Ron Wilson has been the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs for two seasons.  In those two years special teams remain among the worst in the NHL.  The Leafs have also been the worst defensive team in the league during this time period.

Last season they placed 23^rd among thirty teams and this year the Leafs finished 29^th overall.  The fact that they traded away their first round pick makes this even harder to swallow. The Boston Bruins will likely choose Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall with Toronto’s pick.

Is Wilson the right coach for the Maple Leafs?  This question is not being posed to argue Wilson’s coaching aptitude or that of his assistants.  I’m wondering if Wilson can coach a group of young hockey players that require someone who can teach.  A coach from a junior league or the college hockey system might be a better fit.

Ron Wilson is a good coach but I never bought his ability to guide a rebuilding team.  He’s a veteran player’s coach and, good or bad, these type of coaches usually don’t have the specific expertise to lead raw young players on to the ice.

The Leafs need a coach that has the patience to be a leader rather than a preacher.  Young players also need to build up confidence and a trustworthy bond with their coaches.  Wilson, on the other hand, uses the media to lash out at his players and hopefully embarrass them enough to get a better performance the next time around.

This type of motivation is archaic and I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that it doesn’t work with a lot of the younger players.  It’s a short-term fix for someone who is desperately trying to speed up the rebuilding process and no one seems to be questioning the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff

They are getting a pass while everyone else has to answer for the Maple Leafs poor play in the past two seasons.  It seems like that feeling of self entitlement, discussed by Brian Burke, has shifted from the players to the coaches.

Never once did I hear Ron Wilson suggest that maybe it’s his fault.  The players are always to blame and most of the time I agree.  Wilson hasn’t been given a lot of great players to work with but this years’ team was vastly improved and it finished further down the standings.  How and Why?

Ron says he loves to work with young players because they can be moulded to fit his system.  So I guess it’s his system that’s the problem.  Or the players just don’t want to listen to him because they’re sick and tired of being hung out to dry during post game media scrums.

If young players are so easy to coach then why is Wilson failing miserably?  Is he the kind of coach that needs all-stars to succeed (i.e. the 2010 Winter Olympics).  If that’s the case then maybe the Leafs should find a more appropriate coaching staff that can work with the players they have and make the most of the situation.

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The horizontal white stripes along the bottom of the jersey will be making a return.  Likewise, a new shoulder patch will be resurrected but its appearance is being held confidential.

The Leafs alternate jersey will remain the same.  It’s only their home and away jerseys which will undergo these minimal changes.

With that said, I began to think of the Leafs 1970’s/1980’s uniform.  I really liked it despite the negativity of the era.  If that aspect is put behind us then we can see that the uniform design is far better then their current version.

I decided to create the jersey with the integration of the current number/name style which I like.  I also took a different approach to the collar that keeps the same colour as the body of the jersey rather than the stripe running from the shoulder to the wrist.

HOME JERSEY

AWAY JERSEY

Nikolai Kulemin’s strong finish to the season has prompted many, including Bill Watters, to assume that he will demand a significant raise by July 1st.  Kulemin is due to become a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) which means that other teams can offer him a contract. 

The Leafs will have to match the offer or receive draft picks as compensation if Burke decides that Kulemin is not worth his market price.  Likewise, Nikolai can opt to leave the NHL and play for a team in the KHL which will likely be his hometown team; Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

The recently created Russian league has become a bargaining chip for many Eastern European hockey players. 

A couple of weeks ago Bill Watters suggested that the Maple Leafs will have to shell out between three and four million dollars for Kulemin.  But is Nikolai worth that much money?  In my opinion, no but Watters seems to believe that he’s ready to earn that kind of cash.

Yes, he had improved a great deal and he’s finally showing that great defensive game that many lauded.  He works hard along the boards to recover loose pucks and he difficult to knock off the puck.  But this is the first flash of great hockey that he has shown since coming to the NHL in 2008.

Furthermore, Kulemin seems to elevate his game late in the season.  To earn over $3 million, in today’s NHL, he better wake up in October and not January.

