Bozak
Bad news. According to the fine folks over at CapGeek, the Chicago Blackhawks aren't the only team facing cap penalties next season. Here are the basics: a team is allowed to surpass the official salary cap by a "bonus cushion" maxmium of 7.5% for performance bonuses, such as those written into virtually every rookie contract. However, this number is then deducted from your maximum salary cap allowance for the following season.
For example, since winning the Cup, the Blackhawks received plenty of media attention when it was pointed out that Toews' bonus for the Conn Smythe, among others, would push them well over the cap limit. As a result, the Blackhawks will face a $4.157 million penalty for this upcoming season. The Maple Leafs meanwhile will also have $1.4 million deducted from their limit this coming season, thus setting an internal budget at $58 million rather than the league wide $59.4 million. [more…]
I've been holding off on posting one of these, as the sheer volume of Toronto-borne speculation renders separating the plausible from the impossible a rather difficult task.
Without further ado, here we go:
- There is no guarantee that Tomas Kaberle is traded this weekend. Sources say the chance that he could remains a member of the Maple Leafs beyond the Draft is increasing by the day. The reason? "Burke wants a player who can step in and play right away. He wants to win now, and is far less concerned about getting draft picks than he is about getting an impact forward."
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Brian Burke has done an outstanding job of refacing the Leafs organization in a very short period of time. I for one am predicting a very surprising season from the Leafs as early as next year or the year after, once again propelling them into the playoffs and a very respectable playoff drive. The cumulative effort of acquiring several players and prospects that are "NHL ready" is absolutely and positively an impressive feat. Acquiring a player with the pedigree of Dion Phaneuf for almost zero significant cost was sheer brilliance. His relentless pursuit of, and ultimate acquisitions of players like Bozak, Hanson and Gustavsson inspire the type of confidence and hope that has been lacking in this city and in this franchise for almost a decade.
It's been suggested several times during the first quarter of the Toronto Maple Leafs' emotionally exhaustive season, but it needs to be mentioned once again:
It's time to bring up the kids. No more excuses. Just get 'er done, Brian Burke.
With very little good happening at the NHL level, it's time to see how the kids are doing elsewhere. The Marlies dropped a 5-3 decision this afternoon against Rockford, falling to 2-1 on the young season. Jiri Tlusty scored a pair of goals, bringing his totals up to 3 goals and 4 points in 3 games played. [more…]
