Kukla's Korner Hockey
Maple Leafs have some issues to ‘get fixed’
by George Malik on 10/01/15 at 02:53 PM ET
Comments (0)
From the Canadian Press's Stephen Whyno:
As the rebuild continues, the Maple Leafs might not be much better, even under Mike Babcock. But the star coach will make sure that at least they put up a fight.
"Two things that irritate me the most are lack of preparation and lack of compete," he said. "That's not happening. We're going to get that fixed."
The Leafs should be motivated by playing for a new coach and needing to impress a new general manager, Lou Lamoriello. Phil Kessel's already gone, and almost no one on the roster is untouchable.
Management brought in several players on one-year, "prove-it" contracts. Shawn Matthias signed for US$2.3 million, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau $1.5 million, Matt Hunwick $1.2 million, Mark Arcobello $1.1 million and Brad Boyes $700,000.
They also have players with a year left on their deals, like centre Nazem Kadri, defenceman Martin Marincin (acquired from Edmonton) and winger Michael Grabner (acquired from the Islanders).
Toronto probably won't contend for a playoff spot, but it won't be because players aren't trying.
"We're not going to lose because of lack of effort this year," Kadri said. "It's something that's going to change. We're going to be a skating team, a team that is going to move quick and with pace."
Filed in: | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: brad+boyes,
mark+arcobello,
martin+marincin,
matt+hunwick,
michael+grabner,
mike+babcock,
nazem+kadri,
pa+parenteau,
shawn+matthias
Comments
Be the first to comment.
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
We Have Playoff Hockey This Saturday
Is Jack Eichel A Missing Piece For The New York Rangers?
Your Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Nominees
Team USA Names Jack Capuano As Head Coach For The World Championship
About Kukla's Korner Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at pk@kuklaskorner.com