Christian Hanson Re-Signs : video and meet the leaf

Meet The Leaf : Christian Hanson

Born March 10, 1986 (1986-03-10) (age 24),
Glens Falls, New York, USA
Height
Weight 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
228 lb (103 kg; 16 st 4 lb)
Position Center
Shoots Right
NHL team Toronto Maple Leafs
Ntl. team United States
Playing career 2009–present


Christian Hanson (born March 10, 1986) is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to playing for the Maple Leafs, Hanson played in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Toronto Marlies, and he played amateur hockey for the University of Notre Dame. He was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft when he was eligible, but signed a free agent contract with the Maple Leafs after his senior season. His father is Dave Hanson, who also played professional hockey but was most notable for his role in the movie Slap Shot.

He played for Planet USA in the 2010 AHL All-Star Game in Portland, Maine.

He attended high school at Peters Township High School, where he was a member of their Pennsylvania State AA Hockey Championship teams. He played Midget "AAA" hockey for the Pittsburgh Hornets, where he was a teammate of Los Angeles Kings prospect Patrick Mullen. Those teams have produced many Junior A and College players, as well as some playing professional. He is the son of Dave Hanson.[1]

Hanson was signed a two-year, $1.575-million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 31, 2009, which included an annual $87,500 signing bonus.[1][2]

Hanson made his NHL debut on April 3, 2009 against the Philadelphia Flyers.[3] Four nights later, Hanson scored his first career NHL goal against Martin Brodeur in a 4–1 win over the New Jersey Devils.[4] This goal tied his father's career goal mark as well. On April 10, 2010, Hanson recorded his first short-handed goal and his first multi-goal game versus Montreal. Hanson was selected on the Team USA roster for the 2010 World Hockey Championship

Source Wikipedia

Woikins Lineup / Fantasy Lineup

So I believe that we could be looking at the leafs full roster heading into the season, and I wanted to put together my projected line up with the current roster. For fun I will also put together a roster with a reasonable and desired tweek, just for fun.

So here is our current roster and where I think they will play.

Nikolai Kulemin ($2.350m) / Tyler Bozak ($3.725m) / Phil Kessel ($5.400m)
Nazem Kadri ($1.720m) / Mikhail Grabovski ($2.900m) / Kris Versteeg ($3.083m)
Clarke MacArthur ($1.100m) / John Mitchell ($0.725m) / Colby Armstrong ($3.000m)
Mike Brown ($0.537m) / Fredrik Sjostrom ($0.750m) / Colton Orr ($1.000m)
/ / Marcel Mueller ($1.112m)
/ / Jerry D'Amigo ($1.112m)

DEFENSEMEN
Dion Phaneuf ($6.500m) / Mike Komisarek ($4.500m)
Tomas Kaberle ($4.250m) / Francois Beauchemin ($3.800m)
Carl Gunnarsson ($0.800m) / Luke Schenn ($2.975m)
Brett Lebda ($1.450m)

GOALTENDERS
Jean-Sebastien Giguere ($6.000m) /Jonas Gustavsson ($1.350m)

BUYOUTS: Darcy Tucker ($1.000m)
CARRY-OVER BONUS PENALTY: $1,400,000

CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $62,540,833; BONUSES: $6,395,000
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): $1,314,167

Now here is my Fantasy ...

Grabs and Beauchamin to Dallas for Richards and 2nd rounder.


CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR

FORWARDS
Nikolai Kulemin ($2.350m) / Brad Richards ($7.800m) / Phil Kessel ($5.400m)
Nazem Kadri ($1.720m) / Tyler Bozak ($3.725m) / Kris Versteeg ($3.083m)
Clarke MacArthur ($1.100m) / John Mitchell ($0.725m) / Colby Armstrong ($3.000m)
Mike Brown ($0.537m) / Fredrik Sjostrom ($0.750m) / Colton Orr ($1.000m)
/ / Marcel Mueller ($1.112m)
/ / Jerry D'Amigo ($1.112m)

