It would be nice if some of the idiot Leaf fans on this board could spot obvious sarcasm but one ass clown idiot in particular certainly can’t.
The Official M.E.R.B. Hockey Thread
- Thread starter Doc Holliday
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It would be nice if some of the idiot Leaf fans on this board could spot obvious sarcasm but one ass clown idiot in particular certainly can’t.
Stajan scores winner for Flames
Matt Stajan added the game-winning goal
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/stajan-scores-winner-for-flames/article1455573/
Good on Stajan!
Matt Stajan added the game-winning goal
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/stajan-scores-winner-for-flames/article1455573/
Good on Stajan!
i agree! good for Matt, i hope he does well, except when the Leafs play his team.... thats called class gsg, something "most" habs fans do NOT have
Considering that there hasn’t been a playoff game in Toronto since 2003, Stajan is probably relieved to get out of that cesspool and can now play for a real hockey team that has a shot at the post-season.
I'm happy for Matt Stajan, a class act if ever there was one. I hope all four of the Leafs traded to Calgary enjoy success. If they play in Toronto, the fans will likely applaud them for their time in Toronto. On the other hand, if they'd be former Habs, the fickle habs fans would boo them every time they'd touch the puck. That's how they are in Mtl, folks. They cheer for you one minute, and they boo the heck out of you if you're not wearing that ugly old red sweater. They also boo other players from other teams for no reason other than the fact that they're good hockey players (e.g. Zdeno Chara). They're the worse hockey fans ever!
Kovalchuk set on testing free agent market
ESPN - You've probably read our post about the imminent Ilya Kovalchuk trade. But Kovy has said he will test the free agent market, which means the trade is still a rental. So four months later, some team will still have to fork over $100 million to acquire the star winger.
The latest reports say Kovy's agent, Jay Grossman, hasn't backed off from the huge demands for his client. They want the maximum -- $11.3 million -- for 10 to 12 years, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Meanwhile, the last offer left on the table was $101 million over 12 years, which averages to $8.42 million a year.
So it will be a matter of who can afford him. Some speculated the Leafs would look this direction, but GM Brian Burke has repeatedly said he won't pay one player that much money. The Flames, Rangers and Kings are interested in trading for him, but they may also be interested in signing him in the offseason. They'll all have to get financially creative to do so.
The Bruins and Canucks also have interest, as do the Islanders. All of them appear to be out of trade talks, but they might make a pitch to Kovy in the offseason. Still, it will be anywhere from a $113 million to $136 million commitment, if the asking price isn't lowered.
ESPN - You've probably read our post about the imminent Ilya Kovalchuk trade. But Kovy has said he will test the free agent market, which means the trade is still a rental. So four months later, some team will still have to fork over $100 million to acquire the star winger.
The latest reports say Kovy's agent, Jay Grossman, hasn't backed off from the huge demands for his client. They want the maximum -- $11.3 million -- for 10 to 12 years, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Meanwhile, the last offer left on the table was $101 million over 12 years, which averages to $8.42 million a year.
So it will be a matter of who can afford him. Some speculated the Leafs would look this direction, but GM Brian Burke has repeatedly said he won't pay one player that much money. The Flames, Rangers and Kings are interested in trading for him, but they may also be interested in signing him in the offseason. They'll all have to get financially creative to do so.
The Bruins and Canucks also have interest, as do the Islanders. All of them appear to be out of trade talks, but they might make a pitch to Kovy in the offseason. Still, it will be anywhere from a $113 million to $136 million commitment, if the asking price isn't lowered.
Kovalchuk trade imminent. But where to?
ESPN - The Ilya Kovalchuk trade rumors have blown up, because this deal will happen very soon -- by this weekend, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.
So who is interested? Well it looks like the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers are still interested, LeBrun writes. Others sources say the New York Rangers are still in the running, too. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks might be losing interest.
Here are the details:
Kings: The longtime favorite to land Kovy. GM Dean Lombardi has said he doesn't want Kovy as a rental -- but maybe he's changing his mind. The initial asking price was quite high, but now CBC reports the two sides have Alexander Frolov involved and are "arguing" over Jack Johnson. As a backup measure, LeBrun notes the Kings are considering Carolina Hurricanes winger Ray Whitney as an alternative.
