SB Nation User Blog: bkblades

During the draft you could have ended up in Toronto or with the Islanders... Of course, I've...

bkblades — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:43:52 -0000

During the draft you could have ended up in Toronto or with the Islanders...

Of course, I've thought about that and about what it would have been if i was there. Also considering that many 20-year guys are already playing twenty minutes a night there. Of course I think about it and it makes me feel bad.

Nikita Filatov

Just a random, nothing quote I found about Filatov after a month or so playing in the KHL. Obviously, his behaviour is flaky, but Toronto's "rebuild" era isn't going unnoticed amongst European prospects.

Could the Kessel trade be the worst in NHL history?

bkblades — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:26:32 -0000

Could the Kessel trade be the worst in NHL history?

According to Associated Content Sports, the Leafs certainly have committed the worst trade ever. The author's knowledge of the Leafs is limited at best, however, that hasn't stopped him from writing several "Haha, LEafs r Sux!!1" articles and hosting several others.

It's just an incredibly asinine article that is passed off as hockey coverage.

Canucks GM Mike Gillis isn’t allowed to discuss the $25,000 fine levelled against Leafs coach Ron W...

bkblades — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:35:06 -0000

Canucks GM Mike Gillis isn’t allowed to discuss the $25,000 fine levelled against Leafs coach Ron Wilson by commissioner Gary Bettman, but several league executives are shaking their heads and some see it as a joke. Penalties for tampering include loss of draft picks and a fine of up to $1 million. Wilson stated the Leafs’ interest in pending UFAs Daniel and Henrik Sedin during a radio interview before July 1 and all the organization got slapped with was a lousy fine? "We talk about tampering all the time and it’s supposed to be dealt with harshly," said a league executive ...

And the whining continues. Aww, boo hoo. The big bad Leafs are so mean!!!

Tampering charges against the Leafs resolved

bkblades — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:50:57 -0000

Tampering charges against the Leafs resolved

And the result? The Leafs were fined for the comments made by Ron Wilson, but were just verbally reprimanded for the latest charges regarding the name-dropping of players in the draft.

I wonder how long the league had to stifle their laughs when they had to seriously deal with the accusations lobbied by the Canucks. After all. for the Leafs to commit such an egregious act bordering on a massive conspiracy, a team actually needs to care about the opposition. Somehow, I doubt anyone taking the Vancouver Canucks all that seriously.

I had this come across my tumblr and let's just say, I'm extremely excited for the...

bkblades — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:49:36 -0000

I had this come across my tumblr and let's just say, I'm extremely excited for the October release.

It was a weird night for everyone considering the uncertainty about Doc Halladay's future, but I...

bkblades — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:35:56 -0000

It was a weird night for everyone considering the uncertainty about Doc Halladay's future, but I thought I share some levity regarding last night's game as I sat behind the Jays bullpen.

Edit: Sorry about the above pic, it comes out larger here - http://bit.ly/MAUUb

CBC feature on Nazem Kadri

bkblades — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:30:57 -0000

CBC feature on Nazem Kadri

Hey, guess what? Another Muslim angle by a mainstream media regarding Kadri! Whew, we haven't seen one of those since yesterday. Still, it's a nice piece about Kadri and his impact beyond the Leafs.

"Dale Mitchell no savior"

bkblades — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:53:43 -0000

In amidst the Phoenix and Balsille trials, the NHL playoffs, and the recently concluded Memorial Cup, THN and Ken Campbell manages to do it again: a potshot at the Leafs and their fans. No doubt to fufill the daily quota.

Those who follow the Toronto Maple Leafs are always looking for the next savior and they’ll undoubtedly latch onto Dale Mitchell...You’d have to think the team and its fans have learned a little something from Justin Pogge, who went from national junior team hero to possible flop under the weight of ridiculous expectations and an organization that handled his development in its typical ham-handed fashion.

Once again, it's us fans that over hype a 3rd round pick who we have routinely called an invaluable energy/checking line player in the future by propping him up in an article. Funny thing is, that snippet of Dale Mitchell is the only time Campbell even mentions the Memorial Cup in the entire piece. Whatever boosts your readership, right Ken?

You can read the rest of the Dale Mitchell piece and the entire article by clicking here

Media interview with Our Luke and Saviour regarding the year and his noticeable excitement being...

bkblades — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:51:21 -0000

Media interview with Our Luke and Saviour regarding the year and his noticeable excitement being named to Team Canada. Bonus point to anyone who can find the "Mittenstringer of the Day" question in the interview. Hint: Schenn had to hear it twice.

"As for the Leafs, how can I not still feel it? Those days in the old Maple Leaf Gardens are...

bkblades — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:13:45 -0000

"As for the Leafs, how can I not still feel it? Those days in the old Maple Leaf Gardens are forever. That rickety old place, those black-and-white pictures hanging everywhere, the Gondola and remembering Bill and Foster Hewitt speaking from up there.

"Those were the greatest days. And every night I go home, I can't help it – I'm always watching out of the corner of the eye, checking how the Leafs are doing. It's who I am."

Admittedly a bit "fluff" on Bruce Boudreau, but it was a nice piece with a Leafs connection for someone doing his best to put the Capitals on the map