Getting Iggy With It
For once the Leafs have a lot to celebrate... maybe.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been bad for pretty much the entire leangth of time the WCHL has existed. Making the playoffs has been a challenge and, outside of a miracle run to the WCHL finals one year, the Leafs have had no post-season success.
So one may find it interesting to see one of the games greatest all around players deciding to lace the skates up for the Leafs.
Jarome Iginla, arguably the biggest free agency prize this off-season, signed on the Leafs yesterday, inking a five-year, $5-million deal to suit up in the blue and white.
Jarome Iginla brings a big name to the Leafs for the first time in a while.
"Growing up in Canada, everyone dreams of playing for the Leafs someday, I'm glad I got a chance to do that, to make that dream come true. It was a great incentive to play in Toronto," said Iginla.
$9 million a season was also likely a great incentive as well.
While Iginla will fill a big void for the Leafs, he is one piece of a large puzzle that is still far from being filled.
The Leafs are likely still another four forwards and two blueliners away from having nearly enough depth and skill to make a legitimate playoff run in the uber-tough Eastern Conference. Remember, this is a conference which last season seen every playoff team finish with at least 100 points.
"It's going to be tough but we hope to have the players in palce to not just survive, but to thrive," said Leafs General Manager Tony Bezdeck.
Bezdeck has likely been the off-seasons busiest GM. Aside from the Iginla signing, Bezdeck has also been widely reported to be involved in bidding on other high profile free agents, and has swung several deals, sending out players such as Kyle Brodziak and Ales Hemsky. Ondrej Pavelec meanwhile is rumoured to be on the block as well, meaning the Leafs could have an entirely new look come next season.
Ales Hemsky sits dejected after hearing he has been traded to Boston.
"We had to make changes, said Bezdeck. "We finished well outside the playoffs last year, we weren't even close. We can't accept that, we have to do better and to do better changes had to be made."
Another important factor is that for once, the Leafs might actually have some depth in the farm system. with veterans like Tim Brent likely tagged for time with the Toronto Marlies. Having skilled players to recall in case of injury could go along way in helping the Leafs hold on in a playoff push.
Tim Brent expects to provide some valuable depth for the Leafs this season.
But it will all be for nought if the Leafs don't continue to pick up pieces in free agency. Rumoured involvement includes Pekka Rinne and Chris Kunitz, both of whom would cost a lot but also provide a lot to the Leafs.
"We're not done yet. I'd be shocked if we don't have another big announcement to make, maybe several," said Bedzeck with a smile.
Is Pekka Rinne Toronto-bound?
For once the Leafs have a lot to celebrate... maybe.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been bad for pretty much the entire leangth of time the WCHL has existed. Making the playoffs has been a challenge and, outside of a miracle run to the WCHL finals one year, the Leafs have had no post-season success.
So one may find it interesting to see one of the games greatest all around players deciding to lace the skates up for the Leafs.
Jarome Iginla, arguably the biggest free agency prize this off-season, signed on the Leafs yesterday, inking a five-year, $5-million deal to suit up in the blue and white.
Jarome Iginla brings a big name to the Leafs for the first time in a while.
"Growing up in Canada, everyone dreams of playing for the Leafs someday, I'm glad I got a chance to do that, to make that dream come true. It was a great incentive to play in Toronto," said Iginla.
$9 million a season was also likely a great incentive as well.
While Iginla will fill a big void for the Leafs, he is one piece of a large puzzle that is still far from being filled.
The Leafs are likely still another four forwards and two blueliners away from having nearly enough depth and skill to make a legitimate playoff run in the uber-tough Eastern Conference. Remember, this is a conference which last season seen every playoff team finish with at least 100 points.
"It's going to be tough but we hope to have the players in palce to not just survive, but to thrive," said Leafs General Manager Tony Bezdeck.
Bezdeck has likely been the off-seasons busiest GM. Aside from the Iginla signing, Bezdeck has also been widely reported to be involved in bidding on other high profile free agents, and has swung several deals, sending out players such as Kyle Brodziak and Ales Hemsky. Ondrej Pavelec meanwhile is rumoured to be on the block as well, meaning the Leafs could have an entirely new look come next season.
Ales Hemsky sits dejected after hearing he has been traded to Boston.
"We had to make changes, said Bezdeck. "We finished well outside the playoffs last year, we weren't even close. We can't accept that, we have to do better and to do better changes had to be made."
Another important factor is that for once, the Leafs might actually have some depth in the farm system. with veterans like Tim Brent likely tagged for time with the Toronto Marlies. Having skilled players to recall in case of injury could go along way in helping the Leafs hold on in a playoff push.
Tim Brent expects to provide some valuable depth for the Leafs this season.
But it will all be for nought if the Leafs don't continue to pick up pieces in free agency. Rumoured involvement includes Pekka Rinne and Chris Kunitz, both of whom would cost a lot but also provide a lot to the Leafs.
"We're not done yet. I'd be shocked if we don't have another big announcement to make, maybe several," said Bedzeck with a smile.
Is Pekka Rinne Toronto-bound?
