Leafs will have lots of room to tinker

[Madferret]

Leafs will have lots of room to tinker
Before hockey, Toronto will play numbers game
Carolina scorer O'Neill a possible new addition

KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER

Marlies coach Paul Maurice may not be the only former member of the Carolina Hurricanes to join the organization he helped vanquish from the playoffs three years ago.

One day after the NHL and its players came to a tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement, general managers started making their plans for next season. And there is speculation that the Hurricanes' future will not include right winger and King City native Jeff O'Neill. The Hurricanes are not expected to tender O'Neill a qualifying offer for $2.8 million (all figures U.S.) this summer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent.

There are also rumblings the Leafs would be very interested in acquiring O'Neill and that the 29-year-old would take a cut in pay for the chance to get his career back on track and play in a traditional hockey market. O'Neill scored just 14 goals last season and has had some off-ice travails, but a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery affected his productivity. He was just one season removed from three straight 30-goal campaigns. And even though the Leafs have some serious salary issues to deal with, there would still be enough in the budget to go after a premier player such as defenceman Scott Niedermayer or winger Markus Naslund ? both unrestricted free agents soon ? and Toronto is expected to look at both.

Here's how they can do it.

Assuming the Leafs buy Owen Nolan out of his contract, they'll have seven roster players under contract at a total of $21.4 million. That would leave the Leafs a total of $17.6 million to bring their payroll to $39 million, expected to be the on-ice total for payroll, not the total including benefits as was first believed.

Turning to their unrestricted free agents, the Leafs will have to capitalize on the desire of Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk and Tie Domi to stay in Toronto and could try to sign the three for a combined $3 million, taking the payroll to $24.4 million.

That would be a bit risky, however, in light of speculation that Ottawa will try to sign all three to play for the Senators as a line if they become unrestricted.

As for Toronto's restricted free agents, the Leafs have to offer Aki Berg a $1.1 million qualifying offer and $1 million to Nik Antropov. Alexei Ponikarovsky and Karel Pilar will likely be signed at the league minimum of $450,000 and Wade Belak will likely not be given a qualifying offer and could be re-signed as an unrestricted free agent for about $500,000. That takes the payroll to $27.9 million with 15 players signed.

Among those under contract who could work their way into the lineup are backup goalie Mikael Tellqvist at $450,000, defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo and centre Alexander Steen ($850,000), and left winger Clarke Wilm ($450,000), which elevates the payroll to $30.5 million for 19 players. Toronto might be able to sign O'Neill for $1.5 million, putting the Leafs at $32 million for 20 contracts.

That would leave $7 million to spend. If they went for Naslund at $5 million, they could get perhaps Mike Rathje for less than $2 million and have room under the cap to sign an eighth fringe defenceman. If they were able to get Niedermayer at $5 million, they would easily be able to find a forward with the money left.

Meanwhile, other aspects of the labour deal came to light yesterday, including a provision concerning buyouts.

If a player has just the 2005-06 season remaining on his contract, he can be bought out at two-thirds of his salary without it counting against the cap. If his contract extends beyond next season, a portion of the buyout in subsequent years will go against the cap. That will hamper the New York Rangers if they want to buy out Bobby Holik or Darius Kasparaitis.

The Maple Leafs will join nine other teams in New York today to go line-by-line through the new agreement, with 10 teams up for Sunday and another 10 on Monday. Player agents, however, won't see the deal for quite a while and are not happy about it.

"I don't know why we can't get the agreement," one agent said. "What it means is our counterparts on the other side of the table will be about a week ahead of us."

Lots of room to tinker? Are you kidding me?

[Max Power]

This is where the author loses me

Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk and Tie Domi to stay in Toronto and could try to sign the three for a combined $3 million, taking the payroll to $24.4 million.

Roberts and Domi or Nieuwendyk and Domi for 3 million maybe 2 of them but all three keep dreaming. Unless they are trully hell bent to stay in TO then these three combined could get at least 5 million +. Domi is the only one that deserves a very big pay cut
Also who the hell sugested these three would be picked up by Ottawa? Roberts posably, Joe N maybe but all three let alone two not a chance

[bluemeanie]

90 days and counting....

[Newfie John]

This is where the author loses me

Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk and Tie Domi to stay in Toronto and could try to sign the three for a combined $3 million, taking the payroll to $24.4 million.

