Still Not Convinced

TORONTO (May 18) — I have neither information nor a particular reason to suspect the Maple Leafs aren’t “all in” on Mike Babcock, as cryptically noted, last week, by general manager Kyle Dubas. But, something is gnawing at me with… Read More

Was It The Leafs’ Biggest Gaffe?

TORONTO (May 15) — We take you, regrettably, back to June 24, 2006. At then–called General Motors Place in Vancouver. Today, Rogers Arena. Home of the Canucks. With the 13th pick in the National Hockey League draft, the Maple Leafs… Read More

Again — Why Not Rick?

TORONTO (May 14) — Barring the unforeseen, Brendan Shanahan will remain in the president’s chair of the Toronto Maple Leafs through the 2024–25 National Hockey League season after agreeing, early this week, to a six–year contract extension. We can merely… Read More

A Big Moment… But How Big?

TORONTO (May 13) — Though it ranks among the most dramatic and breathtaking moments in the modern history of professional sport in this city, I’m not entirely sure what to make of Kawhi Leonard’s bounce…bounce…bounce series–winning shot against the Philadelphia… Read More

Flag Waving Has Started Early

TORONTO (May 8) — Erect the barricades. The Stanley Cup is about to return. At least one cheerleader in the Toronto media has declared the Maple Leafs’ European signing blitz of the past week a roaring success. Others are sure… Read More

The Laughable Maple Leafs

TORONTO (June 12) — A few stories, on a quiet day, from my 17 years (1993–2010) covering the Maple Leafs as a reporter for The FAN–590, Canada’s first all–sports radio station. I trust you’ll enjoy a laugh or two: TURBULENCE … Read More

Talking Mike Babcock

TORONTO (May 4) — I begin today by emphasizing that this is one man’s assessment and nothing, in any way, conclusive. But, the one man is the same man who told me for a blog here last June 25 (http://bit.ly/2tuGUaI)… Read More

Sittler, Kelly and Pyramid Power

TORONTO (May 2) — The telephone rang in Darryl Sittler’s midtown–Toronto home just after 11 o’clock this morning. On the other end was Patrick Kelly, son of Maple Leafs legend Red Kelly. Patrick had solemn news. “He told me Red… Read More

It’s That Date Again

NOTE: After sending this blog, I received word of the sad coincidence that Leonard (Red) Kelly — a key figure on the 1967 Maple Leafs and coach of the club from 1973–77 — passed away today at 91. Such a … Read More

So, What Now, Leafs Nation?

TORONTO (May 1) — I had a brief conversation with a friend of mine on Tuesday… a virulent fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Y’know what? I’m not even looking forward to next season,” he griped. “I mean, what’s there… Read More

Overkill Like We’ve Never Seen

TORONTO (Apr. 27) — Let me begin this blog with a sincere wish that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. enjoys a long, productive and healthy career with the Toronto Blue Jays, lifting the club and its ardent fan–base to countless moments of… Read More

Not Looking Great For Babcock

TORONTO (Apr. 26) — When taking a moment to read between the lines of words spoken during the Maple Leafs’ annual locker clean–out on Thursday — and, for whatever the cryptic messages were worth — I’m sensing Mike Babcock will… Read More

And the Journey Continues…

TORONTO (Apr. 24) — Well, if anything, the Toronto Maple Leafs have the cleanest lockers in the National Hockey League. How could there be a speck of dust anywhere after partaking in the post–elimination exercise for 51 consecutive years? Tomorrow… Read More

Bruins Had Net Advantage

TORONTO (Apr. 23) — It may be a somewhat harsh assessment, but the better goalie prevailed in Game 7 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. Again. Though he didn’t come apart like last year, Frederik Andersen was unable… Read More

Really, It’s Not Complicated

TORONTO (Apr. 22) — Let us count the ways in which events can unfold between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins in Game 7 of their opening–round playoff quarrel. As I see it, there are three possibilities: a) the… Read More

If Freddy Is Ready, Leafs Can Win

TORONTO (Apr. 22) — Yes, an opportunity was missed. No, it isn’t game over. Not in this series of zero momentum; not in this playoff year of road dominance. I know it’s difficult for fans of the Leafs to envision… Read More

Forget Sheldon Keefe — For Now

TORONTO (Apr. 20) — To paraphrase Mark Twain from 122 years ago, “rumors of Mike Babcock’s death have been greatly exaggerated.” The future of the Toronto Maple Leafs coach drove the dialogue as recently as Friday evening on Prime Time … Read More

Sorry, But This One’s On Freddy

TORONTO (Apr. 18) — During Coach’s Corner in the first intermission of Wednesday night’s game, Don Cherry called Frederik Andersen “the best goalie in the world right now.” To support his opinion, Cherry showed the highlight of a difficult save… Read More