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Leafs acquire Hollweg from Rangers

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 3:21 PM EST 16/07/08

Enforcer had two goals and two assists in 70 games for New York last year ...Read the full article

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  1. Paul V from Toronto, Canada writes: I need to do some math.

    Essentially this deal is Hollweg for Gill. Who would make that trade.

    Gill makes $2M, Finger - $3.5M

    Let the Tavares sweepstakes begin
  2. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I think John Tavares could be a definite possibility in 2009 particularly if the Leafs put Hollweg on the top line, the power play and the penalty kill...

    Might be a little obvious, however...
  3. Francisco Imperio from writes: I think you missed the 2nd rounder in 2008 the Leafs got for Gill. So Hal Gill for Jimmy Hayes and Hollweg would be a closer approximation.
  4. Y NOT from Canada writes: This is considered sports news? Boy the Leafs must be desperate!
  5. Chuck Berry from Canada writes: Who cares? Like, nobody?
  6. Jeff Gordon from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Well...at least the Leafs still suck
  7. Earl Anthony from Canada writes: At least Tucker could score goals as well as be an agitator!

    The Leafs have dumped big contracts all right but what's replacing them?
  8. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I think John Tavares could be a definite possibility in 2009 particularly if the Leafs put Hollweg on the top line, the power play and the penalty kill...

    Might be a little obvious, however...

    >>what choice do they have, he's their top centre
  9. Juan Gretzky from Toronto, Canada writes: I think we'll need to bring back John Brophy as coach the way this team is shaping up.
  10. John Gallant from John Gallant, Canada writes: At least the Leafs are going to be fun to watch this year.Last year they got pounded on the scoreboard and couldn't do anything about it. Maurice wouldn't dress Belak even when they were getting knocked around. This year if they lose 5-0 and win some fights I'll still be able to shoot my mouth off at work the next day.
  11. Bob McDonald from Canada writes: They traded a fifth round draft pick for an eighth round? He scored twice in how many years? Sounds like the good old Leafs of what - the last 40 years!!
  12. wayne powers from saskatoon, writes: Why did they unload Belak, at least he could play different postions, and be a heavyweight.. This is just throwing away a draft pick, for a dime a dozen meathead.
  13. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: This is Fletch channeling Connie

    'If you can't beat them in the alley...'

    Even in the 'new' NHL, there is a lot to be said for the old style of hit, dig, play hard and grind that could win a team more games than it loses.

    Won't be pretty, but it could be effective. Or it could be a disaster.

    What do Leaf fans have to lose? Credibility?
  14. SY GIL from Toronto, Canada writes: Ok to get tougher but don't give away draft picks like there's no tomorrow or like the farm is loaded with talents. Giving a 5th rounder for an 8th rounder does not make a whole lot of sense. They should start planning to convert Macabe into a forward. Healy can't grieve about that! Macabe does show some toughness at times, eg., bout with the Giant (Chara) although he was pretty beaten up - another way to get him to leave town.
  15. Bobby S from Toronto, Canada writes: What was the purpose of this?
  16. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Two goals and two assists in the last 70 games. The mind boggles.
  17. Link Hogbrow from Canada writes:
    "What was the purpose of this?"

    They needed a pet gorilla for the dog and pony show.
  18. the rose from t.o., Canada writes: Cliff adding to the collection of 8th rounders on the roster.
  19. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: I've watched a lot of Rangers games over the last few seasons and thought Hollweg was terrible. He has a knack for getting too wound up, taking dumb penalties and putting his team in trouble. For example, he took a terrible penalty in game 3 during the Pens/Rangers series at a time where everything was going the Rangers way. It was the turning point of the game, Malkin scored on the PP and the Rangers were down 3-0 in the series.

    I feel bad for Hollweg if he's the leaf's appointee who's going to have to deal with Laraque next season. Let's hope Big George doesn't embarass him too badly in front of his home fans.
  20. Paul Bayer from Calgary, Canada writes: And there it is ..... the missing piece of the puzzle . Perhaps he is due for a career year , 6 points would do that .

  21. Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Great move!

    Fletcher is again mocking the rest of the league.

    Ottawa...finished.

