The Essence of The Game

If you love hockey, you'd love this.

Five dozen or so Grade 5 students from the southwest quadrant of the Toronto District School Board on their final day of Hockey Academy, a program designed to give boys and girls who have never had the opportunity to play the game that chance, out on the ice at the Mastercard Centre this morning at 7 a.m. showing all they've learned during the last eight weeks.

Which is a lot.

They come to the program out of need or opportunity or perhaps because they are new Canadians without ties to the game, are outfitted with a complete set of hockey gear, including skates, and begin to learn the sport they might have only seen on TV or heard about in the schoolyard.

And my goodness, do they learn.

Today was the final day, the day when they split the kids up into four teams and bring in a couple of real-live goalies - my 12-year-old son and his Humber Valley Sharks peewee partner Quinn were on hand - to give all these kids the chance to experience a real game.

Some are still doing that slow tip-toe around the ice, or trying to figure out whether they really prefer shooting right or left. Others have gained the confidence to try a slapshot, or maybe a little dipsy-doo around a defenceman. Before the game started, a couple skated over to my son, not totally sure how to play, but knowing they shouldn't begin without high-fiving their goalie or giving him a tap on the pads.

And when they score! Oh my, the celebration! All the negatives often associated with the game, particularly with minor hockey, just evaporate.

All the equipment is donated, as is the ice time, and the teachers donate their time. Without all three, this program doesn't happen. Last year, about 10 youngsters went from the program to play house league hockey this year, not necessarily an easy or affordable thing for a lot of families. Just so you know, many of the hockey associations in the GTA have programs in which you can sponsor a child, with the monies going towards paying that boy or girl's registration fee.

If you love the game, can you think of a better idea at this time of year?

 

Thursday Mail Bag

So easily satisfied. That's got to be the part that drives Ron Wilson nuts.

No wonder he bolted a post-game press conference after Wednesday's loss to Pittsburgh after being asked why Sidney Crosby had been so effective in a 5-2 Penguins win.

"He competes!" said Wilson, intimating the same could not be said about his top forwards.

Correct. By contrast, no one has yet exuded over the work ethic of Phil Kessel, and until that happens, Kessel won't be accorded a place among the elite players of the game. Kessel needs to lead with more than just skating ability, but that just doesn't happen on a regular enough basis, and it sure didn't happen in Pitt on Wednesday night.

Was he alone? No. It sure seemed quite a few Leaf forwards showed up thinking that after shootout wins over the Bruins and Caps, this was a night they wouldn't be required to deliver a top-notch effort.

After all, they'd won two in a row. That counts as a streak 'round here.

But while Kessel wasn't alone, he needs to set the tone, the pace. Generally, he doesn't, nor does he usually make it his business to explain why afterwards, and those are just some of the differences that set the likes of Crosby apart.

Two other quick points before we get to this week's mail bag.

First, Nazem Kadri needs another trip to the AHL to work on his game. Unfortunately, Toronto being Toronto, this suggestion will be interpreted as some kind of a slam against the young man, and if it were to actually happen, "KADRI DEMOTED" would be the screaming headlines, suggesting failure on Kadri's part.

But that wouldn't be the case. He just needs to continue to develop his game, work on being the offensive force he needs to be. Give him another 20 games with the Marlies, then bring him back again. It's all part of the process.

Finally, how about Don Cherry's bizarre political performance this week?

He's our very own Sarah Palin, disguising one nutty, half-baked or erroneous idea after another as so-called "straight talk." But here's the part that bugs. Cherry loves to talk about how the Memorial Cup shouldn't be called the Mem Cup because it takes away from the military history of the trophy, and turns every Remembrance Day into a lengthy pro-soldier episode of Coach's Corner.

I'm good with all of that. We should honor and support our soldiers if as a country we choose to send them into harm's way.

What he seems to miss, however, is that all these soldiers have fought for our freedom, and that means freedom of thought, of belief, of opinion, of political philosophy.

It means they fought, and fight, for the right of Canadians to live in a democracy and to look at the world in a different way from Don Cherry. They fought, and fight, for people to be "pinkos" if they want to be without being insulted for their political beliefs or made to feel as though they are somehow unpatriotic.

Sadly, Cherry doesn't get that. He just sees the guns and the glory.

