Monday, October 02, 2006
Leaf Notes
It appears that Jeff O'Neill won't be sent to the Toronto Marlies according to Paul Maurice, at least not right away.Alex Steen's scoring problems in pre-season, not a concern to him.
Due to all the injuries to the Maple Leaf defense during the pre-season, it looks like Andy Wozniewski and Ian White, won the battle for the last two spots. Carlo Colaiacovo, Staffan Kronwall and Brendan Bell will most likely be place on Injured Reserve.
Brown Waived and other Moves Coming
Brad Brown was placed on waivers today. The former Minnesota Wild captain has 24 hours to clear waivers, before he can join the Marles, unless he's picked up by another team. The Leafs are still 5 players over the limit of 23, which has to be cut down to that by 5:00 pm tomorrow.
Friday, September 29, 2006
O’Neill’s Spot On the Leafs Not Guaranteed
According to an article in the Toronto Star, Jeff O'Neill's spot in the Maple Leafs lineup this year is not for certain. Maurice was asked if O'Neill was guaranteed to make the team, he responded "No". His contract is $1.5 million this season and would count against the cap, even if he was demoted. If he isn't going to make the team, they would obviously attempt to trade him, but that would be difficult. Last night, he made his way through the lineup, starting on the first line, and ending up on the second. Heading into last season, I was excited about the acquisition of O'Neill. He topped out at 41 goals one season, and has scored more that 30 several times. Last year he struggled with death of his brother and a shoulder injury, netting only 19 goals, and probably only throwing 1 or 2 body checks. O'Neill has said his shoulder is fine this season, and he's coping with his brother Danny's passing a lot better. This being said, you'd figure he might be able to regain his scoring touch, but that doesn't appear to be the case. I believe the organization was really counting on him this year to rebound to his old self, with the lack of proven goal scores in the organization. Time is running out for him.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Big Surprise
It was a big surprise (with a touch of sarcasm) that Danny Heatley WASN'T suspended for his two-handed slash on Brendon Bell. I don't get this league sometimes. They want to cut down on stick work, but won't suspend players for illegal stick work. I don't get it. I know that many people are not currently ready my Leaf blog, but if you do happen to stumble upon it sometime and read this post, PLEASE explain this situation to me. It has dumbfounded me years. Probably the only explanation that I've been able to come up with, is that the league takes into consideration the extent of the injury, too much. Bell might be back on the weekend, the bone was bruised and not broken, therefore no suspension or fine was warranted. If his ankle was broken, and he was to be out a month or so, Heatley probably would have a got a 2 game suspension. Do you think if Steve Moore's neck wasn't broken by Todd Bertuzzi, he would have been suspended for the length of time that he was? I doubt it. I know that it is a whole different can of worms, and I'm not comparing the two offenses. The league should be looking at the act, and not just the consequences of the action.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Maple Leaf Cuts Made Today
9 players attempting to make the Maple Leafs were assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. Heading the list was there top goalie prospect Justin Pogge. This comes as no surprise, as he's been pegged as the starter for the Marlies since the beginning of training camp. Also assigned to the Marlies was 2006 first round pick, Jiri Tlusty, who could have also been sent to the CHL. The others players sent down are John Mitchell, Robbie Earl, Kris Newbury, Jeremy Williams, Jaime Sifers, Tyson Marsh and Dominic D'Amour.
Monday, September 25, 2006
This is Getting Ridiculous
Another game, another injury to a Maple Leaf defenseman. Brendan Bell, one of the five young defenseman looking to claim one of the two open spots on the 'D', left in the second period after taking a slash to the ankle. He joins Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Carlo Colaiacovo, Wade Belak and Steffan Kronwall, in the ailing defenseman category.The Leafs had a 2-0 lead after the first period last night against Ottawa, but ended up losing 3-2. Jeff O'Neil scored his first of the pre-season, and John Pohl netted his second. J.S. Aubin stopped 31 of 34 shots directed at him. The battle between Aubin and Tellqvist for the backup goaltender will come down to the end of camp. The Leafs may even consider keeping 3 goalies to start the season.
John Pohl is having a solid camp scoring two goals in four games.
The Maple Leafs are expected to make some cuts today.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Green Light for Colaiacovo
Carlo Colaiacovo has been given the go ahead to resume skating again, but won't be pressured by the team to go full out. It's just a matter of time before he gets hurt again anyways.Ben Ondrus, who has a shot at making the team as fourth liner, is sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
Jean-Sebastien Aubin is expected to make his first exhibition start tonight against the Montreal Canadians.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Some Classic Domi Moments
The video quality isn't the greatest, but it's worth watching.He got a 10 game suspension from this, but I bet players, coaches and managers from around the league pooled some money together to cover some of his lost salary.
From 1991, Domi - Probert Round 1.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Tie Domi To Officially Retires Today
No one has ever questioned the heart Domi has showed throughout his career. Domi played 1,020 games for the Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets, amassing over 3,500 penalty minutes, 4th overall in the category. He was originally drafted by the Maple Leafs in 1988, in the second round, 27th overall from the Peterborough Petes.