This will probably be my last post for quite some time here.

After some careful consideration and thought, I don't much see the point of maintaining this site. Not that it's a big deal, but I figure, for the sake of clarity, should you stumble across this blog at some point in the future (provided the robots haven't risen up and eradicated us all) a neat and tidy ending would be helpful.

I'm still blabbing on about hockey ad nauseam, but, you could say, the address has changed. I do most (OK, all) of my hockey talk on Pension Plan Puppets now. If you're a Leafs fan in particular, or a hockey fan in general, you should stop in and check it out.

Thanks for dropping by, and giving me the encouragement I needed. Truth be told, I was never much of a sports guy growing up. I didn't really pay much attention to hockey until NHL92 came out on the Sega Genesis. Then, the Leafs playoff run came in '93 and I could honestly be considered a Leafs fan. However, I moved to California in 1994, and I still reside here today.

California is a lot of things, but hockey hot bed is not one of them, and certainly not in 1994. Distance made my heart grow fonder for all things hockey and I found my self paying more and more attention to the league as a whole and not just the Leafs. I payed exorbitant prices for tickets whenever the Leafs came through the state. I found myself watching more and more hockey, Leaf related or not. In short, I became a fan of the game.

I started writing as a means to exercise my creative muscles. Two things interest me most in life, hockey and music, and not always in that order. This blog began as an outlet for my hockey centric rants. A few of you have stopped in over the months and had kind words to say. Thanks for that. From the bottom of my heart. I never really brought much more to the table when it comes to hockey blogs, but I felt welcomed and encouraged. So I plugged on. Ranting about how, as a fan, things made me feel. Were you looking for numbers and facts, this probably wasn't the place for you.

I'm not a stats guy. Despite a lot of insistence to the contrary in hockey circles, I still think goals are where it's at. I love seeing them scored, and I love seeing guys act like a kid on Christmas morning when they do. It's a beautiful sight of unrehearsed and pure joy. Don't believe me? Watch this and try not to smile...

So, with that, I'm boarding up the windows and locking all the doors here at Left Coast Lock. Not tearing the place down, just winterizing. Given that California winters are known for...OK, they're a mystery akin to the Loch Ness Monster or bigfoot. So, chances are, I'll be back at some point as the season draws closer. 'Til then...

Hugs and kisses

blurr

...but things, they change.


Lot's of stuff going on in the world of hockey, but my mind has been fixated on one particular issue as of late. Expansion.

Many a hockey fan would tell you that the dreaded "E" word is the worst thing for hockey. Unless of course, expansion means new franchises in Canada. Then it's OK. They'll tell you that the talent pool is too diluted, not enough good players out there to draft. Unless of course, they're Canadian, then there's a plethora of good hockey players.

As a Canadian, I'm very comfortable in mocking my countrymen when it comes to their narrow view of the business of hockey, but that's not what this post is about. It's about the inevitability of the big "E" (expansion, not Lindros.)

Don't fool yourselves, it's coming. Recent talk revolving around the Phoenix Coyotes (covered in greater detail at the fantastic Five for Howling) has been centered on the assumption that Jim Balsille will be purchasing the team and moving it to Southern Ontario. Thumbs up from many hockey pundits on that issue, but let's be honest. It isn't going to happen.

Experts are few and far between on this issue, but the most common figures tossed about for an expansion franchise in Southern Ontario are in the $250 to $300 million. If that is even halfway accurate, one can only imagine the exorbitant fee a new team would have to pay to set up shop in Toronto, a city that many a media scribe believes can support more than one franchise. I happen to agree with them.

I have no doubt the league will expand. The NHL expansion fees are too rich for even multi-millionaire owners to turn down. Given that these fees go straight into their pockets, I can't say I blame them. However, I can't see those teams coming into the league without serious re-organization from a divisional stand point.

And I say all of that just to get to the meat and potatoes of this LONG overdue post. I want more teams. I want enough teams for the NHL to be able to mimic the MLB schedule. What I want is essentially two leagues, like an American and National league set up. Cities with the market to support two teams, like Toronto, Montreal and perhaps Boston or Philadelphia, could do so. As an added bonus, the two teams could play in seperate leagues, not unlike the Cubs and White Sox of Chicago.