Roberts and Domi or Nieuwendyk and Domi for 3 million maybe 2 of them but all three keep dreaming. Unless they are trully hell bent to stay in TO then these three combined could get at least 5 million +. Domi is the only one that deserves a very big pay cut
Also who the hell sugested these three would be picked up by Ottawa? Roberts posably, Joe N maybe but all three let alone two not a chance

It's a stretch for all three of them to come to Toronto for 3 mil combined for sure. Would I be totally surprised if it happened? No. But who knows. One things for sure, I'm not expecting it. Naslund to Toronto? Thats just laughable IMO. Niedermayer I could see as he's said he wants to play for Toronto, that was before Tie Domi suckered him though. Jeff O'niell could come very cheap, thats one thing I could certainly see happening.

[Madferret]

Niedermayer I could see as he's said he wants to play for Toronto....

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, stop that!
Ok, NEW RULE, no more saying that ANY PLAYER wants to play for Toronto without an article to post as proof to go along with it.

[Newfie John]

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, stop that!
Ok, NEW RULE, no more saying that ANY PLAYER wants to play for Toronto without an article to post as proof to go along with it.

My only source in this one is Craven Morehead. :laughing:

[Newfie John]

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, stop that!
Ok, NEW RULE, no more saying that ANY PLAYER wants to play for Toronto without an article to post as proof to go along with it.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2005/07/16/1134497-sun.html

[Madferret]

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2005/07/16/1134497-sun.html

He's already a Leaf John you fool...lol
I'm talking about UFA non-Leaf players...

I.E - Niedermayer has always said he'd like to play for Toronto
- Lindros's dream is to play for the Leafs
- Lucky for us Allison's favorite team is the Leafs
etc etc etc..

[MadDevil]

Turning to their unrestricted free agents, the Leafs will have to capitalize on the desire of Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk and Tie Domi to stay in Toronto and could try to sign the three for a combined $3 million, taking the payroll to $24.4 million.

That would be a bit risky, however, in light of speculation that Ottawa will try to sign all three to play for the Senators as a line if they become unrestricted.

Tie Domi in a Sens jersey? That I'd almost pay to see...

[bluemeanie]

[I] I.E - Niedermayer has always said he'd like to play for Toronto

==>NHL's most-recent Norris Trophy winner, Scott Niedermayer, told the Fan 590 yesterday he would not have trouble uprooting his family from New Jersey to play for the Leafs.source (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2005/07/16/1134497-sun.html)


- Lindros's dream is to play for the Leafs

This one's too easy so here's one I thought You'd like...

===>Lindros' desire to be dealt to Toronto -- and Toronto alone -- has been well documented and, during a recent Ontario swing, Blake voiced his feelings.

"I think anyone from [the Toronto area] has dreamed of being a Maple Leaf at least for a day," the Simcoe, Ontario native said. "I know there is a lot of interest."

source (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nhl/misc/canamucio_archive/crashin_net_01252001.htm)

- Lucky for us Allison's favorite team is the Leafs


===>The concussion-like symptoms that have kept Allison out of the NHL since the middle of the 2002-2003 season have dissipated and the center has expressed an interest in playing for Toronto once hockey resumes, reports the Toronto Star.

source (http://games.espn.go.com/cgi/fhl/playernewsarchive?statsId=1031)

Now, these are all 'reputable' sources; ESPN, The Star, HockeyNews, etc... and there are others as well, but I really don't care where these "statements", or "quotes", or "rumours" come from. I personally don't pay much attention to them, but I just felt it necessary to point out that we (leaf fans) don't all just sit around making this stuff up everyday. We're too busy planning parade routes, you know? =]

[Max Power]

Now, these are all 'reputable' sources; ESPN, The Star, HockeyNews, etc... and there are others as well, but I really don't care where these "statements", or "quotes", or "rumours" come from. I personally don't pay much attention to them, but I just felt it necessary to point out that we (leaf fans) don't all just sit around making this stuff up everyday. We're too busy planning parade routes, you know? =]

Dude those are all links to porn and mail order sites? Although credible sources I really don't see what one has to do with the other?

[leaferfan87]

Tie Domi in a Sens jersey? That I'd almost pay to see...

I don't think Sens fans would allow it.

[Newfie John]

I don't think Sens fans would allow it.