Devils: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun says they might be the frontrunner, and the possibility is growing. This isn't GM Lou Lamoriello's M.O., but they do want to make a strong push for the Cup in this window of opportunity. Thrashers associate GM Rick Dudley was seen watching Devils' prospects at Lowell (AHL) while GM Don Waddell was seen at the Devils-Leafs game. TSN's Bob McKenzie tweets that "a case could be made.
" Is he smiling because he knows something?
Rangers: They made a low-ball offer a few days ago, but they might've stepped it up by now. Do they have the right assets, though? There hasn't been too much buzzing about this one, but their recent trade -- and some roster finagling -- might allow them to re-sign him in the offseason.
Bruins: They have made a "legit pitch" for Ilya Kovalchuk, according to hockey writer Chris Botta. But sources tell the Boston Globe's reports that the Bruins are not considered to be serious bidders. They have been talking trade with the Thrashers for a while, but the asking price was too high. Waddell wanted their first rounder they got from the Leafs, but Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said he's not parting with that pick. However, they may deal their own first rounder, prospects and possibly Blake Wheeler, Dennis Wideman and others.
Canucks: There has been buzz that the Canucks are still in the hunt, but GM Mike Gillis has said he wasn't interested -- a month ago.
Flyers: They have the players, prospect and picks to make this trade. But CSN sources say they are "all but out" of the Kovalchuk sweepstakes. CBC, however, says talks are still ongoing and Scott Hartnell is a piece.
Blackhawks: They are reportedly out of the running, CBC's Elliotte Friedman reports.
Flames: They are out, trusted TSN scribe Bob McKenzie reports.
ESPN - The Ilya Kovalchuk trade rumors have blown up, because this deal will happen very soon -- by this weekend, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.
So who is interested? Well it looks like the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers are still interested, LeBrun writes. Others sources say the New York Rangers are still in the running, too. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks might be losing interest.
Here are the details:
Kings: The longtime favorite to land Kovy. GM Dean Lombardi has said he doesn't want Kovy as a rental -- but maybe he's changing his mind. The initial asking price was quite high, but now CBC reports the two sides have Alexander Frolov involved and are "arguing" over Jack Johnson. As a backup measure, LeBrun notes the Kings are considering Carolina Hurricanes winger Ray Whitney as an alternative.
Devils: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun says they might be the frontrunner, and the possibility is growing. This isn't GM Lou Lamoriello's M.O., but they do want to make a strong push for the Cup in this window of opportunity. Thrashers associate GM Rick Dudley was seen watching Devils' prospects at Lowell (AHL) while GM Don Waddell was seen at the Devils-Leafs game. TSN's Bob McKenzie tweets that "a case could be made.
" Is he smiling because he knows something?Rangers: They made a low-ball offer a few days ago, but they might've stepped it up by now. Do they have the right assets, though? There hasn't been too much buzzing about this one, but their recent trade -- and some roster finagling -- might allow them to re-sign him in the offseason.
Bruins: They have made a "legit pitch" for Ilya Kovalchuk, according to hockey writer Chris Botta. But sources tell the Boston Globe's reports that the Bruins are not considered to be serious bidders. They have been talking trade with the Thrashers for a while, but the asking price was too high. Waddell wanted their first rounder they got from the Leafs, but Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said he's not parting with that pick. However, they may deal their own first rounder, prospects and possibly Blake Wheeler, Dennis Wideman and others.
Canucks: There has been buzz that the Canucks are still in the hunt, but GM Mike Gillis has said he wasn't interested -- a month ago.
Flyers: They have the players, prospect and picks to make this trade. But CSN sources say they are "all but out" of the Kovalchuk sweepstakes. CBC, however, says talks are still ongoing and Scott Hartnell is a piece.
Blackhawks: They are reportedly out of the running, CBC's Elliotte Friedman reports.
Flames: They are out, trusted TSN scribe Bob McKenzie reports.
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Kaberle to Boston rumors back on?
ESPN - The Boston Bruins might be eying Tomas Kaberle again. With the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring Dion Phaneuf, the buzz around league circles is that Kaberle will be traded. Leafs GM Brian Burke has said he won't ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause, but in the offseason the clause isn't in effect so he can trade away.
