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CAPTAIN’S LOG
It was the best of signs; it was the worst of signs.
While there’s lots to like about John Tavares the man, the captain and his 156 points in 157 games, economists have argued an $11 million salary through ‘24-25 takes away wiggle room in what’s become a flat cap NHL. Having turned 30, the scrutiny is on Tavares as much as the high-priced young princes around him.
WHO OWNS DA LEAFS?
At least when Harold Ballard ran the show, there was a face whom disgruntled fans could lock on to, even if he was chortling in his Gardens bunker.
But it’s been 30 years since Pal Hal died, the drought passing to Steve Stavro, then MLSE suits at the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, now to broadcast giants Bell and Rogers, who should have vested interest in a winning product.
Tim Leiweke, when CEO, appointed hockey lifer Shanahan to re-make the Leafs as Masai Ujiri would do the Raptors and Tim Bezbatchenko with TFC. Until the Cup comes back, the board can comfort itself with the Leafs rise in value from $203 million US in ‘00 to $1.5 billion, according to business publication Forbes.
AND THE WINNERS ARE
Yes, there were some trophys hoisted by the Leafs the past two decades. In addition to Matthews’ Calder, Alex Mogilny won the Lady Byng in ‘03, Jason Blake the Bill Masterton in ‘08. Sundin was a second-team all-star twice, McCabe once, while Marner, Matthews, Gardiner and Luke Schenn were all rookie stars.
The AHL Toronto Marlies are on a long consecutive playoff streak, winning the 2018 Calder Cup and sending many players to SBA.
BYTOWN WAS THEIR TOWN
The ‘00s would’ve been far more grim for the Leafs – if not for the Ottawa Senators.
Despite being underdogs at times in their four series, the Leafs won every instalment of the Battle of Ontario, ousting the Sens before ice on the Rideau had thawed. That included three straight springs from ‘00-’02, the first such sweep since beating Detroit in 1947-49.
Alas, Toronto didn’t win another series after those four and as ‘21 looms, it risks extending its Cup slump to the 54-year record of the New York Rangers.
lhornby@postmedia.com
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