Leafs Give Pony Three More Rides

(May 10, 2007) - John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Thursday that the club has signed forward Alexei Ponikarovski to a three-year contract extension. In keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Ponikarovsky, 27, played 71 games for Toronto collecting 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) with 63 penalty minutes and a (+8) plus/minus rating. This past season he set a career-high in goals (tie), assists, points, powerplay goals (6) and shots on goal (198).

Ponikarovsky has played in 268 career games for Toronto, collecting 120 points (54 goals, 66 assists) with 200 penalty minutes. Over six seasons with the Maple Leafs he has accumulated a (+42) plus/minus rating. In 2002 he was selected to represent Team Ukraine at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Kiev, Ukraine native was originally Toronto’s fourth choice, 87th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

JFJ Receives a Passing Grade

From David Shoalts at the Globe and Mail:

Any doubt about John Ferguson's immediate future as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs ended Wednesday when the board of directors of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment approved his plans for the team for next season.

Ferguson and Leafs head coach Paul Maurice made a presentation Wednesday afternoon to the board, although MLSE president Richard Peddie declined to give any details. All he would say is that the directors approved their plans and that Ferguson will be around for the final year of his contract.

"[Ferguson] and Paul Maurice came in and presented to the board what they wanted to do over the next year," Peddie said. "John's contract did not come up. He is under contract for another year. He is not going any where."

Speculation had been rampant in recent weeks that Ferguson had to impress the board, as there was talk MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum and a couple of other directors were unhappy enough with the Leafs' second consecutive finish out of the National Hockey League playoffs that they were talking to potential replacements for Ferguson.

Peddie said that all the board was interested in at Wednesday's meeting was Ferguson's plan for developing talent and acquiring new players through trades and free agency.

"It was a private meeting, so it really makes no sense to say any more than that," Peddie said.

Ferguson was not immediately available for comment.

Rumours Surround JFJ's Future

TIM WHARNSBY

Globe and Mail Update

TORONTO — When Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson presents his plan for the future to the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment board of directors Wednesday, his future with the struggling National Hockey League club could hang in the balance.

Even though MLSE chief operating officer Richard Peddie said Ferguson will continue running the club next season because his option year was picked up for 2007-08, a league source indicated that if Ferguson doesn't wow the eight-member board with his presentation, his days with the organization could be numbered.

Among other sports properties, MLSE owns the Maple Leafs, basketball's Toronto Raptors and the Air Canada Centre.

"John should treat this meeting very seriously," the source said. "There are people on the board who want him out. He doesn't have everyone's support, by any means."

Multiple sources insist that while Ferguson has the support of Peddie and the board members who represent the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (Robert Bertram, James Leech and Dean Metcalf), MLSE board chairman Larry Tanenbaum and lawyer Dale Lastman would like to see a change. It is unknown, however, which side of the issue Ivan Fecan of CTVglobemedia, which owns The Globe and Mail, and TD Capital Group's Robert MacLellan stand.

Peddie was asked Tuesday whether Wednesday's meeting could result in Ferguson being let go.

"No, John has a contract through next year, and we're constantly looking at ways to improve and get better, but he has a contract and that's where we're at," Peddie said.

"This is simply a meeting that was planned a year in advance. We're meeting with all the GMs of our four teams [Raptors, Leafs, Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League and soccer's Toronto FC]. We'll hear what plans they have to get us closer to their respective [championships], if not win their championships."

But whispers persist throughout the NHL that Tanenbaum has spoken with potential contenders to replace Ferguson.

Besides outlining his plan for the NHL entry draft next month, his strategy for the summer-time free agency period, players in the system and the coaching staff, Ferguson will have to explain why the Leafs missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

No doubt the future of Leafs captain Mats Sundin also will be discussed at length. Sundin, 36, is expected to be examined by a hip specialist in Sweden today to determine whether he will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum that was discovered after the regular season ended.

Under Ferguson, the Leafs have had long-term injury problems with players such as Owen Nolan, Ed Belfour and Alexander Mogilny.

Another pressure point for Ferguson is the quick success of his Raptors counterpart, Bryan Colangelo. Under a different salary-cap system and smaller roster size, Colangelo rapidly rebuilt the Raptors into a divisional champion.

The 39-year-old Ferguson finished his fourth year at the helm of the Leafs and had his option season for 2007-08 — believed to be worth about $850,000 (U.S.) — picked up last November.

