice in the 1st.

Oh man was I wrong absolutely terrible game tonight by the Buds the only plus was 41 year old Curtis Joseph. It wasn't even worth writing about after the 1st five minutes of the 2nd hopefully the Buds come back with a better performance on Monday against the Blues.


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Toronto VS Detroit

Great 1st period by the Leaf some mistakes but that is just opening night jitters great job on the PK and good positioning by Kubina to find that puck and put it in the net.

2nd period Toronto is definitely playing some good puck the goal by Holmstrom was a good one and there was truly nothing Toskala could do. Moore looks like a man possessed out there he has played extremely well so far. The Tlusty line still continues to play well up next the dreaded 3rd lets hope the Leafs can stay solid.

Leafs win a hard fought well played game which they deserved to win tonight lets hope this continues.

More in a bit

The Source

TIRED OF THE RANTS!

You know I sometimes feel that I am the only one with any optimism but then again I allow myself to be drowned in negativity everyday. I read Jim Kellys blog from Sportsnet and he says the Leafs lose tonight and will be exposed for what they truly are.........?????

And judging from that crystal ball on top of his head (This is a reference to him being bald)...........

I am tired of the so called "experts" predicting the demise of the Toronto Maple Leafs when the season stats for this team is still 0-0-0 now come January when some of the teams start to fall out of the playoff race if Toronto is there then I will throw my hat into the ring of negativity and watch the fire sale come Feb's trade deadline but come on isn't anyone who is a Leaf fan giving this team any kind of chance?

I think as Leaf fans we have to see past the Bergers and Kellys and all of the TSN guys (who steal classic hockey songs and destroy them) and think with our own heads. Media has been bashing the Leafs and there fans for to many years now and I don't think we should stand for that anymore.

If the Leafs win tonight will the media say then? "Leafs Win By Mistake" or "Leafs Screwing Up Rebuild By Beating Red Wings"

Here is my heading "Go F%^$ Yourself Toronto Media"

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LCR's NHL 09 League

Wanna play NHL 09 with The Source?

Well I have a new league starting up on Saturday and if you want in be one of the 1st 30 people to join.

I had 32 spots but 1 was taken by me and the other by a good friend of mine the 2 teams that have been taken so far are the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

So if you want in and you have Xbox Live go to league search enter the name of the league which is case sensitive I might add.

The name of the league is: Leafs Crazy Rumors

Enter in that name exactly as shown above and choose your team and we'll get started on Sat.

The Source

Thrashers Unveil 3rds

Here is the 1st pic of the Thrashers new 3rd

The Source

Rumors This Evening!

Some rumors to shed light on tonight I have been speaking to some lower level people in the NHL tonight about any possible moves the Leafs could be making before Thursdays opener starting with why the Leafs are only carrying 22 players as oposed to 23.

One of my sources claimed that Cliff Fletcher is close to making a move either via trade or waiver wire.

When I pressed to see who would be moved they said a Dman and that was about it they wouldn't confirm if it was a big trade or a small one.

I then asked if the rumors partaking to the Pittsburgh Penguins that have been floating around had any backbone and I was smiled at and told "No Comment" I don't know who is available from the Pens right now so I will have to do some checking.

On the waiver front Toronto has interest in Jason Krog and Jamie Lundmark so things could come of that as well I will keep you guys posted and post any breaking trades here on the website.

The Source

UPDATE: CARLO COLIACOVO COULD BE ON THE MOVE TO EITHER BOSTON OR PITTSBURGH BEFORE 3 PM EST TIME TODAY STILL WORKING ON THE DETAILS.

ALSO JEREMY WILLIAMS AND JOHN MITCHELL HAVE MADE THE LEAFS OPENING NIGHT ROSTER!

Leafs make more cuts and sign Luke Schenn

The Toronto Maple Leafs have cut their roster to 22 after placing forward Boyd Devereaux and defenceman Staffan Kronwall on waivers.

The team said they will start with one player under the roster limit of 23 in case they find someone they want to claim.

Also Tuesday the Leafs announced they had signed rookie defenceman Luke Schenn to a three-year entry level contract.

"Luke’s got a bright future in the NHL and we are very excited to have him signed to a contract," said Toronto general manager Cliff Fletcher. "He had a great training camp during which he demonstrated a lot of poise and skill for a young defenceman."

Schenn, an 18-year-old native of Saskatoon was selected fifth overall by Toronto in the 2008 draft.

In seven pre-season games with the Leafs, he scored one goal and a shootout game-winner and had a plus-three rating.

The Source

This article courtesy sportsnet.ca

Leafs unveil 3rds

http://www.sportsnet.ca/

Here is the link for the Leafs new 3rd as expected they are the same as what we saw in the early part of the 2000's

There is also a video on mapleleafs.nhl.com with Dominic Moore wearing the jersey

I now have an image its not top quality but it also shows the Marlies 3rd

The Source

Mark Bell On Waivers

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that F Mark Bell has been placed on waivers.