DEFENSEMEN
Dion Phaneuf ($6.500m) / Mike Komisarek ($4.500m)
Tomas Kaberle ($4.250m) / Luke Schenn ($2.975m)
Carl Gunnarsson ($0.800m) / Brett Lebda ($1.450m)
Matt Lashoff ($0.550m)

GOALTENDERS
Jean-Sebastien Giguere ($6.000m) /Jonas Gustavsson ($1.350m)

BUYOUTS: Darcy Tucker ($1.000m)
CARRY-OVER BONUS PENALTY: $1,400,000

CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $64,190,833; BONUSES: $6,395,000
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): -$335,833 ( keeping one of Mueller and Damingo puts the leafs under the cap)

Resign Richards 5 - 5.5 for 3-5yr extension.

What do you think... go to Capgeek.com to create your own.

Welcome Clarke Macarthur

Well now we know exactly why Burke dumped a few contracts yesterday. Enter Clarke MacArthur to enhance a relatively weak offense.

MacArthur should bring 15-20 goals to the table, and is on a 1yr contract. This move brings the leafs to 49 pro contracts, with a qualifier for Hanson still out there it is expected that the leafs move a few bodies to the minor minor leagues to free up a contract or two, if ... any intriguing opportunities present them selves.

Side Note: Another Canadian Player...

Here is a bio on MacArthur from Wikipedia... and a video to follow.


Born April 6, 1985 (1985-04-06) (age 25),
Lloydminster, SK, CAN
Height
Weight 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
191 lb (87 kg; 13 st 9 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Left
NHL team
F. teams Toronto Maple Leafs
Buffalo Sabres
Atlanta Thrashers
NHL Draft 74th overall, 2003
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2005–present

Clarke MacArthur (born April 6, 1985 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a Canadian ice hockey centre.On July 21, 2010 he had his arbitration award of 2.4 million USD declined by the Atlanta Thrashers of the National Hockey League. He is currently a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round, 74th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

After playing three seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers, MacArthur made his professional debut with the Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans, for the 2005 AHL playoffs. In his first full season in Rochester, 2005–06, he played in 69 games and recorded 53 points.

He was called up by the Sabres and made his National Hockey League debut on December 19, 2006, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. MacArthur earned his first NHL point in his fourth game, on February 20, 2007, when he tallied an assist on a goal by Andrew Peters. MacArthur scored his first NHL goal against the Ottawa Senators on February 22, 2007.

On July 16, 2008, the Sabres announced that MacArthur had accepted his qualifying offer with the team.

On March 3, 2010 he was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers for a third and fourth round draft pick.

On August 28th, 2010 the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him to a one year deal at 1.1 Million.

Leafs swing a minor league deal

The log jam on the blue line for the Toronto Maple Leafs just got a little more crowded as the team announced Friday that they had acquired defenceman Matt Lashoff from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forwards Alex Berry and Stefano Giliati.

as per TSN

Woikins thoughts: A bit of a strange move , or is it. The Leafs allready have great depth at the D position. Burke did say that he would swing around and reisit some names stemming from the Kaberle dealings.

Leafs are tight against the limit for pro contracts for one team, and this was a two for one, which could mean Burke could be expecting a signing or possibly swinging a deal to move a dman and bring in a forward.

Personally I believe he could be gearing up for both.

Stay tuned could finally be a little activity.

Meet Matt Lashoff

Born September 29, 1986 (1986-09-29) (age 23),
E. Greenbush, NY, U.S.
Height
Weight 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
204 lb (93 kg; 14 st 8 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
F. teams Toronto Maple Leafs
Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Tampa Bay Lightning
Boston Bruins

NHL Draft 22nd overall, 2005
Boston Bruins
Playing career 2006–present


Lashoff was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. After playing three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kitchener Rangers, Lashoff made his professional debut at the end of the 2005–06 season with the Bruins' American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins.

Lashoff made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins in the 2006–07 season on October 26, 2006. Lashoff scored his first NHL goal December 31, 2007, against Kari Lehtonen of the Atlanta Thrashers.

