NEWS OF MAPLE LEAFS
Last Update:
Monday September 4, 2000 10:51AM EST
Tuesday August 29 2000 Leafs prospect for another gem
The Maple Leafs rookie camp/tournament is getting a knack for producing at least one overachiever each year.
In 1998, it was defenceman Tomas Kaberle, who not only graduated to the main camp from the rookie group, but made the National Hockey League roster.
Last September, forward Nik Antropov played well enough to crack the big team, getting called up for good in mid-October.
It's expected that 10 or so of the 24 freshmen who hit the ice in Kitchener tomorrow will get promoted to the main Leafs camp on Sept. 7. But club brass will be hoping history repeats itself with a wunderkind who makes it all the way to the Oct. 7 home opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
"You never know," Leafs amateur scouting director Mark Hillier said yesterday. "We being just dumb scouts, we thought Nik would be a strong American Hockey Leaguer last year. Then he winds up (with 30 points in 66 games). Tomas and Nik have both made a significant contribution.
"We're very excited that we will have the top one or two picks from the past three years at this camp (defenceman Petr Svoboda in 1998, forward Luca Cereda and defenceman Peter Reynolds in 1999, forwards Brad Boyes and Kris Vernarsky in 2000)."
Hillier is co-ordinating the tournament aspect of the camp, which will pit the Leafs rookies against those from the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers. The first game at the Kitchener Auditorium is Friday at 7:30 p.m., when the Leafs play the Hurricanes. The all-rookie format has been well-received by scouts, management and fans.
"You can take an 18-year-old and put him on Mats Sundin's wing at the main camp, but it's not always a good measuring stick," Hillier said.
Rookie defencemen Svoboda and Allan Rourke have been mentioned by general manager/coach Pat Quinn and St. John's Maple Leafs general manager Bill Watters as possible replacements for the injured Bryan Berard or potential holdout Alexander Karpovtsev.
The duo could move up to challenge Dmitry Yakushin, D.J. Smith and Nathan Dempsey at the main camp.
Thursday August 24 2000 Gandler breaks off contract talks with 'antagonistic, arrogant' Leafs
Mark Gandler, the hardline agent for defenceman Alexander Karpovtsev, has pulled the plug on contract talks with the Maple Leafs.
"We're not negotiating with them anymore," said Gandler, who wrote the Leafs that he was breaking off any potential talks. "We're fed up with their gamesmanship.
"The bottom line is, we don't see any progress. We've never seen any well-wishing. All we've seen is an antagonistic, arrogant stance from them.
"We're not interested in this foul aura."
Gandler's stance hardly comes as a shock to anyone, least of all the Maple Leafs. Team management suspected these negotiations might deteriorate into a dog-and-pony show, given Gandler's history.
Gandler represents Alexei Yashin, the controversial forward who sat out the 1999-2000 season despite being under contract to the Ottawa Senators. That mess remains a long way from being over.
Closer to home, the Leafs recall all too well how another Gandler client, defenceman Dmitry Yushkevich, sat out most of training camp last season over a contract dispute. He eventually signed a three-year, $5.8-million US deal on Oct. 8.
The Leafs have said all along history will not repeat itself.
"We don't want any distractions at training camp," Leafs executive Bill Watters said. "We plan on sticking to our guns on that."
Watters refused to participate in any mudslinging with Gandler.
"Mr. Gandler suspended negotiations," Watters said. "We were hoping the tactics might change, but they didn't."
In an interesting twist, Gandler accompanied Yushkevich to a doctor's office yesterday, where the defenceman received a shot to treat his left wrist. Yushkevich played with partially torn ligaments in the wrist throughout the 2000 playoffs, taking needles every day to alleviate the pain.
"Hopefully the shot will do the trick and he'll be fine through training camp," Gandler said. "Hopefully surgery is not required."
Said Watters: "We know what the situation is with Dmitry."
Should Yushkevich need to go under the knife, the absence of Karpovtsev, 30, would be felt that much more.
