Posts tagged NHL
Another Team In Toronto? A View From Zagreb, Croatia
Jul 10th
Recently, actually since I watched TSN’s segment “Why not Canada?”, I’ve caught myself thinking about hockey markets in general as well as the possibility of the NHL relocating or expanding (less likely) a team to Toronto. Now, keep in mind that this is primarily an outsider’s view on the situation but that could very well make it an objective one. As I already pointed out in my previous article for Leafspace, I absolutely agree with the fact that experiments conducted by Gary Bettman and the NHL with non viable USA hockey markets were an utter and complete failure (with the possible exception of the Dallas Stars and more recently the Nashville Predators – those markets/teams indeed still struggling with financial issues but managing to have on ice success). So, while do I sympathize with hockey fans in Atlanta, there is always the greater good for the game of hockey to keep in mind (The article is called Homeless Hockey and can be found here). And, that’s just my humble opinion, hockey can only thrive in a real hockey market with passionate fans and media, corporate support. That said, I don’t really think it would be wise to have another team in the Toronto area. Read on.
Trends, a Leaf’s Best Friend
Jul 2nd
The label “New NHL” has been in use since the lockout ended. It commonly refers to the new rules implemented by the NHL which favor an attacking brand of hockey, opening space for elite players and clamping down on hooking, holding and interference offenders. However, I’ve noticed a number of trends that could be called mutations of the new NHL. These trends seemed to have continued during the so called free agency frenzy. Having in mind the effects it could have on our Leafs, here is my take on some of these phenomena.
Everybody Loves Kris
Jul 1st
Don’t you just love Burke? I mean really love the guy. He wanted to get a top six forward and he got just that in Kris Versteeg. Leafs also acquired the rights to left-winger Bill Sweatt in exchange for forwards Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico and Philippe Paradis. From what I hear, Sweatt is a young player (21) that can skate, who plays a solid two way game and has some scoring upside. He can also be used on the penalty kill. For those of you that are frequent readers of my blog, you might remember me saying that I wouldn’t try to trade for Kris Versteeg. And that was true. My reasoning was that even a cap hindered Chicago team would ask for more for someone like him, especially with many teams interested in that player. One rumor had the asking price too high for Atlanta which is knee deep in prospects and wanting to improve, and Vancouver who I guess were willing to part with a pick and a prospect. Not to say I wouldn’t like him on the team, I would, but for about exactly what we gave up. In reality, Leafs took full advantage of Chicago’s predicament with this trade, and it’s just the kind of trade we needed. It is picture perfect.
Belief.
Jun 30th
Amongst all this trade talk and free agency fishing one can easily forget that sports heroes are human beings. Most of them really love the job they have the God given talent for or just work bloody hard to be able to play. Hockey, the game that captivated me ever since I saw my first game, often seems and still is what sports are all about. Hard work, dedication and sportsmanship is what being a hockey player is all about. If I thought otherwise, I’d probably follow a different sport than the world’s greatest (and fastest) game. A players’ biggest dream is the Cup. Win the Cup, the fabled Cup, engraved with names of all the heroes of the past and present remains the world’s greatest sports trophy. Being a part of a hockey team, literally fighting to defend teammates or losing teeth and bone for the coveted W, the most important letter in sports, is the definition of dedication. To do it, you have to love it. And then, it gets taken away.
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Perfect Fit?
Jun 27th
What constitutes as a perfect fit? Is it the chemistry with the linemates, matching voice in the locker room, or capturing the spirit of a given team? I guess it’s a little of everything. Whatever the main ingrident is, I’m pretty sure Marc Savard would be just that on our current Leafs roster. I’d like to start by addressing the trade rumors surrounding Savard. The main rumor is that he’s going to be traded to the Leafs for something other than Tomas Kaberle. Let’s speculate shall we.
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