30 Teams In 30 Days: A Tougher Toronto In '09

Hello Toronto, this is Brian Burke. He's here to fix the cataclysmic series of bad events happening here in recent years and end a near 45-year drought.

Upon the arrival of the 2008-09 NHL season, the Maple Leafs were without a familiar face in not just Toronto, but all of Ontario. Putting a name to the face leads you to 38 year old forward Mats Sundin. The Leafs all-time point leader, Sundin left Toronto, a place he called home and captained for 13 seasons and was officially a free agent. Sundin was still chasing the ever elusive Stanley Cup, a goal he's yet to even come close to in his entire 18 year career.

Following Sundin's departure, fellow Leafs teammates Andrew Raycroft and gritty forward Darcy Tucker left the club through free agency and after a trade that sent Bryan McCabe packing for Florida, the Leafs seemed to be in serious trouble heading into their 91st year of hockey.

The additions to the Maple Leafs in 2008 included defensemen Jeff Finger, Stars forward Niklas Hagman and Montreal-castaway Mikhali Grabovski. Despite these additions, the Leafs couldn't compete in this year's Eastern Conference. The team's lack of a solid goaltender was undoubtedly their biggest downfall as Vesa Toskala spent significant amounts of time on the injured reserve while Curtis Joseph continued to provide loss after loss. This lack of goaltending put the Leafs in the unfortunate situation of rushing Justin Pogge to the NHL along with trading for veterans Martin Gerber and Olaf Kolzig to try and sure up the holes in the crease.

Heading into the summer of 2009, Leafs fans were anxious to see how Brian Burke was going to put his stamp on the club as this was his first real off-season with the club. Burke wasted no time in drafting Nazem Kadri, despite his apparent desire to create another brother combo in Toronto like he did with the Sedin's in Vancouver and Niedermayer's in Anaheim with his interest in drafting Brayden Schenn.

Burke's biggest splash was ultimately made through free agency with size being a major need for the Maple Leafs in his eyes, something he has preached about for years. Addressing this issue, the Leafs signed Mike Komisarek away from their rival Montreal Canadiens with a four year contract worth four and a half million dollars a season. To complement the signing of Komisarek, the Leafs were also able to add former Anaheim defensemen Francois Beauchemin to the roster through free agency. In what was a somewhat expected move, the Leafs then sent defensemen and alternate captain Pavel Kubina to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for Colin Stuart and Garnet Exelby.

In true Burke fashion, the Maple Leafs now had a large set of bigger defensemen with great physical styles of play. Adding to the bigger squad, the signing of Colton Orr to a four-year contract had the Leafs already looking to be a far grittier team in 2009.

The biggest problem remained in the crease of the Air Canada Center. The Leafs goaltending was simply horrid in 2008-09 and Vesa Toskala (and his deceptive record of 22-17-11) was a headache to watch every night and Curtis Joseph, or what's left of him anyhow was no relief. The idea that the Leafs still needed a legitimate number one goaltender for the future remained.

Insert Jonas Gustavsson. Also known as "The Monster" in Sweden, the 24 year old goaltender simply dominated the Swedish Elite League yet again in 2008-09 with his 1.96 GAA and even more impressive and record setting 1.03 GAA, .961 save percentage and 5 shutouts in the SEL Playoffs. Although many rumors indicated Gustavsson was heading to Vancouver to replace former Boston College goaltender Cory Schneider, the Monster signed a one year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2009-10 season.

If Gustavsson is to falter, which has become a relatively more common thing involving European goaltenders who dominate their leagues overseas the Leafs have insurance policy Joey McDonald waiting down in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.

As it stands right now, the Maple Leafs have just over two million in cap space and with the reacquiring of their 2010 second round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks it appears as if Brian Burke is preparing to make a big run at Boston sniper and restricted free agent Phil Kessel. If Boston and Toronto are to work out a deal involving the 21 year old forward, Toronto would gain a first line type player they desperately need while Boston would likely obtain the Leafs first three draft choices from the 2010 Draft.