"(Gandler) is releasing that information because he feels it gives him leverage in any ensuing talks involving Karpovtsev," a source told The Toronto Sun.
It's not known when talks might resume. Gandler leaves today for a trip through Europe and Asia and will not return until Sept. 5 -- two days before Leafs training camp opens in Kitchener.
Gandler expects to attend a game tomorrow in Russia between the world all-stars and Russian all-stars -- an event honouring legendary defenceman Slava Fetisov. Initial lineups listed Yushkevich and Karpovtsev on the Russian squad.
Gandler said he hasn't demanded a trade on Karpovtsev's behalf, but don't be surprised if one comes to pass. Karpovtsev has been working out with Dynamo in Moscow and plans to start the season with that team.
With the Leafs believed to be offering about $2.5 million US a season -- about $1 million less than Karpovtsev is said to be seeking -- the team could let him sit out the season. A more desirable option would be a trade that would net the Leafs a return for Karpovtsev, who becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Leafs insist no trade discussions involving Karpovtsev have taken place, but that hasn't stopped the rumours.
One report circulating yesterday suggested the Chicago Blackhawks might be interested in Karpovtsev and perhaps forward Igor Korolev.
" I want to stay here," Korolev said yesterday. "That's my first choice. But it's a business now, so you don't have much say."
Wednesday August 23 2000 Wendel not yet done in T.O
The Maple Leafs are attempting to bring Wendel Clark back into the fold.
Clark and Leafs president Ken Dryden have held a couple of phone conversations concerning the future of the gritty Toronto icon, who retired from hockey in June after spending most of his 15-year National Hockey League career with the Maple Leafs. A meeting is planned for the near future.
Clark has yet to specify what kind of job he hopes to occupy. A position in marketing or community relations would seem the most viable, although the former Leafs captain could opt to pursue a career in scouting or player development.
Either way, Clark is enthusiastic about continuing his relationship with the team and Toronto.
"I'm definitely interested," Clark said last night. "The discussions have been going very well. The entire organization has treated me great.
"It's an honour to be associated with the Leafs, and it will be great if that relationship continues. They've been very open with me. So far, things have been informal, and that has allowed me to sit back and think about what I might like to do."
Clark, his wife and three children are living on a lake north of Kingston, where his neighbours include NHLers Doug Gilmour, Kirk Muller, Dave Ellett and actor Dan Aykroyd.
Tuesday August 22 2000 Berard thanks fans
Defenceman Bryan Berard of the Toronto Maple Leafs, recovering from an errant stick that may cost him vision in his right eye, thanked his fans for their support in a letter on the NHLPA's Website.
"Thank you for your prayers, support and kindness that you have shown to me during this difficult time period," the 23-year-old from Woonsocket, R.I. wrote. "I am doing fine, and my eye is healing."
Berard was injured March 11, when the stick blade of Ottawa forward Marian Hossa struck his eye during a game. The retina was reattached by surgeons, but Berard's future in the sport remains uncertain.
"It is going to take time, but I hope to be back on the ice soon," Berard wrote. "I really appreciate all of the support that you have given me."
Berard's parents also sent a message of hope and thanks to the fans on the Website.
"In time, with prayer, our faith and God's will, (Berard) will return to play in the National Hockey League if that's in the master plan," Wally and Pam Berard wrote. "Once again the Berard family want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and their well wishes for Bryan."
Saturday August 19 2000 Leafs on the block?
Steve Stavro, controlling shareholder of the Toronto Maple Leafs, wants to sell at least part of the NHL franchise, according to the National Post.
According to sources, Stavro is being pressured to reduced his debt levels from his other businesses, including his Knob Hill Farms chain grocery store. Reports indicate that he wants to sell a portion of the 31 percent stake he currently owns.
The whole organization, which includes the Leafs, NBA's Raptors and the Air Canada Centre, is believed to be worth $1 billion.
Ted Rogers, head of Rogers Communications, is interested in buying into the company. This after weeks of rumours that he and Rogers' are believed to be pursuing ownership in baseball's Blue Jays.