The Stanley Cup finals could be between two teams who had never faced each other in the regular season. In fact, it would be beneficial to the league to split the original six into different leagues. This could give the NHL the chance of a Stanley Cup final between two rivalries that run generations deep. Think of a Cup final between the Leafs and Habs, or even Boston and Montreal. Perhaps a cup final between Ottawa and Toronto, or the Rangers and Devils. So much potential for drama and marketing.

To take it a step further, the WHL has, on more than one occassion, attempted to start up a league to rival the NHL. The interest is there for more hockey teams, and I for one am interested. Two leagues playing 82 game seasons simultaneously? Count me in.

...since I don't have you.

I have a confession to make. I love being an armchair GM. In fact, it's the thing that fascinates me most about hockey. The building of a winning team. Although I've never been given the opportunity to run a team, I do a pretty good job on NHL09, so I'd say, my credentials speak for themselves.

With the season winding down, and as a Leaf fan stuck in California, there will be little playoff TV to keep my hockey fix satisfied until the Cup finals get shown on NBC. To pacify my hockey yearnings, my mind tends to drift towards the draft, free agency and of course, next season.

Lately, there's chatter about the upcoming UFA and RFA class for 2009. Toronto has a lot of holes, and a lot of cap space to fill them. Burke has already begun signing some of the top NCAA players, and one gets the feeling, he's not stopping there.

With so little to write about the Leafs until draft day, I'm going to put on my GM hat, and take us shopping through the 2009 free agent class. I'll be focusing on a position for each post, and highlighting the most appealing options for each, either to be obtained as a free agent, or through trade.

So, with all that behind me, let's kick off with the most important position in all of pro-sports, the goalie.

Currently, I'm of the mindset that Toskala was more bothered by his injury than was let on. I don't think Wilson had an ounce of confidence in Cujo to get the job done, and quite frankly, he wasn't wrong. All that said, as your official armchair GM, I'm not giving Vesa quite as long a leash as he's had in previous years with the Leafs.

During his tenure with the Sharks, Vesa was an outstanding goalie, who was pushed due to the depth the Sharks system has in net. He had Nabokov before him, and for a time, Kiprusoff was either just ahead, or just below him on the depth chart. Add Greiss down on the farm, and the need to prove yourself every night comes to the fore.

So, going in to the 09/10 hockey season, I want Vesa to feel the pressure again. He should no longer feel that the starting goalie position is his to lose. The Leafs have the added bonus of it being Vesa's contract year. If he wants to make the big bucks, he needs to prove he's worth them.

The options on the UFA front are fairly limited for goalies. Of all the goalies, I'm most partial to Josh Harding. He'll be an RFA, and I'm not sure how Burke feels about offer sheets, but I'm not so gun shy.


Harding would be at the top of my list. He's played well, albeit in a very defensive minded system. the Wild however, have signed their current starter Backstrom to a big money long term deal, and that does not leave Harding with much opportunity for advancement. The Leafs can give Josh that opportunity.

At only 25 years of age, Harding is just coming into his peak years. He's had success at every level he's played, and, having played in Minnesota as a pro, he's no stranger to a loud, knowledgeable hockey crowd.

The other option in net from the free agency pile is Nik Khabibulin. He signed on for big money in Chicago after winning the cup in Tampa Bay. However, since the ink has dried, neither Tampa, nor Nik, have looked much like Cup champions. As the season has wound down, and the Blackhawks have played themselves into the playoffs, Khabibulin has started to look like that "Bulin Wall" of old. Unfortunately for Chicago, they also have Huet pulling in more than $5M a year through the 2011/12 season. The only way the 'Hawks can resign Khabibulin, is by trading Huet, and I don't see that happening.


The biggest problem I would have with Khabibulin is his age. He turned 35 this year, and as the team focuses on getting younger, signing Khabibulin would have the opposite effect. That said, though, he can still be a great mentor to Pogge (who's ship hasn't sailed yet, but it's certainly at the dock.) Also, when I googled Khabibulin to find a pic, seemed like 9 out of 10 showed the puck in the net behind him...