However, with 2010 expected to be one of the poorer draft classes in recent years the idea of Boston matching the offer in order to work out a trade with Toronto seems likely. This will definitely be a story to keep your eyes on as the NHL season draws closer.

Here is how the Leafs line-up should shake up come October 3rd.

Jason Blake - Mikhali Grabovski - Lee Stempniak

Niklas Hagman - Matt Stajan - Alexei Ponikarovsky

Nikolai Kulemin - Jiri Tlusty - Jamal Mayers

Colton Orr - John Mitchell - Wayne Primeau

Extra Skater: Rickard Wallin

Mike Komisarek - Tomas Kaberle

Luke Schenn - Francois Beauchemin

Jeff Finger - Ian White

Extra Skaters: Mike Van Ryn, Garnet Exelby

Vesa Toskala
Jonas Gustavsson

This team essentially needs a superstar forward in order to make a serious run for the playoffs. Is Kessel that player? It's entirely possible, but still may not be enough and will be a total non-factor until he's officially out of Boston and into Toronto. The defense for the Leafs may be stronger, but it may be a great idea for Burke to look to shop Kaberle for some help on the forward front. It's still too early for the Burke Plan to become a plan lasting into mid-April and will continue to be in process of building a complete team in Toronto this season.

Players To Watch: Luke Schenn, it'll be interesting to see how the 19 year old performs in his second season in the NHL. Him being a prized possession of Brian Burke only tells you good things about his future. Jonas Gustavsson is also an obvious player to be watching for Toronto this season, just how does the Monster handle the NHL? Will he be the next Henrik Lundqvist, or the next Hannu Toivonen?

Prediction: 4th in Northeast Division. 9th in Eastern Conference.

Free Agent Frenzy: 10 Best Centers

Nearing the end of the Free Agency Frenzy pieces, we now move to the center position. The center can be the anchor of the offense, the captain of the penalty kill and provide the edge needed for a goal with a decisive face-off win. This year's crop of centers is filled with players who've donned the 'C' on their jersey during their careers and for others, their penalty killing abilities have gotten them to where they are in their career today.

10) Joe Sakic - Someone needs to relay the message to Joe that it's over. He's won a couple Cups, has numbers that'll surely get him into the hockey hall of fame and there's simply no reason to return to the rebuilding Colorado Avalanche for a 21st NHL season. Sakic has just played in 59 games since the start of the 2007-08 season, but his production has still been there. His 52 points in those 59 games and role as one of the best captains in the NHL is still there, when he's healthy. Sakic can still compete at a high level, but can his body truly hold up for another season? Another reason as to why he's ranked at #10 on this list is because he's basically a lock to remain in Colorado and mentor centers such as Matthew Duchene and Paul Stastny, taking the fun out of him being a free agent out of him.

9) Rob Niedermayer - Being the brother of the Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer, it's unlikely we'll see Rob leave for anywhere else, but the option is still there. Rob Niedermayer is coming off a year of highs and lows. His 14 goals were his highest total since the 2005-06 campaign, but he also had a career-worst -17 in 79 games. Fact remains that Niedermayer's presence in a locker room and playoff experience of 104 career playoff games where he's registered 39 points will be gladly taken by any contending team.

8) Jason Williams - When the Atlanta Thrashers signed center Jason Williams over the summer of 2008 to a one-year 2.2 million dollar deal, the move was regarded as a signing that could prove to be a sleeper. Even though Williams had missed the final 35 games of the Blackhawks 2007-08 season with a sports hernia his numbers proved to be impressive as he posted 36 points (13 goals) in 43 games for Chicago. In Atlanta, the Thrashers found themselves in the basement once again due in large part to an anemic powerplay and the inconsistent play of their goaltenders and Williams was traded to Columbus. In Columbus, Williams took great advantage of the familiar division as he played with the Red Wings along with the Blackhawks in the Central throughout his career. His presence in Columbus gave the Jackets a solidified secondary scoring center to skate alongside Antoine Vermette and to largely take the pressure off Rick Nash to carry the team. In his 39 games with the Blue Jackets, Williams' 29 points and +5 made him an added weapon to their offensive arsenal. At 28 years old, the number of teams in the market for a center like Williams should be quite high.

