Morning Mashup: Liles Embraces Challenge Ahead

by Greg Thomson on July 20, 2011 in Leafs News - 615 Comments

Newly acquired defenseman John-Michael Liles has already earned a good first impression with Leaf management, teammates, fans, and, most importantly, some young people in need. Children at the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto visited with Liles yesterday, who made his first public appearance since the trade. He acted as a bright spot for many who have fought hard to live a healthy life.

Terry Koshan at the Toronto Sun summed up the day, including thoughts from Liles on his reaction to being traded to the Leafs and the expectations of playing in Toronto.

The recent history of the Leafs, of course, is not great, with a Stanley Cup drought passing 44 years in the spring. But Liles made it fairly clear there are fewer places he would rather be in the NHL.

“I know a lot of about the Maple Leafs organization and the history involved with it,” Liles, an Indiana native, said. “Having played in the west, and growing up an American kid, you have a sense of it, but you don’t fully realize it, but now that I am a part of it, I am going to catch on pretty quickly.

“I know the Leafs are a young team. When you have the youthful energy on a team and you see the progress they made, toward the end of last year, the record they put together, it was a heck of a run toward the playoffs.

“They were an impressive team to play against, and now joining them, I am excited to be a part of it. It’s a great time for myself and just really looking forward to getting the season under way.”

Leafs Links:

Leafs bring back Joey Crabb on one-year deal.

Leafs lock up another depth player to round out the bottom six. Crab will make $705,000 with the Leafs and $105,000 at the AHL level.

Liles visits Sick Kids hospital as first Leaf appearance

Liles is looking forward to the challenge of helping the Leafs get back into the post season.

Why Leaf patience with young “d” men is so crucial – remembering Ian Lafrate: what might have been

The latest from Mike at VLM

Other Hockey Links:

Stamkos signs five-year, $37.5 million extension with Lightning

The Bolts have finally locked up their young star to a long-term contract.

Devils hire former Panthers head coach Peter DeBoer

DeBoer gets a second chance behind the bench with the New Jersey Devils.

Chris Osgood Hall of Fame debate: why he’ll make the cut

Great piece on Osgood’s retirement from Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy

Your Say:

Did the term on the Stamkos contract surprise you? Is Chris Osgood a hall of famer?

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