Well? Week one of free agent frenzy is in the books. Nice job Brian Burke!! We went in with nothing and came out with less nothing!!! At the draft, he said, lets wait for the opening of free agency. At the trade deadline, he said, just wait for the draft. When we were talking about the trade deadline, he said, I do my best deals before the trade deadline, in January and February. It just seems to be like doing a wash in the washer. Wash, spin, dry, wash, spin, dry.......... I guess BB is on a one year sabatical, or something. Where's the effort? What are you paying all of these assistant to the GM's, and assistant's to the assistant GM's to do? Is it called the Maple Leaf Mafia, or something? What do you do all day, BB? Sit and eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches and reminice on the old days, when contracts were cheap and the budgets where large? I loved your comment, the day you drafted Morgan Rielly. "Lets give out a shout to our Season Tickets holders, back in Toronto". OK, so that means: Hey suits and filthy rich people, we're thinking about your dollars! And by the way, f*ck you fan's. Take it and like it! The beat continues..........

What a trooper.
- robin_steele264

Won't you help to sing. These songs of freedom. 'Cause all I ever had....

Well? Week one of free agent frenzy is in the books. Nice job Brian Burke!! We went in with nothing and came out with less nothing!!! At the draft, he said, lets wait for the opening of free agency. At the trade deadline, he said, just wait for the draft. When we were talking about the trade deadline, he said, I do my best deals before the trade deadline, in January and February. It just seems to be like doing a wash in the washer. Wash, spin, dry, wash, spin, dry.......... I guess BB is on a one year sabatical, or something. Where's the effort? What are you paying all of these assistant to the GM's, and assistant's to the assistant GM's to do? Is it called the Maple Leaf Mafia, or something? What do you do all day, BB? Sit and eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches and reminice on the old days, when contracts were cheap and the budgets where large? I loved your comment, the day you drafted Rielly. "Lets give out a shout to our Season Tickets holders, back in Toronto". OK, so that means: Hey suits and filthy rich people, we're thinking about your dollars! And by the way, f*ck you fan's. Take it and like it! The beat continues..........
- JohnnyReb

Though it is quite appropriate to get upset at the state of this sack of piss team. At least he didn't hand out any bone head deals. I'm starting to think he really does have a few deals in the works and we can only be patient ((frank) off, I know) in waiting for them to go down. Not to mention next year he should have some nice coin freed up wit the departure of 9 mil in complete uselessness. Then again I'm talking out my ass and he could do nothing .

Though it is quite appropriate to get upset at the state of this sack of piss team. At least he didn't hand out any bone head deals. I'm starting to think he really does have a few deals in the works and we can only be patient ((frank) off, I know) in waiting for them to go down. Not to mention next year he should have some nice coin freed up wit the departure of 9 mil in complete uselessness. Then again I'm talking out my ass and he could do nothing .
- weirdoh

this year.....

You act as if you own the Team, Every team in Toronto is owned by Telephone companies they care nothing for Toronto and all for profits where as vancouver canucks are owned by the Aquillini's born and raised in Vancouver.
- pker2theend

Is he talking abou THE Jeff O'neil of Canes fame?

Though it is quite appropriate to get upset at the state of this sack of piss team. At least he didn't hand out any bone head deals. I'm starting to think he really does have a few deals in the works and we can only be patient ((frank) off, I know) in waiting for them to go down. Not to mention next year he should have some nice coin freed up wit the departure of 9 mil in complete uselessness. Then again I'm talking out my ass and he could do nothing .
- weirdoh

Too early to slag the membership here. We're all in the same boat....waiting.....waiting.......snore............... I've never seen such a lackluster management team in my life. It reminds me of the Ken Dryden, Pat Quinn and Mike Smith the three headed GM monster that headed the Maple Leafs, back around the early 2000's. No concensus, just gridlock. I really think that it's a good time, to poke the bear and get moving here. We can't draw any top end free agents here, because we don't have the talent to compete. The Leafs fan base, is topping up other teams, so they can bid on free agency, because of revenue sharing. Take away revenue sharing, we have a 20 team NHL. I really believe that Burke was put in here, to control the Leafs fanbase. By doing so, the NHL could pick the fruit of the fanbase, so they keep on contributing the money to float the league. Winning is only secondary, to getting the income needed to keep teams alive in the sunbelt. Heaven forbid that we built a powerhouse and started eliminating these sunbelt teams in the playoffs. If that where to happen, the league's attempt to plant their hockey seedlings would wither and die. It's been almost 20 years since a Canadian team, and that's stretching it calling them Canadian, has won the Stanley Cup. I do not forsee a Canadian team winning one, for a number of years going forward.

