z_The Hockey Page - Toronto Star

Born again Maple Leaf?

Yes, Mr. Domi, did you have something to say?

"He looks like a kid again. He's flying out there."

So says Tie Domi, the Maple Leafs winger who's been known to work out with Steve Thomas, fan favourite, 42 years old, and hungry for a championship. Thomas says the team hasn't contacted him, but he's ready to go if needed. And just to be clear:

"I think people know by now that this was my favourite place to play."

Toronto, that is. And so we wait and see. Yesterday, we asked if you thought signing Thomas was a good idea and reaction was weighted to the negative side. The word 'desperation' came up more than once. Thomas might have to to, with fan choice Anson Carter expected to land in Vancouver today.

Ex-Leaf report:

Sorry 'bout all that Alexander-Mogilny-is-going-to-Florida talk. Must've been that Gary Roberts/Joe Nieuwendyk hangover. Mogilny, one of the most skilled players to wear the Maple Leafs jersey returned to New Jersey with a $7 million, 2-year deal. Cha-ching! The Devils even went over the salary cap to get him. If he's healthy like he says he is, he just might be worth it.

"The Devils were my first choice," says Mogilny.

Ouch.

Also, all signs point to Curtis Joseph playing in Phoenix this year.

More buzz:

Steve Moore's lawsuit against the NHL is pending in a Denver court. He expains the suit to the Denver Post and updates his recovery.

"My hope is that one thing that comes out of this is something that could prevent something like this from happening again, so people can't say hockey didn't learn from these incidents that kind of mar its image," he says.

Meanwhile, Todd Bertuzzi continues to receive support in Vancouver. But it's a different view in Denver.

The Islanders still don't have goalie Rick DiPietro under contract. Under the new CBA, the Isles are only required to pay him the league minimum. This could get ugly. The door is also open for another team to sign the rising star to an offer sheet, forcing the Islanders to match, or lose him.

"It would have to be one hell of an offer sheet," says GM Mike Milbury.

In Tampa, they're feeling relief at having Vincent Lecavalier locked up, now the highest paid player in team history. Still,

"We believe we got the home-team discount," says GM Jay Feaster.

Finally, with cap room shrinking and some big names requiring big contracts, the Ottawa Senators are reportedly shopping defenceman Wade Redden.

Hello again

Good morning Steve Thomas. We hear the Maple Leafs want you back for a third term in Toronto. Just how far back does this 42-year-old go in Maple Leafs lore? Well, his first stint with the Leafs ended in a trade for Al Secord.

Do you think Thomas is a good fit? Where will he play? Sure, he's no Teemu Selanne, but if the salary fits... Click the comments link below and let us know if adding "Stumpy" is a good idea.

Meanwhile, Todd Bertuzzi was on the ice yesterday at Team Canada's Olympic training camp and that Steve Moore thing just isn't going away. Fans in Denver continue to weigh in, but it looks like it's the signing if Brad May that's got them upset more than Bertuzzi's return.

Around the league:

The Penguins just weren't satisfied, were they? Crosby, Palffy, Gonchar, Thibault and now the team has added 36-year-old John LeClair to the mix yesterday. If anyone's picking the most improved team, we'd advise you start in Pittsburgh.

In Phoenix, ex-Leaf Curtis Joseph continues to draw interest. (Thomas, LeClair, Joseph - guess the old guys can still play!)

Speaking of ex-Leafs, remember Brad Boyes? Part of the then-controversial, now-disasterous Owen Nolan trade? The skilled forward is firmly in the Bruins fold.

In Detroit, Chris Osgood and Manny Legace have a message for fans who don't think the tag-team between the pipes will work: Peace and love... and hopefully a whole lot of saves.

The Islanders are Alexi Yashin's team now. The second highest player in the NHL certainly had his share of critics in his own dressing room - but those players are gone, and there are high hopes with Miroslav Satan skating as the wingman. They might not be Trottier and Bossy, but there's a lot of goals in there.