I think he should get $2.5 million per season for two to three years.  This allows him to still earn better money but he’s not locked in for long.  If his development continues to grow at its current rate then the Leafs can offer him the big bucks.

I’m not questioning Kulemin’s talent or his value to his team as their best two-way player.  He simply hasn’t played at his current level long enough to warrant $4 million a season.

It’s too hefty a price to pay in today’s NHL unless you know what you’re getting and we shouldn’t be surprised if Brian Burke furiously fights for an economical solution.

At the end of the day the Leafs may be forced to over pay for Nikolai.  If that’s the case then he better continue to play his great defensive game and snap in 25 goals next season.  That’s not far from possible if starts playing well in October for a change.

Cheers.

spirit_is_everything01_1366x767, originally uploaded by Changing on the Fly.

spirit_is_everything02_1366x767, originally uploaded by Changing on the Fly.

spirit_is_everything03_1366x767, originally uploaded by Changing on the Fly.

spirit_is_everything04_1366x767, originally uploaded by Changing on the Fly.

They have had their current tune for probably a decade and now it’s being used by a few other teams like the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers.  It also REEKS of the Mats Sundin era! 

If this team is rebuilding and changing the team persona then I think it should happen to every square inch of this organization.  The Chicago Blackhawks are a perfect example as their goal theme is original and fitting.

Below I have posted the current Leafs goal song and the second video is my creation of a new version.  Maybe it was the song’s appearance in The Hangover but I think that the “Joker & the Thief” by Wolfmother is an excellent choice.

I don’t care what song or horn they use but they need something new.  Maybe they can commission a local artist to produce something original that would fit the new look Leafs.

The Olympic trade freeze has given us some time to breathe and contemplate the deals that may occur in the next fourty hours.  At the same time it allows imaginations to run on autopilot and rumours to spread like wild fires.

General Managers don’t have a lot of time to pick up where they left off before February 12th.  For the Leafs it is essential to acquire a legitimate first liner that can play with Phil Kessel.  But even more important is the need to get as many top three round draft picks as possible.

Although it’s fun to get carried away, I want to stick to realism to not waste anyone’s time with trades that have less than a one percent chance of becoming reality.  So, you won’t be hearing about Jordan Staal rumours.  The Pittsburgh Penguins will not trade Staal for anything that the Leafs want to offer at this moment. 

Unless that thing is named Tomas Kaberle and he wants to wave his no-trade clause to go to Pittsburgh.  And even in this case we would have to assume that Kaberle is someone that the Penguins require.  Given that they just traded for Jordan Leopold, I don’t think this is the case.

“Darling you got to let me know,

Should I stay or should I go,

If you say that you are mine,

I’ll be here till the end of time.”

No, I didn’t lose my mind.  I just can’t help but think that Kaberle has been humming this classic tune by the Clash for the past couple of years.

As for Alexei Ponikarovsky, the Leafs will likely not get more than a second round pick for his services.  A lot of people seem to think that his value has soared since the Florida Panthers received a second round pick for Dominic Moore.

What people seem to forget is that the also went for a second rounder last season when the Leafs traded him to the Buffalo Sabres.  Moore’s stock is still up because of the potential he showed last season with the Maple Leafs.

If Brian Burke is able to get a decent roster player an a pick or parlay Ponikarovsky into a deal for Alexander Frolov of the Los Angeles Kings or Eric Tangradi of the Penguins, then he should have a road named after him.

Let’s take a look at some of the credible rumours that have been tossed around for the last couple of weeks.

Firstly, the Chicago Blackhawks have shown interest in acquiring Garnet Excelby to add defensive depth to their blue line.  What the Leafs would get in return is not clear.  Some sites suggest Brent Sopel.  Chicago is interested in shedding salary and Sopel has been injured frequently in the last two seasons.

But this transaction wouldn’t make sense for Toronto who requires draft picks and a forward that can make a sudden impact.  Defencemen are not a priority and I don’t see Chicago giving Toronto either Kris Versteeg or Patrick Sharp for Excelby who become a free agent in July.  So, if the deal goes through, the Leafs will probably get a third round pick for Garnett.

