Want to write a blog? This is the place to do so! Your blog may be on any topic relating to Eastside Hockey Manager and/or The Blue Line - this even includes things such as Minecraft, Popomundo and BatRacer.
Hi Guys this is my first go at a career post/blog. Hopefully some of you will find it interesting. I have played EHM since 2005 and usually spend my time either in the NHL or in the EIHL as I ive in the UK. Over the years I have won several championships in the EIHL but only managed 2 cups. Once on EHM 2007 with a Drury, Miler, Briere and Afinogenov powered Sabres and once in EHM:EA with my beloved Bolts! For this career I've been inspired (for lack of a better word!) to take on the task of rebuilding the Leafs.
My plan is simple: Fast forward to June 1st 2016, clean out the existing personnel, rid myself of anyone over 25 via trade if possible and keep the 24's and under before adding a new set of players under 25 to flesh out my NHL and AHL squads. Simple!!
I intend to update on here as regularly as I can and will be presenting my career in the style of a media source reporting on the Leafs. My first update should follow over the next couple of days.
I am very open to feedback, comments & criticisms/questions so fire away!
1st June 2015:
Associated members of the press were gathered today outside Toronto's Air Canada Centre as the Maple Leafs welcome Martin Gowland as their latest General Manager. In a short statement welcoming Gowland to the team, Leafs President, Brendan Shanahan expressed his happiness with the move and his hopes that a "fresh face in the GM's office might allow for fresh ideas to take hold". Something Leafs fans should all be happy to hear. Prior to inviting Gowland to the podium, Shanahan concluded his statement by advising that the new GM would have final say on all matters involving Player and Staff as well as working closely together in other aspects of hockey operations.
The customary handshakes followed as the new GM took to the podium to address the media. In a similarly short statement, Gowland took the opportunity to speak of his gratitude at being given the responsibility of rebuilding the Leafs and reiterated his new Presidents mantra that his hiring would "allow a fresh approach for a storied franchise stuck in a self-inflicted rut". Mr. Gowland spoke of his past Cup successes and his belief that success comes from a strong core group of players "displaying consistency and a willingness to put team first." The latest man to helm the Leafs closed his statement by promising fans a team that would work hard to succeed and by also offering a timely reminder that "to stride forward, you have to expect to step back". The rebuild in Toronto is definitely on.
Last edited by Geordie_Bolts on Sat Jun 06, 2015 7:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
In a short press release today, new Leafs GM Martin Gowland announced that the decision had been made to relieve the entire coaching staff and scouting team of their duties. The sweeping move came following Gowland's commitment to evaluating the organisation from top to bottom.
Included in the personnel released today was Assistant GM Kyle Dubas and Interim Head Coach Peter Horachek. Gowland said in the release, "the decision today was not easy to make but it was agreed that in the interest of making the fresh start needed on the ice, the same had to occur off it". Early favorites for the Head Coach role are former Lightning coach Guy Boucher, current Head Coach of the Grand Rapid Griffins Jeff Blaishill and former Avalanche & Canucks coach Marc Crawford. The Leafs followed up this release by saying Chris Pryor had been approached for the Assistant GM role following success in the position at LeHigh Valley in the AHL.
Gowland concluded the release by commenting that once those roles were filled, attentions would turn to the playing staff.
Today the Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed one of the worst kept secrets in hockey announcing the appointment of Chris Pryor as Assistant GM following a successful stint with LeHigh Valley in the AHL. Toronto's GM was on hand to welcome his new assistant, praising his attention detail and his eye for talent. Mr. Gowland also highlighted the importance of Pryor's ability to work well with youngsters, a key component for his staff as the Leafs look to inject their squad with a more youthful feel. Gowland went on to confirm that Pryor would assist him in player recruitment and squad evaluation mainly, as well as providing an input at the draft table in relation to player needs.The question was asked of Gowland if we should expect to see some members of the Flyers organisation in a Leafs jersey soon, however Mr. Gowland simply responded that no enquiries had been made to any team, as the current roster was still under evaluation.
Following on from the announcement of Pryor, Mr. Gowland and the Leafs also confirmed that former Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher had agreed to terms as the new Head Coach. Gowland confirmed that Boucher's enthusiasm for the game, attacking style and ability to bring the best out of a younger squad were all selling points. Boucher, who finished his stint in Tampa with a 97-78-20 record, is hardly a surprise appointment given Gowland's own history with the Lightning.