Now on to this week's mail bag:

Q: There hasn't been much hoopla about Mike Komisarek's lack of playing time in the last two Leaf games(averaging around ten minutes, the least time of all the D). When he does get on the ice, he looks lost. Anything we don't know here?

Al Hanrahan, Pictou, N.S.

A: It's pretty clear Komisarek has slipped to No. 6 on the Leaf blueline depth chart. He played 10:35 against Pittsburgh, and has played that amount or less for the past three games. With Dion Phaneuf likely back tonight against the Flyers or Saturday against Montreal, it becomes an open question as to which defenceman will be the odd man out. Given that Phaneuf and Komisarek both play the right side, that would be the obvious switch, although embarassing a vet like Komisarek at this point in the season would be a signficant decision for head coach Ron Wilson. The easier path would be to dress seven defencemen or sit Carl Gunnarson, who has been average at best this season. As to why Komisarek has struggled, in my mind, he hasn't been the same player since, he fought Milan Lucic while with the Canadiens several years ago. He wrecked his shoulder in that tussle and has never been able to recapture his game since. Shoulder surgery earlier this year may have fixed the physical problem, but he's still struggling.

 

Q: Hey Damien,

What moves do you see the Leafs making once Dion is back in the lineup? I imagine Aulie will get sent back down to the AHL despite his decent play. Perhaps his play has eased any tensions Burke may have had about putting one or two D-men on the trading block. Which Leaf D do you think hold the most trade value at the moment?

Cam Calderon, Toronto

A: To continue the Phaneuf/Komisarek discussion, I can't see sending Aulie back, although he played less in Pittsburgh and is now minus-5 on the season. He's playing a simple game, but usually an effective one. At some point, the Leafs may look to move one of their blueliners, particularly if they're seeing progress with Simon Gysbers or Juraj Mikus with the Marlies. Down the line there's also Jesse Blacker, a late add to the national junior camp. The D-man with the most value right now would be Luke Schenn, but obviously, he's not going anywhere. Francois Beauchemin is the next most appealing to other teams, and there have been nibbles. Right now, however, the Leafs seem to believe his calm, veteran dressing room presence is something they need far more than another young player or prospect.

It's intriguing, by the way, which Leaf blueliners seem to attract the most criticism. These days, it's Komisarek first, and Beauchemin second. Tomas Kaberle, meanwhile, just skates through, scot-free, just the same as always. This is a defenceman who plays every single power play yet doesn't yet have a goal. When the Penguins got their 2-on-0 shorthanded break last night, it was with Kaberle playing matador at the Pittsburgh blueline. His next bodycheck will be his first in several seasons. He commands absolutely no respect from enemy attackers in the Leaf goal crease area. Yet not a word is ever said about the play of St. Tomas. Remarkable.

 

Q: Sir,

If you were a Leafs fan, how would you judge the performance of the Leafs for the entire season? Would it just be by wins and losses and by association their place in the standings or would it be more on things like looking for improvements in the performance of certain key players? If it is players which ones would you be most focussed on?

Neil Poutanen, Guelph

A: I think you judge it all. It's how you weight things is what matters. To me, all decisions you make should be based on making this a winning team in three years and a contender in five. That doesn't mean you don't try to win now at all, because through victories and success, you build confidence and and experience. To me, you're looking for individual players to learn the game and improve, and for there to gradually be an identifiable team attitude and personality that will be strong and vibrant when the team gets better. Which players? All of 'em. But naturally, this is a team that will need Phaneuf and Kessel to become marquee stars if it is to become a strong club.

 

Q: Damien, two questions, firstly; why have the Leafs not placed any of injured players on LTIR? All the teams over cap are doing it to remain cap compliant, why aren't the Leafs doing it to increase the War Chest? Second Question: With Keith Aulie playing do you think the Leafs might entertain the thought of inserting Dion Phaneuf as a centre on the Kessel line? He is big and strong and not afraid to stand in front of the other team's net? Appreciate your thoughts and enjoy your writing. Thanks.

Stephen Seymour, London

A: Well, the Leafs are well below the cap. Can't see what benefit LTIR would do. Second, Phaneuf as a centre is the same as Kaberle as a forward, which we all hear from time to time. Three years ago, Phaneuf was a Norris Trophy candidate. Now he should be a forward? Don't think so. Could he play up front and be effective? Possibly. But defence is where you want him to shine. Moving him up to the front of the net during power plays, however, if something you're going to see again once he returns. 