On April 4, 2007, Lashoff was named to the 2006–07 AHL All-Rookie Team.[1] On March 4, 2009, at the trade deadline for the 2008–09 season, Lashoff was traded by the Bruins, along with Mārtiņš Karsums, to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Mark Recchi and a 2009 second round draft pick.[2]

He prepped at Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut under famed coach John T. Gardner.

On August 27, 2010, Lashoff was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forwards Alex Berry and Stefano Giliati.[3]


Surce: Wikipedia

Toronto Maple Leafs - 2010-11 Preview

Meet The Leafs : Luke Schenn

Born November 2, 1989 (1989-11-02) (age 20),
Saskatoon, SK, CAN
Height
Weight 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHL team Toronto Maple Leafs
Ntl. team Canada
NHL Draft 5th overall, 2008
Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career 2008–present


Minor
Schenn played minor hockey in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His first minor hockey team was the Saskatoon Red Wings, where he was coached by his father, Jeff.[1] In 2004–05, he played 'AAA' Midget Hockey for the Saskatoon Contacts, winning the Telus Cup as Canada's national midget hockey champions.[2] While playing with the Contacts, Schenn was selected in the first round (20th overall) of the 2004 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft by the Kelowna Rockets.[3]

[edit] Junior
Schenn made his on-ice debut for the Rockets during the 2005–06 WHL season. Prior to suiting up for the Rockets, Schenn joined the team during their Memorial Cup run at the end of the 2004–05 season. During this time, the team arranged for Schenn to room with then Rockets captain Shea Weber in an attempt to impress upon him what he needed to do to improve. Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton said "That was the most important thing we ever did in getting him [Schenn] to understand from Weber what he's got to do."[4] After his rookie season in the WHL, Schenn was named the Rockets Rookie of the Year.[5] He served as an alternate captain for the team during the 2007–08 season.[2] Also during the 2007–08 season, Schenn was named to the WHL's roster for the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.[2][5] He also participated in the annual CHL Top Prospects Game, where he served as a team captain and scored a goal.[6] Schenn was named to the WHL's Second All-Star Team after the 2007–08 season.[7] While playing in Kelowna, Schenn was often paired with Tyler Myers.[4]

Schenn was a highly touted prospect for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.[4] Heading into the draft, Schenn was the 5th ranked North American skater by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau, an improvement from his mid-season ranking of 7th.[7] Some scouts saw him as a mix between Dion Phaneuf and Adam Foote.[4] E.J. McGuire, director of the Central Scouting Bureau compared him to Ed Jovanovski.[7]


Schenn with the Maple Leafs in 2008.At the 2008 Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who originally held the 7th overall pick traded up to the 5th overall slot (originally held by the New York Islanders) to select Schenn.[8]

[edit] Professional
Schenn attended training camp with the Maple Leafs, with early reports indicating he was likely to be returned to his junior club for the 2008–09 season.[1] On October 7, 2008, Schenn signed an entry level contract with the Maple Leafs.[6][9] After an impressive training camp with the Maple Leafs, Schenn made the team for the start of the 2008–09 season.[10] He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2008 against the Detroit Red Wings.[11] He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on October 29, 2008 against the New Jersey Devils.[11] He scored his first goal on February 7, 2009 against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens.[11] Also during his rookie season Schenn played for the Rookie YoungStars team in the 2008–09 NHL YoungStars Game.[12] On March 14, 2009, Schenn recorded his first multi-point (2 assists) game in a 8–6 win against the Calgary Flames.[11] On June 18, 2009 Schenn was awarded a spot on defence on the NHL's 2008–09 All-Rookie Team alongside Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings.[13] Schenn led all NHL rookies in blocked shots, and all rookie defensemen in hits.[13]

After his strong rookie season, expectations were high for Schenn heading into the 2009–10 NHL season. Early in training camp, Maple Leafs head coach Wilson named him as one of the team's top four defensemen.[14] Schenn's play was disappointing, and he was a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs once in October[15] and again for a three-game stretch in December.[14] Along with several other young Maple Leafs, Schenn picked up his game at the end of the season.[16][17] During the season, Schenn recorded his first two-goal game against the Ottawa Senators. He also finished the season with new career highs in goals and points.[11]