I would almost like to see it, the hypocritical things that would be said would be as good as a concert. :laughing:

[MadDevil]

I would almost like to see it, the hypocritical things that would be said would be as good as a concert. :laughing:

It would probably be similar to if Alfredsson, Hossa, or Redden ended up in a Leafs jersey.:D

[Newfie John]

It would probably be similar to if Alfredsson, Hossa, or Redden ended up in a Leafs jersey.:D

Yep, probably. Not in my case though. :nod:

[leaferfan87]

Yep, probably. Not in my case though. :nod:

Meh if we had Redden I wouldn't feel anymore down. He is actually one of the Senator players I tend to respect more than others. He's a good defensemen who can produce at both ends of the rink and he always it here to represent Canada during a tournament.

[Madferret]

Meh if we had Redden I wouldn't feel anymore down. He is actually one of the Senator players I tend to respect more than others. He's a good defensemen who can produce at both ends of the rink and he always it here to represent Canada during a tournament.

Don't forget Fisher & Phillips. Ottawa has allot of good Canadian talent coming up in Vermette, Emery, Eaves, Glass, and a handfull of others. Ottawa is Canada's team...

http://www.4umi.com/image/anima/pink_floyd_wall_scream.gif

[Newfie John]

Don't forget Fisher & Phillips. Ottawa has allot of good Canadian talent coming up in Vermette, Emery, Eaves, Glass, and a handfull of others. Ottawa is Canada's team...

http://www.4umi.com/image/anima/pink_floyd_wall_scream.gif

Eaves is american. :thumb:

[Madferret]

Eaves is american. :thumb:

Oops my bad, thought he was a Calgary boy. Who other Canadian boys doing we have coming up the canal John? Youth Guru me..

[leaferfan87]

I was simply referring to the fact that I like Redden as a player. Come to speak of it though I don't mind Fisher and Phillips though.

[Madferret]

I was simply referring to the fact that I like Redden as a player. Come to speak of it though I don't mind Fisher and Phillips though.

You're almost a Sens fan! See, we're not so bad...

http://www.026hiphop.nl/images/smileys/stoned.gif

[J.R.]

You're almost a Sens fan! See, we're not so bad...

http://www.026hiphop.nl/images/smileys/stoned.gifAnd with that pro-Sens attitude, he's going to fit in perfectly when he enrolls at the U of O in the fall.

:thumb:

[leaferfan87]

You're almost a Sens fan! See, we're not so bad...

http://www.026hiphop.nl/images/smileys/stoned.gif

I need to pinch myself...get back to reality...NHL's back!

I might find a place for the 67's when I move up though. Civic Centre isn't too far from campus and tickets are reasonable so might check out a few games.

[Madferret]

And with that pro-Sens attitude, he's going to fit in perfectly when he enrolls at the U of O in the fall.

:thumb:

What's not to like about the mighty Sens? And I'll be there in the Tri-Cities spreading the good word of the Sens in less than 2 months...

http://www.sparkimg.com/emoticons/juggle.gif

[leaferfan87]

What's not to like about the mighty Sens? And I'll be there in the Tri-Cities spreading the good word of the Sens in less than 2 months...

http://www.sparkimg.com/emoticons/juggle.gif

Funny...one might say were trading spots.

Seriously what are 67's ticket prices like?

[Madferret]

Funny...one might say were trading spots.

Seriously what are 67's ticket prices like?

Like 10 bucks max. Awesome hockey. I'm going to miss walking after work down a few blocks on bank to go see a cheap, great hockey game. Hey Junes, your mission: find out who provides Center Ice in the area for me would ya? Graci...

[J.R.]

Hey Junes, your mission: find out who provides Center Ice in the area for me would ya? Graci...Easy. All the digital television providers here have Centre Ice packages. There's Rogers Digital Cable, Bell Expressvu (which is what I have) and Star Choice. With all of them, you'll have to purchase the digital receiver (and dish if you go with satellite). As far as I know, prices are similar to each other. Looking forward to it.

[Madferret]

Easy. All the digital television providers here have Centre Ice packages. There's Rogers Digital Cable, Bell Expressvu (which is what I have) and Star Choice. With all of them, you'll have to purchase the digital receiver (and dish if you go with satellite). As far as I know, prices are similar to each other. Looking forward to it.

I'll get every Sens game then? I'll probably go with Rogers. Thank you sir, you're an ambassador to Sens fans.

:thumb:

[leaferfan87]

I'll get every Sens game then? I'll probably go with Rogers. Thank you sir, you're an ambassador to Sens fans.

:thumb:

Don't forget about the OHL package.

[Rusty]

Excuse me, can you guys please get it back on topic!

Thank you.

[Madferret]

Excuse me, can you guys please get it back on topic!

Thank you.