But this one might happen sooner, because Kaberle was willing to go to Boston last offseason when a Leafs-Bruins trade almost happened. The Bruins would've sent Phil Kessel to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle, but there was miscommunication about whether draft picks would be involved. (Eventually, the Leafs sent two first rounders and a second rounder for Kessel -- a move they might be regretting, since that pick might end up being in the top-three.)
NESN's James Murphy writes, "The Bruins could be the first in line with an offer for the 31-year-old if they could move some money out themselves. Kaberle, who leads the Leafs in scoring with 43 points, is due $4.2 million next season." But Kaberle is in the last year of his deal, so the Leafs might trade him -- for draft picks. Maybe the Bruins will give the Leafs their 2010 first rounder in a cruel twist of fate.
Meanwhile, Murphy adds that the Bruins might look at Blackhawks D Cam Barker or F Patrick Sharp. It would require the Bruins to move some cap space, but Chicago needs to clear cap room so the Bruins might get a decent discount on these players in the offseason.
ESPN - The Boston Bruins might be eying Tomas Kaberle again. With the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring Dion Phaneuf, the buzz around league circles is that Kaberle will be traded. Leafs GM Brian Burke has said he won't ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause, but in the offseason the clause isn't in effect so he can trade away.
But this one might happen sooner, because Kaberle was willing to go to Boston last offseason when a Leafs-Bruins trade almost happened. The Bruins would've sent Phil Kessel to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle, but there was miscommunication about whether draft picks would be involved. (Eventually, the Leafs sent two first rounders and a second rounder for Kessel -- a move they might be regretting, since that pick might end up being in the top-three.)
NESN's James Murphy writes, "The Bruins could be the first in line with an offer for the 31-year-old if they could move some money out themselves. Kaberle, who leads the Leafs in scoring with 43 points, is due $4.2 million next season." But Kaberle is in the last year of his deal, so the Leafs might trade him -- for draft picks. Maybe the Bruins will give the Leafs their 2010 first rounder in a cruel twist of fate.
Meanwhile, Murphy adds that the Bruins might look at Blackhawks D Cam Barker or F Patrick Sharp. It would require the Bruins to move some cap space, but Chicago needs to clear cap room so the Bruins might get a decent discount on these players in the offseason.
Trade rumors in Montreal
Biron to the Habs?
Martin Biron might still be traded, and ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun thinks the veteran goaltender is interested in going to Montreal.
The Canadiens will we seeking a cheap, veteran goalie once they trade either Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price. Even if these two trades don't happen before the trade deadline, it's possible the Habs will trade Halak in the offseason and sign Biron.
Gainey looking at top-six forwards?
The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly been looking for a top-six forward for the past few weeks. There are rumors that GM Bob Gainey has inquired about Blues F Paul Kariya and Hurricanes F Ray Whitney, but thus far he hasn't found what he's looking for.
But, as The Fourth Period writes, this search for a forward might heat up after recent news that F Mike Cammalleri will be out at least six weeks.
We previously heard from coach Jacques Martin that he wasn't expecting any trades, but it looks as if Gainey's been actively looking for some help on the market.
If they deal with the Blues -- and the Habs are out of playoff contention by then -- a trade might involve G Jaroslav Halak, who needs to be moved soon. Halak hasn't been traded, though, because he's kept the Habs competitive.
Biron to the Habs?
Martin Biron might still be traded, and ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun thinks the veteran goaltender is interested in going to Montreal.
The Canadiens will we seeking a cheap, veteran goalie once they trade either Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price. Even if these two trades don't happen before the trade deadline, it's possible the Habs will trade Halak in the offseason and sign Biron.
Gainey looking at top-six forwards?
The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly been looking for a top-six forward for the past few weeks. There are rumors that GM Bob Gainey has inquired about Blues F Paul Kariya and Hurricanes F Ray Whitney, but thus far he hasn't found what he's looking for.
But, as The Fourth Period writes, this search for a forward might heat up after recent news that F Mike Cammalleri will be out at least six weeks.
We previously heard from coach Jacques Martin that he wasn't expecting any trades, but it looks as if Gainey's been actively looking for some help on the market.
If they deal with the Blues -- and the Habs are out of playoff contention by then -- a trade might involve G Jaroslav Halak, who needs to be moved soon. Halak hasn't been traded, though, because he's kept the Habs competitive.
Kadri's chances next season to stick with Leafs look very good
It was Nazem Kadri's way of sucking up to the boss.
Only this version didn't involve any puckering.
