Toronto Maple Leafs: The Search for a GM

As just about everybody on the hockey planet is aware, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been devoid of a Stanley Cup for the last 41 years, seemingly on the path to 42. In an attempt to be facetious, many Leaf cohorts would happily replace their first-born to see their beloved blue & white win the prestigious trophy. There is quite obviously a myriad of reasons why the Maple Leafs along with their numerous fans have not relished in the ecstasy of Stanley Cup success in quite sometime. Over the years, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has turned this team into one of the most profitable franchises in all of professional sports. They have focused on the business aspect of this team and they have succeeded admirably. They have continuously put making money ahead of winning hockey games. However, over recent years, the business aspect has seemingly turned against them.

Chicago Blackhawks Season Preview

Last season the Blackhawks were relevant and competitive for the first time in a LONG time. Hockey is back in Chicago, baby! Last year was both the rookie campaign AND the breakout year for both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The two 1st round pick rookies made good with the big club and definitely rejuvenated the entire franchise on every level. Dustin Byfuglien was the other big new name for the franchise having a breakout year himself. This year will be a proving year for all three to cement their legacies as high caliber NHL talent.

Dallas Stars Season Preview: Making It Happen

The Stars have a tough job this season. Last season, they came closer than they had in a long time to winning the Cup. The Stars were known as a “one-and-done” team, one of those teams that makes it to the playoffs consistently, but can’t get past the first round for whatever reason. I watched last year’s run with hope and hesitation, knowing what had happened in seasons before and not wanting to get my hopes too high. They went above and beyond what I, and many others, expected. Owner Tom Hicks has said that there’s a good feeling in the locker room this year, a feeling of hope, a feeling of strength, a feeling that they have what it takes to win it all. The team overcame adversity with injuries to key players, but that ended up helping in the long run, giving younger players a chance to shine and get some serious NHL ice time.

Guest Bloggers

RumorMeThis is currently trying to gather Guest Bloggers for each of the 30 NHL teams, and have them report on their respective teams at certain points during the regular season, playoffs, and the off-season.

What we’re looking for

This is a tentative list of posts and schedule we’re aiming for:

Season Preview (Oct 1)

All-Star Break (Midway season review [...]

Toronto Maple Leafs 08-09: Why they have to lose, to win.

Toronto Maple Leafs Season Preview

Winter Classic to be played in Chicago

We all remember the Winter Classic played in Buffalo New Years Day. This year the Winter Classic is making its way to Chicago where the Blackhawks will face off against the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009.

Carter, Peca, Miller, Tucker, Halak, Murray, and Ranger

Why were the Flyers willing to deal Jeff Carter? Will Blue Jackets re-sign Michael Peca? Will Ryan Miller play for the Red Wings in 2009-10? Should the Maple Leafs buy out Darcy Tucker? Which teams may want to sign Jaroslav Halak to offer sheets? Are Glen Murray’s days with the Bruins numbered? Is Paul Ranger an untouchable in Tampa Bay?

Bruins, Wideman on course for arbitration?

Fluto Shinzawa of The Boston Globe reports that the Boston Bruins would prefer to take pending restricted free agent defenseman Dennis Wideman to arbitration than ink him to a multi-year deal.

Rangers, Blackhawks, Blake, Emery, Pitkanen, Sanderson, DiPietro, Theodore, deadline non-trades

Do Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan need strong playoff performances to remain with the Rangers? Is this the last season for Martin Havlat and Nikolai Khabibulin with the Blackhawks? Does Rob Blake want to play in the NHL past this season? Should Senators buy out Ray Emery? Are the Oilers planning on dealing Joni Pitkanen? Will Geoff Sanderson call it quits? Would islanders trade Rick DiPietro? Which teams may go after Jose Theodore if he becomes a UFA? What deals fell through at the deadline?

Carter, Cullimore, Kilger, Blackhawks, and Theodore

Were the Flyers willing to move Jeff Carter for Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle? Does Jassen Cullimore want to re-sign with the Panthers? Will Chad Kilger play for the Panthers? Do the Blackhawks plan on dealing Martin Havlat, Nikolai Khabibulin in the off-season? Will Jose Theodore give the Avalanche a ‘hometown’ discount?

Ice Girls: Where did they come from?

I’m not sure where this trend started, but I assume it must have been one of the southern teams looking for a gimmick to attract fans to their games. Now, more and more NHL teams are employing the hockey version of cheerleaders.

Tucker, Christensen, Marleau, Canadiens, Flames, Huet, Blue Jackets, Ruutu, and Miller

Will the Maple Leafs consider buying out Darcy Tucker? Did Erik Christensen want out of Pittsburgh? Should the Bruins re-sign Tim Thomas, Glen Metropolit? Were the Sharks intent on moving Patrick Marleau before the deadline? Did the Canadiens miss out on deals with the Blackhawks, Flames? Do the Capitals intend on re-signing Cristobal Huet? Why did the Blue Jackets trade Adam Foote, couldn’t trade for Brad Richards? Which teams chased Tuomo Ruutu before he was dealt to the Hurricanes? Will Ryan Miller leave the Sabres after next season?

Sharks trying to re-sign Campbell?

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun expects San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson will try to sign pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Brian Campbell to a five-year contract extension before he hits free agency July 1st.

Senators considered 2-for-2 goalie swap?

According to Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray tried to deal goalies Martin Gerber and Ray Emery for Chicago Blackhawks goaltenders Nikolai Khabibulin and pending unrestricted free agent Patrick Lalime.

Ottawa picks up Lapointe

TSN is reporting that the Ottawa Senators have picked up Martin Lapointe from the Chicago Blackhawks.