7) Steve Sullivan - The journey of Predators forward Steve Sullivan has undoubtedly been a trying one. After missing the final 20 games of the Predators 2006-07 regular season and all 5 of their playoff games against the Sharks with a back injury, the Preds looked towards next year and the returning health of Steve Sullivan. However, his 'back spasms' led to the Ontario native missed all of the 2007-08 campaign where he required major surgery on his back. The surgery's rehabilitation almost forced Sullivan to miss the first 40 games of the Predators 2008-09 season. Upon his return, nobody could have expected that he'd return so loudly, where he tallied 32 points in 41 games for the Nashville Predators and eventually winning the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Although he's played primarily as a left-winger during his tenure in Nashville, Sullivan is an experienced center, but his capability to play both positions only makes him more valuable.

6) Robert Lang - When the Montreal Canadiens acquired veteran center and 87-playoff game veteran center Robert Lang, the feeling among the Northeast Division was something along the lines of "Oh, (expletive).". Lang's addition into the already stacked Montreal offense seemed to push the Habs over the top. As most of the Montreal Canadiens roster either didn't live up to expectations or didn't stay healthy, Robert Lang became the biggest offensive threat on the Habs offense. In 50 games, Lang scored 18 goals and tallied 21 assists, finishing with a +6. His 17 points on the powerplay proved to be just what Montreal needed when centers such as Saku Koivu and Tomas Plekanec failed to produce numbers that made the 2007-08 Habs so effective. Despite Lang's season being ended by a torn achilles tendon injury, the 38 year old still has the skills to be a great supporting center to any contending club.

5) Saku Koivu - The oft wrongly criticized (my opinion) Montreal captain Saku Koivu appears to be leaving Montreal. After a rumored deal was put on the table for Alex Kovalev to take off as full-time captain, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Koivu returns to Montreal willing to resign as captain. At 35, Koivu still has the endurance and stamina to compete at a high level. He was ranked 3rd for Montreal's time on ice among forwards, and Koivu's exceptional two-way play found the Finland gaining great time on the penalty kill and powerplay. In my opinion, he'll end up in Minnesota to provide some veteran leadership on a young club and play along side his little brother Mikko.

4) Nik Antropov - The Kazakh winger and center truly had a career year. He set a new career high in points with 59 for the Rangers and Maple Leafs, and also had a career low -14 in 81 games. The 6'6 center, who is also able to play on the wing scored a total of 28 goals, a new career high. It's beginning to appear as if Antropov's reaching his potential and entering the prime of his career as he's scoring more goals than the season before since the lockout. The 1oth overall pick in 1998's NHL draft scored 3 points in the Rangers 7-game series loss against the Washington Capitals and was often the only player looking to actually care out there by the end of it. His late season efforts with the Rangers certainly increased his stock and with the cap space freed up by Naslund's retirement in New York, Antropov has a decent chance of staying in red, white and blue and in Manhattan.

3) Mats Sundin - At this time last season, all the talk was about free agent center Mats Sundin and where he was going. Montreal was the favorite, then Detroit was, then New York was and by the end of it, Vancouver left as in the winner...in December. The Mats Sundin saga was similar to that of Brett Favre's which by the end of it got progressively more annoying and by the end of it, we had had enough. Regardless of the story, Sundin provided to be the extra edge the Canucks needed to win the division. Sundin instantly became a captain of the Canucks powerplay where he scored 14 of his 28 total points in 48 regular season games. In the Canucks chase for their first Stanley Cup ever, Sundin's presence and poise helped the Canucks effort. His 8 points in 8 playoff games and shooting percentage of 20 showed that the 38 year old's still got it. Approaching 39 and still without a Stanley Cup championship on his resume, the Swedish native will more than likely end up signing with a Stanley Cup favorite for one final go round.