Winging it

After a quiet weekend watching golf that's turned into a long weekend of watching golf, although Calgary got even better (hello Roman Hamrlik), Leaf Nation returns to the water coolers today with their "big three" up the middle, and some questions with the the wingmen.

Mats Sundin, Jason Allison and Eric Lindros (getting used to saying that? - just rolls off the tongue) will all play centre, says coach Pat Quinn.

"I believe having good strength up the middle is an old maxim but it's a true one. To build championship teams you have to have strength there. I like the thought of those three guys in the middle," says Quinn.

Sounds good. But who's gonna dig the puck out of the corners? Toronto has about $2.5 million left under the salary cap and GM John Ferguson Jr. says he wants to keep some wiggle room for during the season. So while there's plenty of talent still available (Alex Mogilny, Teemu Selanne, John LeClair, Peter Bondra) on the free agent market, there's just not much room in Toronto for more players.

We want to know your ideas for line combinations. Would you play Belak and Domi with Lindros in a bang-and-crash line? Where does Jeff O'Neill's scoring best fit?

Leaf fans have reason to be optimistic, Sundin says he's in great shape and is hungry to get things started.

In Boston, president Harry Sinden likes his team a lot and thinks the Bruins will be among the class of the Eastern Conference. Others? Philly, Ottawa and Toronto, but the Leafs have a big 'if', according to Sinden:

"Toronto can become an interesting team because of (Jason) Allison and (Eric) Lindros. With (Mats) Sundin, that gives them three possible star centres. Of course, there's a distinct possibility that they'll only have one."

Yes. Distinct. (holding breath)

Around the league:

Phoenix is looking for a veteran to help coach Wayne Gretzky betweent the pipes, with ex-Leaf Curtis Joseph on the radar (reg. req'd).

In Florida, the "Keenanization" of the Panthers (reg. req'd) is underway, and the team is not on good terms with star goalie Roberto Luongo.

Nashville forwards Paul Kariya and Greg Johnson share, along with most Canadians, some bad memories when it comes to the dreaded shootout. Let's just say they're not big fans.

Landing Lindros

(Editor's note: The Hockey page will blog again Monday morning. In the meantime, get caught up on the week's action below - or leave your comments here.)

Eric Lindros finally got to wear his blue and white pyjamas last night, while Leaf fans either had visions of MVP Lindros dancing in their heads or had their sleep ruined by imposing images of Scott Stevens' shoulder.

Welcome home, Mr. Lindros. We hope you're happy, healthy and prove to be much worth much more than your $1.55 million paycheque.

"I've been really working on stickhandling with my head up," he said yesterday.

Well, that's a good start.

What do you think of the Lindros signing? Click the comments link below and let us know.

Meanwhile, Florida continues to talk with Alexander Mogilny, says GM Mike Keenan, while the Panthers aren't getting along with goaltender Roberto Luongo at the moment.

Such is the new NHL it seems, where it can be argued that loyalty is the first casualty of the salary cap. Just don't tell that to Tie Domi. The pressure's on the general managers to get the job done within all these new parameters.

As for another casualty of the new NHL, as in television rights, as in real dollars for the league and its players, dollars that now count towards that salary cap number: ESPN says it won't let the league vanish from its radar.

And now that the Boston Bruins have locked up Joe Thornton (reg. req'd), eyes will be on the big centre to deliver the goods (reg.req'd).

Taking inventory

Things are coming together.

With the addition of Alexander Khavanov, and the signing of Aki Berg and Wade Belak, the Leafs have made their case for the defence. Include Bryan McCabe, Thomas Kaberle, Ken Klee and Carlo Colaiacovo and Toronto's core of blueliners stacks up.

Rosters are starting to take shape across the league as cap wiggle shrinks. Yesterday, 11 players filed for salary arbitration; today, clubs return the favour. Tomorrow, arbitration cases are scheduled for hearings that begin in one week.

Now that you've marked up your calendar, a glance around the NHL reveals some revamped rosters:

Pittsburgh is an obvious start, where they were swooning over Sidney Crosby yesterday. Add Sergei Gonchar, Zigmund Palffy, Mark Recchi, Jocelyn Thibault and a healthy (crossing fingers) Mario Lemieux - that first-line power play is gonna be good.