Leafs have to tinker guys!

[Newfie John]

Oops my bad, thought he was a Calgary boy. Who other Canadian boys doing we have coming up the canal John? Youth Guru me..

hehe, don't flatter me like that ferret, you're making me blush.

As for the answer to your question, other then the guys you already mentioned(except eaves ofcourse), other Canadian prospects you have coming up are Thompson, Kelly, and Gaurd. Not enough to say you're Canada's team with your head honcho's all being european. Hossa, Havlat, Alfie, a bunch of ballerinas.

The leafs on the other hand(hehe), have Carlo Colaiocovo, Matt Stajan, Brendan Bell, Ian White, Kyle Wellwood, Jeremy Williams, John Mitchell, JF Racine, Justin Pogge, and many many more but I forget them. :laughing:

[bluemeanie]

Nolan to go under knee surgery on Tuesday. *?*

[Newfie John]

Nolan to go under knee surgery on Tuesday. *?*

Meh, he's going to be bought out anyway.

[Iced Tea]

Meh, he's going to be bought out anyway.My understanding from the Sportsnet talking heads is that Nolan can't be bought out and his salary will be counted towards the cap. Go Leafs Go :D

[Newfie John]

My understanding from the Sportsnet talking heads is that Nolan can't be bought out and his salary will be counted towards the cap. Go Leafs Go :D

It's explained in another thread, this could turn out better for the leafs.

[bluemeanie]

I was listening to Fergi on the radio this morning, and he said that there might be a 'loop-hole' of sorts in that theory, since Nolan apparently injured his knee 'outside of hockey', and that he hasen't been 'in touch with the club in 7 months'. But they're 'gathering information' at the time. I don't know how it will pan out exactly.

How will it "turn out better for the Leafs" John? What thread?

[Newfie John]

In the Naslund thread.

Here's how it could turn out to be better for the leafs. Say if this injury forces him to be out for the rest of the year, while he's on IR his salary won't count against the cap. Neither will his replacement. Injury replacement players do not count against the cap. Here is something the leafs could do, sign a UFA(Glen Murray?) to a two-way contract(must be a two way or he won't be recognized as an injury replacement). As long as Murrays $$$ amount doesn't exceed Nolan's expected salary, Murrays salary will not count against the cap either.

[bluemeanie]

In the Naslund thread.

Here's how it could turn out to be better for the leafs. Say if this injury forces him to be out for the rest of the year, while he's on IR his salary won't count against the cap. Neither will his replacement. Injury replacement players do not count against the cap. Here is something the leafs could do, sign a UFA(Glen Murray?) to a two-way contract(must be a two way or he won't be recognized as an injury replacement). As long as Murrays $$$ amount doesn't exceed Nolan's expected salary, Murrays salary will not count against the cap either.

Really? You don't say...

Fergusson : Tie, I need you to do me a little favour to help free up some cost for the team....

Domi : Shur ting boss! Anyting fur the team!

Fergusson : Go stand behind the locker room door with a bat behind your back, and I'm gonna send in a few players one at a time...

Domi : You want me to smash der skulls in boss???

Fergusson : No no Tie, just take out their knees...their k-n-e-e-s Tie. Can you do that for me Buddy?

Domi : Boy, can I!

2 minutes later....

Fergusson : McCabe, sweetie... I got you a little something for keeping quite through out this whole lockout mess... it's waiting for you in the locker room.

[Madferret]

Nolan, Leafs at odds over injury
TSN.ca Staff

Owen Nolan of the Toronto Maple Leafs has cartilage deterioration related to a bone bruise suffered in March of 2004. Although Nolan is booked for surgery on Tuesday, he will first undergo a full medical examination in Cleveland on Monday."Doctors will then decide if he needs surgery or another form of medical intervention," Nolan's agent J.P. Barry told TSN Thursday.

There appears to be some dispute over when Nolan's injury was suffered, with Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. telling a Toronto radio station that he'll need to gather more information before a decision can be made on Nolan's status.

"It's disappointing to Owen that it has taken this long to identify a problem he has been having over the last six or seven months," Barry told the Toronto Star on Thursday.

Nolan's initial buyout cost was expected to be two-thirds of his $5.627-million salary for this season, or approximately $3.8-million. If it is determined that Nolan's injury occurred before the lockout, he would want to receive his full salary from the 2004-2005 season ($6.5-million). When combined with his full salary for this season, the Leafs could be on the hook for approximately $12-million if they wish to buy out Nolan.