 

Q: Damien, Burke says Toronto fans always blame the coach but never the players but when when we boo Phaneuf, Burke appears in media admonishing us for having done so and saying this never happened in Vancouver. So which is it? He now refuses to appear on HNIC and the FAN590. Is it fair to say that B.B. is starting to crack under the pressure that is the "Vatican of Hockey"????

Brian Campbell, Toronto

A: I get your point about Wilson and Phaneuf, and I'd say you're right. But basically this is a GM desperately trying to protect his coach and players, even to the point of deflecting the criticism on to himself. As far as cracking under the pressure, don't think so. He hasn't been talking to the FAN590 morning show because he didn't like something that was said about his late son several weeks ago, but he has talked to officials at the station and is certainly not boycotting it. Re HNIC, his dispute is with Ron MacLean over a number of issues, but again, he's not boycotting the show. Look, like Burke or not, no one would disagree that he is the most accessible Leaf GM in years. That said, he's allowed to say "thanks, but no thanks" once in a while, isn't he? 

 

Q: Hi Damien: I enjoy reading your comments here in England. My question concerns Leaf player numbers. Does the player or team assign sweater numbers? I don't understand why players have such high nubers when a series of low numbers are unassigned. I am thinking of Bozak, Kadri, Kulemin and Aulie.

Al Stray, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK

A: Usually the team, but veterans can ask for specific numbers. With the higher numbers, often they go to young players. Sometimes, those players request lower numbers sometimes they keep what they have. I'm pretty sure Kadri, to name one, will be looking for a different number at camp next fall.

 

Q: Hi Damien,

I'm watching the Leafs/Bruins game on CBC and they've got the super-slow-mo happening (love it!). I'm just wondering: does a goal count if a goalie catches it behind the goal line? Thomas appears to have stopped a Kadri backhand redirection behind the line, with no review. Good save? Or should that be a goal? It's frustrating no one's even mentioning it; because it's Tim Thomas in goal, everyone assumes he just stops everything and it's good (or maybe because it's the Leafs, no one expects them to score).

Ian Gray, Toronto

A: If a goalie is detected catching the puck behind the goal line, it's a goal. That said, it's a very difficult call since the puck usually isn't visible. We saw this in the '06 Olympics when Switzerland's Martin Gerber made a spectacular glove save on Rick Nash of Canada, but later still pictures seem to show Gerber's glove was well over the line. 

 

Q: Hi Damien. 2 things. I saw an interesting show about Dallas Eakins doing an intense mountain bike race. Really cool. I wish more people in sports were showcased like that.

Secondly, I have heard a lot about Eakins being a good coach that the Leafs cannot hope to keep coaching in the minors. Wilson has a losing record in his few years with the Leafs and I don't see that changing now. Is Eakins looking at the big club and wondering, if this is not his chance, when will it be? Is he going to get impatient and run off the first chance he gets to coach another NHL team?

It seems a little bit like when JFJ had Paul Maurice waiting in the wings, and as soon as he could blame the teams losing ways, dumped Pat Quinn and brought in Maurice...

Is Eakins the de facto future replacement for Wilson or are they going to weigh all the coaching options out there. If they went back to give Fletcher a second shot at GMing, are they going to do something else stupid like give Pat Quinn a coaching job again (Now that he is not doing anything important in Edmonton, not that changing him as coach had any impact on that team).

Basically, I want to know, are the Leafs running out of time to bring Eakins up? And if so, do they care if they let this fish go, knowing their might be many more in the sea?

Arthur Bailey, Red Lake

A: Eakins has done an excellent job this season with the Marlies and is well-liked within the organization. That said, giving a rookie coach his first NHL job as the head man in Toronto isn't going to be a formula for success. If that means another team snaps up Eakins, so be it. You can point to the success that Scott Arniel and Guy Boucher are having, but its much, much easier to break in as a first-year head coach in markets like Columbus and Tampa than Toronto. At the very least, Eakins would have to work as an assistant with the Leafs for a few seasons before getting a crack at the head job. 

 

Q: Hey Damien, I was wondering if you could straighten out a puzzling notion I have about the leafs game plan.