Peter Meuller of the Pheonix Coyotes is another name that has been bandied about and Burke has shown interest.  This talented young American had a great rookie season a few seasons ago but in 2009/2010 he has been invisible. 

Meuller is exactly what Toronto needs up front to play with Kessel.  The problem with this trade is that Pheonix wants a high draft pick, a decent prospect, and a good roster player in return.

The Leafs can not fulfill this request because they don’t have any high picks and can’t afford to lose any prospects.  But something tells me that Burke might get this deal done.  Of course, other teams are also lined up and in the hunt and will be able to offer the package that the Coyotes demand.

As mentioned earlier, Alexander Frolov is available and Burke is interested.  Frolov has been relegated to the Kings’ third line for most of the season and Los Angeles has also shown interest in Ponikarovsky if they can’t complete a deal for Ray Whitney or Paul Kariya.  The Leafs and St. Louis Blues both had scouts at the February 11th Kings’ game.  If anything this demonstrates that all parties are interested in one another.

Another rumour that’s been circling centre ice is a deal between Toronto and the Florida Panthers.  It has been stated that the Leafs are interested in Stephen Weiss of the Panthers.  It seems that Weiss is starting to find his game after six seasons in the NHL.  This deal makes sense for the Leafs because they need a number one centreman but not for the Panthers.  Weiss still has three years left on his very generous contract at 3.2 million next season, 4 million in 2011/12, and 4.1 million in 2012/2013.

Along with Weiss there has also been talk about Nathan Horton, his more tumultuous team mate.  This could make a little more sense since Horton has been a bit difficult.  Here is another misunderstood player, à la Dion Phaneuf, which can be swept away by Burke to add to his collection.

TSN’s Darren Dreger has also reported that the Leafs and Edmonton Oilers might make a deal.  Names that have been talked about include Lee Stempniak, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Ethan Moreau, and Fernando Pisani. 

It’s been documented that Edmonton has really shown interest in Stempniak while Burke has shown interest in Moreau.  I can understand why Burke would want to make this deal.  Moreau is the kind of leader and character player that Brian wants to have on his team.  In this case, he may be able to steal a draft pick to go along with Ethan.

Mikhail Grabovski hasn’t really had a very good season and his fight in a Vancouver venue, during the Olympic break, may have sealed his fate in Toronto.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this situation has given Burke a reason to use Grabovski as a weapon in the trade market.  Despite his poor play, Grabovski still had a great season last year which waranted a decent contract.  There has to be a team that would value his potential.  Maybe he’ll be the final straw that lands Horton in Toronto.

Speaking of Vancouver, Cody Hodgson’s issues with Mike Gillis and the Canucks has triggered rumours that he could be traded to the Leafs.  But I think this is just wishful thinking by the Toronto media.  It’s not a surprise that this fairy tale would find its way into the sports pages considering that Hodgson  has gone AWOL and is training in his home town of Toronto.

Whatever happens, I believe that the Maple Leafs are in good hands with Brian Burke’s decisions.  But he’s not going to be able to please everyone and don’t be surprised if all he can get in return is three or four draft picks, ranging from the second round to the fourth.

In 2004, Loblaws announced that it had bought the Gardens and that they were going to turn it into one of their retail locations. But uproar from the local community and history aficionados stalled that plan.

Since then, the building has been used for various events like films, television programs, and benefit concerts.

Finally, eleven years later, we can rest easy as Loblaws reached a deal with Ryerson University that will please most people.

Last spring Ryerson students voted to increase athletic fees to build a new athletic centre. Ryerson then entered into discussions with Loblaws about redeveloping Maple Leaf Gardens as a mixed-use athletic and retail facility.

On December 1, 2009 the government of Canada announced that they would be contributing $20 million toward Ryerson’s new sports and recreation centre at the Gardens. This donation made it possible for the project to proceed.

The reconstructed Maple Leaf Gardens will also include a heritage section which will commemorate its legacy.

It is remarkable how well the City of Toronto and its citizens and businesses can work together to recycle their historical buildings/sites.  It makes me proud to be a member of this city.

Below are artist renditions of what the exterior and interior of the gardens will look like after the project is completed in 2011.