    Calgary...done.

    Canucks/Oil...hopeless.

    Canadians...WEAK.

    Leafs are again CANADA'S TEAM!
  22. John Sokolich from Stoney Creek, Canada writes: Deja vu Cliff Draft Smaft
  23. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: Apparently there is a dire shortage of 4th-line grinders on the free agent market or toiling in the minors. And players like this never show up on waivers, eh?

    It looks like Fletcher's putting together a team that will allow few goals, score even fewer, and grind out a surprising number of 2-1 wins... for another 9th place finish or maybe, just maybe 8th. Forget your dreams of Tavares, folks.
  24. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Who is this guy? A goon?
  25. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: The comedy team is in great form tonight.... don't give up your day jobs guys.

    The guy had some hands when he played for Medicine Hat. Point a game player and played in the Memorial Cup in 2004. Averaged well over 100 penalty minutes as well.

    Somebody is taking a chance on him and I'd suggest he isn't being brought in to be a goon.

    Lots of "what if's" on Cliffs new team.

    Cheers
  26. Leafs Fan from Fredericton, Canada writes: I don't care that he can't score...but he can't even fight well...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNlhNyHwCb4
  27. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Damn you, nay-sayers!

    Be positive for Gawd's sake...

    Hollweg may have the best hockey hair in the league.

    Of course, he does have some big shoes to fill in TO following in the footsteps of the legendary Tie Domi...

    I believe he has the potential be the first non-Kingston born player that Krusty will ever kiss on air...

    Cheers
  28. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: No, he's not a goon, more of a grinder/pest/punching bag. Like Darcy Tucker, minus the scoring.

    It's not very bold to predict that Hollweg is not suddenly going to learn to put the puck in the net at this level, any more than former junior stars like Garth Murray, Corey Locke or Jason Krog will. (Of that bunch, give Locke an outside chance.)

    Hollweg will provide some forechecking and grit. He also has a rep for taking dumb penalties. If the Leafs' coaches can rein in some of his bad habits, he might be a useful fourth liner. That's the best you can hope for, IMO.
  29. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Miller... he is actually a California dude.... one of the first that came out of that state. Remember the article from about 5 months ago?

    Check out his career stats:

    http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8469681&service=page&tab=crst

    Not a goon by my definition.

    Cheers
  30. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Loucks:

    Hmmmm..... 12 points in 200 NHL games.... Impressive!

    Definitely not a goon...

    In fact with a little spin from the C of U sports media, I can fully imagine being forced to watch a tribute to Ryan Hollweg on HNIT in the future while the Habs are retiring "some guy's" jersey...

    BTW I only ever noticed this guy in the Pens - Rangers series this year, and yes, some of the penalties that he took did make me wonder if he was the sharpest knife in the drawer.

    Cheers
  31. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Loucks --- I cannot quite believe it, but you just used a Krustyism on us at 12:24 am...

    Systemic deprogramming from years of HNIT induced delusion follows:

    Fact.... Getting 100 penalty minutes in a single hockey season is not really the essential mark of a great hockey player.

    Cheers
  32. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Miller.... scoring at a rate of a point a game plus and having over a hundred penalty minutes says tough and talented....

    Maybe a little stupid in his youth.... but the talent may still be there.

    Cheers
  33. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Maybe and maybe not... One cannot often make a silk purse from a sow's ear, however.

    I guess we'll see... BTW I have seen lots of very talented, T-E-A-M guys score at a rate of a point per game in the QJMHL that just couldn't make the transition to the NHL for some reason...

    You ever hear of George's brother, Jules Laraque, of the Halifax Police force ?

    Didn't think so...