Go Leafs Go!

[macca]

It's disappointing to Owen that it has taken this long to identify a problem he has been having over the last six or seven months," Barry told the Toronto Star on Thursday.

Did this agent actually have a straight face when he said this gem? The second the lockout ends, Nolan amazingly finds out he needs knee surgery?
That's hilarious! :roll: Does the new CBA have any new clauses punishing lying, low-life, scumbag agents and their clients! :roll:

[Newfie John]

I hope Nolan gets booed out of the ACC if we have to keep him. The fact remains though, this still could turn out to be good for the leafs if his cap room can be used for another player while Nolan is injured.

[KB in Kelowna]

I hope Nolan gets booed out of the ACC if we have to keep him. The fact remains though, this still could turn out to be good for the leafs if his cap room can be used for another player while Nolan is injured.

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Was it that long ago Owen Nolan was the missing piece to the Leaf's cup run. They should take the financial hit and rid themselves of him.

[Newfie John]

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Was it that long ago Owen Nolan was the missing piece to the Leaf's cup run. They should take the financial hit and rid themselves of him.

Now now, I always hated that deal. I don't think it'd be a huge financial hit considering that the leafs spend upwards to 60 mil a year on salaries anyways. The hit is if his contract still counts against the cap, which would suck. :laughing: , but could be good on another level.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

I didn't know where else to put this, so I'll stick it in here. Anyways, does anyone here watch OTR? I usually don't, but I caught the first part of it tonight because I didn't change the channel after PTI finished. So they have Richard Peddie on, and Lansberg pops the question, "Do you think signing Ed Belfour and Bryan McCabe to contracts last summer was a mistake?" Peddie looked like a deer caught in a car's headlights. He just sat there silently for a good 10-15 seconds. It was priceless :laughing:

[bluemeanie]

More talk...

Leafs set to sample free agent waters
Allison confirms he'd like to play here
Salary cap will lead to creative contracts


KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER
Beginning Monday, the Maple Leafs will have a real chance to sign the NHL's top defenceman and a former star on the comeback trail, one for the league maximum and the other for not much more than the minimum.

Norris Trophy winning defenceman Scott Niedermayer, meanwhile, has already told the New Jersey Devils that he is intent on testing the free agent market. His agent said yesterday that he will give the Leafs serious consideration if they are willing to pay him the maximum amount of $7.8 million (all figures U.S.).

"They would definitely be a serious contender," said Niedermayer's agent, Kevin Epp. "Why wouldn't they be? They have a very good team and Scott has played for (Leaf coach) Pat Quinn in the Olympics and the World Cup. It's a good market and to be a part of winning something there would be very appealing to Scott."

And if the Leafs are serious about their wish to win a Stanley Cup, they'd be well-advised to consider buying out just more than Owen Nolan to make room for Niedermayer because championships follow him around. In fact, Niedermayer is the only player in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup, Memorial Cup, Canada/World Cup, an Olympic gold medal and gold in both the senior and junior world championships.

However, it's highly unlikely the Leafs would be willing to pay Niedermayer's asking price. A more likely possibility is the signing of former Los Angeles Kings star Jason Allison. Under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, they should be able to do it at a reasonable price.

Allison, who hasn't played an NHL game in 2?1/2 years because of a pinched nerve in his neck, acknowledged his interest in the Leafs. He said he can return to the form that made him an elite offensive player until a pinched nerve in his neck derailed his career in 2002-03. Should Allison be able to rediscover his game, it would give the Leafs a formidable 1-2 punch down the middle with Mats Sundin. That would allow them to put Joe Nieuwendyk, if they sign him, on the third line, with Matt Stajan as the No.4 centre.

"I'm not coming back for the money, I'm not coming back for something to do," said Allison, a 30-year-old native of North York. "I'm coming back to do what I did before. I don't expect to not be a point-a-game player. I'm going to play hard, I'm going to mix it up, fight once in a while if I have to and take big faceoffs. I'm going to have to play somewhere where people are expecting the same of me as I am from myself."

That means Allison wants to play in a traditional hockey market in the east and playing in his hometown appeals to him.

"To me, it makes a lot of sense," Allison said. "I grew up here and I've been dreaming since I was 2 to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the past I might not have been interested and part of the reason for that is that I kind of like my privacy."