With Maple Leafs head honcho Brian Burke at London's John Labatt Centre last Friday, Kadri strutted his stuff for the Toronto GM, registering a goal and two assists for the host Knights.
"A nice goal, too," Kadri points out.
Sure, the effort came in a 7-3 loss to the visiting Windsor Spitfires. But at least Kadri had shown Burke that he was starting to grow up both on the ice and off.
"He told me what it takes to be a successful NHL player," Kadri recalls. "He talked about me working on my strength, my shot, things like that."
Had the London native been the first-rounder of, say, Nashville, few would have noticed if Predators GM David Poile had been in the stands watching him.
PLUCKED NO. 7
Instead, he was plucked seventh overall in the 2009 entry draft by Burke, a figure who seems to draw attention wherever he goes.
And that includes a Friday night visit to a Knights game.
"To have Burkie come see me personally means a lot," Kadri says. "He's done it a couple of times. It shows how much (the Leafs) are interested in my development."
At the time of Burke's visit, Kadri had no idea the GM was working on a couple of major deals that, less than 48 hours later, would change the face of the Leafs franchise.
A new face that team officials hope will include Kadri in 2010-11.
By trading away forwards Matt Stajan, Jason Blake, Nik Hagman and Jamal Mayers as part of the deals that brought Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Dion Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie to Toronto on Sunday, Burke opened the door for Kadri to have a better opportunity to make the Leafs next season.
There is little doubt the Leafs are thin up front and, potentially, getting thinner, with forwards Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak among the candidates to be shipped out over the next few weeks.
That doesn't necessarily mean the Leafs won't target forwards in the coming months. Far from it. Whether it be via trade, free agency and/or the draft, count on the Leafs attempting to bolster themselves up front.
Including giving Kadri a chance.
"Given his development, maturity and competitiveness, I feel safe to say at this point there is an expectation throughout the organization for Kadri to make the team next season," Leafs director of player development Jim Hughes says.
When informed of Hughes' comments, Kadri smiles. He has just completed practice at Kingston's K-Rock Centre for Wednesday's OHL all-star game, and hearing such praise has just made a bland February day just a bit brighter.
Kadri admits being sent back to junior after an impressive NHL training camp last September was a bitter pill to swallow, causing him to get off to a slow start with the Knights.
That's ancient history, however. His 63 points in 39 games now puts him among the elite OHL scorers.
SWEATING IT OUT
Off the ice, Kadri, 19, is pouring sweat in the weight room to muscle up. Just as the boss suggested.
"I can feel myself getting stronger," he says. "And I'll keep doing what I have to to get up there next season.
"To be honest, I think I'm much more mature than I was when I first got drafted. On the ice. With the media. With the fans."
Kadri knows the lofty expectations that go with being a Leafs first-rounder. The spotlight is always on you.
Sure enough, at the beginning of Sportsnet's coverage of the OHL all-star game Wednesday, it is Kadri who is interviewed on the ice prior to the opening faceoff.
Once the puck drops, Kadri doesn't disappoint. It takes him just 12:26 to score the Western Conference's first goal, sparking a three-point night in a 17-10 victory by the East.
Eight months from now, the stage has been set for Kadri to showcase those same impressive offensive skills at the NHL level. Thanks in part to Trader Burke's wheeling and dealing, of course.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Zeisberger/2010/02/04/12736181-qmi.html
It was Nazem Kadri's way of sucking up to the boss.
Only this version didn't involve any puckering.
With Maple Leafs head honcho Brian Burke at London's John Labatt Centre last Friday, Kadri strutted his stuff for the Toronto GM, registering a goal and two assists for the host Knights.
"A nice goal, too," Kadri points out.
Sure, the effort came in a 7-3 loss to the visiting Windsor Spitfires. But at least Kadri had shown Burke that he was starting to grow up both on the ice and off.
"He told me what it takes to be a successful NHL player," Kadri recalls. "He talked about me working on my strength, my shot, things like that."
Had the London native been the first-rounder of, say, Nashville, few would have noticed if Predators GM David Poile had been in the stands watching him.
PLUCKED NO. 7
Instead, he was plucked seventh overall in the 2009 entry draft by Burke, a figure who seems to draw attention wherever he goes.
And that includes a Friday night visit to a Knights game.