Rogers, who used to be a director on the board of Maple Leaf Gardens in 1990, wants to unite all three of Toronto's major sports franchises, and thus broadcast them over another possible acquisition, CTV's SportsNet.
Friday August 18 2000 Perreault passes test
Yanic Perreault didn't know what to expect.
As the Maple Leafs centre laced up the blades Monday and prepared to step on to the ice for the first time since blowing out his knee four months ago, he was overcome by trepidation.
"How would it be out there?How would the knee hold up? What would it feel like to skate again? Those were the questions that were racing through my mind," Perreault said last night.
Not to worry. As he glided around the arena near his home in the vicinity of Sherbrooke, Que., fear was quickly replaced by another emotion.
"Excitement,"Perreault said. "It went well. It was weird and first, but it got better and better."
Perreault returned to the ice Wednesday and noticed immediate improvement. He'll skate again today and, by next week, he hopes to be decked out in full equipment.
Even though he appears to be a month ahead of schedule, he refuses to jump the gun.He plans to cautiously build up strength.
"For most of training camp, I'll probably skate by myself,"Perreault said. "Maybe I'll be able to see some action near the end but, realistically, we're still looking toward returning (to game action) in October."
Perreault had surgery April 20 to repair anterior-cruciate and medial-collateral ligaments in his left knee that were torn during Game 1 of the Maple Leafs-Ottawa Senators first-round playoff series.
"It probably was the worst injury of my career. It was difficult watching the guys in the playoffs and not being able to play."
Perreault, who accepted a one-year, $1.15-million US deal with the Leafs last month, was involved in trade rumours last season that would have seen him shipped to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Shayne Corson. Now they are teammates with the Leafs after Corson was signed as a free agent last month.
"Funny, isn't it?"he said. "First you're supposed to be traded for a guy, then you are playing on the same team as him.
"I'm glad to still be in Toronto. I'd like to play here for a while but I've spent most of the summer thinking about the knee, not my contract."
Meanwhile forward Igor Korolev has the green light from doctors to begin full workouts. Korolev received the clearance this week after his left index finger was examined by doctors in New York.
"It's great," Korolev said yesterday after taking part in a two-hour on-ice session at the Brampton Centre. "They said I could pretty much do whatever I want."
Korolev had tendon surgery in May and will have another operation next year.
Friday August 18 2000 Thomas eager to play with Roberts, Sundin
Winger Steve Thomas is looking forward to playing on Toronto's top line with centre Mats Sundin and newly acquired winger Gary Roberts.
"I think he and I would be good together in the corners and stuff in deep for Mats and Mats can complement us by giving us the puck," Thomas told the Toronto Star. "Gary is a great player who brings great leadership and tenacity when he plays. He's a great worker and a guy we need for our young guys to look up to."
Thomas and Sundin have been the mainstays on the top line the past two seasons while Fredrik Modin and Jonas Hoglund took their turns at left wing. Although Hoglund was productive in scoring 29 goals last season, a large majority of those came in the first half and the line was lacking a good cornerman on the left side.
Coming off seasons of 28 and 26 goals, Thomas is entering the final year of his three-year deal which will see him make $2.75 million US this season. Even though he celebrated his 37th birthday in July, Thomas hopes to sign for another couple of years and is hoping to do it with the Maple Leafs.
"They just gave Glenn Healy a two-year deal, what does that tell you?" Thomas joked. "I know I can play a couple more years and hopefully it's in Toronto. You always know there are young guys coming up who are eventually going to take your job but you want to plant a seed in their minds that I might be 37 years old, but I can still play and you're going to have to have to bring your best to get my job."
Wednesday August 16 2000 Leafs sign veteran defenceman Dave Manson
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran defenceman Dave Manson to a two-year, $1.75-million US deal on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old will earn $850,000 this season and $900,000 in 2001-02.
The unrestricted free agent split last season between the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars, collecting one goal, nine assists and 62 penalty minutes in 63 games.