The Leafs' budget will not be an issue in 2007-08. Peddie said yesterday the club will spend right up to the salary cap next season, which is expected to be raised to at least $47-million (U.S.).

"We will spend to the max," Peddie said. "Whatever the NHL says we can spend, that's what we'll spend."

Ferguson has recently been a consultant for Steve Yzerman, who put together the Canadian team that is entering the medal round at the world championship in Russia undefeated.

Ferguson returned last Sunday from the world championship and plans to return to Russia Wednesday for the final four days of the tournament.

Leafs Lock Up White For 3 Years

Well, tomorrow JFJ goes in front of the Board for his "State of the Team" address or to outline his "Plan" for 2007-2008. In the meantime, JFJ made sure to lock up young defenceman Ian White.

(May 8, 2007) -- John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Tuesday that the club has signed defenceman Ian White to a three-year contract extension. In keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

White, 22, played in his first full NHL season for the Maple Leafs in 2006-07. In 76 games, White collected three goals and 23 assists for 26 points, along with 40 penalty minutes and a (+8) plus/minus rating. White finished the season tied for second in both assists and points among all NHL rookie defencemen. White also tied an NHL single game season high, when he earned a plus/minus rating of (+6) against the Bruins at Boston on January 4.

White has skated in 88 career games for Toronto, registering 32 points on four goals and 28 assists. He was one of 14 players who played for the Maple Leafs this season to have at one time played for the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was originally Toronto’s sixth choice, 191st overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Marlies Ticket Prices

Well we have all heard of the Maple Leafs increasing their ticket prices, but they seem to have implemented a better system for their farm team, The Marlies.

May 7, 2007

MARLIES ANNOUNCE NEW TICKET PRICING STRUCTURE

Changes reflected in both individual and season ticket prices in advance of 2007-08 AHL season

A proud member of the American Hockey League, the Toronto Marlies announced on Monday significant changes to their pricing structure for the 2007-08 season.

Both season seat and individual ticket prices have been reduced. The team’s platinum season seats, located within seven rows of the ice surface, have been reduced by 38% to $30. More than 84% of the seats at Ricoh Coliseum, located at Toronto’s Exhibition Place, are now $25 or less with season seat prices ranging from $15 to $30 per game.

"We recognize that consumers have many options when it comes to sports and entertainment in Toronto and we want the Marlies to be one of the top choices on their list because it’s an exciting, entertaining hockey product," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "We've made significant changes to our ticket pricing, ones that will be favourable and affordable for all hockey fans whether they are individuals, groups or families."

Side level season seats have been reduced from $30 to $25 per ticket while premium and regular priced end zone season seats will be lowered from $20 to $15 per ticket. McDonald’s zone tickets (available in advance of game-day) remain at $10 per ticket.
Season seat holder benefits have also been enhanced to include exclusive player/coach meet and greet events, parking discounts, passes to the Marlies skating party, access to special Leafs practice events and much more.

The primary affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies begin their third American Hockey League season in Toronto this October. The league’s 72nd regular season schedule, including all Marlies home and away dates, will be announced in early August.

Originally built in 1922, Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum underwent a major renovation in 2003 and welcomed more than 400,000 patrons last year. In addition to the Marlies, the facility hosts trade shows, concerts and the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

For further information on the Marlies’ new pricing structure and to purchase season seats, visit torontomarlies.com or call the team’s ticket line at 416-597-PUCK.

Maple Leafs Raising Ticket Prices Next Year

The price for mediocrity has risen for Toronto Maple Leafs season ticket holders.

Leafs season ticket holders will pay nearly six per cent more to watch the Buds at the Air Canada Centre in 2007-08. The highest priced ducats have been raised the most with platinum and gold sides going up to $182 each from $171.52. The lowest priced seats, purples, have been raised to $37 from $34.70.

Richard Peddie, the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, refutes the notion they're taking advantage of a captive audience. He notes that subscribers were notified of the increase in February and 99 per cent have renewed.

"Show me businesses that have not passed on costs of the last three, four years," said Peddie. "That's not being greedy. I think in real dollars that dollar today is still worth less in real buying terms to us than it was four years ago because we're not keeping up with inflation. I think our behaviour in the last couple of years has not been greedy at all."

Randy Starkman for the Toronto Star

And if you disagree with the increase - you can always join the Senators fan club!

