By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (July 6) – The most common reaction among hockey media to the Maple Leafs’ free agent acquisitions last week – particularly the signing of little-known Colorado defenseman Jeff Finger – is one of derision. It is the judgment of many hockey writers that the Leafs have again overspent for underwhelming talent. Here are some examples of opinion:
LARRY BROOKS, NEW YORK POST: “The Scott Fraser Award for Least Understandable Free Agent Signing of the Year goes to the Maple Leafs for giving Colorado defenseman Jeff Finger four years at $3.5 million per. Shocker, the Leafs winning that one, all right.”
ERIC DUHATSCHEK, GLOBE & MAIL: “Let’s see… $14 million for Jeff Finger; $12 million for Niklas Hagman. [Mats] Sundin’s likely departure. Uncertainty and hard feelings over Bryan McCabe. A second-round draft choice in 2010 for Mikhail Grabovski. Conclusion: The Leafs are overpaying for free agents and mortgaging the future… again. Some things never change.”
STEVE SIMMONS, TORONTO SUN: “It’s now official. The Maple Leafs have given their fans the Finger. Jeff Finger. Ever heard of him? Didn’t think so. When I first saw he signed a four-years, $3.5-million contract, I thought it was $3.5 million for all four years. It’s a lot of money for a late-blooming defenseman who was benched in the playoffs.”
KEVIN PAUL DUPONT, BOSTON GLOBE: “And in a flight of fancy to Bizarro World, Jeff Finger, the 240th pick in the 1999 draft, popped up in Toronto with a four-year deal worth $14 million. Indeed cheap when compared to those other puck luggers. But, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of the Michigan-raised Finger. Thought so. Heck, Bowie Kuhn once raised a flag over this kind of behavior, preventing Charlie Finley from selling Rollie Fingers and Joe Rudi to the Red Sox, ruling it was not “in the best interests of baseball.” To see the Maple Leafs finger Finger as their guy, I mean, what’s happening up there? At some point doesn’t Gary Bettman step in for the good of the game, before Blue and White Nation uppercuts him and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment with a class-action suit?
If you’re a fan of the Leafs, you may choose to dismiss these viewpoints as the work of “typically negative” writers, and perhaps you’re correct. Then again, you may be rationalizing, which is a template of Leafs Nation. Bottom line is, we won’t know exactly how to gauge the Finger-Hagman-Grabovski acquisitions for some time. Ultimately, payment is determined by performance, not prophecy. If, two or three years from now, the Leafs are a strong playoff contender; if their salary cap structure is under control, and the abovementioned trio is actively contributing to the depth of a winning club, then compensation will not be an issue. Conversely, if the Leafs continue to wallow, and the newly acquired skaters are bogging down the cap structure with term and salary [ala the veteran players from last year’s team], the media personnel quoted in this blog will be bang on.
*************************************
The reaction to Glenn Healy’s comments in my submission here on Friday was predictably intense. Healy spoke out blatantly in support of McCabe when I questioned him about the potential stalemate between the long-time defenseman and the Maple Leafs. A few things to keep in mind. First, Healy didn’t phone me to let off steam. Nor did he track me down to volunteer his feelings. I called Glenn to comment on the McCabe issue because he is now a high-ranking member of the NHL Players’ Association; he has always been extremely loyal to his employer, and is never shy about speaking his mind. Many Leaf supporters were angry at Healy for his strong remarks and that, too, was predictable. Nothing bothers Leaf fans more than a media figure painting an accurate picture of the club, and Healy did that, without reservation, as an analyst for TSN. So, he’s forever a bad guy. Secondly, most Leaf fanatics want McCabe off the team – his contract rights be damned. So, any person speaking out in defense of the veteran player is also a non-desirable. Given the extremes of emotion that accompany most Leaf-related issues, it isn’t odd that Healy’s message was blurred.
