Why things failed in Toronto?

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It's easy to come out and blame the coaches. It's easier to say the players are lazy. Heck you wouldn't be wrong to pin the blame on the Toronto media either. What's clearer now more than ever is that it takes a special breed of player to not only come to Toronto in the first place but also to thrive in this market and that's something few players have been able to do in recent times.

Leafs fans have watched for years as desired free agents refuse to go the mecca of hockey that is Toronto. Some cite the extreme pressures of performing for the fans where a rough stretch has seen jerseys tossed and even waffles.

Often times the players that do sign in Toronto go on to have career worst years and the contracts they sign... Well it's like an anvil in a Looney Tunes skit when things start to go wrong and when it goes wrong early it gets brutally uncomfortable. David Clarkson is the flavor of the next 5 years. The hype machine blew up early with Clarkson when he was compared to Wendel Clark and he made a bold move to reverse Clark's famed #17 and chose #71 much to the excitement of some Leafs faithful. Then came the preseason suspension and the injuries and the lack of production for a $5+ million a year player. Suddenly the top prize of NHL free agency is one of the biggest busts in recent history. The contract is currently un-tradeable and this is just year two of seven!

Mike Komisarek and Francois Beachemin came to the Leafs in 2009. Komisarek would go on to be a flat out bust after leaving the Montreal Canadiens and would later succumb to a buyout from the Leafs. He's struggled to catch on with Carolina a season later and subsequently retired from the NHL returning to the University of Michigan to continue his studies and work as an assistant coach for the legendary Red Berenson.

Beauchemin was middle of the road with the Leafs. He didn't thrive but he also didn't disappoint and and in 2011 he was shipped back to the Anaheim Ducks for Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner. One of the better trades Toronto has made of late which some will argue. He's been a continued to play a dependable game for the Ducks and is in line for a new deal coming up.


Over the years it's been clear Toronto is a last resort. Mason Raymond came here for a season and bolted to Calgary. Dave Bolland cost the Leafs a couple picks. He had a promising start before an early injury that basically ended his season. Given the option to return he went south to the Panthers with a big payday in hand.

 Then there are the guys who didn't think about it. Some can argue it's a good thing when I throw out a few names... Brad Richards Leafs nation wanted Richards so badly to play with Kessel... a top line center for free! Fortunately Richards signed with the Rangers and was a bust in NY.  Vincent Lecavalier after being bought out by the Lightning. He's struggling in Philadelphia and has been a healthy scratch at times this season. Zack Parise and Ryan Suter. Huge cap hits on super long term contracts(13 years!!!) The two biggest fish in Free Agency both headed to the Minnesota Wild.


So part of the problem is Toronto's inability to attract star players. So what's your next option? Much like the New York Islanders the Leafs built through trades. They made some pretty damn good trades to and I credit Brian Burke outside of the Bernier deal. The aforementioned Beauchemin for Lupul and Gardiner. Luke Schenn for James Van Riemsdyk. Frattin, Scrivens and a 2nd for Jonathon Bernier. Make no mistake the Bernier trade will be a positive in a few years if he's not traded. He's struggled as of late but the entire team is void of all confidence so pinpointing one guy proves nothing.

The Phil Kessel trade is completely in the air. There was no way to know Toronto would bottom out and the Bruins would snag Tyler Seguin. If Toronto played a little better that pick would become 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th which ended up being Erik Gudbranson, Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter or Brett Connolly. Of those only Ryan Johansen has become a can't miss playing for Columbus. Even Seguin faltered in Boston and didn't become a breakout performer until he was traded to the Dallas Stars. Meanwhile Kessel has led the Leafs every season since the trade without a premier center.

The Dion Phaneuf trade was a step in the right direction whether you hate Dion or not.The piece the Leafs moved were spares. None of them went on to do anything significant. In that trade the Leafs acquired their best defender and although I dislike the contract that he got he is still the best defender in Toronto which will soon be challenged by the young Morgan Reilly but until the Leafs decide if Dion is to be traded or not you can't argue anyone could play the minutes and against the competition that he has.

The one thing that can never be argued is the level of talent in Toronto. It's abundant and it's going to be interesting conversations over the next few months as we try to learn what's ailing the Leafs.

Listening to Leafs Lunch on TSN 1050 there was talk about how the best players on the Leafs are not originally Maple Leafs products. For a team that has long traded picks for instant help this is no surprise but can it really be the reason the Leafs seem to fall on their faces after the new year comes around? Or is it that the constant pressure seems to peak each season during the Christmas break and regardless of who drives the 18-wheeler it's almost destiny for this team to collapse and limp into the summer dazed and confused?


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The Remainder Of The Free Agent Class

Today we are going to take a look at some of the final free agents who could make a difference for your team.
 