The Flyers also look like winners after they added Peter Forsberg, Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje. In Philly, they're talking about a new Legion of Doom (reg.req'd), this time patrolling the blue line.

But back to the Maple Leafs. They certainly have the depth on defence and, assuming Eric Lindros is coming (we can assume this, right?) Toronto is big and strong up the middle with Captain Mats and Jason Allison. Shift to the wing, however, and things get a little sketchy.

What about the losers? They're crying in St. Louis over Chris Pronger's departure. In Colorado, Pierre Turgeon, Andrew Brunette and Patrice Briesbois were brought in to replace Peter Forsberg, Paul Kariya and Adam Foote.

Sorry Blues and Avs fans, according to Red Wings GM Ken Holland the NHL is now all about parity.

"The playing field is level," Holland said.

What do you think? Take a browse through the new look NHL rosters around the league. Who's on the rise? Who will take steps back? Will the Maple Leafs contend? Click the comments link below and send us your opinion.

Around the league:

Steve Moore has spoken. In a lengthy interview, he spoke about his reaction to Todd Bertuzzi's reinstatement and his desire to return to the NHL.

The Panthers are still talking with Alexander Mogilny, and while other teams are reportedly interested, the ex-Leaf likes what he sees in Florida.

Doing the Lindy hop

Today, Big 'E' is for effort. As in keep trying Mr. Ferguson. Seems Eric Lindros really wants to wear the Maple Leafs uniform, linked to Toronto as far back as 2001 - maybe this time it's for real. Who'd of thought Lindros would be too healthy for the Maple Leafs? There's that nasty salary cap getting in the way again.

Meanwhile, welcome aboard Alexander Khavanov.

The free agent frenzy has officially gone from thunderstorm to summer breeze. Though the Florida Panthers might not be finished culling the Maple Leafs 2004 roster. GM Mike Keenan reportedly met with Alexander Mogilny(reg.req'd) this week, who could join Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk. As for that hot Roberto Luongo for Jose Theodore trade rumour? Not a chance(reg.req'd), say the Panthers.

Today, the fallout from Todd Bertuzzi's reinstatement continues, with no shortage of support in this forum. Yesterday, the Canucks winger expressed his grattitude in a letter to Canucks fans, while the Colorado Avalanche turned heads when they signed Brad May - a move some say is a slap in the face of Steve Moore.

Around the league:

If your still confused with the economics of the 'new era NHL,' this view from Detroit is similar to ours in Toronto (without using too many confusing numbers).

In Washington, owner Ted Leonsis shares his opinion on the new economics of the NHL, and why the Capitals have been so quiet on the free agent market.

The Boston Bruins have reportedly increased their offer to Joe Thornton.

They're singing the Great One's praises in Los Angeles, Wayne Gretzky can't wait to get started. Good for the league, says Bruce McNall:

"Every time he goes to a new city people will say, 'Gretzky coaching? What's this about?"

Finally, today at 5 p.m. is the deadline for players to notify teams they've filed for salary arbitration, opening the door for unrestricted free agency next year. The Ottawa Senators are on alert after sniper Marian Hossa rejected a three-year contract. He wants big bucks. Jarome Iginla bucks. Now, the Sens could be dealing with both Hossa and Martin Havlat as free agents next year. Gotta love the new NHL.

Bert and earnest

In the words of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman:

"It is my belief that Mr. Bertuzzi has paid a very significant price for his conduct on March 8, 2004, and that he should be reinstated immediately so that he is eligible to play as of the commencement of the 2005-06 NHL season."

Quickly overshadowing the news that Wayne Gretzky was stepping behind the bench in Phoenix (Coyotes players can't wait to play under the Great One - registration required), the NHL reinstated Vancouver winger Todd Bertuzzi, suspended from the league for some 17 months, which ammounted to 20 games (including seven playoff) and $501,926 in wages for attacking Colorado's Steve Moore.

