It’s pretty much a standard joke about how little ESPN shows hockey highlights.  Whether they admit it or not, the worldwide leader in sports entertainment are basically still pouting after losing out in the last negotiations for TV rights to cover the NHL in America.

Regardless, ESPN’s hockey “experts” (and it should be noted that they themselves applied the ironic use of quotation marks) decided to rank the NHL’s top defencemen.  Each player was ranked from 1 to 10, on the basis of their current quality of play.

We can only hope they didn’t take this too literally, given we’ve only just started preseason play.  However, depending on your perspective, this may explain why the Leafs have only one defenceman ranked in the top 50.

In any event, would it surprise you to know that player was Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf?  Ranked at number 17, he was given a rating of 7.08.  For what it’s worth, it should also be noted ESPN used a profile picture from Phaneuf’s time in Calgary.

Previously, ESPN ranked the NHL’s top 25 goaltenders, with James Reimer also coming in at 17 (6.72) and new addition Jonathan Bernier being placed 23rd (6.44.)  I can’t wait for them to rank the wingers and centres.  (No ironic quotations marks required here, just the knowledge that I’m using a sarcastic tone.)

Photo credit: @nsutherland03

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

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• By English Paul
• September 17, 2013
• Comment

With Dion Phaneuf entering the final year of his contract, he has been frequently mentioned in various trade rumors.  However, according to recent reports, GM Dave Nonis has indicated his desire to sign the defenceman to a contract extension.

Apart from being the captain, Nonis believes Phaneuf fits in well with the team and sees no reason not to keep him around for the long run.  Given the polarising effect the former Calgary Flame has on the fans, this news is likely to be met with mixed reactions.

On one side, you have people who appreciate the 28-year old averages the most minutes on the ice for the Leafs, matching up against the oppositions best line.  However, his detractors argue that he makes far too many mistakes and fails to live up to his reputation in general.

As always, the main factor likely to influence any potential deal is money.  Phaneuf is scheduled to make $5.5 million during the 2013-14 season, the final year of his six-year $39 million contract.

The 28-year old will be looking for something comparable if he is to remain in Toronto, which could be an issue with the salary cap coming down from last season.  Combined with the ongoing negotiations with restricted free agents Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson, it is anyone’s guess as to if and when Nonis and Phaneuf will be able to come to any agreement.

Photo credit: @Leftyhockeystud

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• August 20, 2013
• Comment

As reported yesterday, former Leafs assistant GM Bill Watters has claimed the Edmonton Oilers are interested in Dion Phaneuf.  This is not the first time the Leafs captain’s name has come up recently in potential trade rumours.

The question is, how much truth should be attached to Watters declaration, and is this scenario a realistic proposition?  On the surface at least, the addition of Phaneuf would fill a need in defence for an Oilers team looking to add experienced leadership to a talented, but young, squad.

For all the critics Phaneuf has, both in Toronto and further afield, he plays major minutes and goes up against the oppositions best players every night.  At 6ft’ 3” and 214 lbs, he has good size and is still more than capable of 40-50 point seasons.

One key consideration which always plays a big part, is the financial aspect.  On the one hand, Phaneuf is due to make $5.5 million during the 2013/14 campaign, which may seem slightly expensive.  However, the Oilers can afford it and it could be worth a calculated risk for one year.

The former ninth overall draft pick is set to become an unrestricted free agent next year, which would give the Oilers time to monitor the situation before making any long-term decisions.  From Toronto’s perspective, there are those who believe it is time for a fresh start for the 28-year old, with a trade to Edmonton representing a move home.

With Phaneuf entering the final year of his contract, the chances of the Leafs getting much in return are debateable, making Oilers coach Dallas Eakins an important factor.  Given his time in Toronto, Eakins relationship with Dave Nonis and the Leafs organisation could prove beneficial for both sides in their attempts to negotiate any deal.

Photo credit: www.zimbio.com

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• July 14, 2013
• Comment

The sports and entertainment worlds (sort of) collided together yesterday for the wedding of the year, as Dion Phaneuf married his girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert*.  When the Leafs captain proposed to the actress last year, we wrote about the positives and negatives of their impending nuptials, but either way, we give kudos for it not being one of those long drawn-out engagements.

* Mikhail Grabovski must be pissed.  Not only do the Leafs buy him out, but his former teammate steals the thunder from his own wedding.