On several occasions, he purposely used the phrase “if” in discussing the so-called worst-case scenario between the Leafs and McCabe. He never said the Leafs would instruct McCabe to stay away from the team, but he acknowledged – as do I – that it has been discussed, and remains a last-resort option. Glenn also made a point – twice in the blog – of emphasizing his belief that Fletcher and McCabe can reach an agreement, pointing out there remains ample time this summer for a truce among two reasonable people. He said he “respects” both individuals. His opinion that Fletcher is indirectly harming McCabe’s trade-market value couldn’t be more accurate. So, this was a “rant” only among those who continue to view all things Leaf through the perspective of delusion – a group that never has never been in short supply.
Click here to subscribe to Berger's blog
“Then again, you may be rationalizing, which is a template of Leafs Nation…”
“Nothing bothers Leaf fans more than a media figure painting an accurate picture of the club…”
“… only among those who continue to view all things Leaf through the perspective of delusion – a group that never has never been in short supply.”
We get it, Howard. Your job would be great if it weren’t for all those morons you have for customers. Can we get one blog where you don’t roll your eyes at us?
- SeanI wasn’t surprized by the reaction from those sports writers. I knew when Pierre McGuire did his rant. That the rest of you guy’s would just follow that up.I look at it this way. If we had kept Tucker, Wellwood,and Raycroft we would be paying them about 6.7 million next year. What we will be paying Hagman, Finger, and Joseph comes to 7.2 million next year.A difference of half a million dollars.If the 3 new guy’s play at least as good as they did last year, that should be a good improvement on our team for a half million dollar difference.It shouldn’t take to long to figure out most of the writers were wrong.I like what Fletcher is doing we’re getting younger, faster, stonger,a better team defence that won’t get pushed around so easy. He got us a top 5 draft pick that will probably turn out to be a franchise player eventually, and he’s only been at it for 4 months. What more can you ask for !!
- RobertHoward,
Just an idea for a “List” sometime in a slow period:
Top hockey websites you visit, or which blogs/columns do you have in your favourites list?
The list in this posting is a solid start on a who’s who, but I’d love to hear who else you like to check in on around the league.
Of course love to hear from other readers as well. And does anybody covering hockey post more frequently than Howard?
Finally, I think the G&M has a solid blog with 3 writers contributing (Maki, Wharnsby and Duhatschek):
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/hockeyblog
Hope to see a few comments!
- Johnny BupsHi Howard
Maybe the changes do deserve time, but prediction is based on past performance and in that regard three straight playoff misses says it all.
By contrast, two years ago Philadelphia finished last, but last year went to the third round. Last year Tampa Bay finished last, but is there any doubt, given their changes, that the Lightning will be a contender this year?
Does anyone seriously believe that the Leafs have any chance of contending let alone making the playoffs this year? Only those deluded Leaf fans you talk about, Howard, the fans that continue to support mediocrity instead of demanding excellence.
Count me among the “un-deluded.”
- DavidHoward,
Finger is not a young man who is essentially a career minor leaguer despite having ample opportunity in the 30 team NHL and has only played 94 more NHL games than you or I have. They should be getting guys like Finger when they are making 0.5M per season not 3.5M. Trust me it is not a good signing at those $. I was screaming bloody murder when Tucker, McCabe were extended and Blake was signed. I guess if Least (sic) are going to stink this season (and many more to come) so having a no talent bruiser like Finger will help the team escape games with dignity during the 50-60 losses per season.