Prime Time Sports Summary - May 2, 2007

Here are the NHL Stories from Prime Time Sports last night (National Hour):

Host: Bob McCown
Guests: Jim Kelley from Roger Sportsnet
NHL Call-In: Al Morganti from Comcast Sports and Eric Duhatschek from the Globe & Mail

Main NHL Story:
The Shane Doan incident. Doan was accused 17 months ago of making a "French-Canadian" slur during an NHL game. Doan has been named the captain of the Canadian over in Russia. Duhatschek, who has known Doan for a long time, said that this is really uncharacteristic of Doan and also the NHL is known being strict on things like this and yet they are coming to his defense - therefore the investigation the NHL did must have proved that Doan didn't say what the government is alleging he said and case closed. Morganti said the story really hasn't hit the US, but Morganti just can't believe this story - he thought Canada had more common sense. Morganti feels this is all politically driven and he feels sorry for Doan. Kelley brought up the fly in the ointment point that the official involved said under oath that a french slur was said during a lawsuit between the official and Doan. Kelley asked, did the NHL do enough research? Duhatschek said during the NHL investigation they concluded that something was said, but it definitely wasn't Doan and no one will say it was them - drawing the blame away from Doan. Duhatschek said that all three officials should submit a deposition about what they saw and heard on the ice. Duhatschek goes one step further and said if Doan is "acquitted" what will the Canadian government do to rebuild his reputation? Morganti brought up the fact of Don Cherry and why does he get away with it, especially given his position.
John Tavares - The 16 year old phenom of the OHL. McCown feels that he is flying under the radar and wants to know why. Duhatschek suggested that because Tavares hasn't played internationally for Canada, yet and the people out west haven't seen much of him. Duhatschek said that give him sometime and within 2 years Tavares will be a household name. Morganti said there really isn't too much of a buzz about him now, outside of hockey people, and really in the US no one has heard of him or cares, simply because they have Crosby and Ovechkin already to watch and also some of young USA players (Jack Johnson, etc) deserve some of the spotlight right now, but his time will come. McCown said if he was a GM he would attempt to suck by the time that draft year comes up.
Phoenix Coyotes GM Position - The GM list has been shortened and a decision is due soon. Will Gretzky still have a say? Duhatschek says yes and also says it's hard to pick who will get that role as there are so many potential GMs out there, some new and some with only a year of experience. McCown asked Morganti - should Wayne's name be on the list. Morganti said no. Given Wayne's track record as a coach and his only GM experience is with Team Canada (which is a different pool altogether).

Prime Time Sports Summary - May 1, 2007

Here are the NHL Stories from Prime Time Sports last night (National Hour):

Host: Bob McCown
Guests: Jim Kelley from Roger Sportsnet

Main NHL Story: Both Kelley and McCown talked to Ron Foxcroft of FOX40, who has co-created the "Precision Time System." This system is currently being used by the NBA and the NHL is considering looking into implementing it next season. You can read more about the system and how it works here. The reason this system has come to light was because of the late goal scored by Sergei Brylin of the Devils against the Ottawa Senators the other night. Foxcroft said that his company has finalized the system and is waiting for the NHL to make a decision on its use.

Bullets: Kelley talked about the politics surrounding the Shane Doan incident.

Sundin Update

After the rumour broke this morning, there has been a flurry of stories and comments going around:

Howard Berger talks on his blog why this rumour is just another reason why Mats should part ways with Toronto.

The Toronto Star reported that Mats' agent and the Leafs had denied the rumours.

Then, David Shoalts at the Globe & Mail confirmed the story further.

On Leafs Lunch, their main thought was that this wasn't a story to get at Mats, but rather one to get JFJ out of the GM role. You can listen to the podcast here.

Prime Time Sports Summary - April 30, 2007

Here are the NHL Stories from Prime Time Sports last night (National Hour):

Host: Bob McCown
Guests: Gord Kirke, a sports lawyer and Jim Kelley from Roger Sportsnet