[edit] International
Medal record
Competitor for Canada
Men's ice hockey
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
Gold 2006 Czech Republic
World Junior Championships
Gold 2008 Czech Republic
IIHF World Championship
Silver 2009 Switzerland
Schenn has represented his country at a number of events. His first experience with Hockey Canada was as a member of Team West at the 2006 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which was held in Regina, Saskatchewan, where they finished 7th.[2] Schenn played for Canada twice at the Under-18 level. At the 2006 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, he was a member of the gold medal winning club, and in 2007 he participated in the 2007 IIHF World U18 Championships, where Canada finished fourth.[2] Schenn scored 3 goals during this tournament.[5]

Schenn was a member of the Canadian junior team that played an eight game series (2007 Super Series) against a Russian junior team to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series. Canada went undefeated in these 8 games, with 7 wins and 1 tie. Schenn did not record a point during the series, but registered 24 penalty minutes.[2][5]

During the 2007–08 season, Schenn was named to Team Canada's selection camp roster for the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[18] Schenn was named to the team on December 13, 2007 and was paired with Thomas Hickey to form the top shutdown duo for the team.[19] Canada won the gold medal and Schenn finished the tournament with a team high +/- rating of +5.[2] At these international tournaments, Schenn caught the eye of hockey analyst Pierre McGuire who dubbed him "the human eraser".[20]

After his rookie season in the NHL, Schenn was named to Canada's roster for the 2009 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.[2] He played all 9 games for Canada, but did not see large amounts of ice time, averaging just under 7 minutes per game.[21] He recorded one assist in the tournament[21] as Canada took home the silver medal after a 2–1 loss to Russia in the gold medal game.[22]

[edit] Personal
Schenn was born on November 2, 1989 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His parents are Jeff and Rita Schenn.[5] His younger brother Brayden was picked fifth overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.[23] They also have two younger sisters: Madison and Macy.[5] Both the Schenn brothers attended St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon, the same school which produced fellow NHL players Colby and Riley Armstrong, along with Jarret Stoll.[1] In February, 2010 DeWalt Power Tools announced a partnership with Schenn and teammate Dion Phaneuf.[24]

Source: wikipedia

Meet the Leafs : Mike Komisarek

Born January 19, 1982 (1982-01-19) (age 28),
West Islip, NY, USA
Height
Weight 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
245 lb (111 kg; 17 st 7 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Right
NHL team
F. teams Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Ntl. team United States
NHL Draft 7th overall, 2001
Montreal Canadiens
Playing career 2002–present

Amateur years
Komisarek began playing competitively on Long Island, New York, starting off in the Suffolk PAL organization. He played two years of Varisty at St. Anthony's High School (New York). He then played for the New England Jr. Coyotes of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) under legendary coach Gary Dineen. He was then picked up by USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. He is a student of the respected Lithuanian hockey coach Aleksey Nikiforov.

[edit] College career
Komisarek played two seasons at the University of Michigan , piling up 46 points and 145 penalty minutes in 80 games. He helped the Wolverines to a 55-24-10 mark, a CCHA title and two trips to the NCAA Frozen Four.[1] One of his teammates was fellow Long Islander Eric Nystrom, who was drafted by the Calgary Flames.

[edit] Professional career
After two seasons with the University of Michigan, Komisarek was selected seventh overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He played his first NHL game in the 2002–03 season with the Canadiens. He re-signed with the Canadiens in 2007 for a 2 year contract for 3.4 million dollars, along with his friend Christopher Higgins, who is also from Long Island.

Komisarek has made a career out of being a rough, mean, hard-hitting stay-at-home defenseman.[citation needed] He scored his first NHL goal, vs the Washington Capitals on March 20, 2006, where he was named the first star of the game.[2] His willingness to stand up for his teammates and his hard-hitting style have made him a fan favourite in the Bell Centre.