    Cheers
  34. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Miller... QJMHL.... softest Junior league in Canada and you know it. 2007 Vancouver Giants (WHL) 2006 Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) 2005 London Knights (OHL) 2004 Kelowna Rockets (WHL) 2003 Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 2002 Kootenay Ice (WHL) 2001 Red Deer Rebels (WHL) 2000 Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) 1999 Ottawa 67's (OHL) 1998 Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) 1997 Hull Olympiques (QMJHL) 1996 Granby Predateurs (QMJHL) 1995 Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 1994 Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 1993 Sault Ste.Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 1992 Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 1991 Spokane Chiefs (WHL) 1990 Oshawa Generals (OHL) 1989 Swift Current Broncos (WHL) 1988 Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) 1987 Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) 1986 Guelph Platers (OHL) 1985 Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 1984 Ottawa 67's (OHL) 1983 Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) 1982 Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 1981 Cornwall Royals (QMJHL) 1980 Cornwall Royals (QMJHL) 1979 Peterborough Petes (OHL) 1978 New Westminster Bruins (WHL) 1977 New Westminster Bruins (WHL) 1976 Hamilton Fincups (OHL) 1975 Toronto Marlboros (OHL) 1974 Regina Pats (WHL) 1973 Toronto Marlboros (OHL) 1972 Cornwall Royals (QMJHL) *first year of round-robin format Goalies and stars... no in between players. Cheers
  35. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    Quoi?

    The QJMHL has won the Memorial cup 4 times since 1996 compared to the WHL (5 times) and the OHL (3 times)

    The QJMHL is great for goaltenders, offense and fans...

    Less goons, for sure.... Is that what you mean by soft ?
  36. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Loucks. The Rangers wanted nothing to do with him. Even after losing Avery and Strudgwick who provide grit, they still let Hollweg go for a 5th round pick.

    Face it, Fletch is just filling trying to fill they jerseys with warm bodies, preferably with some NHL experience.
  37. Frank Smith from Canada writes: OH NO Pat ... you went and mentioned S--n A---y ... now you'll Miller going again ... lectures about "the code" and all that! Hey ... actually, that's a great idea ... I'm gonna try too! How about this ... without S--n A---y and Hollweg, the Rangers are going to be as soft as the Pens without Malone and Big George. That means they would fit well in the Q, right Loucks?
  38. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Take a look at Larry Brooks' column in todays NY Post. It will tell you all there is to know about Hollweg.

    No matter how Fletch (...and Louck) spin this, the leaf did the Rangers a favor with this deal.
  39. Tom Beshoff from East York, Canada writes: The more signings like this, the lower the Leafs finish in the standings (hello, John Taveras!!). And talk about setting the tone for the 2008-2009 season.....the Leafs open up in Detroit!!! They're going to get whacked...and it ain't going to get much better for the remaining 81 games!!!
  40. Howard Young from Canada writes: I think Captain Ontario used to post as "____ The Mighty", the one who use to always spout off and say "Cuuuuuuuuuup!" in Leafs threads.
  41. slapdash dapoint from trawna, Canada writes: Paul Bayer from Calgary, Canada writes: And there it is ..... the missing piece of the puzzle . Perhaps he is due for a career year , 6 points would do that .

    ----------------------

    classic.

    even when i was a goon-ish defenceman in the MTHL with about as much interest in the opposition's net as i had in accounting principles, i still managed at least 2 golas a year just by 'put'n it on net'.

    when my coach moved me up to wing because i was among the bigger guys, and faster, and very much into hitting people, i would crash in and toss the puck back to a teammate - assists were easier and more fun than goals.

    wtf does this guy do?
  42. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Who is this guy? A goon?

