Dustin Penner
The news that the Tampa Bay Lightning have Dave Nonis at the top of their shortlist for general manager candidates was perhaps an instance of the inevitable. If Tampa or Nonis deem it not a right fit, we can only expect more of the same from other owners looking to fill vacant general manager positions.
It was reported at the time of Nonis' signing that a one-year clause was included to assure Nonis' services belonged to the Leafs for 2009-10 at a minimum. When Nonis' contractual obligation ends is unclear, but from Joe Nieuwendyk to Steffan Kronwall to Justin Pogge, it's clear Burke will never step in the way of an employee's desire to advance professionally.
But not all hope is lost. First, let's look at what the Leafs have in Nonis, and hopefully what they don't end up losing.
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It is being reported by TSN that Dany Heatley has refused to waive his NTC in a deal to the Edmonton Oilers for the speculated return of Andrew Cogliano, Ladislav Smid, and Dustin Penner. I'm not usually one to have an opinion, but that was somewhat classless, then again, he signed a NTC for a reason, so he could have this control.
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With Files from Gil Brown
Brian Burke doesn't take credit for the Maple Leafs drafting Luke Schenn 5th overall in 2008, but he's sure glad they did. Under different circumstances, which we'll get into over a series of posts, Burke's Ducks would have been in the mix for the Saskatoon native at the 2008 draft.
Fortune shined on the blue and white allowing them to trade up to 5th overall pick. There was an associated cost from their original seventh spot, but the end result is a potential future Maple Leafs captain of the Scott Stevens mold.
Unbelievable as it seems; perhaps, even laughable, Schenn, could have been wearing Ducks colors.
The story doesn't begin in Anaheim, however. It starts in Edmonton.
Chatter ... non existent.
Rumors ... rampant speculation, but nothing really.
Movement ... absolutely dismal amount of transactions (if you don't count waiver placement)
Just, eerily quiet ...
And I have a theory as to why. But first, some good news.
Jeff Carter is quietly making a name for himself around the league; in fact, he’s so quiet that some teams don’t even know it until they play him. His speed and gritty game allows him to stand his guard in front of the net to bang in the garbage goals, and his wrist shot is so powerful that he could zip it past you from the blue line as hard some guys can slap it in this league.
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#9 - RW Jimmy Hayes, 18, Boston College (NCAA)
Drafted: 2nd round, 60th overall in 2008
Strengths: Superb size and strength (6'5 210 lbs). Good skater for a player his size. High end offensive talent with quick hands around the net. Can be a very intimidating presence along the boards and in front of the net. Tons and tons and tons of potential. [more…]