Way f*cken too much for Luongo.
- GCHonda

No poop. No (frank)ing way they move a 1st for him...... hell even Kulemin. Komi+ some other junk or else.

If that deal was on the table the trade would be announced already. That is just plain moronic. If that deal went through Burke gets fired on the spot. If that deal is on the table and Gillis hasn't already accepted he's a (frank)ing bigger moron that we all thought. Utter nonsense.

Too early to slag the membership here. We're all in the same boat....waiting.....waiting.......snore............... I've never seen such a lackluster management team in my life. It reminds me of the Ken Dryden, Pat Quinn and Mike Smith the three headed GM monster that headed the Maple Leafs, back around the early 2000's. No concensus, just gridlock. I really think that it's a good time, to poke the bear and get moving here. We can't draw any top end free agents here, because we don't have the talent to compete. The Leafs fan base, is topping up other teams, so they can bid on free agency, because of revenue sharing. Take away revenue sharing, we have a 20 team NHL. I really believe that Burke was put in here, to control the Leafs fanbase. By doing so, the NHL could pick the fruit of the fanbase, so they keep on contributing the money to float the league. Winning is only secondary, to getting the income needed to keep teams alive in the sunbelt. Heaven forbid that we built a powerhouse and started eliminating these sunbelt teams in the playoffs. If that where to happen, the league's attempt to plant their hockey seedlings would wither and die. It's been almost 20 years since a Canadian team, and that's stretching it calling them Canadian, has won the Stanley Cup. I do not forsee a Canadian team winning one, for a number of years going forward.
- JohnnyReb

It's never to early to slag on us Leaf fans.

So hockeyinsider is threatening to release a photo of dreger, unless he apologizes for something.
- Feeling Glucky?

It's never to early to slag on us Leaf fans.
- weirdoh

The fans aren't the problem, it's the managed exploitation of the fans. It's like getting someone strung out on heroin. Just give them enough to keep them coming back for more. That's how the Leafs management does it. OK, we have a couple of decent draft picks in the first two rounds. Instead of trading up a couple of places, we draft another defenceman. We already have lots of NHL calibre defencemen, but severely need a first line centre. Leafs do nothing. They just sit on their hands and grab the best player available, instead of being proactive. Same goes for round 2, when they should have bundled up a player or prospect, to take their second rounder and move up into the position of drafting a goaltender, mid to late first round. Again, not proactive.

Then we go to the JVR/Schenn deal. That was the smokescreen, to keep the fanbase thinking that big moves were ahead. Nothing more has transpired. Outside of buying out Armstrong, who they should have sent to the minors instead, they've done nothing. Promise trades, but what do they really have to offer other teams to acquire the piece of the puzzle, that plugs a hole? Of course, there's the Luongo talk, but that's a huge fiasco waiting to happen, if they stick their foot in that bear trap. They are handcuffed by their own stupidity. Near the cap and a woodpile of deadwood on the roster. So we're supposed to just keep going along for the ride with these characters? Burke is delusional, if he thinks the CBA is going to bail him out. If this were a different market, the ACC would be more than half empty. When is the Merry Go Round ever going to stop? I'm almost praying for a work stoppage, because I don't want to waste another season watching this crap, during the winter months.

The fans aren't the problem, it's the managed exploitation of the fans. It's like getting someone strung out on heroin. Just give them enough to keep them coming back for more. That's how the Leafs management does it. OK, we have a couple of decent draft picks in the first two rounds. Instead of trading up a couple of places, we draft another defenceman. We already have lots of NHL calibre defencemen, but severely need a first line centre. Leafs do nothing. They just sit on their hands and grab the best player available, instead of being proactive. Same goes for round 2, when they should have bundled up a player or prospect, to take their second rounder and move up into the position of drafting a goaltender, mid to late first round. Again, not proactive.