A few other options for goalie are out there. Manny Fernandez will be a free agent this season, as the Bruins have opted to go with Thomas in net. Dwayne Roloson may be hitting free agency as well, but he's already 39.

The dark horse, in my mind, is Kari Lehtonen. He has shown himself at times to be an incredible goaltender, but his plethora of injuries would leave me very nervous at signing him to more than a two year deal. He's also an RFA, and the cost of the offer sheet could be too prohibitive to even think about. If his rights were traded to the Leafs for a 2nd or 3rd round pick plus a prospect, I'd take the gamble. Anything beyond that and the risk may not outweigh the reward.

You are the one to remember...

You are, Tyler Bozak. Along with the recently signed Christian Hanson, things in Leaf land are looking better. At least, as far as the future goes.

The inevitable playoff elimination came and went without much fanfare. I've not been hanging out on my couch during game nights, finding it easier and easier to set the DVR, and watch the game at my convenience. A win or a loss, it didn't really matter. The game would still be played, and the outcome would be the same, no "PLAYOFFS!!!1" again.

However, even as the white flag was being raised on the season, Burke has still been busy. The recently signed Christian Hanson plays tonight, and at a listed 6'4" and 228 lbs (he seems to be gaining about a pound a day since signing, at first mention, he was 225 lbs.) Both players come from the NCAA, and both are still unproven as far as prospects go.

Christian Hanson comes from hockey dynasty genes. Nothing Gretzky, Messier, or even Clarkian unfortunately, but the infamous Hanson brothers from Slap Shot. Although his size lends itself well to a grinder role, his offensive game has slowly progressed during his tenure at Notre Dame. To me, he seemed to come out of left field. there doesn't appear to be a whole lot on him except his bio on the Notre Dame site (which I linked to above.) He has leadership qualities, and has improved over every season in the NCAA.

Tyler Bozak does not have the pedigree of Hanson, but what he does have is a great hockey name, and what appears to be a decent head of hockey hair. Neither of which should be dismissed lightly. More is known of Bozak in the developmental aspect. He had a fairly serious knee injury earlier in the season, that cost him 17 games. However, the previous year, he did manage to appear in all 41 games for Denver. He also was incredibly undersized in his draft year (listed at 165 lbs.) but thanks to some extensive weight training, has bulked up to a healthy 180. The outlook for Tyler is a potential two way, 2nd line center, with better than average faceoff abilities, which should get him some special teams time.

With the signing of these two players, I've had to wonder, who does this leave out? For me, it appears Stajan's days with the Leafs could be numbered. With Bozak projecting to be a 2nd line centerman, and with Grabovski playing much better than Stajan, I don't see how Stajan fits in. In fact, it could also bring questions for Grabovski's role, as Grabbo doesn't project as a first liner. The checking line most certainly will have Hanson and Mitchell bringing size and speed along with a healthy nose for the net. Who fits best on that line, is the question Wilson and the coaching staff should be asking themselves.

We'll have to wait and see how things shake out. Burke may put all his cards with the kids he's signing, or he may take a wait and see approach. However, with his recent proclamation of aiming to be a playoff team next year, does it make sense to put stock in so much unproven talent? Either way, we'll probably have our answer by the time free agency roles around.

Still, the future, as unknown as it is, looks brighter today.

I've made myself so sick.

It's Trade Deadline Day (or TDD for short.) The possibilities of change are myriad and for many teams, hope springs eternal.

Chances are, quite a few teams will have been tweaked for playoff runs, and a few more will have been tweaked for next year, or even the year after that. Anyway you slice it, as a hockey fan TDD represents change. It's up to the GM to make that something we believe in.

There are arguments for both sides of the Kaberle trade speculation. It's probably the most evenly split issue in Leaf Nation, and I understand both sides of the argument. Personally, for me, I'd like to turn the page on that chapter and get on with the Luke Schenn era.

A new name has recently crept into trade talks, and it's one that, until now, hadn't even entered my brain.

Ian White.

What's he worth? Recent rumours put an offer of a second round pick for him. Looking at the Leafs, is that a smart move? The company line for the Leafs is "building for the future" and an additional pick in what is supposed to be a deep draft would certainly make sense, however...

