Post by LeafsGM on Mar 22, 2014 2:30:24 GMT -5
The mood was mellow at today's afternoon practice at the Air Canada Centre. Lots of laughs, jokes and some early goodbyes to two long time Leafs Jay McClement and Jason Garrison. Both players have been workhorses, and are two of the last remaining pieces of the cup winning roster of 11-12. When the news broke that they have been dealt, not many eyebrows were raised. The move came off the cusp of two other deals that saw captain Henrik Zetterberg, and fan favorite Brad Richards dealt in separate moves.
All this has once again brought the subject of "tanking" into the forefront. What has been a hot topic at the past annual GM meeting, tanking has caused more controversy than the recent disappearance of Malaysian flight 370. The Leafs GM has not been a stranger to controversy, and has landed himself in hot water after the infamous tank job of 08-09. When asked if he was intentionally trying to lose games at the moment, GM Sorokin had this to say: "Yes. And I'm not ashamed of it either. My motto always has been and always will be go big or go home. This season we decided to go home and regroup. I'm truly excited about what these guys can do on the ice next season, and will do what I can to help them out before then."
Right or wrong, the moves open up some crucial cap space going into the 14-15 season where the Leafs are hoping to return to relevancy. Lots of buzz has been around a soon to be Leaf and star goaltender Ryan Miller. One Leaf member who was extra excited about this trade was fellow US Olympic team member Joe Pavelski: "Ryan's the man. No offense to Nabby but we haven't had real tending here this season. Myself, Ryan, Big Joe, Ovi, and Juice are going all in next season so get your popcorn ready." The second main acquisition was a familiar face in center Joe Thornton. Joe spent a cup of coffee in Toronto during the 09-10 season, but requested a trade after a lackluster playoff performance. When asked how he feels about returning to TO for his contract year: "Past is past. Get ready for some magic guys. I'm about to serve dishes to two of the best snipers in the league in Pavs and Ovi. Can't wait to rock out with my cock out when I get my max money in 2016!" Never a dull moment with Jumbo Joe.
Outside of the net and the top line, the roster is still very much a work in progress. As of right now the blue line will be led by now veterans Travis Hamonic and Keith Yandle - not yet a championship pairing. Management will need to add a few bodies on the back end and fill out the top 9 if they plan on competing with the big boys. One way or another, look for this buds team to come back strong after what has been a season of change in Rob Ford country.
All this has once again brought the subject of "tanking" into the forefront. What has been a hot topic at the past annual GM meeting, tanking has caused more controversy than the recent disappearance of Malaysian flight 370. The Leafs GM has not been a stranger to controversy, and has landed himself in hot water after the infamous tank job of 08-09. When asked if he was intentionally trying to lose games at the moment, GM Sorokin had this to say: "Yes. And I'm not ashamed of it either. My motto always has been and always will be go big or go home. This season we decided to go home and regroup. I'm truly excited about what these guys can do on the ice next season, and will do what I can to help them out before then."
Right or wrong, the moves open up some crucial cap space going into the 14-15 season where the Leafs are hoping to return to relevancy. Lots of buzz has been around a soon to be Leaf and star goaltender Ryan Miller. One Leaf member who was extra excited about this trade was fellow US Olympic team member Joe Pavelski: "Ryan's the man. No offense to Nabby but we haven't had real tending here this season. Myself, Ryan, Big Joe, Ovi, and Juice are going all in next season so get your popcorn ready." The second main acquisition was a familiar face in center Joe Thornton. Joe spent a cup of coffee in Toronto during the 09-10 season, but requested a trade after a lackluster playoff performance. When asked how he feels about returning to TO for his contract year: "Past is past. Get ready for some magic guys. I'm about to serve dishes to two of the best snipers in the league in Pavs and Ovi. Can't wait to rock out with my cock out when I get my max money in 2016!" Never a dull moment with Jumbo Joe.
Outside of the net and the top line, the roster is still very much a work in progress. As of right now the blue line will be led by now veterans Travis Hamonic and Keith Yandle - not yet a championship pairing. Management will need to add a few bodies on the back end and fill out the top 9 if they plan on competing with the big boys. One way or another, look for this buds team to come back strong after what has been a season of change in Rob Ford country.