The couple tied the knot at St. James Catholic Church in Summerfield, PEI, where Phaneuf’s parents are from.  Teammates Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak were reportedly in attendance, but no word on if Sean Avery was invited.

Here’s a few photos from the wedding, just in case any of you care:

1) DION’S ARRIVAL

Here’s Phaneuf arriving for the wedding.  You can tell it must be a happy occasion, because he’s almost smiling. Which is more than can be said for the kid, who looks like he just got some bad news.  Shit!  I hope the Knicks haven’t decided to call off their trade for Andre Bargnani?!

2) ELISHA’S ARRIVAL

This was the moment when the male population finally had to accept the wedding was in fact going ahead, with Cuthbert arriving at the church in a black convertible.

3) THEY’RE MARRIED

And just in case there were any guys out there who were still convinced they had a chance with Cuthbert, here’s the happy couple leaving the church after getting married.

4) LET ME REPEAT THAT: THEY’RE MARRIED

Seriously, give it up! It’s over!  Can’t you see how happy Cuthbert is?  What’s Phaneuf’s is now hers.  And not a moment too soon, what with the ‘comedy’ series Happy Endings recently being cancelled.

5) HEADING TO THE RECEPTION

Call it skewed priorities, but my biggest concern of the day was if everyone’s favourite big lug would be able to fit in the car.  Fortunately, Phaneuf managed to get in, hence the excitement emanating from the crowd.  At least I assume that’s why they’re cheering.

6) THE STALKERS VIEW

It looks like the person taking this picture forgot to use the zoom option.  Mind you, even if they did, the view would have been partially blocked anyway.  (Hey, hey, HEY! Behave yourself.  I’m referring to the car parked in front of the entrance to the church.)

7) THE MEDIA

Talking of pictures, as you’d expect, members of the media were in attendance (as opposed to invited) to cover the wedding.  Sara Orlesky and Barry Davis weren’t there, so I’m assuming TSN and Sportsnet didn’t provide round-the-clock coverage of the day’s events.

Afterwards, the reception took place at a nearby large waterfront estate which is owned by Phaneuf.  (Dion, please tell me you at least got Cuthbert to sign a prenup?)  One guest confirmed there were fireworks while everyone was eating and food trucks at midnight, courtesy of the in-laws.  Something tells me the newly married couple likely pitched in for this.

Congratulation Mr and Mrs Phaneuf.  Despite Blue Toro often taking a more light-hearted look at anything related to the Toronto sports scene, we genuinely wish you both all the best.  (Or at less as genuinely as we can do, considering we’ve never met either one of you.)

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

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• By English Paul
• July 7, 2013
• Comment

With the NHL draft less than an hour away, the flurry of trade rumours will only intensify, as teams look to put themselves in the best position possible.  The Leafs will be no different and you can be sure their name will crop up repeatedly throughout the course of this evening.

In the build up to the 2013 draft, the Leafs have already been linked with a move for Sam Gagner, although the centre is currently in negotiations with the Oilers, regarding a new deal.  Another rumour involving Edmonton, has the Leafs sending Jake Gardiner or Carl Gunnarsson, along with their 21st pick, to Alberta, in exchange for the seventh overall selection.

Another possibility that has come to light, involves Dave Nonis swapping Dion Phaneuf with Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche.  The Leafs GM would prefer not to trade his captain, although he did recently indicate no one is exempt from being traded, especially as they search for quality cover at the centre position.

Stansty is a strong skater who is described as an intelligent playmaker,  capable of scoring between 60-70 points. From Phaneuf’s point of view, there are those who believe his time in Toronto is up, with such a move representing a fresh start and a move closer to home.

Whatever the ramifications of such a trade, it wouldn’t be an issue from a financial standpoint.  Both Phaneuf and Stastny become UFAs’ in 2014 and their cap hit for next season is remarkably similar, standing at $6.5 million and $6.6 million respectively.

With the Avalanche holding the first overall draft pick, who they select could determine if any deal with the Leafs is possible, although even this is open to perception.  If Colorado  selects Nathan MacKinnon, do they see him playing behind Matt Duchene and Stansty, or is this an indication that there is no longer any room for their alternate captain?

Hopefully, matters will become clearer during the coming hours in New Jersey.