2) Michael Cammalleri - The Calgary Flames forward absolutely tore goaltenders apart this season. Following a 2007-08 season hindered by a rib injury, the 27 year old lefty went on a torrid powerplay pace through 2008-09 and becoming the Flames best offensive weapon. His 19 goals and 14 assists on the powerplay were tops among Calgary players and his 3.5 million dollar a year salary is sure to go up. Poising the question, does Calgary have the cap space to retain the Ontario native? Following the trading for the rights to Jay Bouwmeester, the Flames have less than 24 hours to re-sign the defensemen before he becomes a free agent. In all likelihood, if Cammalleri is bound to return to the Saddledome, it'll be if Jay Bouwmeester is not in Calgary.

1) Henrik Sedin - One half of perhaps the most expensive prize of this off-season, Henrik Sedin and his twin brother Daniel are both free agents at the stroke of midnight on July 1st. The rumored asking price in total for the twins comes out to about 126 million dollars over the next 12 years and to be honest, they're worth it. Henrik is coming off another strong season in British Columbia where he posted 82 points with 22 goals in 82 games. The Sedin's also create a supreme threat on the powerplay, Henrik especially with his 22 assists on the powerplay. Another reason why he's touted as the best free agent center by me is because of his durability. In his entire 8-year NHL career, he's missed just 10 games and has become more effective every season.

Big Update

Bruins Win Again; Extend Home Win Streak to 12

As one Boston band put it; "Let the Good Times Roll". That's been the case for the Boston Bruins all-season long as they skated and deked their way to an 8-5 win over their Original Six rival Toronto Maple Leafs. It was the 4th meeting between the Northeast Divisional foes, the 3rd and final of the season at the Garden. The now officially Sundin-less Maple Leafs gave the Bruins a valiant fight yet again but in the end the Black and Gold prevailed to improve their record to 22-5-4 on the year. It was as if Vesa Toskala and Curtis Joseph didn't have a chance right from the get-go of this one as the Bruins lit them up for 8 goals in all. Toskala, was pulled after giving up 2 goals in just over 4 and half minutes. Goal 1 of 8 was scored by Marco Sturm who was held to just over 2 minutes of time on ice due to what appeared to be a lower body injury in his return from the IR. The 2nd was scored by none other than the red hot David Krejci, which closed the door on Toskala's night...for now.

As Toronto coach Ron Wilson made the call for 41 year old Curtis Joesph, the Garden faithful sang Vesa a chorus of sarcastic cheers as his night appeared finished. This was just the beginning on CuJo proved to be no relief as he gave up 4 goals on 16 shots; giving up goals to Savard, Krejci and Phil Kessel. Giving up was never in Toronto's mindset that night as after goals by Alexei Ponikarovsky, Nik Antropov and Mikhali Grabovski the Leafs found themselves trailing by only 2. One Phil Kessel goal later the Bruins were back ahead by 2 before an apparent "holding" call on Tim Thomas lead to a Jason Blake powerplay goal. As the horn sounded the 2nd period concluded with the Bruins clinging on for dear life with a 6-5 lead.

The 3rd period opened with 2 goalie changes. Fernandez was in net for Boston and Toskala was back in net for the Leafs. Following a Michael Ryder powerplay goal the Bruins were back on top by 2. And the proverbial icing on the cake was the powerplay goal late in the 3rd by Czech Republic native David Krejci. Krejci netted his 11th of the season and notably 3rd of the night after banging the puck past Toskala off a great cross-ice pass by Savard. This was the 3rd Bruins hat-trick of the season and their 2nd against the Maple Leafs.

The absolute dominance this team is displaying over their opponents at home is giving the Garden an electric feel every time the Black and Gold take the ice. The Bruins improved to 12-1-1 at home after last night and are now 17-2-1 in their last 20. Their consistent play and new high powered offense are giving the entire city of Boston and NHL fans around the world something to talk about. Most notably have been the play of David Krejci and Phil Kessel (yes the same Phil Kessel that was almost traded at last years deadline) as they are both on pace for 80+ points. They along with the rest of the Bruins players and the 17,000+ screaming Bruins fans are making the Garden a truly undesirable place to play for visiting teams.