Then we go to the JVR/Schenn deal. That was the smokescreen, to keep the fanbase thinking that big moves were ahead. Nothing more has transpired. Outside of buying out Armstrong, who they should have sent to the minors instead, they've done nothing. Promise trades, but what do they really have to offer other teams to acquire the piece of the puzzle, that plugs a hole? Of course, there's the Luongo talk, but that's a huge fiasco waiting to happen, if they stick their foot in that bear trap. They are handcuffed by their own stupidity. Near the cap and a woodpile of deadwood on the roster. So we're supposed to just keep going along for the ride with these characters? Burke is delusional, if he thinks the CBA is going to bail him out. If this were a different market, the ACC would be more than half empty. When is the Merry Go Round ever going to stop? I'm almost praying for a work stoppage, because I don't want to waste another season watching this crap, during the winter months.
- JohnnyReb

You dont have to be a Leaf fan. If its that bad for you, quit and find a new team. Just saying. We're all frustrated, but im not going to poop on Burke for not handing out Connolly and Komisarek type signings.

The Merry go round stops quite often. I dont understand why you dont get off the ride. Im almost praying for the whining to stop. Oh wait, I have an idea, maybe ill just stop reading your posts....nahhh...that couldnt work...could it....do I dare try....

So hockeyinsider is threatening to release a photo of dreger, unless he apologizes for something.
- Feeling Glucky?

I hope its a Tlusty kinda pic...

The fans aren't the problem, it's the managed exploitation of the fans. It's like getting someone strung out on heroin. Just give them enough to keep them coming back for more. That's how the Leafs management does it. OK, we have a couple of decent draft picks in the first two rounds. Instead of trading up a couple of places, we draft another defenceman. We already have lots of NHL calibre defencemen, but severely need a first line centre. Leafs do nothing. They just sit on their hands and grab the best player available, instead of being proactive. Same goes for round 2, when they should have bundled up a player or prospect, to take their second rounder and move up into the position of drafting a goaltender, mid to late first round. Again, not proactive.

Then we go to the JVR/Schenn deal. That was the smokescreen, to keep the fanbase thinking that big moves were ahead. Nothing more has transpired. Outside of buying out Armstrong, who they should have sent to the minors instead, they've done nothing. Promise trades, but what do they really have to offer other teams to acquire the piece of the puzzle, that plugs a hole? Of course, there's the Luongo talk, but that's a huge fiasco waiting to happen, if they stick their foot in that bear trap. They are handcuffed by their own stupidity. Near the cap and a woodpile of deadwood on the roster. So we're supposed to just keep going along for the ride with these characters? Burke is delusional, if he thinks the CBA is going to bail him out. If this were a different market, the ACC would be more than half empty. When is the Merry Go Round ever going to stop? I'm almost praying for a work stoppage, because I don't want to waste another season watching this crap, during the winter months.
- JohnnyReb

Burke hasn't made a trade in a week? Fire him? All time dumbest posts ever.

Burke hasn't made a trade in a week? Fire him? All time dumbest posts ever.
- burn

I love this part best "They just sit on their hands and take the best player available"

honestly.. what do you see Burkie giving up for Luongo (realistically anyways)? i think after that interview where he says he has absolutely no problem leaving Van, his value diminishes greatly.

What you guys think?

(sorry for my grammar and speelling im smashed)
- Syndakit

Luongo's contract is pretty bad, let's be honest. And, in reality, you are trading for a contract with a player attached to it not vice versa. That means that if you are taking on a really long and bad contract that the Canuck's are going to have to take on a bad contract too. Not necessarily equally as bad (we don't have one equally as bad anyway) but one that isn't great.

The Canucks also don't have a lot of leverage here: Luongo has all but said he wants to be traded ("it's time to move on"), they don't seem to feel like they need him with Schneider in the wings, it would be a horrible Cap situation to be in and it would be awkward as hell to keep him around in the dressing room, the number of teams interested does not seem to be high and we don't even know if Luongo will waive his NTC to go to any destination or just certain teams. However, Luongo is still an elite talent goaltender.

Seems like any move Burke makes also comes with a young player or prospect. So I think any deal would have to be Luongo and a prospect/young NHLer coming our way, that way if Luongo doesn't work out but the prospect does at least Burke saves some face. For the Canucks side they are going to want at least a helpful NHL player and either a pick or prospect.