If the Leafs are interested, and there are indications that they are considering Allison among a host of other players, they could get around the cap issues for next season because of Allison's unique situation. One provision in the new CBA allows teams to sign players who are either over 35 or have played 400 career games and spent more than 100 days on injury reserve in 2003-04 to bonus-laden contracts that could take them to 7.5 per cent over the salary cap.

Based on a $39 million cap, that means the Leafs could offer Allison up to $2.925 million in performance bonuses on top of a base salary without it counting against the 2005-06 cap. However, if they were to go over the cap under those circumstances, it would be applied to the cap for the following season. That means they could sign Allison to a one-year deal worth $500,000 and structure the deal so he could make more in bonuses.

On the Nolan front, the winger had surgery on his right knee yesterday in Cleveland and faces six months of rehab to repair damage that Nolan's agent, J.P. Barry said, "is directly linked to the knee injury he suffered in March, 2004. It is unfortunate that it has taken this long to address the problems that hampered his rehabilitation."

The Leafs have until Friday at 5 p.m. to buy Nolan out of the final year of his deal at $3.8 million. But Nolan and his agent claim he has been injured and that he should be paid the $6.5 million he would have made last year and the full $5.6 million for this season. The Leafs will almost certainly buy Nolan out for the lower amount and allow the matter to go before an arbitrator.

[Newfie John]

I think Niedermayer is unlikely to come here. Sure he likes Toronto, but I'm willing to bet he likes the 7.8 million dollar cheque a bit more.

Allison on the other hand is a real possibility, IMO. Though I think we should be more focused on wingers to replace the likely to be gone Alex Mogilny. Glen Murray sounds good in that respect.

[Madferret]

I think Niedermayer is unlikely to come here. Sure he likes Toronto, but I'm willing to bet he likes the 7.8 million dollar cheque a bit more.

Allison on the other hand is a real possibility, IMO. Though I think we should be more focused on wingers to replace the likely to be gone Alex Mogilny. Glen Murray sounds good in that respect.

Is ALMO gone or leaving John? Retirement or another team?

[Newfie John]

Is ALMO gone or leaving John? Retirement or another team?

It's up in the air. He may be leaving, he may be retiring or he may be staying. I hope he's gone.

[bluemeanie]

Foote may want in the door
By LANCE HORNBY -- Toronto Sun


He is a big defenceman, he has played with Mats Sundin, was coached by Pat Quinn and has lacrosse connections in Whitby.

That's enough to make Adam Foote feel welcome at the Air Canada Centre on any day of the week. But with unrestricted free agents up for grabs as of Monday and sources saying Toronto has always been high on Foote's list of new teams, no further background checks should be required.

Foote, like Peter Forsberg, appears to be caught in the salary cap squeeze of the Colorado Avalanche, who have indicated Joe Sakic and Rob Blake, both contracted, are their first priorities in staying under $39 million US, the National Hockey League limit. However, Avs general manager Pierre Lacroix might not want to lose both Forsberg and Foote, unless he has his own free agent in mind as a replacement.

Foote, 34, has been obscured in recent weeks as Scott Niedermayer, Sergei Gonchar and Derian Hatcher were shoved toward the door by their respective clubs. But Foote would be a catch, a two-time Canadian Olympian and Stanley Cup winner with the Avalanche.

TIGHT-LIPPED

Sundin's one-time teammate on the Quebec Nordiques is busy in the Whitby lacrosse scene (he once played the sport in the same area as Leafs' Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk) and is laying low until next week. Leafs GM John Ferguson and Quinn, the Toronto and Team Canada coach, are tight-lipped on the subject of free agents. This week, Ferguson is negotiating with Roberts, Nieuwendyk and Tie Domi, the latter keeping curiously close to Pittsburgh Penguins' owner Mario Lemieux these days.

Ferguson has until tomorrow -- at 5 p.m. -- to decide if he is buying out any Leafs to clear room for his own restricted and unrestricted free agents and next week's league-wide shopping spree.

Other rumors still flying around about the possibility of the Leafs buying out Belfour, to make room for Forsberg and maybe bring back CUJO. I think that the Leafs will definitely try to negotiate a move to this effect, but my money says that they won't get far.

[Madferret]

When's the buy-out deadline again?

:confused:

[bluemeanie]

That's right... only another 30 or so hours left.....

[Madferret]

That's right... only another 30 or so hours left.....

Hmmm...

[bluemeanie]

Hmmm...