Sundin Makes Decision; Picks....The Canucks?

All I can say is, finally. This saga reminded me of Brett Favre, it was long, uneventful and unnecesary. After days, no, weeks, no, months of hearing "Sundin to Montreal, Philadelphia, New York, Detroit, Hartford etc etc" he finally chose to go to Vancouver. Vancouver got their center, but did Sundin get what he wanted? After all, he said he wants a Stanley Cup Championship, does he really think it's going to be in Vancouver? No, Sundin's like every other athlete in the world; he went where there was the most money. When it became apparent that both the salary cap crippled Rangers and Canadiens wouldn't be able to give Mats a multi-million deal he moved on. It's not this that I'm upset, it's more about the continuing trend of athletes taking off half a season like it's normal.

It's truly an alarming trend. NHL players taking almost half a season off and joining a team mid-way through for the "Cup Run" (how'd that go for you Peter Forsberg?). After this stunt was made popular by the boys in Anaheim named Teemu and Niedermayer it's now officially become a trend for veterans. This fan says no, it's time for the NHL to step in and create a deadline. Think about it from the "little guys perspective", you're from Slovakia, you fight in your country with the dream of getting to the NHL and you actually make it! You fight through the grueling training camps, work-outs and drills with the coach and you make the team only to be sent outright to your AHL team because some thirty-something year old decided retirement wasn't for him.

It's simply not fair. An idea I have is to make it so the players who want to play find a team exactly one month from the NHL's first game of the season. This way the NHL can avoid some of their once elite veterans joining on with teams just before the playoffs for that added bonus. If Claude Lemieux is willing to fight for another shot by playing for the Shanghai Sharks (The San Jose Sharks Chinese affiliate, no lie) then Sundin, Forsberg, Selanne and others can make their decision in less than a month if they really want to play in the NHL.

The Comment Heard 'Round The World: Sean Avery's "Sloppy Seconds"

When I say Sean Avery, what do you think? Most people would say you think of an agitator, an elite agitator at that. He's been dubbed "The Most Hated Man in the NHL" and for good reason. He's insulted French-Canadians, commentators, fellow players and even the commissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman. He's been through it before but the 28 year old Ontario native found himself in a little more than 'hot water' when he made this now famous comment on December 2nd following a morning skate in Calgary. "I am going to say one thing. I am really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada. I just want to comment on how, it has become a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I do not know what that is about, but enjoy the game.". This comment was clearly directed towards Avery's ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert being with Calgary Flames defensemen and NHL09 coverman Dion Phanuef. Within hours Avery found himself suspended indefinitely.

"Indefinitely" was a rather light way to put what followed. Following a meeting with Commisioner Bettman, Avery was slapped with a 6 game suspension which would become the least of his worries. After serving this suspension it was announced that "Avery and the Dallas Stars are parting ways" after just 23 games which in my opinion was a move made by GM Brett Hull to save his own hide. After all, it was Hull's decision to let Niklas Hagman go and replace him with Avery. Although this move may be best for the cellar-dwelling Stars, it's not sending the right message for the NHL.

In a country where athletes have gone into the crowd and fought fans, been caught drunk and with hookers by police, shot themselves in the leg, shot one another, complained to the media about having to practice, accused teammates of being gay and injected needles into one anothers buttcheeks the NHL is attempting to make an example of Sean Avery for essentially being a smart-ass. Was his comment uncalled for? Yes. Was it malicious? No. He was being Sean Avery, mouthy and honest.

In no way do I think Avery's career should be done for just because of this, there's been much worse things that have gone virtually unpunished. An example that hits home with me is the fact that Randy Jones got a 2 game suspension for almost killing Patrice Bergeron. Not only this, but later in the year the Flyers pulled another boarding, this time on Andrew Alberts and Hartnell (the guy who drove the kneeling Alberts head into the dasher) was only hit with a 2 game suspension. You're honestly going to try and tell me that Avery's comments were 3 times as bad as almost ending a players career? I don't buy it.