White is young, cheap and durable. In addition, he's having a career season, and appears to really buy into Wilson's system. Since being benched at the beginning of the season, Ian's gone on to do everything asked of him. He's been successful as a forward, and his game on the blue line has grown leaps and bounds over last years.

The scuttlebutt (I've always wanted to use that word) over at Bitter Leaf is that, long story short, Ian White is one of the Leaf's better players, statistically speaking. That brings me back to the offer, a second round pick.

What does this offer tell us about NHL GMs and their staff? Seems to me, White is worth more than just a pick. Are other GMs trying to swindle Burke out of a hidden gem, or are they completely clueless on how to gauge talent and it's value?

I'm not saying that Burke should be actively shopping him, quite the contrary actually. Ian White seems to be just the type of player to hang onto. He's young enough to reap the rewards of what Burke and Wilson are trying to build, but not so skilled or highly thought of that his next contract should be seen as his "big payday." Unless, of course, that big payday keeps him south of, or in the general neighborhood of $2M per (dependent upon the salary cap.)

On the flip side (here I go all Cox-ian, arguing out of both sides of my mouth) if an offer for Ian White came along that included a roster player of similar skill set and age (Edler from Vancouver springs to mind) why not make the switch? It's not unthinkable to imagine a Leafs team sans Ian White (although the moustace will be sorely missed) and the pick could be beneficial at re-stocking the Marlies with serviceable prospects.

Basically, with Ian White, it appears to be a win-win situation. Should a decent trade offer come in, I can't see Burke screwing it up. As much as he's improved, Ian White is not irreplaceable. That said, the key is, he has improved. His value just hasn't skyrocketed to a place where I can see his salary demands being exorbitant or out of touch.

Thankfully, tomorrow, TDD will be over and done with. Ian White will still be a Leaf, and all this will be rendered moot.

...but if you try sometimes you might find, you get what you need.

The fabled "list" has been produced. Tomas Kaberle has read the writing on the wall, and decided to play ball this year. Come trade deadline, chances are, we'll have seen Tomas play his final games as a Maple Leaf.

As of this writing, there has been no mention of which teams are on the list, but in grand "Eklund" fashion, I've decided to forgo facts for pure speculation.

So, without further ado, may I present to you, in alphabetical order (is there any better order?) the teams which I believe to be on "the list."

BOS
CHI
DAL
DET
MTL (gag)
NYR
PIT
SJ
VAN (gag)
WAS

To add to the drama, and fill up bits and bytes of space, I'm going to go a step further. Let's have a look at each teams roster and begin filling out our wish list. A disclaimer before we start, in case I forget to mention it later, all deals should include pick(s) and prospect(s). I'll keep the wish list to three a team, or things could get out of hand...

So, let's take a deeper look at our opposition's rosters and, as Mick and Keith so aptly put it (and as this title suggests,) maybe we'll find just what the Leafs need.

BOSTON
The Bruins are in the midst of a renaissance. They've got a great mixture of youth and veterans, skill and sandpaper. Lot's of players on this team match the Burke mold, but the two that spring instantly to mind are Lucic and Wheeler, both of whom, I think it's safe to say, are unavailable. Still, a boy can dream, I'd take any one of the following roster players plus, the pre-requisite pick(s) and prospect(s):

• Milan Lucic
• Blake Wheeler
• David Krejci

CHICAGO

In the windy city, there has been a dearth of excitement when it comes to hockey. Until this year. Like Boston, the Blackhawks have a good mix of rookies and vets, however, Chicago is a distinctly skewed "skill" roster, with some sandpaper, but not to the degree of the Bruins. Still, if I'm Burke, I'd be thinking:

• Dustin Byfuglien
• Cam Barker
• Kris Versteeg

DALLAS

When the season began, I'd never have thought the Stars wouldn't be buyers come deadline. As the games rolled on, and the losses piled up, it began to look like I was wrong. Dallas was going to miss the playoffs. Thankfully, some skilled locker room surgery (removal of that cancerous tumour Sean Avery) has put this team back on the road to the playoffs, which means, they're buying! Now, what do they have for sale? Dallas has been a distinctively defensive team, and their best rookie roster ready players are on the blue line:

• Nicklas Grossman
• Mat Niskanen
• Loui Eriksson

DETROIT
The Wings are the team many feel the Leafs should be modeling themselves after. I'm not as big a fan of Detroit as I am of another Western Conference power further down the list (think Jaws theme...) Still, the Red Wings pride themselves on, and have had much success, building through the draft. That means, there must be some decent young roster players to be had. I like:

• Jiri Hudler
• Valterri Fillppula
• Jonathan Ericsson

MONTREAL
Let's be honest with ourselves here. Inter-divisional trades are a rarity. I don't see anything happening between the Buds and Habs. Still, if I can make a trade work in NHL09, surely Burke can do the same! Even with the stench of les Habitants on them, I'd take my chances on:

• Josh Gorges
• Maxim Lapierre
• Christopher Higgins

NEW YORK
The Rangers, of all teams on this list, feel like the likeliest of scenarios. They're a team built for offence, and a guy like Kaberle would make their power play a thing of beauty. Having spent a few years on the outside of the playoffs, the youth pool is deeper than many realize in New York. That makes window shopping somewhat difficult, but, variety is the spice of life. There are oodles of player combinations I'd investigate on the Rangers, but for starters I'll take any of the following:

• Ryan Callahan
• Brandon Dubinsky
• Marc Staal

PITTSBURGH
The Penguins have been scrambling for playoff position most of the season. For a team that was expected to win it all this year (get in line...) things are not looking good. They have a new coach, but the same problems on the blue line. Suffice to say, this may be the most desperate of the teams on the list. Can Burke swing for the fences and convince them to overpay? If he can, I'm hoping for anybody named:

• Jordan Staal
• Kris Letang
• Ryan Whitney

SAN JOSE
No team on this list is in better shape than the Sharks. From a roster perspective, they are the perfect combination of youth, prime and veteran players. Skill and sandpaper are sprinkled generously throughout, and sometimes in the same player. The Sharks have ZERO need for a player like Kaberle, but nobody said the bonds of reality had any business in this list. I'll take a heaping helping of:

• Ryan Clowe
• Milan Michalek
• Marc-Edouard Vlasic

VANCOUVER
The Canucks are quickly becoming Toronto West. As much as they would publicly hate that label, secretly, it's what they've always longed for. We Leaf fans can see the envy from 2000 miles away. The thing is, I don't see much of what Burke would want on this roster, so if a trade does happen, chances are Burke is going to fleece rookie GM Gillis. Who would be coming back to Toronto? Probably more than one of the following:

• Ryan Kesler
• Mason Raymond
• Shane O'Brien

WASHINGTON
So, the Capitals are the end of the road, list wise. Many in Leaf nation have not been shy with their love for the Caps. Lot's of great young players on this team. Given how well they've been playing, I don't see much of a need for Kaberle here either. Still, we're not stopping the fantasy trade train now. Not so close to the end. Dear Mr. Leonisis, won't you please spare us a:

• Eric Fehr
• Karl Alzner
• Brooks Laich

So there you have it. Print this post out, and keep it handy come deadline day. Chances are, we'll be seeing Tomas' #15 in a different colour from then on. Hopefully for him, that new team will get him a Stanley Cup ring, and millions more of adoring fans.

The ones in Toronto will never stop loving you Kabby...

...but I don't have much time.

I've been rather remiss at posting anything (as in, at all...) on this here blog, but it's not for a lack of interest or passion to continue.

It's simply because I haven't had the time. We've recently added a new puppy to our family, Miss Ella Seville, and she's been robbing me of precious sleep.

On top of that, the Leafs have been downright horrific at times. The few games we've "won" since the calendar flipped over have been more due to the other team sucking more, than the Leafs actually "winning." If that makes any sense.

Anyhoo, this is just a quick post to say, I'm alive, I'm still here, and I'll have some blog posts coming up with a little more regularity shortly. My life got a little chaotic, and once it settles down, all will be good.

In the interim, chill, toss on some good tunes, partake in a frosty beverage and dream of draft picks.

Hugs and kisses - blurr