The Important Details of Life

I am sure that many hockey fans, just not Maple Leaf fans, are praying as I am for a speedy recovery for Leaf prospect Rodion Amirov, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. We all need to remember hockey is just a game. Let's all have a prayer in our hearts for this youngster to beat this disease. Hang in there, Rodion. Keep the faith. God loves you.

In my youth, I often played street hockey. Yes, you older people remember the days yelling out "car" and pulling the nets out of the way to let motorists through. 

I had two best friends, who I will call Campbell and Rob. Hey, that might be their real names. But I digress. On with the story. The three of us were Maple Leaf fans. Every year, we would be disappointed as the Maple Leafs let us down again. The dreaded bullies at that time were the Montreal Canadiens. If it wasn't the Habs, Philly was crushing our hearts again. I was very excited for the 1977-78 playoffs. Remember Lanny's goal in game seven, eliminating the Isles. 

Unfortunately, in the next round, the Leafs were blown out by the Habs in four straight. The following year, they lost to the Habs again in four games straight (but two in overtime at home.) My best memory of these games is sitting down with my dad to watch the games. My father was my hero and the biggest support of my life. Hockey and NHL brought me closer to my father, which I will be eternally grateful for. Yes, hockey is just a game, and I hold many happy memories of my father spending time watching it with me. 

Ah, the important things in life. 

Randy

Isles: GM 101

Everyone knows the Islanders have some decisions to make at the deadline. Let's try doing a breakdown of the New York Islanders. I know what you're thinking—"But we don't have time for a nervous breakdown!" :-) But this is supposed to be a serious blog. 

Putting on the hat of the Isles GM, here is what I would do.

The biggest complaint I have heard from the Isles fans is that the defense is old and slow. I am sure the Islanders recognize this. As GM, I would address this and try to move Green out at the deadline. I would also ask Chara if he wants to go or stay. Most people believe that Chara will choose to stay, but you never know.

Among the forwards, I would definitely make Cal Clutterbuck available. I would put Zach Parise up for the taking. With the Isles cap, this is not an issue. I don't give incentives to take the contracts. These players are getting traded for assets, not for financial reasons.  

It is believed that most of these players will be made available, making it easy for my decision-making. 

Now the next player is the goalie. I would hear offers with the understanding of getting another goalie back in return. I have to make sure that a goalie comes back in the trade. Every team in the League realizes they need a two-goalie tandem. You don't want to overwork Ilya Sorokin. Sorokin is still a young asset. The Isles need another goalie to mentor him. 

I have purposely left Josh Bailey out, simply because of his 5 million dollar cap. I am not sure there will be many teams calling on him. I  wrote a blog not long ago on Bailey, and no one could agree on his value to the team. I am sure if the Isles get calls, they will listen. 

Randy

My Kingdom for a Defenceman

The Toronto Maple Leafs need a number 4 dman to rescue them. As I wrote in my last blog, we had to watch them go by the wayside too often. A 3-1 lead almost became a gong show just to see how we could blow it.   

There are players out there who could help with the defense. Unfortunately, the trade value of the available dmen is at an all-time high.

Justin Braun 

Justin Braun would be a depth move to fill a hole. Justin is a typical number 5 or 6 defenceman. He won't help much with the offensive side of the game. He will help with the penalty kill and is pretty solid in his own end. Braun should not be too expensive to acquire.

Ben Chiarot 

This name has been widely suggested—a solid defender who is pretty good in his own end. Ben is not flashy, but he gets the job done. He is not the fastest skater, though. Cap hit might be the problem here.

I will put one more name out there:

Sebastian Aho

Sebastian is a young dman who fills in as a number 6 or 7 dman. He is a fast skater who adds some offensive punch. He is good in his end to cut down defensive mistakes. 

Of course, I have heard more names connected to the Leafs. The two biggest ones are Gio out of Seattle and Manson of the Ducks. Gio's cap hit is too high for the Leafs, and Manson will cost an arm and a leg. 

Time will tell. 

Randy