In July 2009, Komisarek signed a 5-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, averaging $4.5 million per season. On January 2, 2010, Komisarek injured his shoulder in a game against the Calgary Flames, and on February 3, 2010, it was revealed he would require season-ending surgery. This also meant Komisarek would miss the 2010 Winter Olympics, as he was chosen to represent Team USA.[3]

[edit] Personal life
Komisarek is of Polish descent. His father, Roman Komisarek, was 24 when he moved to the U.S., where he eventually opened an auto-body repair shop on Long Island.[4] Roman Komisarek left his wife Kathy behind in Poland until he could earn enough to afford an apartment and support her. Speaking of his parents' move to the U.S., Komisarek stated that, "At that time, my parents knew they wanted to start a family and give me and my sister a better opportunity. [...](My father) moved to Brooklyn, found a job and didn't know the language at all. He just had the clothes on his back. Now, we have a nice home on Long Island, and my parents provided everything we ever needed. I always carried that with me. I always wanted to make them proud." [5][dead link] Komisarek also has a sister named Joanna, who is two years younger than he is. His sister is a graduate of Boston College.[4] He also speaks Polish.

Komisarek's mother, Kathy, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2005 and died in November 2005. She was 51.[6]

[edit] Awards and achievements
Played in NHL All-Star Game (2009)
AHL All-Rookie Team (2003)
NCAA West First All-American Team (2002)
CCHA First All-Star Team (2002)
CCHA Best Defensive Defensemen (2002)
CCHA All-Tournament Team (2002)
CCHA All-Rookie Team (2001)


Source Wikipedia

Woikins thoughts... If Komi can stay healthy this year, and disciplined, he will be a huge piece to the Leafs making the playoffs this year. We have one of the scariest defense in the league... when they are in tact.

Something has got to give!!!

So the Kaberle saga has come to an end, and when the dust settled Kaberle was standing with a no trade clause in hand. Burke will now direct his energy to find a different avenue for a top six forward and an extension for Kaberle.

But would Kaberle sign an extension after the very public trade attempt. Has he had enough, I mean it has been two years of constant speculation.

All I know is we have one of the top offensive d - men in the league for one more season and a need for a top six forward. What happens from here I do not know...

But with 8 nhl D on the backend... something has to give. Burke will probably look to package players and parlay them into a top six forward between now and september.

For who and for what we will have to wait and see.

Will He Stay Or Will He Go??

It is litterally like christmas eve for leaf fans. With 26 hours before Kaberles NTC kicks in... rumors and speculation is ruling the internet.

Apparently the list of suitors has been dwindled down to 4 teams .... Bos , NYI , Dal ,and a mystery team some believe to be the lightning, have tabled the best offers, but according to Eklund , they are also playing their cards close to the chest. Teams that may up the antie tommorow included SJ, WSH, LA, ANA, STL.

The names being tossed around on Kaber-eve ... Coutre, Joslin, Setoguchi, Clowe, Moller, Simmonds, Ribero , Neal , Malone, Stafford, Backes , Perron, Wheeler, Flieschman , and Alzner.

There are rumbles that with throw ins, possible multi player deals include the likes of Thorton, Richards, Savard and Ryan. From Toronto... Grabovski, Hanson, D'mingo, Schenn, Kadri.

In typical Burke fashion, I could se Burke Making a multi - player deal like the phaneuf deal, if given the oporitunity.

My gut tells me a Dallas or San Jose trade will come. Burke seems to want a western conference build, and I cant imagine he would want to play Kaberle 6 times a year. The only way I think he would make a deal in the east is if Kaberle signed longterm and increased the return. In the East Boston or Tampa make nice partners.

If Burke can find a trade he is good with, this move could put the Leafs into the post season for the first time in 5 years. This may come down to the wire, we may not hear until 12 am tommorow. Thiscould blow up in Burks face, but I seriously doubt that will be the case.