- Heatonyou know Howard, I emailed you in november about how I thought considering \healey as leaf g.m. was a stupid idea. I reacted angrily about it. You emailed me back and told me I had to get my priorities straight and that I must not have much going on in my life, I bit my tongue that day Howard. I did not email you back to tell you that I was at a Rememberence Day service at the Sudbury arena watching my 87 year old father march with his comrades. i had my 7 year old daughter with me as well. But listening to you bash Leaf fans- and reread your blog Howard you said nothing bothers Leaf fans more than a member of the media painting an acurate picture of the club-really bothers me. Healey and Berger do not have the good jobs they have now if Leaf fans are not as passionate and “fanatical” as they are.I have never thought that Healey was a very good player or broadcaster. His first comment about Bruce Boudreau after he finally got a chance to coach in the N.H.L. was “what did this guy do, eat his way through the American League?” What a classless comment from a complete jerk. I am glad he finally got a job with the P.A., he licked their boots all throughout the lockout. I just hope I never have to hear him on the radio or t.v. again. And I certainly hope I never see him as Leaf G.M. I just like to know how you and Healey know what options the Leaf brass discussed regarding McCabe. I just wish the both of you would stop painting all Leaf fans with the same brush. Were fans Howard, not former players or experienced journalists. Just regular folk with a job , a family and ,you know , priorities.
- jim hayesgo leafs go!!
- Stephen stonemanHi Howard,
Any chance of whispering into the ear of Cliff that there are many of us up here in Simcoe County who would love to see Bryan Little in Blue & White?
We were all hoping he was going to be selected in 2006, but Atlanta snatched him just ahead of us. Since then, the Thrashers have all but buried him in Chicago, bringing him up on occasion. On TSN.ca, he’s not even listed on the main roster.
I enjoyed watching him put up rediculous numbers with the Barrie Colts and feel he would be a nice addition to our team.
I think the Thrashers are wasting him.
Just wanted to put that out there.
Thanks,
Andrew Shone
- Andrew ShoneWasaga Beach, ON
Though they admitted overpaying for a reason, I thought the Leafs did their homework on Finger. Just don’t get what all the negative reaction is all about, considering what we’re paying McCabe in comparison to Kaberle, and on what terms.
- Blue MaxGlen Healy, while I really enjoy his commentary needs to consider these words (If the Leafs are smart): McCabe will be welcome at camp, can practice wearing one of those nice black practise jerseys and become the bizzaro Iron Man - 246 straight healthy scratches! Let the PA chew on that for a while.
- LexHoward….is this team for real??? I thought we learned a lesson from JFJ’s overspending? Apparently not. I have no problem with signing Stajan, for the 3rd of 4th line, but we are going to pay him 1.75 million a season??? Are you kidding me? Bertuzzi went for $250,000 more a season…who brings more to the table? We bought out the heart and soul of the team (Tucker) and still had to pay him 2 million for each of his years left….hmmm, Tucker or Stajan? Who would I rather see? I just don’t understand the thought process here. I am a die hard fan and I am dying….fine, rebuild, be horrible for 2 or 3 years but put together something interesting, spend the money on some kids that have potential and for goodness sake, stop giving away our draft picks for virtually nothing.
- Dan SmithWhile in Montreal last week, I heard on the all sports French station CKAC a fan mentioned that there was story on the internet tha the Leafs had offered Jeff Fingers a contract in error. The team apparently was looking at making an offer to anotthe player. Howard you are Mr Leafs, if you read this question please reply. I’ll look for your comment on this blog. Thanks Much
- Angelo Zengawhat ever happened to Alyn McCauley. If he is a free agent would it not be a good idea to sign a player that has respect in the dressing room and is not a bad 3 liliner and penalty killer.
- tonyThanks,
Tony
In 1999 when Pat Quinn took over as coach; the leafs had missed the playoffs two years in a row. The team had a bunch of unproven players like Thomas Kaberle, Danny Markov, Mike Johnston, Sergie Berizen etc. but had a great goalie. They made it to the semi finals and had a pretty good run of succesfull years. I think they were supposed to finish near the bottom of the standings in 1999. That’s why they play the games. I think with a better defense team game and better special teams(PK and PP rank in the middle of the league) and GREAT GOALTENDING the leafs will be improve from last year.
Remember not all NHLers are great right off the bat. It take some players a little time.
- Steve TavaresHi Howard
I was wondering if the leafs did take a shot at campbell what would of the chances be that he would sign with the leafs.
- JasonKeep it Arial! Times New Roman no good!
- Vince