Tim Thomas. I know this guy is unlikely to land a gig but I can't help but wonder.  Known more lately as a political bull in the proverbial china shop. Primarily with his refusal to meet US President Barrack Obama after winning the cup. Made into a big deal by hockey media it spelled the beginning of events that would eventually lead Thomas to take a year off from hockey. His rights were traded to the Islanders though continued his hiatus..

 

Well Tim is a free agent and has stated he may make a return(However, whether or not there are suitors may dictate that). His presence in the market brings a sense of intrigue. He's healthy, He has won a Stanley Cup, He was huge for the Bruins for years. His veteran leadership could go a long way for a team like Edmonton who have struggled defensively and between the pipes.

 

The problem with Tim Thomas is he's been out of hockey for a while now and the NHL is not a place where you can take time off and come back the same player. Will this keep him from getting any offers? More than likely at this point as many teams are not willing to gamble and still fear his political views will draw unnecessary attention to their club. 

Where does he land? Nowhere. I want to say he lands a gig but he's a risky pick up. I do believe he could be a sleeper on a cheap contract but where that is may not be answered

 

Jaromir Jagr. The man, the myth, the legend. Jagr is still playing hockey and much like Teemu Selanne you have to wonder what keeps these guys going after 20+ years? Jagr has been doing a tour of the league it seems as he's played for the Dallas Stars, The Boston Bruins and the Philidelphia Flyers since returning from the KHL. This trend is likely to continue as the Montreal Canadiens and the 41 year old Jagr appear to be in talks on a deal thats nearly happened twice before. In separate years Jagr spoke with Montreal management and both times signed elsewhere (Flyers, Stars). It looks like things will be different this time and still somewhat new General Manager Marc Bergevin will be able to hash out a deal that would reunite Jagr with former teammate Daniel Briere who signed in Montreal after a buyout by the Flyers.

Where does he land? Montreal is somewhere he's wanted to play for a while and the talk is out there so this one wont come as a surprise.


Mikhail Grabovski. His time with the Toronto Maple Leafs came to a screeching halt on July 4th(The day before his wedding, ouch) when the final four years of a five year contract were bought out. Grabovski went down swinging with a profanity filled tirade aimed at head coach Randy Carlyle which included criticism of the way he was used in the lockout shortened season and playoffs. He signed the $27.5 million dollar deal under former GM Brian Burke as a reward for a breakout year and Grabovski interestingly was quoted after the extension as saying "If you play well, it doesn't matter who your coach is". I wonder how he would respond if he were reminded of this statement now?

 

Grabovski brings a some nice offensive tools including great wheels(great skating/speed) and a good accurate shot. His biggest criticism would be lazy play at times. He is a talented player who can produce in a lot of roles but is most suitable as a second line center.  In a game against Boston a couple seasons ago he battled through an ugly hit from Zdeno Chara and a few shifts later broke in behind the defence and scored so there is no question he is durable and has heart. 

 

Where does he end up? I'm going to take a swing and say Winnipeg. A lot of ex-Leafs go there and they just happen to have a newly opened roster spot thanks to Alex Burmistrov's departure to the KHL.

 

Some other mentions are Damien Brunner who showed he has a knack for scoring. The question is where does he land and can he produce without Zetterburg?

 

Dustin Penner is sure to be on a few teams wish lists. The 6'4 forward known more for a pancake story than his scoring over the last couple seasons has two Stanley Cup rings(Anaheim, Los Angeles). He's a big body and will find work but can he start putting up points more regularly?

 

Douglas Murray while not the fastest player provides some grit and good play in his own end. Just about every team in the league can use a good defender and Murray isn't a gamble.

 

Ilya Bryzgalov needs a fresh start and a defence first team to pick him up. He's proved that he was reliant on Dave Tippett's system in Phoenix when he went to Philly and quickly got run out of town.  Decent goalie but doesn't bring anything that most teams aren't already getting from their goaltenders. Likely takes a backup gig to battle his way back up.

 

Mason Raymond has speed other players would kill for but unfortunately for him he's never been able to bury it consistently. He's a guy Vancouver fans had high hopes for but it looks like it's time to move on.

The rest of the pool is mostly injury riddled and full of veterans whose main role will be to bring veteran leadership more than anything.

 

Jagr in a Montreal uniform? Could your team use a Thomas or Grabovski? Discuss below.

Free Agency Day 1

This article can also be seen on Cornwall Free News.

Lets start with Daniel Alfredsson. 18 year veteran and now former captain of the Ottawa Senators. The heart and soul of Ottawa. He walks away and signs with the Detroit Red Wings. The outrage is apparent surrounding Sens army with many fans cancelling season tickets. It’s clear it’s a fan base stunned. In the end though there are those who appreciate the captains contributions and understand his decision to take a shot elsewhere and in the end they are the fans who are right at the end of the day.