    >>no no he has 7 career points
  43. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: i was just getting finished laughing at calgary for signing bartuzzi, now the leafs go and do this ... oh well
  44. Allan Hewitson from Kitimat, Canada writes: Awful choice. Better get the $22-million bid for Sundin ready...it's going to cost that much to get this guy back after the Leafs pissed him off with their indifference.
  45. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: The plunge to the bottom continues in the Tavares sweepstakes.
  46. Wally Grisold from Toronto, Canada writes: Well that clinches the whole thing for the Leafs, it's the Stanley Cup for the Buds now. Yahoo. line up folks for tickets.
  47. Ice Rider from Canada writes: I have to agree with an earlier poster -- so what? The Leafs have nothing to lose. If every fan suddenly turned their back on a team that turned its back on its fans 40 years ago, they would still make money and that's all those a$$holes at MLSE think about.
    And there's little chance of every fan -- including me -- turning their back. Not after 50 years in my case. Someday, a psychologist should look into the phenomenon of sports fans remaining true despite the abuse they take from their team and everyone else in the league. Got to be something like Stockholm Syndrome, eh?
    If Grampa Fletch's latest acquisitions work out, fine. If they don't, what else is new? This team ain't interested in winning. But I jsut can't quit them! God help me!
  48. Steve Church from Canada writes: Disagree about the fans putting up with anything (and this qualifies as that). Merchandising has dropped off, and ticket prices are frozen. More national broadcasts will feature other cdn teams. Old habits die hard, but this year really could be bad enough to break the habit. This roster doesn't look prime-time and it doesn't look like it's going to attract much support - new or old.
  49. Flinton Rice from Toronto, Canada writes: Steve - look at this thread. Fans of other Canadian teams are dying to post on this board about a nothing story. Do you think they'll ever really hurt? Its forums like this that prove that regardless how well the Leafs do, what the Leafs do or whether you're even in Toronto - the Leafs are captivating and will always be the centre of Canadian hockey - good or bad.....
  50. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: You got it Flinton... and I'd like to know where the hell this weeks story about no news out of the Sundin camp is....

    Cheers
  51. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: It's true, interest in the Leafs is high among us non-fans, because there are few things more captivating than a train wreck. That doesn't mean Steve is wrong about the fortunes of the business that is the Leafs. Ratings will drop, number of games on CBC will drop, merch sales will drop, ticket revenues will plateau. Maybe you'll see a few empty (albeit sold) seats.

    As for what Fletcher is doing: some of it makes perfect sense for a rebuild, i.e. focusing on goal prevention by beefing up the D and bottom-6 forwards and stabilizing the goaltending.

    What's not making so much sense is the way he's doing it. IMO these stopgap moves should be done with little or no trading away of picks and prospects. Free agency, waivers, project-for-project trades, deadwood-for-low-picks trades. The idea is to buy some time to rebuild the prospect pool and set up a pipeline of young talent.

    Why? Because if you just swap picks for known quantities, you run out of cap space in a hurry and/or you have to put complete scrubs in the bottom end of the lineup. High-quality, inexpensive youngsters are more effective and they help keep internal competition stoked. Most of the time, kids fitting that description are groomed within.

    I still think the Leafs will be more competitive than almost everyone says, but apart from not trading away the last couple years' first rounders, I see no signs of pipeline-building. If I were a fan, I'd be concerned...but I wouldn't be out on the ledge yet. The next 10 months will tell the tale.
  52. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Swifty J;

    Fletcher has not traded any prospects.... unless you consider Wellwood a prospect in which he gave him away.

    Fletcher has traded away picks that he aquired from other teams... Florida for Kilger and Belak... Pittsburgh for Hal Gill..... those picks have been turned into Mayers and Hollweg.

    Fletcher has not signed anybody that will still be signed past the age of 32.

    They have gotten younger, tougher, faster. But without Sundin they don't look to have any scoring whatsoever.

    Now will Antropov get better this year without Sundin? Will Hagman continue his better play? Will Blake bounce back to at least a 30 goal scorer?

    Will the new Euro kids be able to compete?

    Is McCabe or Kubina going? Both? Kubina could bring a top 6 forward.

    Fletcher is building to win next year..... if not..... at least be young and competitive with an upside.

    I'm liking what he is doing so far.

    Cheers
  53. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: I'm one of the last people that will support the Leafs, but this is a good move for Toronto. Hollweg, along with Mayers, gives the Leafs some much needed toughness, something they lacked last year.
  54. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: For those who care, here is the full text of the view from New York of this young man:

    HOLLWEG SHIPPED TO LEAFS
    By LARRY BROOKS

    July 15, 2008 --
    The next time Ryan Hollweg commits a bad penalty at the Garden, the Rangers will be the beneficiaries, not the victims.

    For Hollweg, the 25-year-old fourth-line winger who displayed a consistently admirable work ethic but an equally alarming lack of discipline, was traded yesterday to the Maple Leafs in exchange for Pittsburgh's fifth-round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft.

    Hollweg recorded four points last season (2-2), with both goals coming in the first period of the Jan. 10, 6-2 loss to the Flyers. The crowd cheered him wildly that night.