Why aren't they playing a defensive style of hockey? I get that they have the youngest team in the league with young guys like Kessel, but that youngest team in the league isn't scoring goals with their 'high flying attack'. Moreover, it's costing them a ticket to 'the dance' (which is Burke's ultimate goal)and is likely dealing a huge blow to everyone's confidence, thus harming their developement. I think it can be assumed that the real fans of the leafs, myself included, would much rather see a boring 2-1 or 1-0 game in which they win, rather than a 7-4 or 5-0 travesty at the hands of teams like the Sabres or the Oilers. Their built from the net out, why aren't they taking advantage of that depth? It worked for Pat Burns, God rest his soul, 17 years ago, why couldn't it work now?

Ian Byrne, Morell, P.E.I.

A: I've written about this extensively in the past. Basically, that's not the style of hockey Ron Wilson believes in, and you've got to accord the guy respect for sticking to his guns. That said, to me they don't have the guns to play the way they want to play right now. I guess it's an investment in the future, but you have to wonder whether Wilson will be around to enjoy the fruits of this investment. 

 

Q: The Marlies remain on fire. Who are 2 or 3 players on the team who you feel could be stars on the 2014 championship team Burke is trying to build?

Alex Vaickus, Toronto

A: Clearly, they believe Jerry D'Amigo will play in the NHL, and netminder Jussi Rynnas is certainly turning heads. After that, there aren't any blue chippers, but that doesn't mean no one will make it. Defencemen like Gysbers and Mikus, and forwards like Christian Hanson and Brayden Irwin, will all get their chances. 

 

Q: Just wondering why Milwaukee never seems to be mentioned as a possible location for an NHL team. It has a hockey culture (U of Wisconsin), winter climate, established stadium and sports fans. Seems like a natural fit. Is it simply a case that a prospective owner has never emerged that wanted to place a team there? Or a case that Milwaukee is not "marquee" enough for the NHL? Or some combination thereof?

M L, Halifax

A: A couple of things. First, Milwaukee was an expansion candidate in the early 1990s right after Lloyd Petit build the Bradley Centre, but the city dropped out before Tampa Bay and Ottawa were awarded teams and really hasn't been heard from since. Part of that might be related to the fact Milwaukee is about 90 minutes from Chicago, and a team in that city might not be looking upon happily by the Blackhawks.

The Danger of Snapshots

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--More and more, the Maple Leaf season is turning into a clinic on why drawing snapshot conclusions with a young hockey club is a dangerous business.

Last week, fans were calling for Ron Wilson's head on a platter. Columns were written demanding a change behind the Leaf bench, various TV, radio and blogosphere analysts were saying that Wilson had to go.

Today? After two shootout wins over favoured opponents, Boston and Washington, the Leafs certainly aren't looking like a team that has quit on its coach, but rather a team with a new never-say-die resolve.

Nobody saw that coming. But with young teams, the valleys tend to be rather deep and the hills surprisingly high. Consistency is the first casualty of youth.

Just look at Mikhail Grabovski, a 26-year-old who can look like a star one night - say, last night against Washington - and a player who really needs to find another league to play in another night. He started the season goal-less in 12, although both Wilson and GM Brian Burke said they liked his game.

Then he started producing some points, including a goal and an assist Nov. 16 against Nashille. Problem was, in that game he was also a minus-4. Prior to Monday's game against the Caps, he had no points in his previous five games, and was a minus-4 in the previous two games.

Then came his tour de force against Washington, including a spectacular spinarama goal. This is one difficult hockey player to figure out, a microcosm of the Leafs in general.

Some said he was a bum at the beginning of the season. Right now, he might be the team's most talented offensive player. 

Best to hold off on all judgements until season's end. That goes for individual Leafs, and the team, quite probably. 

 

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--Just because the Maple Leafs are struggling through a difficult season and poised to go into a Murderer's Row set of games this week, it doesn't mean Brian Burke is about to change how he does business.

Burke remains the only NHL general manager who imposes his own pre-Christmas trade freeze, and it will kick in at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday - 10 days before the NHL-wide shutdown - and end at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 28.

