Tuesday Leafs Roundup

Stajan Signs

Well the “next captain” of the leafs signed yesterday for 1.75 million over 2 years. How an unskilled checking center who has never, never, shown any signs of offensive skill gets a such a reputation as a valuable player I’ll never know. I mean even Alyn McCauley had one awesome playoffs. Not to mention was actually valuable defensively.


The Continental Hockey League

I’ve been hearing some people referring to Jagr signing with the new CHL in Russia to be akin to the WHA signing Bobby Hull in 72. This is quite frankly ridiculous. Signing an aging star who only plays if in the mood, and one of the top 10 players in NHL history still in their prime is quite different. I don’t see the new “European League” (still only in former Soviet Bloc) being such a threat until players like Malkin are willing to take the money over the higher skill level available in the NHL. Also their trophy is calld the Gagarin Cup, because. You know. Hockey and space travel. Yeah.

Jason Smith signs with Ottawa

There’s not much to say here really. Smith seems on the decline and will be a downgrade over the overrated Redden. Perhaps he is being brought in to shown the Senators heart and motivate a team that has in my mind blown their once assured place as Cup Champions. Is it obvious I only mentioned this signing to make fun of the Senators?

Frogren Signs

The highly touted European Defensemen that old Cliff was mentioning has turned out to be one Jonas Frogren, Frogren is a classic stay at home type who may bring some more physical play to the Leafs this year. It’s unclear wether he is a depth signing or a projected starter. Either way with 9 Defensemen available, and only Schenn waiver free, it looks like someone is on the move. Please be Bryan.

Leafs Hire Nieuwendyk

The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun hiring their crack exec team of the future with the hiring of former player Joe Nieuwendyk. As a player Nieuwendyk seems destined for the Hall of Fame, yet he has very little experience as an executive. This seems to be a similar situation to what Detroit has done for Steve Yzerman. By giving him a frankly meaningless position (special assistant to the general manager) they hope to have Joe learn from the best and become their GM of the future after their first GM (tampering warning!) Brian Burke retires/leaves/is fired of the future is done. I like Nieuwendyk and hope he can turn his understanding of the game into future success with the Leafs.