Hey, I once went from being bed-ridden sick to being completely plastered in bed with some chick snorting something off of her something in less then 30 hours before my friend. =]

[Madferret]

Hey, I once went from being bed-ridden sick to being completely plastered in bed with some chick snorting something off of her something in less then 30 hours before my friend. =]

In Montreal? ;)

Speaking of bed-ridden....I'm on that stomach flu diet, easiest way to lose 9 pds.
JFJ sure has his work cut out for him in these next hours, I wonder if the Nolan issue is hindering his plans?

[Newfie John]

In Montreal? ;)

Speaking of bed-ridden....I'm on that stomach flu diet, easiest way to lose 9 pds.
JFJ sure has his work cut out for him in these next hours, I wonder if the Nolan issue is hindering his plans?

Technically, Nolan isn't even under contract with the leafs. This year is his option year. Common sense tells us that he will pick up the option, he has until tonight to do so. The leafs can only buy him when he picks up that option. Nolan is just waiting until the last minute to handcuff JFJ for that amount of time. Piece of crap Nolan.

[Madferret]

The Leafs are running out of time for room to tinker, what gives? This is certainly surprising.

:confused:

[bluemeanie]

The Leafs are running out of time for room to tinker, what gives? This is certainly surprising.

:confused:

Actually, I'm surprised that there hasn't been more action league wide yet. I thought that it would be a buy-out frenzie. I think everyone is concentrating on qualifying players and setting their core roster first... then the orgy will get going. Buyouts, will begin filtering out around 3pm, and we won't see complete lists until around 5:30, 6. Then, it's time pull out the shopping lists.

[Madferret]

More 'Boo-Hoo Nolan news...

Report: Nolan injury could void option
TSN.ca Staff

The dispute between the Toronto Maple Leafs and right winger Owen Nolan is about to get messy. According to a report in the Toronto Star, the Leafs do not intend to buy out the veteran on Friday, instead believing that Nolan's knee injury is not hockey-related, thus negating Nolan's right to exercise a contract option for 2005-2006. So, rather than buy him out at two-thirds of his salary ($3.8-million), the Leafs believe they don't owe Nolan anything.

Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. would not address the issue, telling the Star, "We will not comment on this matter while things are ongoing. There are a number of issues that remain to be established."

If this is indeed the course of action that the Leafs plan to take, they can count on a grievance being filed by Nolan's agent J.P. Barry, along with the support of the NHLPA.

The dispute over Nolan's injury stems from the belief of Nolan's camp that his original knee injury was initially misdiagnosed by the Leafs' training staff, and his current problems are associated with that original injury, which was incurred 15 months ago.

From the Leafs' perspective, the training staff had cleared Nolan medically, then didn't hear anything from Nolan until seven months later when Nolan was about to undergo another surgery.The Star also reports that the Leafs have filed buyout paperwork with the league to cover themselves in the event that the team loses the anticipated grievance.

http://www.torontomapleleafs.com/images/home/noaln_hm_Sens_250_Abel.jpg

[Newfie John]

Man this Nolan thing is confusing, but I finally have it figured out. I will now try to explain it.

First off, the leafs are off the hook for Nolan's salary, and we will not see him in a leaf jersey, or have his salary count against the cap no matter what happens in the future.(Barring a huge change of heart from the leafs).

In the leaf's minds, Nolan is currently a UFA. As I have stated before, this is an option year for Nolan. Nolan cannot exercise that option if he is injured with a NON-Hockey related injury. This is where the arguement comes from, and I don't have to explain what this arguement centers around. Pretty much it's just, is it a hockey injury, or isn't it.

Nolan will file a grievance for this. If the leafs lose the case, the leafs already have the buy-out papers sent into the league in case this happens. If this buyout is necessary, there will likely be yet another grievance.

Nolan has to win both cases to get his money. This could take years. Regardless, the leafs are off the hook. The leafs should have no problem paying him the money if they lose both cases, but they're not just going to give it away, they're going to fight this.

Either way, the leafs are off the hook on Nolan's salary in regards to the salary cap.

[The Insider]

So I didn't hear the Leafs qualify anyone, does that mean that time is up and all of: Nik Antropov, Wade Belak, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Aki Berg, Chad Kilger, Karel Pilar, Nathan Perrott are gone? If so I like where Fergy's mindset is :thumb:

[Amoroq]

So I didn't hear the Leafs qualify anyone, does that mean that time is up and all of: Nik Antropov, Wade Belak, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Aki Berg, Chad Kilger, Karel Pilar, Nathan Perrott are gone? If so I like where Fergy's mindset is :thumb:He also presented qualifying offers to dubious free agents Aki Berg, Nik Antropov and Alexei Ponikarovsky.