Burke said today before the NHL board of governors meetings commenced at The Breakers resort that while there have been a few nibbles from opposing GMs, he doesn't anticipate any deals prior to Thursday at midnight, which means the Leafs will have to slog through the tough month ahead with the players they have, other than possible callups from the AHL Marlies.

The Leaf president/GM also reiterated that he has no plans to fire head coach Ron Wilson, as he told various outlets on the weekend before the Leafs upset the Boston Bruins 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday. Burke has stopped short so far of guaranteeing Wilson his job through the end of the season, but it's believed the team's trade freeze extends to the coaching staff, as well.

Burke and Leaf chairman Larry Tanenbaum are representing the Leafs at these meetings. While there are rumours about the possible sale of a chunk of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment shares owned by the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, here there's some speculation that Tanenbaum, who owns 20.5 per cent of MLSE, could be tabbed to succeed Dallas owner Tom Hicks on the board's powerful executive committee, which currently counts Calgary co-owner Murray Edwards as it's only Canadian member.

 

 

Friday Mail Bag

Nope, no changes for the Maple Leafs. Well, Jay Rosehill's on his way from Ricoh to the ACC, but that's it.

Fact is, as much as some want Ron Wilson's head, there's no short-term fix that's going to alter the current dynamic of the NHL's youngest team proving to be both mistake-prone and lacking in confidence.

In fact, rather than screaming about Wilson or looking for a move, fans should be encouraging this team to sit tight and, above all, avoid anything that looks like or smells like a short-term fix.

Screaming about the Phil Kessel deal, folks, is pointless, unless you want to then advocate the firing of Brian Burke for this alleged offence. But then again, scream away. What else you gonna do?

But this much is true; Wilson may not be safe for the entire year, but he's not going anywhere soon. Moreover, the logical approach is quite probably to wait until next June when more candidates to replace Wilson are available, if he is to be replaced. The Leaf front office simply doesn't identify him as the problem. The problem was that when Burke landed in Toronto two years ago the cupboard was essentially bare. But people don't want to recognize that, or they don't want to understand that it's going to take a while to fix that problem.

As much as the Leaf front office may be feeling the heat, there's an understanding that while they have a team of developing young players - one of whom is Kessel, by the way - what they need are more good young players.

And there's no easy, short-term quick fix way to get more of those. The only way to win a few more games soon, well, how about a little offence from the back end?

Now on to this week's mail bag:

 

Q: Your Nov. 30th blog on Burke's plan is one of the best I've read in some time! Many great examples of the draft not being the 'only way'. I do believe in what Burke has done and is doing.  The structure off ice is now solid and has showed results.  As a result of Burke's signings and drafting the Leafs have had several prospects 'players of the week' in their respective leagues, Brad Ross, Greg McKegg(2x), Josh Nicholls and Jussi Rynnas to name a few.

 

My question is this, I am neither a hater or backer of Wilson but i have felt he has been out coached in several games and the Leafs at times seem to lack a game plan, would you make a coaching change at this point? I have been following the Marlies(they are on fire with 2 regulation losses in their last 14!) this year and I do like Dallas Eakins ALOT and think he would do very well but I am just not sure if Wilson has had an ample chance yet to prove himself?

 

John Fava, North Bay

 

 A: Well, you can fire Wilson or not fire him, I just don't think it's going to make a demonstrable difference unless the goal is simply to deny Boston a higher first round pick. But you know, the early season success of the Marlies, and those prospects you mention, and the youth on the Leafs, should make people more optimistic. But it doesn't.

 

Q: We've heard a lot of Kessel-Seguin related questions, and it seems like those two will be tied in the minds of Leaf fans for years - but really, isn't Seguin-Kadri just as legitimate a comparison?  It's one of those unusual circumstances that everyone knows that Burke could have traded Kaberle and the Kadri pick to get Kessel at the draft and wouldn't do it.  So, really the Leafs could have had both Kessel and Seguin (or maybe even a shot at Hall if they didn't have Kaberle all of last season).  I expect both Kessel and Sequin to have pretty good careers, but the wisdom of keeping Kadri and the apparently overvalued Kaberle when you could have added a 21-year-old sniper that you say you'd trade two prime first rounders for again today if you could . . . I just don't understand, and I don't see why it isn't discussed when reviewing the Kessel acquisition and its cost to the team.