Bertuzzi is due to make more than $5.27 million this season with the Canucks and is expected to be ready to hit the ice for Team Canada's Olympic training camp next week. The Canucks are eager to unite Bertuzzi with Marcus Naslund and Brendan Morrison. Moore, without an NHL contract, wouldn't comment.

Do you think Bertuzzi paid his debt? Should he be back in the NHL come October? What if Bertuzzi scores the winning goal in the gold medal game at the next Olympics? Send us your opinion.

Meanwhile, the free agent market has slowed (a little), and the Leafs look stronger up the middle, as long as Jason Allison's neck holds up. And speaking of Team Canada gamers, would Anson Carter look good wearing the other Maple Leaf?

Toronto radio station Fan 590 is reporting this morning that Eric Lindros and the Leafs have agreed to a one-year contract, but are still haggling over terms. Let's see, Sundin at 6-foot-5, Allison is 6-3, Lindros 6-5 ... a bit o' size up the middle. A deal with Lindros could be struck today. Stay tuned.

Geezer report: According to his agent, Alexander Mogilny wants to play in Toronto (reg. req'd) and would take quite the pay cut to come back. But the Leafs apparently think the 36-year-old winger is too old.

The NHL's return to life looks to be getting a $100 million boost with a two-year cable TV deal (reg. req'd).

"By no means am I Scotty Bowman"

So says the Great One, anyway. Hey, after a week of a free-agent signing blizzard and that "I'm so glad to be in (fill in the blank)" talk, the decks were cleared Sunday for this one news nugget, nothing more than a confirmation, really, but a big one: Wayne Gretzky, adding the title of head coach to his ownership portfolio in Phoenix with the Coyotes (a press conference is scheduled for today at 4 p.m. Eastern):

"By no means am I Scotty Bowman, but I know the game, I love the game, I have a really good staff and we have a really good team. It's exciting. I haven't felt this way since I was 17."

Hmmm. Guess all those Stanley Cups, Olympics, scoring titles and hosting Saturday Night Live were just the setup. But is this about winning hockey games in the new NHL, or is it about selling the sizzle? If Gretzky the coach can even approach the unassailable standards set by Gretzky the player, this will go down as a success. But just ask Larry Bird. Hall of Fame players trying to lead ham-and-egg players is no easy trip. And the Coyotes aren't exactly the second coming of the '85 Oilers.

So you took the weekend off. So did the Leafs, actually. Aren't you just kicking yourself for missing Ray Whitney signing with Carolina? Get caught up here.

In Detroit they're already burying their long rivalry with the Avalanche (and are you ready for Cujo in Pittsburgh? Tampa Bay? Anywhere else we've missed?).

Free tickets in Montreal. Sacre bleu.

Is Nashville going hockey mad with the signing of Paul Kariya? Um, no.

"The Devils are not very intimidating right now."

Rick Nash is staying in Columbus, but some rival GMs might be questioning what's up with the Blue Jackets.

Are Leafs hands Tie-d?

That's it, folks. The blog is closed for the weekend. Go ahead and browse the responses here to a crazy week of NHL transactions. We'll be back on Monday.

Could you really picture Tie Domi in another uniform? Toronto's favourite tough guy is back, but the Leafs might be forced to remain passive, not players, in this free agent dance.

But it appears the Leafs aren't alone. The New York Rangers, one of the few teams willing to outspend even Toronto for talent in the past, are also feeling the pinch of the new NHL system, preaching youth over spending.

Are you happy to see Domi back? Too expensive at $2.5 million for two years? What about the possibility of giving the kids more ice time this year? Let us know.

So have we got all this straight? The NHL's here-a-player, there-a-player frenzy continued yesterday and of course we can't wait to see what happens today. If your head is spinning, study up on the done deals, and buckle up for some more.

On to the buzz:

Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon, happy with a couple of mid-level signings, immediately set his sites on free agent goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. Over in Tampa Bay, the Bolts want their Stanley Cup winning goalie back, but may have to sacrifice Martin St. Louis to get a deal done. Update: And the winner is ... Chicago. The Blackhawks just got better in goal, signing the Bulin Wall to a four-year deal today. No offence to Jocelyn Thibeault, who will probably be traded. As for Tampa, they'll have some money to pay St. Louis, and they'll need the extra offence without their Stanley Cup winning goalie.