The general feeling in Toronto after today's news is one of progress, as fans and media alike agreed that the hiring of Pryor was a solid addition to the staff. Despite that, there has been some concern voiced about the hiring of Boucher, with those concerned pointing to the downward trend of results in Tampa during his reign as an indication he may not be right for a long-term rebuild process. Other concerns have stemmed from his links to Gowland and that familiarity with suggestions made that he may have been hired ahead of better options.
Certainly an interesting story to watch and one that Leafs fans will hope doesn't impact on the teams on-ice performances.
With these key hirings, expectation is that attention will now turn more towards the playing staff, leaving fans and media pondering what moves the new GM will make. Particular attention will be paid to the futures of captain, Dion Phaneuf, star scorer, Phill Kessel and the inconsistent Nazim Kadri.
One of the biggest questions facing new Maple Leafs GM Martin Gowland this summer, was what to do with Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel? Well today the Leafs answered that question in emphatic style. A joint press release from the Leafs and the NHL head offices announced that Toronto had traded their captain and the oft-maligned Kessel to Edmonton and Montreal respectively. Phaneuf, 30, was happy to accept a move to his home town team and a deal was struck sending young forward Nail Yakupov and a 2nd round pick the other way. The trade of Phaneuf comes as no surprise with many people feeling that a trade involving, rightly or wrongly, the focus of a lot of fans ire, would help Gowland sell his rebuild to Leafs supporters. As part of the Leafs' statement, Gowland was quoted as saying that he felt Yakupov was in need of a fresh start and that he was confident the young Russian would respond well to the extra responsibilty he'll be given in Toronto.
The trade of Kessel came as more of a surprise, not so much that he was moved but more, who he was moved to. Kessel becomes the first player since Mikhail Grabovski and Greg Pateryn traded places in 2008 to make the switch. In return for the American born scorer, the Leafs acquired young centreman Alex Galchenyuk and the Habs' 1st round pick in the upcoming draft. Gowland said of the trade, "we were delighted to be given the opportunity to bring Alex here as part of this deal. During an early conversation, Brendan (Shanahan) and myself had earmarked him as the type of player we were hoping to add to our top 6."
Both trades show a strong statement of intent from Toronto and really highlight their shift to young, talented players moving forward.
Toronto's rebuild showed no sign of slowing down today as, less than 24hours after yesterdays news, the Leafs announced a further 3 deals as they continued to reshape their roster ahead of training camp. Again it followed the pattern of Toronto targeting teams looking for veteran experience and willing to exchange youthful exuberance for it. Firstly, Toronto returned Joffrey Lupul (31) back to Anaheim in return for former 1st rnd pick, Shea Theodore. Lupul returns to the side that drafted him in 2002, where he first showed his knack for balanced scoring, recording 89pts in 156games with an even balance between goals and assists. It is projected that Lupul will provide some depth for the Ducks on the 2nd line. Theodore is projected to push for a spot on the blueline with the Leafs at camp and has averaged more than a point per game over his last 3seasons at junior level.
The second deal included in the release saw Nathan Horton moved to the St. Louis Blues in return for Ty Rattie and a 2nd rnd pick. Another season of falling short in the playoffs was key to this trade as St. Louis looked to shake up their forwards and target experienced players. The risk comes when you consider Horton's shaky injury record and the upside of Rattie, a strong camp for the 22yr old could see him find a spot on the Leafs 3rd line, however the Blues believe they can keep Horton healthy and see a strong return from this trade.
In the final deal concluded today, Leafs GM Martin Gowland swung a deal with the Winnipeg Jets landing defenseman Ben Chiarot, netminder Connor Hellebuyck and centre Jimmy Lodge in exchange for winger Brandon Leipsic, netminder James Reimer and the rights to J.J Piccinich and Dominic Toninato. Reimer carried the most weight in this deal after seeing his stock rise following a good spell in relief of Jonathan Bernier when the Leafs starter dislocated his knee in February. Reimer's solid play carried the Leafs to the playoffs but he was unable to withstand the Bruins during a first round sweep. Gowland has capitalised on Reimer's rising value and the uncertainty in Winnipeg's crease to secure a deal for promising netminder Hellebuyck. This deal allows for any potential controversy in Toronto to be avoided, clearly leaving Bernier as the starter, whilst ensuring there is a solid netminder coming through the system for the future.
All 3 of these deals further Toronto's commitment to this rebuild as they strip away at an experienced, yet under-performing core, replacing it with a young and exciting group competing for roster spots.
