View Full Version : Bruins sign Leetch
Madferret
8-03-05, 4:00 PM
Bruins sign Leetch
TheFourthPeriod.com
The Boston Bruins signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Brian Leetch on a one-year contract, TFP has learned. Leetch, 37, spent 17 seasons with the New York Rangers until being traded to Toronto on March 3, 2004.
Leetch is the second-highest active scoring defenseman in the NHL with 996 points (242 goals, 754 assists) in 1,1144 career games.
He has won the NHL's Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 1988-89, twice won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman (1991-92, 1996-97) and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1993-94 as the Rangers won the Stanley Cup.
Leetch, a ten-time All-Star, was the Rangers' first pick, ninth overall, in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.
Another one slips out of the reach of the leaf. :thumb: What are they doing in Toronto?
Now if Boston can get Thornton locked up, the Bruins will once again be a potential regular season force.
I didn't realize Leetchie was so close to the big 1,000. Good for him.
I'm also glad he didn't retire, because now Ranger fans will have a proper opportunity to say thanks to Leetch, when the Bruins visit Madison Square Garden on Sunday November 20, 2005 at 7 PM ET.
*marks calendar* :coffee:
scorpionn
8-03-05, 4:09 PM
What are they doing in Toronto?
Nothing...
Can't say I'm not disappointed, but word was that Leetch didn't like the media circus in Toronto. I hope he does well in Boston.
All of toronto's players are slipping out of their hands. Is Ferguson even TRYING to re-sign anyone?Honestly, we have Sundin McCabe O'Neill and Belfour. Everyone else is gone.
All of toronto's players are slipping out of their hands. Is Ferguson even TRYING to re-sign anyone?Honestly, we have Sundin McCabe O'Neill and Belfour. Everyone else is gone. Is J.F.J. on vacation or something?
:laughing:
He's like the George W. Bush of the NHL
Newfie John
8-03-05, 6:11 PM
It was never the plan to resign Leetch, so what are you guys talking about?
The fact that we're losing everyone. Whether we wanted Leetch or not, we have almost noone left.
Newfie John
8-03-05, 6:20 PM
The fact that we're losing everyone. Whether we wanted Leetch or not, we have almost noone left.
You'll be thankful next year. We have 10 million commited to salaries for next season, and apparently there's going to be a very healthy crop of free agents next year. Thornton and Lecavalier included.
Madferret
8-03-05, 6:24 PM
You'll be thankful next year. We have 10 million commited to salaries for next season, and apparently there's going to be a very healthy crop of free agents next year. Thornton and Lecavalier included.
With all due respect John, it would appear that if Thornton gets traded, he would likely sign a multi-year deal with Team X. As for Lecavalier, don't count out the Bolts' re-signing him a la Iginla. It's time for you Leafers to take your lumps my friend...
Leetch was a UFA. Historically, he (and agent) have been very up front about what they do and don't want. I believe that Leetch did not want to stay in Toronto because he never wanted to be there in the first place. He was probably up front about that with the Leafs brass. It wouldn't surprise me if the Leafs never even bothered to make an official offer, based on preliminary discussions.
How can you criticize a team for not resigning a UFA who is not interested in playing there? That doesn't make sense.
How can you criticize a team for not resigning a UFA who is not interested in playing there? That doesn't make sense.I was under the impression that Toronto would at least try to salvage something for their blue line, which looks more and more mediocre as each day goes by. I just find it funny that the big bad Leafs don't have such deep pockets anymore and haven't done sh!t, except trading for Jeff O'Neill.
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-03-05, 6:35 PM
With all due respect John, it would appear that if Thornton gets traded, he would likely sign a multi-year deal with Team X. As for Lecavalier, don't count out the Bolts' re-signing him a la Iginla. It's time for you Leafers to take your lumps my friend...
Well I guess we could always sign Chara ;)
With all due respect John, it would appear that if Thornton gets traded, he would likely sign a multi-year deal with Team X. As for Lecavalier, don't count out the Bolts' re-signing him a la Iginla. It's time for you Leafers to take your lumps my friend...
Not only that, I find it difficult to believe any French-Canadian star who has already won a Cup early in his career would willingly go to Toronto of all places when he can command lots of $$$ elsewhere. Maybe later on when he's close to retireing and wants to leave on a winning note. The Bruins will do all they can to qualify and trade Joe like what St. Louis did with Pronger. Even if they get little in return it's better than seeing him walk for nothing. And don't think for a second they'll trade big Joe within' their own division. Me thinks we see Joe out West soon enough. Once there he'll likely sign a multi-year deal as you said. I don't think the Leafs, or any other team for that matter, will be getting their hands on Thornton through free agency.
Regardless of Toronto's cap room and big FA crop coming up, I don't expect the Leafs to suddenly become legit contenders again although improvement seems immenant. There's going to be 29 other teams in the hunt for these players, and none of the big fish who will realistically be available seem all that interested in playing in T.O.