    But no one was cheering on Apr. 29, when he took a dreadful boarding penalty against the Penguins in the second period of Game 3 of the Eastern semis. Hollweg unaccountably slammed Petr Sykora into the boards from behind at 15:56, just 2:45 after the Rangers had come from 3-1 down to tie the game.

    Evgeni Malkin scored on the power play to give the Penguins a 4-3 lead in the game they won 5-3 to grab a 3-0 lead in the series they would claim in five.
  55. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Everybody hates the Leafs, the Leafs suck eggs, blah,blah, blah... but somehow 56 posters can find the time to put up a comment. Must be a pretty quiet summer up north. No SARS outbreak or native occupation of a golf course to worry about. How come the native warriors never occupy the course that the Leafs and the Sens use?
  56. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: Scot, IMO it doesn't matter how the picks were acquired, once acquired they should be held onto and used, barring an opportunity to land top talent. (And a small correction: the Leafs traded a pick and a prospect for Grabovsky.)

    If you want to find late-round treasures, your chances will be much better if you have lots of picks to use. Then there's the argument that developing from within easily trumps this type of trade as a long-term benefit to a team. IMO a club needs to stock its farm teams mainly with its own picks, even knowing full well that only a few will mature into bona fide NHL players.

    That's why this minor move, essentially Belak for Hollweg, looks like a stinker from here. Instead of an extra prospect from the next draft, they get one year with a fourth-line grinder with discipline issues. If he busts and gets put on waivers they're left with nothing at all; and if he turns into the player you believe he can be, then he's only a year or two from UFA status, a big payday and cap issues. Best case, he's just an ordinary fourth-liner. That's why I think such moves are unwise, regardless of the team.

    But, there is time for Fletcher to stockpile picks. And I really do believe that this will be a surprisingly competitive team. The irony is that if I'm right about that, a lot of Leafs fans will be pretty upset.
  57. the rose from the heart of, Canada writes: So far Fletch has done little to improve this team. I'm the first guy to applaud the move to more toughness, however, as much as JFJ dragged this team to the pit of despair, he was in fact pretty good at finding capable 4th liners (Deveraux and Moore). A lack of grit or size in the top 9 forwards (you know, the guys that are on the ice 80 % of the game) was what allowed other teams to shut down our supposed scorers... Steen, Wellwood, Blake, Antro/Pony and Stajan some nights.
    There is still time for him to add some scoring, and if Wilson can bring out the fight in the above mentioned (or Bell and Tlusty), or if some prospects can come through, this team could compete as they are pretty solid in the back end. Like Dylan sang "It's not dark yet, but its getting there".
  58. Richard Keho from Canada writes: I suppose Bill Waters spit his coffee all over the floor after hearing of this signing.LOL I know how much respect Bill has for this meathead after hearing him talk about Holweg on Leafs Lunch.LOL
  59. Chazz Michaels from United States Outlying writes: why is everyone crying over a 5th round pick? especially since it will be pittsburghs and a late one at that...geez, who cares, this guy may at least turn out to be decent, hes still young...
  60. Sandy T. from Canada writes:

    Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes:

    "...And I really do believe that this will be a surprisingly competitive team. The irony is that if I'm right about that, a lot of Leafs fans will be pretty upset."

    Put me down as one of those. If these guys finish tenth again, again they get a middling pick and the whole rebuild effort requires another year of ground up overhaul. The whole supposed rationale behind the disgraceful treatment of Mats Sundin will be recognisable for what it is - another captain who won't drink the Kool-Aid unceremoniously shown the door(and make no mistake, despite protestations by Cliffie to the contrary, the Sundin affair was designed by Leaf management to make Mats the bad guy in the eyes of the ticket buying great unwashed. From the beginning MLSEL was told unequivocally by Sundin & his agent that he would not waive his no-trade agreement - it was then THEY who decided to take the case to the court of public opinion, not he).

    And of course last but not least... another season wasted with no end in sight.

    Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes:

    "Everybody hates the Leafs, the Leafs suck eggs, blah,blah, blah... but somehow 56 posters can find the time to put up a comment."

    Ain't it amazin'? ;)

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