Here To Stay

Monday February 25, 2008 @ 12:19 PM EST

I think I’m blind to the fact that the Leafs’ record is lousy because for some reason they seem to pull out a win whenever I watch the game. Save for a couple games in there, San Jose, etc etc. Are they really THAT bad? Because I’m not seeing it. Or do I just always seem to miss the 8 goal losses and devastating injuries? What I do not know, cannot hurt me I suppose.


First of all, on a serious note, I was teary eyed watching Coach’s Corner the other night when they addressed the death of Mickey Renaud earlier last week. What a tragedy. As a hockey fan, it really hits close to home. Especially when I think about that this kid was my around my brother’s age, and I have friends in junior hockey and to think about how close they all are and how much a captain means to a team is absolutely heartbreaking. My sentiments go out to anyone who was a family member, friend, teammate, fan, and anyone who was touched by this tragedy. I know I’m a little late in my response to the situation but it is something that is still weighing on me, and probably a lot of you as well.


It looks as though the big Ched Mats Sundin is sticking to his guns on the no-trade clause of his contract and staying in Toronto. Was I the only one who believed that nothing was going to happen with that one? I mean after so much hype about him being traded, I almost have feeling a lot of people are partly disappointed that he’s not going. I for one just have to say this: I’m proud to have Mats as the captain of my team, and everyone in Toronto should feel the same. Were you really about to lose the one guy, a great player and a legend, who still has faith in this team? It would have been a dumb move. Mats Sundin is 110% committed to the Toronto Maple Leafs, he manages to look past all the off-ice drama of past and present season and keep doing his job, he refuses to sell out, he’s a fantastic leader and a national treasure. He wants to retire as a Leaf, hell he will probably be buried in old number 13 someday. He’s a lifer. You can’t ask for a better captain than that. Let’s take a moment to appreciate Mats for his decision. He said in a statement:


“I have always believed I would finish my career as a Toronto Maple Leaf so the actual request was still a very difficult one for me to contemplate”……………”I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL club at this time,” Sundin added. “I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey, but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision.”


If that doesn’t make a believer out of you then you should probably walk out of the metaphorical door of the Air Canada Center right now. Mats Sundin is no sell out, he is one of very few players who is still down for the cause, one of the few pure hockey players left. You can’t buy or sell that kind of commitment and passion. In the end we’ll end up remembering him as just that, the man knows how to leave his mark. And you wanted to replace him with some skilled hotshot money-maker? You should feel like an a$$hole. Death or glory, it’s just another story.


The one thing the Trade Deadline Fairy didn’t leave me this year? Tony Amonte. Double you-tee-eff, Fairy? Where is he? I was hoping all season he would sign somewhere before the TD. Don’t let me down now, at crunch time. I’ll admit, I’m already a bit heart broken about it. Tony, if you’re reading this, get your silly pen ready and sign a damn contract already. I miss you. Sorry about the tough love, bro.


Thank god the trade deadline is almost over. I cannot wait to get back to some stress free hockey. Well not totally stress free, playoffs are creeping up on us real fast here. Here’s a theory for you, why can’t the Leafs just throw every single remaining game of the season, just lose them all, and build up the worst record in the NHL in order to receive the first draft pick? Hey, it’s just an idea. No one would be the wiser… HA! First picks are overrated anyway.


Well, I apologize for being a little out of commish the last couple weeks. I know I’ve been bad about replying to emails and comments, I’ll try to fix that. I do read them though, and I appreciate everything you guys send my way, so XL thanks. I promise to have an entertaining blog or two up soon. Keep your fingers crossed until after February 26th. Peace, love, and hockey y’all.

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