Well I guess we could always sign Chara
If any big-ticket guy has to go next season Redden's name will be first on that list as Meszaros seems to be a physical, boarderline dirty, version of him. Not to mention he seems a bit overrated and may be able to fetch a return ala Pronger, of course we won't get quite as much but Redden being far more affordable than Chris may mean a return of similar value.
Chara, Hossa, and Spezza will be the three guys we fight tooth and nail to keep.
Madferret
8-03-05, 6:37 PM
Well I guess we could always sign Chara ;)
Well we can always count on Leaf fans talking about it until it doens't happen....isn't Chara from TO?
;)
Leetch to Boston, he likes his O6 Teams that Brian does eh?
Well we can always count on Leaf fans talking about it until it doens't happen....isn't Chara from TO?
;)
Leetch to Boston, he likes his O6 Teams that Brian does eh?
Apparently not all of them :nod:
Madferret
8-03-05, 6:42 PM
Apparently not all of them :nod:
lol
My bad...
I was under the impression that Toronto would at least try to salvage something for their blue line, which looks more and more mediocre as each day goes by. I just find it funny that the big bad Leafs don't have such deep pockets anymore and haven't done sh!t, except trading for Jeff O'Neill.
Brian obviously knows his best days are behind him. He was seriously considering retiring from what I heard. He's always had bum ankles.
Money is not an issue for this guy, he took a huge pay cut to stay with the Rangers not long ago. So he obviously didn't consider Toronto home and there's nothing the Leafs can do about that.
So guys, let's not bash the leafs for something out of their control. OK? C'mon we have better things to discuss.
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-03-05, 6:47 PM
Well we can always count on Leaf fans talking about it until it doens't happen....isn't Chara from TO?
;)
I heard back in Slovakia he'd stay up till the wee hours of the morning to watch his childhood heros on the Leafs play :thumb:
He'd be fulfilling his boyhood dream ;)
So guys, let's not bash the leafs for something out of their control. OK? C'mon we have better things to discuss.Gotcha!
:)
I keep forgetting the 2 line pass is now legal. Leetch is going to have a field day... One of his better skills has always been long breakout passes. He has great vision, and accuracy with the long passes, now he can lead guys all the way to the blue line from his own end! He's probably thrilled, and at the same time probably bummed that he couldn't have done that throughout his whole career.
I was under the impression that Toronto would at least try to salvage something for their blue line, which looks more and more mediocre as each day goes by. I just find it funny that the big bad Leafs don't have such deep pockets anymore and haven't done sh!t, except trading for Jeff O'Neill.And another thread hijacked in the name of thy leaf......I've lost count now :)
Newfie John
8-04-05, 10:53 AM
Not only that, I find it difficult to believe any French-Canadian star who has already won a Cup early in his career would willingly go to Toronto of all places when he can command lots of $$$ elsewhere.
If he were still a free agent, we could probably pay him more then anyone next year as we will have a lot of cap space.
Maybe later on when he's close to retireing and wants to leave on a winning note.
Maybe pre-lockout. Believe it or not, times have changed.
The Bruins will do all they can to qualify and trade Joe like what St. Louis did with Pronger.
Remains to be seen. O'connell is apparently asking too much.
And don't think for a second they'll trade big Joe within' their own division. Me thinks we see Joe out West soon enough. Once there he'll likely sign a multi-year deal as you said. I don't think the Leafs, or any other team for that matter, will be getting their hands on Thornton through free agency.
Why won't he hit the free agency market? Everything that I've read reads that Boston is asking too much for Thornton and he can't get nothing done. He may just sign a one year contract in Boston.
Regardless of Toronto's cap room and big FA crop coming up, I don't expect the Leafs to suddenly become legit contenders again although improvement seems immenant.
With the core we have(Sundin, Mccabe, Kaberle, O'niell, Stajan, Steen) all at around 10 million for next year, if we surround that with a lot of talent we could be a contending team again.
There's going to be 29 other teams in the hunt for these players, and none of the big fish who will realistically be available seem all that interested in playing in T.O.
Thornton is from Toronto, so thats a possibility. A lot of teams are taking a dip in this years market, leaving the leafs with the advantage next year.
If any big-ticket guy has to go next season Redden's name will be first on that list as Meszaros seems to be a physical, boarderline dirty, version of him.
Thats a huge question mark. To expect this guy to replace Redden in his first year is rediculous.
Not to mention he seems a bit overrated and may be able to fetch a return ala Pronger, of course we won't get quite as much but Redden being far more affordable than Chris may mean a return of similar value.
Pronger? lol.
Chara, Hossa, and Spezza will be the three guys we fight tooth and nail to keep.
Depending on next season, Chara could be looking for 6 million. With Hossa, Havlat, and others to sign. That may be impossible.