 

John Bastedo, Oakville

 

A: I hear what you're saying, but you can't just imagine that if the Leafs had these different players and the Bruins these different players, then this would have been the result. And who's to say whether Seguin or Kadri will turn out to be the better player over the long haul? We'll see.

 

Q: How about an award for the most assists in one season? Maybe call it the Adam Oates award or something like that. We've got the Rocket for most goals, and last time I checked a goal and an assist were worth the same amount of points.

 

Terry Bridge, Listowel

 

A: Not a big fan of assists. More precisely, I'm not a fan of the two-assist system. Half the helpers that are credited in the NHL are for nothing. If anything, I'd rather see assists get less credit, not more.

 

Q: Would this trade have any chance of succeeding?

 

Parise, Rolston, Zubrus to Leafs

- $11.5M under contract this year, 8.462M next year and Parise an RFA looking for $6-7M

 

Grabovski, McCarthur, Caputi to Devils

- $4M if Caputi goes to minors

Basically, NJD solves cap issues immediately but give up on Parise LT signing. Toronto would be over the cap for 2010 but could deal Beauchemin for some picks. Would this appeal to the Devils or would they prefer to clear out all their depth a la Chicago to keep Parise.

Thanks

 

Jamie Murray, Toronto

 

A: It would make wonderful sense for the Leafs, who get Parise, and none for the Devils, who get not much except cap relief. There's just no way the Devils are going to use Parise for cap relief. They've got too many other options. Plus, by the way, Rolston has a no-trade clause.

 

Q: Each year a handful of players take their team to salary arbitration in hopes of getting a pay raise, but this same privilege is also afforded to teams who want to cut down the cost of some of a player. Has there been any player in recent memory who's salary was decreased through arbitration? Also, I was curious about the case of Ilya Kovalchuk. If we make a brash assumption that he maintains his current pace all year and finishes with around 40 pts, would the Devils have the right to take him to arbitration? Obviously this probably wouldn't be a very good way to motivate a player who is already lacking in that department, but just wondering if its even a theoretical option for them. Many thanks!

 

Ara Kalousdian, Kingston

 

A: Okay, for starters, players have "lost" at arbitration, but not taken a pay cut, that I can recall. They've either been forced to accept a two-way contract or a smaller salary than they wanted. In terms of Kovalchuk, no, they can't take him to arbitration after this year. You can only take a player to arbitration after his contract has expired. Kovalchuk's has many years to go.

 

Q: I have a question about the Leaf`s centre postion. It`s twofold, do you think Tyler Bozak requires more seasoning in the the minors? I don`t see the Leafs having a consistent number one centre.  Is Kyle Wellwood available? I think he could provide a creative influence on an anemic offence. If anything, it would improve their powerplay. What do you think?

 

Michael Gibson, Toronto

 

A: No, please no, to the Wellwood option. At any rate, he's gone to the KHL where he has four points in 19 games. Could Bozak use more time in the minors? Sure. So could other young Leafs - Kadri, Aulie, Gunnarson, Gustavsson, among others. But the nature of the NHL game these days means these guys have to play, and play now.

 

Q: Just got through watching one of the worst Leafs games of the seasons in last night's loss against Ottawa. People were talking about the lack of scoring, but I've found one of the biggest weaknesses of this squad is the inability to clear the defensive zone. My question is: why are they so susceptible to opposition forechecks when they're icing competitive defence pairings and fast forwards? It seems like whoever's on the ice in the defensive zone is always on their heels making pressured passes and constantly turning the puck over. Why?

 

Eric Ginestier, Toronto

 

A: Any number of reasons, including the fact this team lacks size on the wings, which helps you on plays along the wall, and lacks experience down the middle, critical because centre is the most important position defensively. Phaneuf is one of their more mobile blueliners, and he's missing, and Armstrong is a very good players on the boards, and he's missing. Finally, neither one of their goalies are very good at playing the puck, so that puts more pressure on the blueline corps.

 

Q: When will people start looking at mike komisarek's contract as the albatross it is?  He was supposed to be a rough and steady defencemen when we signed him, but all i see is a guy who can cough up the puck.

And what happened to the plan of the leafs having the hard hitting d?

 

Richard Hisem, Duncan, B.C.