My official predictions

1 : Toronto - Ribero or Richards - Neal / Dallas - Kaberle -Grabovski - Reimer
2 : Toronto - Clowe - prospect - pick / SJ - Kabs
3 : Toronto - Malone - prospect - pick / Tampa Kabs


Sleep Tight Leaf Fans.

New Kaberle Tidbit

Latest on Kaberle (BOS,DAL,L.A,NJ,SJ,TB) are all in the mix, Leafs most tempting offer Clowe+1st Rounder.Burke not interested in draft picks

Source : NHL Sources Say , Hendricks Hockey

Woikins thoughts: I think I like the Clow plus 1st ..... Hope Burke gets what he is holding out for.

L.A and Toronto .... update

Rumored Deal: To LA: Kaberle, Mitchell – To TOR: Moller, Hickey, 1st.
Burke is trying to make it Moller, Schenn.


It has been well known that Schenn has been on Burkes radar since he tried to trade up in last years draft....

This could get really interesting.

Kaberle Trade Coming ??? ( New Development)

So just reading Mapleleafshotstove.com and an interesting article was just posted about a mystery team Eric Belanger has signed with, but cant tell who because it could loose leverage in an exchange between 2 teams. The role he will be filling is for a player who will be departing as part of the trade.

Eric Belanger is a center .... as is Grabovski who has been rumored to be moved this summer several times. Kaberle is going ...no question, could Grabovski be used to sweeten the pot? To catch a bigger fish??

Maybe Anahiem realizes that they cant come to terms with Ryan? Maybe Joe Thorton needs a change? Maybe Belanger is speaking of a different team? Maybe he is not?

Something is going on, and I have a feeling it is in leafland, or atleast I hope it is....

Here is a profile On Belanger....

Born December 16, 1977 (1977-12-16) (age 32),
Sherbrooke, QC, CAN
Height
Weight 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Left
team
F. teams Free agent
Los Angeles Kings
Carolina Hurricanes
Atlanta Thrashers
Minnesota Wild
Washington Capitals
NHL Draft 96th overall, 1996
Los Angeles Kings
Playing career 1997–present


He was drafted in the fourth round, ninety-sixth overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Before making his NHL debut, Bélanger played with the Beauport Harfangs and Rimouski Océanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Fredericton Canadiens, Springfield Falcons and Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League and the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League. Bélanger made his NHL debut on October 6, 2000. During the 2004–2005 NHL Lockout, Bélanger played for HC Bolzano in Italy.

On September 29, 2006, Bélanger and Tim Gleason were traded to the Hurricanes for Oleg Tverdovsky and Jack Johnson. On February 9, 2007, Bélanger was traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for centre Josef Vašíček. The following day, he was sent to the Atlanta Thrashers for defensemen Vitaly Vishnevski.

On July 3, 2007, Belanger signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild on a 3-year deal.

On March 3rd, the 2010 NHL trade deadline, Belanger was traded to the Washington Capitals for a 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft. In game 5 of the Capitals 2010 playoff series agains the Montreal Canadiens, Belanger took a high stick to the mouth from Canadien defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, that resulted in Belanger losing 9 teeth. Moments after the hit, the game telecast showed Belanger on the bench removing a loose tooth from his mouth, using just his fingers and a piece of gauze.


Stay Tuned Leafs Fans....

Dion Phaneuf - 2009/2010 Season Highlights

sorry about the f bomb in the intro

Meet The Leafs : Your Captain Dion Phaneuf

Born April 10, 1985 (1985-04-10) (age 25),
Edmonton, AB, CAN
Height
Weight 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Left
NHL team
F. teams Toronto Maple Leafs
Calgary Flames
Ntl. team Canada
NHL Draft 9th overall, 2003
Calgary Flames
Playing career 2005–present

Dion Phaneuf (born April 10, 1985) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and team captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League. He was drafted ninth overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames, and made his NHL debut in 2005 after a four year junior career with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League in which he was twice named the Defenceman of the Year. He set a Flames record for most goals by a first-year defenceman and was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as top rookie in 2005–06. Two years later, he was a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy as top defenceman, though he did not win either award. Phaneuf is a two-time NHL All-Star. He has represented Canada internationally three times in his career, winning silver and gold medals at the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2004 and 2005 respectively, and a gold medal at the 2007 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.