For a bad contract going back you have to think Komisarek or at a minimum Connolly but he's only signed through this year so it's not a big deal. For helpful NHLer I would give them any one of Kulemin, Bozak, Gunnarson or Franson. For pick nothing higher than a 2nd rounder or for a prospect I wouldn't be against moving Kadri since we have no real space for him anyway. To be honest I'm not really married to any of our prospects at this point and time, if they want a keeper prospect to replace Luongo then can have at it as well.

Something like: Komisarek, Bozak and prospect (i.e. Kadri) for Luongo and a prospect/young NHLer

Leafs get their starting goalie and add a prospect, dump Komisarek's bad salary, move a centre which they may not need anyway if they want to try JVR at centre or bring in someone else and lose a decent prospect who they don't really have room for anyway.

Canucks get rid of Luongo's onerous contract, add a mediocre but serviceable defender, a young centre and a prospect.

Cap wise that's about $6mil + the prospect for Vancouver and $5.3mil + the prospect or young NHLer coming back. So pretty close to a wash.

I'm sure Leafs fans will say it's too much and Canucks fans will say it's not enough which makes me think it is probably pretty fair.

I love this part best "They just sit on their hands and take the best player available"
- Gunslinger

I didn't even really read much of it to be honest. That's pretty good. What kind of moron takes the best player available. He should be condemned to hell for such a horrific act. By not making a trade in the last week and taking the BPA at the draft he's clearly ruining this franchise. Get him out of here ASAP. get someone in here that knows what they are doing someone who would take the Worst player available and some one who will make trades weekly (massively overpaying each time). That ought to fix everything.


Unbelievable.

I didn't even really read much of it to be honest. That's pretty good. What kind of moron takes the best player available. He should be condemned to hell for such a horrific act. By not making a trade in the last week and taking the BPA at the draft he's clearly ruining this franchise. Get him out of here ASAP. get someone in here that knows what they are doing someone who would take the Worst player available and some one who will make trades weekly (massively overpaying each time). That ought to fix everything.


Unbelievable.
- burn

I didn't even really read much of it to be honest. That's pretty good. What kind of moron takes the best player available. He should be condemned to hell for such a horrific act. By not making a trade in the last week and taking the BPA at the draft he's clearly ruining this franchise. Get him out of here ASAP. get someone in here that knows what they are doing someone who would take the Worst player available and some one who will make trades weekly (massively overpaying each time). That ought to fix everything.


Unbelievable.
- burn

It's insane.... so far this has been THE BEST off-season since Burke has been here. Why?

- Rielly has star potential, kid should be a beauty, Great Pick
- Did not overpay anyone during Free Agency, (yet) and it's not like what we needed was in FA (#1 Center, #1 Goalie)
- Signed a solid 3rd line center, beginning the revamp of our bottom 6 to fit Carlyle's style.
- Got JVR for Schenn... both players needed a change, and JVR fits a minor need (big pwf that goes to the net)

It's insane.... so far this has been THE BEST off-season since Burke has been here. Why?

- Rielly has star potential, kid should be a beauty, Great Pick
- Did not overpay anyone during Free Agency, (yet) and it's not like what we needed was in FA (#1 Center, #1 Goalie)
- Signed a solid 3rd line center, beginning the revamp of our bottom 6 to fit Carlyle's style.
- Got JVR for Schenn... both players needed a change, and JVR fits a minor need (big pwf that goes to the net)
- cor99

Burkie Burkie!!!!

It's insane.... so far this has been THE BEST off-season since Burke has been here. Why?

- Rielly has star potential, kid should be a beauty, Great Pick
- Did not overpay anyone during Free Agency, (yet) and it's not like what we needed was in FA (#1 Center, #1 Goalie)
- Signed a solid 3rd line center, beginning the revamp of our bottom 6 to fit Carlyle's style.
- Got JVR for Schenn... both players needed a change, and JVR fits a minor need (big pwf that goes to the net)
- cor99

Burke has been working towards the 2013 Free agency, the leafs have lots of cap space then. He will sign Getzlaf, Perry, Hartnell, Neil and Clowe.