Not necessarily a bad thing as they retain the rights and can match or accapt the picks if they are signed for anything over the 750 grand trigger. Or they can sign at the qualifying option then trade.


LINK (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Simmons/2005/07/30/1153592.html)

[Newfie John]

It's starting to look more and more like Newy, Roberts and Domi will all be leaving. Newy appears to be on his way back to Dallas, Roberts is apparently on his way to Florida, and Pitsburgh will be going after Domi.

Who do we replace these guys with? Well we already have Domi replaced with Wade Belak IMO. He does the enforcer job better and is much cheaper. He doesn't come close to the offensive abilities of Domi, but still, a good replacement.

The replacement for Newy should be interesting. There is talk of the leafs signing Lindros for the league minimum and lacing it with performance bonuses. Same for Allison. Allison is going to much highly touted throughout the league though. Lindros, when healthy is a good player. I think we should still sign a guy who can play Center and the wing, if we sign Lindros, in case Lindros goes down. There goes the Nieuwendyk money.

As for Roberts, I hate to see him go, really I do, but if we are going to replace him, the only way to go is Glen Murray. Roberts made 3.5 million last season IIRC. I think we could get Murray at 4 million, so we'd have to dip into the Owen Nolan money for that.

Assuming we resign Antropov and Poni we are in good shape, cap wise, to get a defencemen. Adam Foote seems to be the concensus guy. Scott Niedermayer is dreaming if you ask me. We can get Foote at an affordable price, and there have been reports saying that he does like Toronto. This is how our lineup could shake up.

Then comes Alex Mogilny. We can either resign him, or let him go and go for another guy. Who knows who'll that guy will be

Murray- Sundin- Mogilny(or replacement)
O'niell- Lindros - UFA(the guy I was talking about, who can switch from C/W)
Poni- Steen- Antropov
Perrot - Stajan- Belak

Mccabe - Foote
Kaberle - Klee
Berg- Colaiocovo

Belfour
Tellqvist.

That's pretty good.

[Amoroq]

Stajan a 4th line checker? Everything else is ok John :)

[Newfie John]

Stajan a 4th line checker? Everything else is ok John :)

There's a good chance Steen could end up in the AHL this year, seeing that JFJ has a hard on for players going to the AHL before the NHL, so Stajan could end up centering that third line between Poni and Antropov.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

Murray- Sundin- Mogilny(or replacement)
O'niell- Lindros - UFA(the guy I was talking about, who can switch from C/W)
Poni- Steen- Antropov
Perrot - Stajan- Belak

Mccabe - Foote
Kaberle - Klee
Berg- Colaiocovo

Belfour
Tellqvist.

I like your lineup John. If I were to make something up it would be pretty similar. I would sign Allison and play Lindros on the wing on that second line. Take Belak out and put Tucker in on the Stajan line. I'd also give Pilar a look on that third pairing over Berg. Also, if you can't find a first line RW then you could always use O'Neill on the first line, then bump Tucker up to the second line. Finding a bottom six forward in free agency shouldn't be a very hard task.

[Newfie John]

I like your lineup John. If I were to make something up it would be pretty similar. I would sign Allison and play Lindros on the wing on that second line. Take Belak out and put Tucker in on the Stajan line. I'd also give Pilar a look on that third pairing over Berg. Also, if you can't find a first line RW then you could always use O'Neill on the first line, then bump Tucker up to the second line. Finding a bottom six forward in free agency shouldn't be a very hard task.

Forgot about Tucker. I agree with you totally though. JFJ should be able to ice a playoff team this year.

[KB in Kelowna]

Forgot about Tucker. I agree with you totally though. JFJ should be able to ice a playoff team this year.

Unless Quinn screws it up. :laughing:






Sorry I couldn't resist.

[Amoroq]

Unless Quinn screws it up. :laughing:






Sorry I couldn't resist.Why you little :curse: :laughing:

[Newfie John]

Unless Quinn screws it up. :laughing:






Sorry I couldn't resist.


Everything was going good, until I thought of the coaching staff. :laughing:

[Amoroq]

There is still a bit of room to tinker, and ya know there is a UFA winger out there that I am surprised is still not signed. The leafs are in need of some wingers and without Nolans contract counting they are at 33.55m(quick math) with 20 players, why not try a run at Marius Czerkawski? I know a great place in Toronto where one could get the best peroggies this side of Warsaw ;)