Staying between the pipes, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking, with interest in former Leafs favourite Curtis Joseph. But according to the Arizona Republic, Sean Burke is the man.

The Washington Capitals have signed ... well ... nobody. General manager George McPhee is talking about that youth thing we mentioned above, and seems content to watch the market.

"We think the market is very overpriced," McPhee tells the Washington Post. "It's akin to jumping into the stock market when it's at its height."

Maybe in the end of all this, the smart clubs will be the ones like Toronto, New York and Washington who are waiting in the wings. What if they swoop in and pick up the Anson Carters and Paul Kariyas at bargain prices once the teams with cap room have spent all their money? Your thoughts?

Back to the buzz.

The Dallas Stars are patting themselves on the back, already looking ahead to the playoffs after signing their two most marketable free agents -- two players who should benefit from rule changes designed to increase scoring.

Defenceman Patrice Brisebois signed with the Avs and says he's relieved to be out of that pressure cooker in Montreal:

"When (Montreal general manager) Bob Gainey called me to tell me they were not picking up my option, to tell you the truth, I was happy. I think my time in Montreal was over. I needed a new challenge, new teammates."

Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock was vacationing in Western Canada when GM Bobby Clarke called to say that Philly had signed Peter Forsberg:

"He giggled for 5 minutes," Clarke said. "I hung up."

Now, Hitchcock has the ultra-fun job of setting up his new, high-powered lineup.

Finally, what were we saying yesterday about Jeremy Roenick being a perfect fit for Los Angeles? New teammate Luc Robitaille agrees:

"This guy is Showtime, this guy is Magic Johnson. Man, this year is going to be so much fun."

Good morning, Mr. Ferguson

Another day of furious free agent signings and some Leaf fans wonder if John Ferguson's phone is out of service. Forsberg to Philly, Pronger and Peca to Edmonton, the big names keep moving around and the Maple Leafs, as Damien Cox puts it this morning:

"without question, have been caught utterly flat-footed"

We'd like to know what the fans think. Were the Maple Leafs really prepared for all this? Click the "Comments" link below and let us know.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins have their own problems. And there's hurt feelings among the ranks after Mike Modano signed with the Dallas Stars. Apparently, the Bruins thought they had a deal for the superstar centre.

''I don't know what happened," Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell tells The Boston Globe. ''Maybe (Modano) had a bad night's sleep, or something. I don't know. But I do know that we've moved on -- we're looking at other people now."

Chicago is feeling a little rejected this morning.

The Rangers are concentrating on selling tickets.

The defending champions (remember 2004?) are playing a waiting game in Tampa.

And the Avalanche are crying in their beer, while the Blues are paying tribute to a dearly departed superstar. But St. Louis general manager Larry Pleau says the Chris Pronger trade is proof the NHL's new system works. Blues president Mark Sauer sums it up:

"This is a brand-new industry now," Sauer tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "A city like Edmonton can reach out and get a player like Chris Pronger."

The Devils, also feeling a bit intimidated by the Flyers' big splash, hope to hear good news from defenceman Scott Niedermayer today. Update: Sorry Devils, the defenceman has signed a four-year deal to play with brother Rob in Anaheim. Finally, Mrs. Niedermayer can cheer for just one NHL team.

The view from Philly is all sunshine today, despite the likely departure of Jeremy Roenick, possibly to Los Angeles, maybe to Phoenix. We're looking to the west. Stay tuned. Update: beat reporters in Los Angeles should charge the batteries on their recorders, J.R. was dealt this afternoon to the Kings for futures. Is there a better spot for this guy than Hollywood?

Taking a look between the pipes this morning, Detroit is looking, with interest in Chris Osgood, who has won a Cup in Motown. Pittsburgh (boy, they might actually be good this year) is also poking around, Sean Burke and Curtis Joseph are on the radar.