Leafs

The Notorious No. 63 in Leafs Blue?

TORONTO (Feb. 10) — It would be the rough equivalent of Benjamin Netanyahu inviting Kim Jong Un to moderate peace talks in the Middle East. Or, Donald Trump having the Bidens and Clintons to the White House for a casual… Read More

It’s Getting Closer… Every Day

TORONTO (Feb. 8) — Darryl Sittler. Doug Gilmour. Auston Matthews. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been around since 1926; the franchise, previously known as the Arenas and St. Patricks, since 1917. Only three players in 108 years have struck for… Read More

Everything In Leafs Land Is Fine

TORONTO (Feb. 4) — Justin Bourne of Sportsnet wrote on Monday that “Morgan Rielly is going nowhere [via trade].” I don’t imagine the TV/website personality spent a sleepless night coming up with that bulletin. He knows his favorite team better… Read More

Morgan Rielly Needs a Change

TORONTO (Jan. 30) — He would sleep on a bed of nails before quitting on the Maple Leafs. But, still, it’s time. Morgan Rielly has accomplished all he can in blue and white. Certainly, in Toronto blue and white. Were… Read More

If the Leafs Had Been Perfect…

TORONTO (Jan. 25) — Nothing in professional sport is more amusing than hindsight. And, hindsight may never be quite so amusing as in the blog you have started right here; right now. Or, nearly as bizarre. Were the Toronto Maple… Read More

Justin Bourne of a Different Time

TORONTO (Jan. 18) — Let me begin with a disclaimer: I like Justin Bourne. He has a wonderful TV presence and works especially well with my old pal, Nick Kypreos. Real Kyper & Bourne is good television on Sportsnet, up… Read More

Everyone is Missing the Mark — Again

TORONTO (Jan. 15) — Here we go. Groundhog Day. As always at this time of year, fans and media implore the Maple Leafs to add “depth pieces” prior to the National Hockey League trade deadline. Nothing too risky. Just nibble… Read More

30 Years Ago: How It All Started

TORONTO (Jan. 11) — It was a shot in the dark that landed bullseye. An idea so preposterous that it must have resulted from paralyzing fatigue. Even if, unwittingly, it became the genesis of my career path in sports radio.… Read More

Why Can’t The Leafs Be Honest?

TORONTO (Jan. 4) — “Yeah, I don’t know. I hope so. That’s obviously the goal.” In precisely 11 words, Auston Matthews spoke, on Thursday, more sincerely and genuinely than the team that pays him $13.25 million to score goals. The… Read More

The Blue Jays Appear To Be Doomed

TORONTO (Dec. 29) — Call Edward Rogers anything you wish (and the off–color names will surely intensify, next summer, when he assumes controlling interest in the Toronto Maple Leafs). Just do not call him stupid. Not yet, anyway. Rogers would… Read More

The Leafs Are Chronically Soft

TORONTO (Dec. 23) — Forget the consecutive home losses to the New York Islanders and Winnipeg before the Christmas break in the National Hockey League. I’m still back in Buffalo, last Friday night, when the Toronto Maple Leafs doubled the… Read More

Are We Being Seduced Again?

TORONTO (Dec. 17) — After 31 games this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have amassed 40 points. After 31 games last season, the Maple Leafs had amassed 40 points. And, yet again, we appear to be watching the best version… Read More

The Philadelphia Hotel Caper

TORONTO (Dec. 14) — Of all the stories I’ve told from my 17 seasons covering the Toronto Maple Leafs on radio at The FAN–590, this one stands alone. So claims my 28–year–old son, Shane, a lifelong follower of the Blue… Read More

Would Management Show Some Gall?

TORONTO (Nov. 27) — It’s often been said that teams in the National Hockey League determine what they have, and what they need, by the American Thanksgiving. Or… by tomorrow. At which time the Toronto Maple Leafs could sit atop… Read More

Is Anyone Going To Say It?

TORONTO (Nov. 25) — Surely, there’s a candidate amid local hockey scribes to tell the denizens of Leafs Nation the boldface truth: their favorite team is a better team without Auston Matthews. If I were the wagering sort, my dough… Read More

Serenity Has Enveloped Leafs Land

TORONTO (Oct. 17) — It’s refreshing to observe how Leafs Nation is so–coolly reacting to an unremarkable 4–3–1 record after eight games of the National Hockey League season. No premature indications of panic or anxiety. Rather, a coherent, logical assessment… Read More

Will Freddy Be Ready?

TORONTO (Mar. 27) — Something is wrong. Whether it’s resulting from a late–season slump or a factor more ominous, Frederik Andersen has lost his way between the pipes for the Toronto Maple Leafs. That, alone, is hardly unfamiliar. Andersen’s performance… Read More

Nothing Matters Until Apr. 11

TORONTO (Mar. 26) — Whether the Toronto Maple Leafs demolish a team with no defensive posture (Florida), or get demolished by the best regular–season club in more than a generation (Tampa Bay), it is elementary for another two weeks. Until… Read More