Ottawa signs Clarke MacArthur out of Toronto and sends a clear message to fans by trading for Anaheim power forward Bobby Ryan. Ryan is a solid acquisition and it’s clear that Bryan Murray wanted to make it up to Ottawa fans going forward and show that Ottawa is not going to roll over just because Alfie is gone. Ottawa ships Silfverberg who is a good young player with good hands but they also send Stefan Noeson who is a former 1st rounder in 09′ and their first round selection in in 2014. On the surface both teams win as Ottawa gets a big name to help people forget Alfie while Anaheim gets three good pieces for the future and in the long run it looks like the Ducks win this trade(Sorry Sens fans). Bobby Ryan has a chance to change that though and will likely be featured on the wing of All-Star Jason Spezza so stay tuned as the East just got a lot more interesting.

TSN touted David Clarkson as their top available free agent. A big gamble with guys like Jarome Iginla and Stephen Weiss floating around. For the first time in a long time Toronto has landed one of the big fish in the market. The Leafs are continuing to pile up on grit and toughness. Nearly a week ago they acquired Dave Bolland from Stanley Cup Champ Chicago and today added another Toronto native. A seven year deal at $5.25 million anually is a steep price to pay for a guy who will likely challenge for a second line spot but is more suited to the third line but a price Toronto was in good position to pay. His heart and toughness are what likely endeared him to Toronto brass and that grit will make him an automatic favorite for coach Randy Carlyle. Look for Clarkson and Bolland to likely play with Nik Kulemin in a shutdown role to take on opposing top lines.

 

 

Toronto also ended the Tyler Bozak stalemate. Five years around $4 million per season. Bozak is best friends with Phil Kessel and even lives with him so it’s clear that this move not only helps bridge the lack of top line center issue but also goes toward re-signing Phil Kessel. It’s clear Bozak is well liked and it’s no surprise that both sides were able to find common ground going forward despite Toronto management playing hardball in the early going.


Nathan Horton signs a 7 year pact with Columbus. A risky deal but if it pays off Jarmo Kekalanen is quicky becoming one the best GM’s in the league. Jarmo has been a revelation in Columbus and is making huge strides in improving this team in a short period and I would not be surprised if he lands GM of the year in the near future. Horton is yet to have offseason shoulder surgery though  and also has concussion history so barring any lingering effects he will be a great addition to a team that traditionally hasn’t scored a lot of goals.


The day isn’t over but let’s close for now with a trade from Montreal to add enforcer George Parros. Far from the biggest deal of the day but certainly a smart one. The Habs have long been a small team often bullied by teams like the Boston Bruins. By adding Parros they now carry a one-two punch(pun intended) of George Parros and Brandon Prust to protect what has been the smallest team in the league and now ensures that scenes like Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren bullying the Habs top line wont happen again.


Some big fish left include: Tim Thomas, Ilya Bryzgalov, Mikhail Grabovski to name a few
Are you happy with what your team has done? Discuss below

You Call That Hockey?: Vincent Lecavalier's Future

Vincent Lecavalier, The long time Tampa forward is about to hit free agency during a strange and unpredictable time. A year or two ago Vinny would be walking away with a monster 10 year deal worth $65 million.

Fast forward to 2013. He's older(33) and slightly less productive depending on who you ask(If you ask me, not at all). Oh, And he's about to be bought out of a nasty contract that benefitted only him(Lecavalier) and his agent.


Fast forward to July 5th 2013. The market opens and Lecavalier will be receiving five to ten offers from teams falling over themselves to try and pick up a potential #1 center for free.


Does this not sound like Tampa 2.0? Is money going to be the biggest factor or is he going to Montreal for less? Growing up a Hab fan gives the Canadiens a distinct advantage in the process and more than likely a discount to boot.


Then you have teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs.  There is a hole between all-star wingers Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. They represent guaranteed top line minutes and a fat paycheck likely in the $6 million+ range.


Does Lecavalier shy away from the spotlight that he has managed to avoid since being drafted to a non-traditional market? Does Vinny thrive in a market that loves hockey or does he wither?


What kind of contract does he sign? Surely there will be teams offering the maximum term of seven seasons. I believe it will take $42 million($6 Million/7 season) in the bank to entice the French Canadian.


The real question is can he live up to that? We've seen Vinny pot 50 goals and also put pen to paper on a monster deal before slowing down and coming back down to a normal but respectable scoring pace so the question is will this time be different?


I think the reasonable expectation in this precarious situation is to accept that Lecavalier's best years are behind him but that he can still be a game changing acquisition that becomes available so rarely that anyone who goes for broke once free agency opens will simply be understood as taking a necessary chance,  whether it's a hit or a miss a few seasons from now is something only Vincent Lecavalier can decide but he has a fresh start and a golden opportunity now to make Tampa regret the buyout and his doubters silent.

For kicks here is Vinny's 52 goal breakout season

                                       (not my video)