Manson also played 23 games in the playoffs with the Stars, recording no points and 33 penalty minutes. He earned $1.65 million US last year.
The native of Prince Albert, Sask., has played 982 career games over 14 NHL seasons with Chicago, Edmonton, Winnipeg/Phoenix, Montreal, Chicago again, and Dallas.
Friday August 11 2000 Leafs re-sign Healy to two year contract
Glenn Healy re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, agreeing to a two year contract.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed but it is expected that Healy signed for less than the $1.3 million US he made last year.
Healy, 37, appeared in 20 games in the regular season for Toronto as a backup to Curtis Joseph. Healy posted a record of 9-10-0 with a 3.04 GAA.
The native of Pickering, Ont., is entering his 16th season in the NHL and has played 422 games with a career record of 162-183-44.
Friday August 11 2000 Leafs re-sign Markov to multi-year contract
The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed defenceman Danny Markov to a two-year deal worth $1.55 million US in total.
Markov, 24, will make $625,000 next season and $925,000 US the year after. The contract includes a club option for a third year.
Markov, a restricted free agent, had 10 assists and 28 penalty minutes in 59 games with the Leafs last season. He added three assists and 10 penalty minutes in 12 playoff games.
The Moscow native was tied for third on the club with a plus-13 rating. The Leafs chose the six-foot-one 190-pound blue-liner in the ninth round, 223rd overall, in the 1995 entry draft.
The signing leaves the Leafs only restricted free agent defenceman Alexander Karpovtsev and unrestricted goaltender Glenn Healy to re-sign.
Friday August 4 2000 Leafs name Acton assistant coach
More than 20 years ago, Stouffville's Keith Acton began a National Hockey League trek that covered seven cities as a player and coach.
Yesterday, he finally came home.
After an enthusiastic interview last week, the 42-year-old sold the Maple Leafs on hiring him as a new assistant coach, replacing Alpo Suhonen on coach/general manager Pat Quinn's bench with Rick Ley.
"It's quite something for a guy who grew up in this area to get this chance," Acton said yesterday. "I have the same feeling any player would have about embracing that (Leafs') logo."
Acton's various stops in hockey include three years with Roger Neilson's Peterborough Petes, a 36-goal campaign in Montreal, a Stanley Cup in Edmonton in 1988 and five years with the Flyers as teammate and coach of Eric Lindros. He was also respected for volunteering for Team Canada whenever his teams missed the playoffs.
In six seasons as an assistant -- the past two with the Rangers after four in Philadelphia -- Acton drew praise for his work with struggling players. He was mentioned for head coaching jobs with the Flyers and Sabres and might have gone further up the ladder with the Rangers had Glen Sather and new coach Ron Low not arrived this summer.
Acton was asked to become a scout or a third assistant by the new regime, but knowing the Leafs were looking, he approached Toronto.
Acton has no previous connection to Quinn or Ley, which seemed to be a prerequisite after ex-Canucks Mike Penny and Murray Oliver were hired in the scouting department earlier in the week.
Acton likely will become the buffer the Leafs need between the two old-school coaches and the players.
"Pat and Rick have more experience, but a coaching staff is more like a team with everyone contributing something different to win a Cup," Acton said.
His exact duties won't be defined until training camp.
"Obviously (Suhonen) was a great hockey man," Acton said of possibly taking the latter's role in planning the club's offensive strategy. "The Leafs were a very diversified team with six 20-goal men last year.
"I look forward to helping Pat enhance player development."
Tuesday August 1 2000 Leafs re-sign Hoglund, Perreault, McCauley
The Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed forwards Jonas Hoglund, Yanic Perreault and Alyn McCauley to one-year deals on Tuesday.
The club avoided salary arbitration with Hoglund while McCauley and Perreault accepted qualifying offers.
Hoglund set career highs in goals with 29, assists with 27 and points with 56 in last season, his first with the Leafs.
Perreault scored 18 goals and added 27 assists in 58 games last season. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first round of the playoffs.
McCauley, who has been plagued with concussions during his career, had five goals and five assists in 45 games last season.