Welcome to this afternoon's chat. Have 124 live watchers before first question. Which can mean only one thing: Leafs are losing again, and the Nation is annoyed. Have at me for the next two hours.
Sorry, folks, first laptop freeze of the session. Probably another couple to go. Let's try to catch up.
Leafs and Dallas talking trade would make sense because of interest in Brad Richards. Beyond that, I stand clear of multi-player rumors that aren't in the 48-hour period leading up to the trade deadline. Others, including my pal Ek, are there to provide such "details".
Hey, waffel guy, what was your handle before the latest ACC craze? Clarke is a UFA on July 1, unless he re-signs with Leafs beforehand. If I'm MacArthur, and I don't get blown away by an offer, I take my act onto the open market and hope someone throws silly money at me. Not sure he'll do that, however. He may feel a bit indebted to Leafs for rescuing him off scrap-heep before training camp.
Not specific talks. Remember, Richards is unrestricted in July. Also remember that Dallas is the surprise team of the NHL this season, with a legitimate chance for playoff success if it continues playing well. Methinks my pal, Joe Nieuwendyk, understands this as well, and will not be anxious to toss away any of his better players unnecessarily, or pre-maturely.
My own method is not to "skewer" people -- JFJ or Brian Burke. I believe the points you make have been written and spoken about exhaustively by the Toronto media. And, I've also said that if there is no reasonable sign of progress by next year at this time, Burke will begin answering questions from above him at MLSE. But, he got a six-year deal, partly because he believed it wuld take much of that span to re-structure the team. His tenure isn't even at the halfway mark yet. And, no disrespect toward John Ferguson, but Brian gets more rope because he came to the Leafs with a better resume... period.
Your pool WINNINGS? Aren't we getting a bit ahead of ourselves here, ol' Charlie? Giguere will not be traded until he proves he can play a sequence of games healthy, and at a high level. He'll be the first to tell you that. It hasn't happened yet.
Why not tell him, then. What am I, a telex service?
I imagine you pay attention every time he's on radio or TV, right? Just like people don't turn away from a hockey fight or a shootout, even if they disapprove of either. Brian has charisma. People enjoy listening to him. I'm among them.
More of a "mental" conditioning stint, than a physical one. But, yes, I believe he'll accept that assignment coming out of the All-Star break. Leafs' first game is next Tuesday, at home, against Florida.
That way, I can blog regularly.
I remember buying a candy bar for 10 cents when I was a kid. Doesn't mean I won't buy one today for $1.50.
Whatever it is, Leaf fans had better hope it turns out better than Ricciardi's.
Anyone who felt this mess was going to be cleaned up in a year or two was completely overwhelmed by delusion. Of course, the process takes longer. But, it isn't unfair to ask, or wonder, whether REAL steps are being made toward the Leafs becoming a perennial contender. We haven't seen evidence of that. Doesn't mean it won't happen.
Kulemin? He'd have to communicate with referees and linesman using sign-languaage. He's also among the most laid-back players on the team. The 'C' isn't going anywhere right now, but there's only one candidate if Phaneuf no longer has it: Luke Schenn.
If Kaberle isn't FINALLY on hands and knees asking to be removed from this situation by Feb. 28, I'm not sure I'd want him. Other GMs see what you do. If there is no underlining competitive zeal, what's the use of acquiring him for a couple of months before free agency. Burke shouldn't have to utter a peep to Kaberle. His agent, Rick Curran; his dad; his neighbors; former school pals in the Czech Republic... even his ex-girlfriends should be all over Tomas to pave his own way out of town.
No indication they will retire the jerseys, which excludes Keon from any participation. Sundin clearly will have his night in the next year or two. The Canadiens, as you know, do retire numbers and I believe that's the proper way to go. But, the Leafs still do a very commendable job of honoring their former players. Ask any of them whose numbers and banners are hanging in the ACC. They'll agree.
Maybe 5,000 more season-ticket holders.
Difficult to imagine Ron Wilson having to instruct veteran pros making millions of dollars on how to position themselves. But, perception is reality, I guess.
Brian didn't make any of these pledges to piss you off, or to be proven wrong. He hasn't gotten it right to this point, but he'll keep trying, and keep telling you -- more than likely -- that the job will get done. Ultimately, proof will be in the standings.
If he truly enjoys being off from April to Septemer, he probably will try to remain in Toronto, or look to Uniondale. Somehow, I don't believe that to be the case.
Yeah, but don't you think coaching young juniors isn't just a bit different than coaching young, highly-paid professionals? No disrespect to Dale... he'll get his NHL shot one day, if he's interested. Right now, he's running a player factory in London, and the Knights continue to draw large crowds for games in the John Labatt Centre. There's a comfort zone that he may enjoy remaining part of. Ask Brent Sutter if his better judgement would have kept him operating the Red Deer junior team with such success, rather than floundering in New Jersey and Calgary.
No, why would he be finished? He suffered a concussion when his face hit the ice the other night. No enforcer wins EVERY fight. He'll be back when the doctors say so.