Could this be a preliminary move for an upcoming trade?

The Source

Leafs Will Unveil 3rds Today

It is expected that the Toronto Maple Leafs will unveil there new RBK edge 3rd jerseys this afternoon I will have pictures as soon as they are available. Its is expected that they should look like what they wore in the early stages of 2000.

Here is a picture of what they look like to those of you who don't remember.

The only thing that won't be there is the number on the right shoulder.

The Source

Leafs Need Win To Carry Momentum Into Season Opener

2-5-1 Is the Leafs current pre-season record..........................

The Leafs actually have a history of being terrible in the pre-season and this year was no different. However the Leafs have a tough opening night rumble with the Detroit Redwings on Thursday and need a win tonight to carry some MO into that game.

The Leafs actually have a winning record against the defending Stanley Cup champs (13-11) and they will look to improve on that actually if you look into the past the Red Wings have only been able to beat the Leafs in pre-season in the last 5 years.

The Leafs have the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight Rick Nash will be in the line up for CBJ and the Leafs will carry the same lineup as last night (Essentially the lineup they will have come Thursday)minus Pavel Kubina and Jeff Finger.

No word as of yet who will get the start but I do believe it will be Justin Pogge. You can catch the game live tonight on LeafsTV Interactive or on LeafsTV if you live out of market catch the game online at www.justin.tv/gersland.

The Source

Roloson Asks To Be Traded?

FROM A SOURCE AND THESCORE

EDM G Dwayne Roloson has reportedly asked for a trade out of Edmonton. I am working on confirmation for you Oilers fans out there this is not surprising but if it is true the Oilers may have an issue finding takers for him as the market for goaltenders is very small epecially at the beginning of the season.

The Source

Wanna see the Leafs live?

If you are out of market and want to watch Leaf games live and for FREE on the internet here is a link
http://www.justin.tv/gersland.

The Source

Coliacovo to Pittsburgh?

RUMORS are rampant right now that the Penguins are close to sending a prospect and a pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Carlo Coliacovo.

There is word that it could be Tyler Kennedy or Jordan Staal as was predicted by the guys at thefourthperiod.com and nhlline.ca.

I have been talking to sources all morning trying to get any info I can for you.

Tonights starting goalie for the Leafs should be Vesa Toskala.

The Source

BREAKING NEWS: Two Wild And Crazy Rumors!

Lots of speculation this afternoon that the Leafs are trying to aquire Marc Savard from Boston and Jordon Staal from Pittsburgh names being thrown around this time are Tomas Kaberle and Nik Antropov plus picks.

I don't know if there is any truth to any of this the Kaberle for Staal rumors have been floating around the NHL for a few days now and may have some backbone but I just don't see the Bruins giving up Savard to a division rival unless someone like Kulemin was involved in the talks along with Antropov.
I guess we shall see.

These rumors are courtesy nhlline.ca and thefourthperiod.com

The Source

Leafs Get A Thumping!

Lee Stempniak had two goals and an assist and the St. Louis Blues chased Curtis Joseph with six goals on their first 12 shots in a 7-3 pre-season victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

"I know what I've got to do, I know where I've got to go," the 41-year-old Joseph said. "Just a bruised ego, that's all. I can get over that."

Andy McDonald of the Blues had a goal and two assists in the first period, giving him 11 points in four pre-season games. Brad Boyes scored his fourth goal of the pre-season and added an assist, and Chris Mason made 21 saves in a game plagued by skirmishes in the final period.

The McDonald-Stempniak-Boyes line has totalled 29 points in four pre-season games for St. Louis, which concludes exhibition play on Saturday at Atlanta. The Blues (3-2-1) open the regular season Oct. 10 at home against the Nashville Predators.

"I don't know if we're amazed," Boyes said. "We've got good chemistry."

The 41-year-old Joseph returned to the Maple Leafs with a one-year free agent contract this summer and made his first start against the Blues. Anton Stralman scored his third goal of the pre-season and added an assist for the Maple Leafs (2-3-1), who beat the Blues 4-3 in overtime in Toronto on Monday night.

"Normally, you wouldn't in an exhibition game take the goalie out," Toronto coach Ron Wilson said. "But a lot of shots were going in and I didn't want Cujo to have to suffer through a night if he didn't have it, and he didn't.

"He'll recover, he's been through this stuff before."

Yan Stastny got his first goal of the pre-season just 11 seconds into the game. Goals by Boyes, Stempniak and rookie T.J. Oshie made it 4-0 before the period was 10 minutes old.

Stempniak's second goal at 1:56 of the second made it 6-1 and that was it for Joseph, Toronto's backup behind Vesa Toskala. Rookie Justin Pogge shut out the Blues until David Perron scored his fifth goal of the pre-season with 30 seconds to go.

The lopsided loss ended a string of four straight one-goal games for Toronto.