You guys have to realize there are a lot more out there besides Lecavalier, Thornton.. etc. I seen the list these are the only 2 I could remember. Chara and Redden are others. The leafs should be able to do something like the Flyers are doing this year.
If he were still a free agent, we could probably pay him more then anyone next year as we will have a lot of cap space.
No denying Toronto will have tons of space, but so will many other teams and I doubt many Quebec born stars would have Toronto high on their list. A guy like Lecavailler will be able to command lots of coin in plenty of cities outside Ontario.
Maybe pre-lockout. Believe it or not, times have changed.
How have times changed in that sense? UFA's still get to pick between certain cities if they have two similar offers and if Lecavailler has two very similar offers on the table, one being from the Leafs, it's more than likely he'd not go to Toronto. Not unless he thought he could win there. But since he's already won so early in his career that'd likely take place closer to retirement and when Toronto (hopefully) has a more competitive team.
Remains to be seen. O'connell is apparently asking too much.
Why won't he hit the free agency market? Everything that I've read reads that Boston is asking too much for Thornton and he can't get nothing done. He may just sign a one year contract in Boston.
Possibly. But I think they'd sooner lighten thir demands and still get a reasonable return than see him leave for nothing in a year's time.
With the core we have(Sundin, Mccabe, Kaberle, O'niell, Stajan, Steen) all at around 10 million for next year, if we surround that with a lot of talent we could be a contending team again.
No denying that.
Thornton is from Toronto, so thats a possibility. A lot of teams are taking a dip in this years market, leaving the leafs with the advantage next year.
Most of the small-market teams have only made one signing or two (in many cases, one worth 4,5M) and still have some good cap room left. Rest assured at least a hanful of clubs save that room for next year's crop. Toronto will definatly be able to make some signings next season, but it'll be much harder than it was pre-CBA and T.O. was never able to land tons of players in one go without a cap in place. I don't think they'll be able to know. Which I take it is what you're hoping they'll be able to do.
Thats a huge question mark. To expect this guy to replace Redden in his first year is rediculous.
Meh. 12 of Redden's goals and 22 of his points came with the man advantage and strictly in terms of a shot, Meszaros isn't too far behind Wade. With the talent our PP units have, often times a d-man just dishes to Hossa/Havlat, they draw defenders, make the great pass/move and it's in the net with them getting an assist. I'm not expecting Meszaros to replace Redden in our top 4, not do I think he'll be able to. That'll be the A-Train's job if Redden is gone (Chara/Phillips, de Vries/Volchenkov) but if Andrej sees some PP time I doubt we'll miss Wade's offense too much. Again, can't see him being matched point for point, even 10g/15a/25p for Meszaros would be good in his rookie campaigne, but I really don't think we'll be that badly hurt if we let Redden walk in the short-term and certainly not in the long-term. Maybe I'm setting myself up for dissapointment but I like our top-4 even without Reds and Meszaros may be ready to round out a top-4 even as a sophomore.
Pronger? lol.
I'm sure there's plenty of GMs out there who'd give a not too far off return for what Pronger got for the overrated, "#1 defenseman" Wade Redden who happens to make much less than Mr. Pronger (and still will even after he gets a new contract if there's any sanity in the world).
Depending on next season, Chara could be looking for 6 million. With Hossa, Havlat, and others to sign. That may be impossible.
We will be able to sign Hossa, Havlat, and all our current RFA's this season and still fit under the cap. Hopefully, to multi-year deals. Next year we only have two key guys available: Redden and Chara. And I doubt we lose both but am half expecting to lose one. In any event, I'm confident Chara will remain a Senator. I'm quite sure of that. If one guy has to go it's going to be Redden just because he and Z make the most other than Alfie. But we're tied to Daniel for a long time and Zdeno is one of a kind. Process of elimination. Havlat may very well be traded to the higest bidder in 2-3 years. As I think I said earlier, although maybe not in this thread; Chara, Hossa, Spezza. The three guys Sens management will make every effort to hold on to for as long as they can. And they can hold on to at least those three for a good while yet.
You guys have to realize there are a lot more out there besides Lecavalier, Thornton.. etc. I seen the list these are the only 2 I could remember. Chara and Redden are others. The leafs should be able to do something like the Flyers are doing this year.
The Leafs need to do alot more than the Flyers if free agency is the only way they plan on fixing their roster. It may be hard to believe, but not only will Toronto need to out-bid most of the other 29 clubs, but a player has to wantt o play there aswell for a deal to go through. I'm very doubtful if T.O. can sign 4 or 5 big names. 1 or 2? Yes. 2 or 3? Maybe. But not 4 or 5.
Nice lengthy co-interview with Leetch and Boston GM Mike O'Connell
http://www.bostonbruins.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1481
He talks about not only Boston but Toronto and NY as well.
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