Phaneuf is renowned by his opponents for his physical play as he has been rated one of the NHL's top hitters by his peers while also being accused of trying to injure his opponents at times. His much publicized relationship with actress Elisha Cuthbert also attracted controversy following disparaging remarks by former Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery. Phaneuf is active in the community; the Flames honoured Phaneuf for his role as an ambassador to the Alberta Children's Hospital where he participated in events that help sick and injured children during his time in Calgary.

The Red Deer Rebels selected Phaneuf in the third round of the 2000 WHL Bantam Draft.[4] One year later, he joined the Rebels for the 2001–02 WHL season and recorded 17 points in 67 games.[5] He added two assists in 21 games as the Rebels lost in the WHL final against the Kootenay Ice.[6] He improved to 16 goals and 30 points in 2002–03 as the Rebels again reached the WHL finals, again losing, this time to the Kelowna Rockets.[5][6] Phaneuf's development earned him comparisons to Hall of Famer Scott Stevens, as he was lauded by scouts for his physical style and ability to excel both defensively and offensively.[7] Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter valued Phaneuf so highly in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft that he attempted to trade up from his ninth overall selection in the draft to no avail.[8] Sutter was unable to complete a trade, but was still able to select Phaneuf with his first selection in the draft.[9]

Phaneuf established himself as one of junior hockey's top players following the draft, improving to 42 points in 62 games,[5] and earning the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as the top defenceman in the WHL.[10] He was also named an Eastern Conference All-Star by the WHL, and a First Team All-Star by the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).[5] He was considered a candidate to join the Flames in 2004, however the 2004–05 NHL lockout forced Phaneuf to play one final year of junior hockey.[11] He scored 56 points in 55 games to finish his junior career with 146 points.[5] He repeated as the WHL's defenceman of the year, and was again named to both WHL and CHL All-Star Teams.[5] Prospects Hockey rated Phaneuf as the top player in the CHL in both 2004 and 2005, ahead of Sidney Crosby, naming him one of the best junior defencemen of the previous decade.[12]

[edit] Calgary Flames

Dion Phaneuf playing for the Calgary Flames in 2009.Phaneuf joined the Flames for the 2005–06 NHL season after signing his first professional contract in September 2005.[13] He made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005 against the Minnesota Wild. Five nights later, he scored his first career goal, assist and points against the Colorado Avalanche. He was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for November after leading all rookie defencemen with nine points and two game winning goals.[14] By January, Phaneuf was being named alongside Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin as a candidate for the NHL's top rookie.[15] He finished the season with 20 goals, only the third player in NHL history after Brian Leetch and Barry Beck to score 20 as a rookie defenceman.[16] His 20 goals also broke the Flames franchise record for goals by a rookie, surpassing Gary Suter's total of 18.[17] He was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as top rookie, but lost out to Ovechkin.[18]

A 50 point sophomore season earned Phaneuf his first NHL All-Star Game appearance in 2006–07.[19] He participated in the hardest shot competition at the SuperSkills competition, losing to Zdeno Chara,[20] and scored a goal and an assist in the game itself to help the Western Conference defeat the East 12–9.[21] The Flames signed Phaneuf to a six-year, US$39 million contract extension midway through the 2007–08 season.[22] He responded by posting a career high 60 points,[5] and was voted into the starting lineup by the fans for the 2008 All-Star Game.[23] Phaneuf was named to the NHL First All-Star Team following the season,[24] and was a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy as defenceman of the year,[25] losing to Niklas Lidstrom.[26]