In addition, I posted videos of the closing celebration during the last Maple Leafs game at MLG on Saturday, February 13, 1999.

LAST LEAFS GAME AT MAPLE LEAF GARDENS (CLOSING CELEBRATION VIDEOS)

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Celebration Part 1 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Celebration Part 2 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Ceremonies Part 3 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Ceremonies Part 4 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Ceremonies Part 5 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Ceremonies Part 6 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Ceremonies Part 7 of 8

Maple Leaf Gardens – Closing Ceremonies Part 8 of 8

Below are just four examples in 1366×767.  View the rest in the Flickr Photostream.

After making the first trade with the Calgary Flames Brian Burke described his teams’ salary cap as being like a “new pair of underwear, it’s uncomfortably tight.”  Of course Burke fixed that problem with his second trade for Jean Sebastien Giguere.

To truly assess any trade is an impossible task.  But on paper I believe that Brian Burke robbed the Flames of a potential franchise player.  Most people in Calgary will say that Dion Phaneuf was traded because his development has come to a standstill. 

Any logical person knows that this can’t be the reason why Darryl Sutter traded his best defenceman, a vital prospect, and a decent penalty killer for two respectable and two marginal players.  I would have given half the Maple Leafs roster for Phaneuf alone.

So far, Phaneuf, Giguere, and Fredrik Sjostrom have revitalized their new team in the first three games since the trade. 

These three players will make the rest of the Maple Leafs a whole lot better. 

We’ve already noticed a change with Phil Kessel who will especially benefit from the rebounds created by Phaneuf’s explosive shot.

The powerplay will also profit because now the Leafs have two solid defensive units.

Another advantage of the trade is that it forced the Leafs to call up Christian Hanson from the minors due to the lack of available forwards.

His play in the last three games has been really solid at both ends of the ice and he is an energetic fore checker.  It seems that his stint in the minors has improved his game and filled him with tons of smarts and confidence.

Sjostrom is also an excellent fore checker and penalty killer and he is the key piece of the Leafs newly formed checking line along with Nikolai Kulemin and Rickard Wallin.

As well, Luke Schenn has been relieved of a lot of pressure and it has resulted in a return from his delayed progress.  He has also shown a gleam of offensive prowess by scoring two goals last night against the Ottawa Senators.

As for the players that the Leafs gave up, they were inconsequential.

Matt Stajan is a highly overrated pushover and a huge defensive liability.  In addition, he will be a free agent at the end of the season and Burke wasn’t planning on signing him anyway.

Niklas Hagman is a decent goal scorer and Ian White is a good defender but in exchange for Phaneuf they are more than expendable.  Second of all, they are easily replaceable.

Jamal Mayers?  Really?  He’s all yours Calgary.

Jason Blake didn’t earn his four million dollars a season and furthermore he wasn’t happy in Toronto and a sour attitude is more infectious than a good one.  So, adios Jason.

I don’t know how Burke managed to trade Blake since most analysts argued it would never happen but kudos to him for getting it done.  Burke and his staff also deserve praise for including Vesa Toskala in the Anaheim Ducks trade.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are now six million dollars below the cap due to these two trades and a season ending injury to Mike Komisarek.  With the extra money Burke will be able to add a centre that can play with Kessel.

He may also choose to trade Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak as rent-a-players to playoff bound teams.  In exchange for draft picks, this would allow Burke to set aside some cash for the upcoming free agent market and replenish his draft pick pool which became depleted because of the Kessel deal.  Although this years’ NHL free agent pickings are very slim this is a good move anyway.

Now if Brian Burke is able to trade Jeff Finger and his $3.5 million salary then I think he should be canonized as a saint.

Cheers Leafs Nation.

Maple Leafs Acquire Dion Phaneuf- Brian Burke Press Conference

Maple Leafs Acquire Jean Sebastien Giguere – Brian Burke Press Conference

Dion Phaneuf Feature

Farewell Tribute to JS Giguere

Fredrik Sjostrom Spin-O-Rama Goal vs Blue Jackets – Oct 20th 2009

Keith Aulie Feature