Main NHL Story: Kelley brought up, after talking about how boring Baseball is, that this years playoffs are dead boring. Kelley was shocked that even the Sabres are playing "bore yourself to win." McCown interjected by saying the NHL did its best to attempt to change the game for the better, however the GMs refuse to change and are finding ways to keep the game as boring as it was pre-lockout. Kirke brought up that since this game is built around money, the teams want to find ways to win because winning brings in the cash. Everyone from the President to the Players want more money and the only way to get it is to win. Playing entertaining hockey will not fill the vault and it will not get you the wins you need. McCown then traced the rule changes back to when they were introduced and moved forward to prove that the new rules have been negated and it is now time again for the NHL to look at making further changes to its league. McCown's suggestion is to move to 4-on-4. Kelley didn't respond well to that comment, but felt that major changes are needed. He feels opening the nets will make a difference and making 2 minute penalties permanent - i.e. the player serves the full 2 minutes regardless if a goal is scored or not. The roundtable then discussed the levels of scoring in the league - which are up, however the ice seems crowded. McCown then moved to comparing the OHL and the NHL to the past - where in the past the OHL had high scoring games and then they made rule changes, but still are experiencing low scoring games, like the NHL. So the problem is not only with the NHL, but seems to be with hockey in general. Kelley said the league went back to the "old school" when mid-season (this year) the defencemen became more aggressive and got away with some big hits and with clearing guys out from in front of the net. This lead to coaches all around the league telling their teams to be more aggressive, as it seems some of the "new" rules are being laxed. McCown felt Kelley was wrong and he blamed the problem on the size of the player. Under the new NHL system the smaller player was to get a chance to shine and not be a liability on the ice. This would hopefully filter down to the OHL and lower and we should expect to see a new wave of hockey players both big and small, but all with strong talents. Kirke talked about how, when he was agent, the only thing that mattered was size. Kelley said that if Sean Avery is the face of the NHL, the NHL is not doing their job. Another example was Gary Roberts going to the Penguins - they got him because they needed grit. It seems that last year that grit wasn't needed - look at the Hurricanes of last year. This year it seems that that "grit" factor is something that every team needs to survive in the playoffs. The roundtable discussed the fact the grit is drawing in people to watch and can help bring more people to the arena - the reason why Avery went to NY. McCown then brought up the tender statistics in the OHL - where goalies, on average, have a GAA under 3. The NHL has basically become soccer on ice. Kirke had one last comment on the NHL and "entertainment value." Kirke felt that those who judge what "entertainment" is, think that the rough stuff is more entertaining than high scoring, wide open games. McCown agreed saying that the media is mainly built with "tough guys" preaching how such and such a team has to get tougher or find more grit in order to compete - guys like Cherry, Kypreos, Domi, etc. All around the roundtable felt that losing the red line has only lead to "dump and chase" hockey, which then becomes a small vs. big battle in the corners. Kelley talked about the American view on hockey - they want to see scoring, if they don't, they are simply watching pong on ice. The league has to make some changes for the future.

Sundin Needs Hip Surgery?

From Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun

Mats Sundin's future in Toronto -- and his future as a National Hockey League player -- suddenly is in question after it was learned yesterday that the Maple Leafs captain requires hip surgery.

According to a source in the medical community, Sundin needs surgery almost immediately to repair a hip problem, complicating his still-to-be determined contractual status with the Leafs.

It isn't known which hip requires the repair.

The hip trouble and surgery is similar, the source says, to the operation that all but ended Alexander Mogilny's career as an NHL player at the age of 37.

Sundin, coming off his lowest goal-scoring total in a decade, turns 37 himself in February.

The Maple Leafs hold an option on Sundin's contract for next season but already have hinted that it is their intention to sign the long-time centre with a two-year or three-year extension.

For Sundin to be ready in time for next season, assuming there is a next season, he would need to have the surgery sooner rather than later. In recent years, any Leaf player needing hip surgery went to Dr. Marc Phillipon in Pittsburgh.

If the Leafs' off-season status wasn't already complicated enough, dealing with the Sundin situation makes it all the more so. For one thing, general manager John Ferguson has yet to be confirmed to return next season. Ferguson, meanwhile, has to make a decision now on what do about his captain's situation.

In the past, Ferguson got himself into some difficulty signing Ed Belfour to a long-term contract before determining the goalie needed back surgery. Considering the heat Ferguson took on the Belfour contract, would he be willing to take that leap of faith again -- and still, will he be given the authority to do so?

Recently, Ferguson did sign wayward forward Boyd Devereaux to a two-year contract even though Devereaux had wrist surgery in this off-season.

MAINLY GOOD HEALTH

Sundin has been a picture of good health and consistency for most of his 12 years as a Leaf. Not only has he led the Leafs in point scoring in 11 of those seasons, he was, on average, 16 points better than the second-leading scorer on the team. While he has missed only 43 regular-season games to health issues as a Leaf -- which are mind-boggling numbers -- he has been injured more frequently in recent years.

It isn't known if Sundin's hip is considering degenerative nor is it known if he suffers from osteoarthritis, the conditions that is hastening the end of Mogilny's career.