The 2008–09 season was a frustrating one for Phaneuf, as he recorded a career low 11 goals and 47 points,[5] and his poor plus/minus rating of −11 led fans to question his defensive commitment.[27] His poor season and high salary also led to speculation that Phaneuf might be traded.[28] In spite of his struggles, Phaneuf averaged 26 minutes and 31 seconds of ice time per game, fourth highest in the league.[27] He missed the final game of the Flames quarter-final series against the Chicago Blackhawks with broken ribs,[29] after battling a hip injury during the season.[30] Flames management defended Phaneuf, claiming that the injuries he battled affected his play.[31]

[edit] Toronto Maple Leafs

Phaneuf warms up prior to his fifth game as a member of the Maple Leafs at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MOOn January 31, 2010, the Flames dealt Phaneuf, along with Fredrik Sjöström and Keith Aulie to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White and Jamal Mayers.[32]

Phaneuf made his Leafs debut on February 2, 2010, leading all Maple Leafs players in time on ice and ended the night with a fight and voted 2nd star of the game. He would record his first point as a Maple Leaf, an assist, four nights later in a game against the Ottawa Senators and scored his first goal on April 7, 2010, on Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. Phaneuf was named an alternate captain in Toronto nine games after being acquired after Mike Komisarek suffered a season-ending injury.[33] While Phaneuf struggled offensively to begin his tenure in Toronto – he played 25 games in Toronto before scoring his first goal – Leafs coach Ron Wilson credited him with creating a positive change in the mood in the Toronto dressing room.[34][35]

Dion Phaneuf was named the 18th captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 14, 2010, at a press conference held by Brian Burke, succeeding Mats Sundin, who left after the 2007-08 season.[36]

Source Wikipedia

videos coming...

Colton Orr - Toronto Maple Leafs 2009/2010 Season

Meet the Leafs : Colton Orr

Born March 3, 1982 (1982-03-03) (age 28),
Winnipeg, MB, CAN
Height
Weight 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position Right wing
Shoots Right
NHL team
F. teams Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston Bruins
New York Rangers
NHL Draft Undrafted
Playing career 2002–present

Orr was undrafted and signed as a free agent with the Boston Bruins to be their enforcer. On November 29, 2005, the New York Rangers claimed him off waivers from the Bruins. Orr scored his first NHL goal in a February 9, 2007, game against the Tampa Bay Lightning's Johan Holmqvist.

On December 31, 2006, Orr was suspended for five games by the NHL for a cross check to the face of Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin in the third period of a December 30 game at Madison Square Garden. Ovechkin was uninjured, but NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell termed Orr's infraction "reckless".

On July 1, 2009, Orr signed a four-year, $4 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs to be their new sheriff. Orr would finish the season with a career high 239 penalty minutes. He would also finish with career highs of 4 goals and 6 points, noteworthy for a team enforcer.


Source: wikipedia

great orr vidoe coming...

Should The Leafs Sign Raffi Torres??

Born October 8, 1981 (1981-10-08) (age 28),
Toronto, ON, CAN
Height
Weight 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Position Left wing
Shoots Left
NHL team
F. teams Free Agent
New York Islanders
Edmonton Oilers
Columbus Blue Jackets
Buffalo Sabres
Ntl. team Canada
NHL Draft 5th overall, 2000
New York Islanders
Playing career 2001–present

So there are a few accurate bloggers who are on the record saying that Raffi will be a Maple Leaf this upcoming season.

I remember watching Raffi Torres alot on the Oilers, during their Dallas playoff years and extremely enjoying his rugged style of play. He is a sandpaper player who can score some goals....if he can stay healthy.

In the past three years Raffi has played 129 of 246 games tallying 67 pts. Torres netted 19 goals last year while on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Raffi Torres is Torontonian and a signing with the Leafs could be a great fit. He plays the left wing, and if he can stay healthy, could find himself juggled between second and third line duties. I can see him being more of a depth signing, as Burke would put it a bottom six player, but who can play the game. I could see him playing on a line with Colby Armstrong and Christian Hanson if he ever accepts his qualifier.

I wouldnt be shocked to see this signing, and I wouldn't be disappointed to see a 2 year deal , if Raffi can manage to come physically ready to go a full season.

Lets see if this one comes together.