At least thats what he said last night over some beers
he clarified the "I am not interested in a 5 year rebuild", he meant because it will take 6 when Getzlaf is a FA... the whole plan has been around that.

mutherfukinggenius

2014 cup is ours

Luongo's contract is pretty bad, let's be honest. And, in reality, you are trading for a contract with a player attached to it not vice versa. That means that if you are taking on a really long and bad contract that the Canuck's are going to have to take on a bad contract too. Not necessarily equally as bad (we don't have one equally as bad anyway) but one that isn't great.

The Canucks also don't have a lot of leverage here: Luongo has all but said he wants to be traded ("it's time to move on"), they don't seem to feel like they need him with Schneider in the wings, it would be a horrible Cap situation to be in and it would be awkward as hell to keep him around in the dressing room, the number of teams interested does not seem to be high and we don't even know if Luongo will waive his NTC to go to any destination or just certain teams. However, Luongo is still an elite talent goaltender.

Seems like any move Burke makes also comes with a young player or prospect. So I think any deal would have to be Luongo and a prospect/young NHLer coming our way, that way if Luongo doesn't work out but the prospect does at least Burke saves some face. For the Canucks side they are going to want at least a helpful NHL player and either a pick or prospect.

For a bad contract going back you have to think Komisarek or at a minimum Connolly but he's only signed through this year so it's not a big deal. For helpful NHLer I would give them any one of Kulemin, Bozak, Gunnarson or Franson. For pick nothing higher than a 2nd rounder or for a prospect I wouldn't be against moving Kadri since we have no real space for him anyway. To be honest I'm not really married to any of our prospects at this point and time, if they want a keeper prospect to replace Luongo then can have at it as well.

Something like: Komisarek, Bozak and prospect (i.e. Kadri) for Luongo and a prospect/young NHLer

Leafs get their starting goalie and add a prospect, dump Komisarek's bad salary, move a centre which they may not need anyway if they want to try JVR at centre or bring in someone else and lose a decent prospect who they don't really have room for anyway.

Canucks get rid of Luongo's onerous contract, add a mediocre but serviceable defender, a young centre and a prospect.

Cap wise that's about $6mil + the prospect for Vancouver and $5.3mil + the prospect or young NHLer coming back. So pretty close to a wash.

I'm sure Leafs fans will say it's too much and Canucks fans will say it's not enough which makes me think it is probably pretty fair.
- deerow84

Hmm I never considered Bozak before but they were pretty hurting when Kesler was hurt. Bozak would be a great 3rd line center and has the ability to step up in 1st or 2nd line roles in injury situations.... I just wonder if Gillis see's that value or not.

I would be happy with that trade, which says to me it will probably be more
Probably a conditional 1st in there

Burke has been working towards the 2013 Free agency, the leafs have lots of cap space then. He will sign Getzlaf, Perry, Hartnell, Neil and Clowe.

At least thats what he said last night over some beers
he clarified the "I am not interested in a 5 year rebuild", he meant because it will take 6 when Getzlaf is a FA... the whole plan has been around that.

mutherfukinggenius

2014 cup is ours
- senstroll

What a jerk.

Burke said he couldnt come over to my place because he wasn't feeling well. LIAR BURKE LIAR. I H8 U!@!!!!#!@#$

Hmm I never considered Bozak before but they were pretty hurting when Kesler was hurt. Bozak would be a great 3rd line center and has the ability to step up in 1st or 2nd line roles in injury situations.... I just wonder if Gillis see's that value or not.

I would be happy with that trade, which says to me it will probably be more
Probably a conditional 1st in there
- Boosinicka

Is my wife the only chick who refers to Bozak as "Ballsack"?

Thats the real topic du jour.

Hmm I never considered Bozak before but they were pretty hurting when Kesler was hurt. Bozak would be a great 3rd line center and has the ability to step up in 1st or 2nd line roles in injury situations.... I just wonder if Gillis see's that value or not.

I would be happy with that trade, which says to me it will probably be more
Probably a conditional 1st in there
- Boosinicka

I wouldn't do Bozak straight up for him let alone a cond 1st. Hell o.

I wouldn't do Bozak straight up for him let alone a cond 1st. Hell o.
- burn

I wouldnt do the first, but id do the straight up. As much as I hate to think and admit it.

I hate Luongo, always have. Castanza the guy. But man this team needs him, and im just sick and tired of missing the playoffs. He is like the Obi wan to Princess Leia. The only hope.