"To have Burkie come see me personally means a lot," Kadri says. "He's done it a couple of times. It shows how much (the Leafs) are interested in my development."
At the time of Burke's visit, Kadri had no idea the GM was working on a couple of major deals that, less than 48 hours later, would change the face of the Leafs franchise.
A new face that team officials hope will include Kadri in 2010-11.
By trading away forwards Matt Stajan, Jason Blake, Nik Hagman and Jamal Mayers as part of the deals that brought Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Dion Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie to Toronto on Sunday, Burke opened the door for Kadri to have a better opportunity to make the Leafs next season.
There is little doubt the Leafs are thin up front and, potentially, getting thinner, with forwards Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak among the candidates to be shipped out over the next few weeks.
That doesn't necessarily mean the Leafs won't target forwards in the coming months. Far from it. Whether it be via trade, free agency and/or the draft, count on the Leafs attempting to bolster themselves up front.
Including giving Kadri a chance.
"Given his development, maturity and competitiveness, I feel safe to say at this point there is an expectation throughout the organization for Kadri to make the team next season," Leafs director of player development Jim Hughes says.
When informed of Hughes' comments, Kadri smiles. He has just completed practice at Kingston's K-Rock Centre for Wednesday's OHL all-star game, and hearing such praise has just made a bland February day just a bit brighter.
Kadri admits being sent back to junior after an impressive NHL training camp last September was a bitter pill to swallow, causing him to get off to a slow start with the Knights.
That's ancient history, however. His 63 points in 39 games now puts him among the elite OHL scorers.
SWEATING IT OUT
Off the ice, Kadri, 19, is pouring sweat in the weight room to muscle up. Just as the boss suggested.
"I can feel myself getting stronger," he says. "And I'll keep doing what I have to to get up there next season.
"To be honest, I think I'm much more mature than I was when I first got drafted. On the ice. With the media. With the fans."
Kadri knows the lofty expectations that go with being a Leafs first-rounder. The spotlight is always on you.
Sure enough, at the beginning of Sportsnet's coverage of the OHL all-star game Wednesday, it is Kadri who is interviewed on the ice prior to the opening faceoff.
Once the puck drops, Kadri doesn't disappoint. It takes him just 12:26 to score the Western Conference's first goal, sparking a three-point night in a 17-10 victory by the East.
Eight months from now, the stage has been set for Kadri to showcase those same impressive offensive skills at the NHL level. Thanks in part to Trader Burke's wheeling and dealing, of course.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Zeisberger/2010/02/04/12736181-qmi.html
Last edited:
THIS JUST IN
Kovalchuk traded
Ilya Kovalchuk supposedly just traded to the New Jersey Devils. More to come.....
Kovalchuk traded
Ilya Kovalchuk supposedly just traded to the New Jersey Devils. More to come.....
They're talking about the trade during intermission and details haven't been released yet. By the way, I posted this link in the Lounge but I figured I'd repost it here for hockey fans... http://atdhe.net/ You can watch all the games live on line, for free. Quality is pretty good and they have other sports also.
Lou always seems to fly under the radar, then comes in and makes a splash. Will Toronto have to face Brodeur and Kovalchuk on Friday?
Since the NTC wasn't in effect at the time, did he really want to go to Boston (he wouldn't have had a choice)?
Kovalchuk trade to New Jersey confirmed
Kovalchuk trade to NJ is now confirmed. He was rumored to be traded for a 1st-round pick, Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors & Patrice Cormier. High price to pay for a rental player.
More to come....
Kovalchuk trade to NJ is now confirmed. He was rumored to be traded for a 1st-round pick, Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors & Patrice Cormier. High price to pay for a rental player.
More to come....
I heard that even though his permission wasn't required, he had given Burke his blessing in regards to being traded to Boston.
Kovalchuk trade now official
Kovalchuk and Salmela for Oduya, Bergfors, Cormier, 2010 1st round pick. Teams swap 2nd rounders in 10 draft.
Kovalchuk and Salmela for Oduya, Bergfors, Cormier, 2010 1st round pick. Teams swap 2nd rounders in 10 draft.
The Leafs just got a WHOLE lot better. Losing Komi would make ANY team better!
I'll bet you wouldn't be saying this if he'd be playing for your scapegoat team.
You have GOT to stop spending so much time with lg, Doc. You're even picking up his total ignorance of vocabulary.
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