 

A: First of all, every team has a bad contract. In fact, most teams have a least two. With respect to Komisarek, yes, he hasn't lived up to the contract. But the club didn't give up players or draft picks to get him, and he's not strangling them on the cap, and he's among their four best defencemen. All that said, he has a limited no trade contract, and he's among the players who could be moved as this season goes on.

 

Q: Hey Damien, Whats with all the talk about Ovi having a terrible season. Compared to his previous seasons, yes you can't argue numbers, but relatively the only people in the league who ahead of him in points at the moment are Crosby and Stamkos who are both having marquee years. Maybe this is just the year of the goalie?

 

Rick Campanelli, Toronto

 

A: Well, most people identify Ovechkin as a goal scorer, and he hasn't lit it up in his usual style this season. But he has picked up a lot of assists, and if that means he's expanding his game and finding ways to use his teammates more effectively, that could be a good thing.

 

 

Rogers and MLSE; Not About Championships

It's a story that hit the city like a tidal wave this morning.

That Rogers is looking to buy the 66 per cent stake in the Maple Leafs sports empire currently owned by the Ontario Teachers Pension Fund constituted a huge scoop, certainly big enough to drown out water cooler conversation about last night's cruel Leaf loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

But then, this is truly a business story more than a sports story. Really, it has nothing to do with wins or losses or championships.

It's about TV. And content. And hand-held wireless.

But not about Stanley Cups or any other trophies, for that matter.

It's a mind-boggling transaction, one that would theoretically put Rogers in charge of the Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays and Toronto FC, a spectacular and unprecedented concentration of sports properties in North America. Where it would leave Larry Tanenbaum, owner of just under 21 per cent of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, is unclear.

It would be a powerful collective, yet some would also fear such a gigantic sports conglomerate just as Teddy Roosevelt once fought against combines and railroads. Moreover, it's fair to say both Rogers, as owner of the Jays, and MLSE, as owner of the Leafs, Raps and Toronto FC, have more than their share of critics in a city in which none of those teams have won a championship since the early 1990s.

The Jays had a surprisingly good 2010, so maybe fans are feeling better about the ownership of that ball club. Certainly the ascension to power within Rogers of Keith Pelley is a positive sign given the good reviews Pelley received for running the CFL's Toronto Argonauts several years ago.

But then, of course, all of this is a totally different animal.

If Rogers were to be successful in its play for the MLSE sports properties as outlined first today in The Star by reporters Rob Cribb and Tony Van Alphen, the entire dynamic of the Leafs et al would change as the new organization would be built around a media content company, rather than a business increasingly into condominium construction and arena management.

But would sports fans get more? Or would this quasi-monopoly leave the supporters of each team dissatisfied?

Would the Leafs be king? Or would the Jays, Rogers' first love, be at the top of the pyramid?

Rumours of a monster transaction involving the Teachers pension fund's share of MLSE have been percolating on the street for a while now, along with the rumours of Richard Peddie's departure, which came to fruition on Tuesday. Nobody is denying this story, but if MLSE or the Teacher's fund tries to even play it down, it will ring hollow after the Peddie story was reported weeks ago and, after initial denials, proved to be true.

Now that the Rogers play is public knowledge, it could also bring out other bidders, possibly driving the price up.

It certainly adds a new wrinkle to NHL board of governors meetings scheduled for West Palm Beach on Monday, although the league was generally aware that Rogers had interest in MLSE's properties. Already this week, hot rumours about a sale of the Buffalo Sabres hit the headlines, and the NHL is already trying to conclude a sale of the Phoenix Coyotes by the end of the month.

Right now, Dallas and Atlanta are also on the market, so NHL owners will have a boatload of issues to deal with down in Florida next week.

As far as the potential sale of the Leafs and Raptors go, it seems unlikely that falling under the Rogers umbrella would dramatically alter their competitiveness, with both clubs again unlikely to be playoff teams this year. It's not as if some Mark Cuban-like tycoon wants to buy them, with an eye on stroking his ego by basking in the glow of championship success. Moroever, both play in leagues with salary caps, and Rogers has already demonstrated in cap-less Major League Baseball it cannot or will not spend with the big market clubs.

Really, this is a business deal that just happens to involve sports. It's as much about condos and TV programming as it is about pucks and balls.

That said, it could alter the contours of the Toronto sports landscape for years, possibly decades, to come.