Can't Win 'Em All

There will be no Norwegian Hobbit for the Maple Leafs. Ah, the headlines that could have been.

Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, the diminutive winger who played for Norway at the Vancouver Olympics, has apparently decided to sign as an unrestricted free agent with the New York Rangers after several clubs, including the Leafs, were interested in bringing the Swedish league scoring champ to North America next season.

That's the long and short of it. Or at least the short of it. The long may yet be available to the Leafs in 6-foot-5 Finnish goaltender Jussi Rynnas, who is still contemplating offers from six teams. 

"He turns 23 in the next few weeks and the key for us is opportunity and making sure he doesn't paint himself into a corner with his contract," said Rynnas' St. Louis based agent Allain Roy, who also represents Anaheim netminder Jonas Hiller.

"We're hoping to have a decision by next week."

The Leafs were actually hoping to have something earlier, and were interested enough after meeting with Rynnas in Montreal 12 days ago that Brian Burke and Dave Nonis flew to Helsinki to try and convinced Rynnas to sign. A big part of the Leaf pitch is the presence of highly respected goaltending consultant Francois Allaire in the Leaf organization.

"They do have an asset there," admitted Roy.

Edmonton, Dallas, Minnesota, Montreal and Philly are thought to be the other interested clubs. Right now, the Leafs have newly signed Jonas Gustavsson under contract for the next two seasons and J.S. Giguere signed through next year, so they're obviously looking to add goaltending depth.

If Rynnas chooses to go elsewhere, the Leafs still may look at Cornell netminder Ben Scrivens, who has yet to sign with an NHL club as a collegiate free agent.

Comments

[Gordon Goodwin, 3 Summer St., Amherst, N.S. B4H 1N8]

Dear Mr Cox:-
Last nights game between the Caps and Les Habs was a classic demonstration of the woful inconsistincy of the refeeering in that game.
Clearly the two penalties called against Montreal late in the third period were instrumental in deciding the outcome of a game fought with tenacity by both clubs.
Washington has a great team, and does not need help by the officiating as they received last night. Without a doubt the called for a trip with only minutes to go led to the tying goal.
What has happenened to the referee putting the whistle away during the final 5 minutes?
Compare that trip call to the lack of calls during the game. Players crashing the net when the goaltender has the puck in his catching glove. Where was the whistle when "Halack" had the puck covered and on the 5th poke by Washington it went in the net?
Where was the call on Sutton on Lombardi hit during the Sens & Pens game on Fridy. Video on the internet clearly shows Sutton's arm up at the moment of impact. No elbow call;at least a charging call was required. Look at Suttons respone to the reporters after the game. The old saying of "He who is most guilty talks the most" applies to Sutton. He was very defensive. Guilty is my verdict.
The officiation is an absolute disgrace.
Speak up Mr Cox! Your voice carrys much more weight that a lonely email from Nova Scotia.
Just clarify I am a fan of both Ottawa and Pittsburg.
Thank you
Gordon Goodwin
3 Summer Street
Amherst NS
B4H 1N8

[AL]

Mats has the potential, you all saw him during the OG and I have seen him play in sweden the entire season, he´s got skills. Also watch out for Linus Omark of the Oilers, two short guys, but i belive that they have the potential, maybe not the upcoming season but at least in the future to be great entertainers in the league :)

I think that these two have the potential to cross the 50p boarder when the regular season is overn (2010-2011)! and thats not to bad for a rookie am i right ? ;)