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http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs...e_roster_again_after_a_period_of_absence.html
Hockey players from Ontario — especially Toronto — are back on the Leafs roster after a period when they were considered endangered species in the lineup. Welcome, Toronto-born Dave Bolland. Welcome, Toronto-born David Clarkson.
It happened very subtly, without any bluster or grand pronouncements, kind of the way Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis operates.
But hockey players from Ontario — especially Toronto — are back on the roster for the Maple Leafs after a time when they seemed like an endangered species in the lineup.
With Bolland and Clarkson, the Leafs now have two players from Toronto and seven across Ontario: Nazem Kadri (London), Jay McClement (Kingston), Mark Fraser (Ottawa), Paul Ranger (Whitby) and Trevor Smith (Ottawa).
Two years ago, there were times when there were no players from Ontario.
The Leafs say they take the “best available player.”
“Be that through the draft (one from Ontario this year), by trade, or by free agency. David Bolland was an opportunity to acquire one of only eight Blackhawks who were on both Cup teams. David Clarkson was the top free agent available and fit our needs,” said assistant GM Dave Poulin.
“Our theory is always the best available player that fits in with our direction.”
The Leafs have been lousy at home at times, and one reason often floated is because other teams are loaded with Toronto and Ontario guys who take their game to an extra level at the Air Canada Centre to show off for friends and family in attendance.
Having local players on the Maple Leafs — ones who might burst with a tad more pride wearing Blue and White — could be the counterbalance the team needs and maybe even an advantage, said Clarkson.
“There haven’t been many (Leafs) from the area,” said Clarkson. “I’m lucky enough to play in this city where I wore that jersey as a kid. Bringing in guys from the home town is a great thing. We know what it’s about.
“We have a lot of good hockey players in this area. It’s great to have some of us come home and play.”
Hockey players from Ontario — especially Toronto — are back on the Leafs roster after a period when they were considered endangered species in the lineup. Welcome, Toronto-born Dave Bolland. Welcome, Toronto-born David Clarkson.
It happened very subtly, without any bluster or grand pronouncements, kind of the way Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis operates.
But hockey players from Ontario — especially Toronto — are back on the roster for the Maple Leafs after a time when they seemed like an endangered species in the lineup.
With Bolland and Clarkson, the Leafs now have two players from Toronto and seven across Ontario: Nazem Kadri (London), Jay McClement (Kingston), Mark Fraser (Ottawa), Paul Ranger (Whitby) and Trevor Smith (Ottawa).
Two years ago, there were times when there were no players from Ontario.
The Leafs say they take the “best available player.”
“Be that through the draft (one from Ontario this year), by trade, or by free agency. David Bolland was an opportunity to acquire one of only eight Blackhawks who were on both Cup teams. David Clarkson was the top free agent available and fit our needs,” said assistant GM Dave Poulin.
“Our theory is always the best available player that fits in with our direction.”
The Leafs have been lousy at home at times, and one reason often floated is because other teams are loaded with Toronto and Ontario guys who take their game to an extra level at the Air Canada Centre to show off for friends and family in attendance.
Having local players on the Maple Leafs — ones who might burst with a tad more pride wearing Blue and White — could be the counterbalance the team needs and maybe even an advantage, said Clarkson.
“There haven’t been many (Leafs) from the area,” said Clarkson. “I’m lucky enough to play in this city where I wore that jersey as a kid. Bringing in guys from the home town is a great thing. We know what it’s about.
“We have a lot of good hockey players in this area. It’s great to have some of us come home and play.”