Photo credit: www.whitecovermag.com

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• June 30, 2013
• Comment

Despite the headlines made after acquiring Jonathan Bernier from the L.A. Kings, it appears the Leafs are only just getting started.  According to reports, GM Dave Nonis has held talks with the Edmonton Oilers about Sam Gagner.

While these discussions are in the early stages, there’s no denying Gagner is exactly what the Leafs are in need of: an extremely talented young centre.  At 23, the former 6th overall draft pick has a long career ahead of him.

With negotiations between the Leafs and Tyler Bozak not going too well, this makes even more sense, although one potential issue is Gagner’s own salary demands.  He is set to become a restricted free agent on July 5th and is apparently asking for $4.5 million + on his next contract.

This is reportedly how much Bozak is also looking for in his new deal, although Gagner is the better choice if the Leafs are going to pay out that kind of money.  Despite his size (5ft 11, 199 lbs), Gagner is as tough as they come and he’s capable of scoring around 55-60 points in a full season.

The question is, what would the Leafs have to give up in return?  One possibility is Dion Phaneuf, who is heading into the sixth and final year of a $39 million contract.  With the Oilers looking to add a top 2 defenceman with size and experience for next season, the Leafs captain could certainly fill a need.

While people will question the feasibility of such a trade, one key factor could be the Oilers new head coach, Dallas Eakins.  Given his time in Toronto, Eakins relationship with Nonis and the Leafs organisation could prove beneficial for both sides in their attempts to work out any deal.

Photo credit: www.oilersnation.com

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• June 24, 2013
• Comment

This week has to go down as one of those modern day rarities for Toronto sports fans.  Between the Blue Jays, Argonauts and Toronto FC, not one of them lost during the last seven days. Not one!

Now admittedly, the Argonauts were only involved in a pre-season game, but who cares?  And even though Toronto FC only played once, when you win just your second regular season game of 2013, it’s worth shouting about.

Anyway, let’s get to the top Toronto athlete sightings of the week:

1) TORONTO FC

And we start off with Toronto FC, seen here at Pearson Airport, preparing to fly to Washington D.C. for their game last weekend.  Steven Caldwell (on the right) looks like he wishes he was anywhere but there, which is pretty bad when you consider he’s only played three games so far for TFC.

Hopefully Toronto FC’s 2-1 win against D.C. United will boost the defender’s spirits.  Besides, do you really want to go back to playing in Birmingham, England?  (It’s a rhetorical question. Trust me, he doesn’t.)

2) ROBERT EARNSHAW

Sticking with Toronto FC, the always cooperative Robert Earnshaw took the time to pose for a photo with a fan, who then tweeted the picture on Twitter.  I don’t know what’s worse: the fan admitting he was glad he didn’t take that day off sick or then posting a photo, meaning he can’t even claim his account was hacked, if his employers ever question him about it.

3) AMIR JOHNSON

Blue Toro favourite Amir Johnson did what any good son would do last Sunday, taking his dad out for Father’s Day.  And even better, they went for ribs!

Mind you, when you consider how big the Raptors player is, those ribs look absolutely massive.  Something tells me Johnson must have struggled to put many away, although I wouldn’t say the same about his dad, judging by the look on his face (amongst other things.)

4) QUINCY ACY & TERRENCE ROSS

The Raptors Quincy Acy and Terrence Ross were spotted enjoying themselves at Wonderland earlier this week.   I was going to say that I don’t recognise their teammate, but then I realised he can’t actually play basketball.  At least you have to assume so, given that he has no star-struck females hanging off his arm.

5) TYLER BOZAK

Some people would say (copyright Bob McCown) Tyler Bozak is randomly casting his fishing rod out to sea, in the hope of hooking himself a lucrative new deal with the Leafs.  However, whereas this approach looks to work with actual fishing, something tells me the centre will need more than random good luck to net himself the big contract he’s looking for in Toronto.

6) TORONTO ARGONAUTS

Now this must be a first: Testosterone-filled professional football players engaged in a game of dominos?!?!  Even though this has to be better than what used to go on at Dallas Cowboys training camps, surely the Argonauts players could go slightly off the rails?

Mind you, as is normally the case in anything to do with professional football, we’ll just blame the kicker.  (Sorry Swayze Waters.)

7) EDWIN ENCARNACION

Given how well Edwin Encarnacion has played these past two seasons, he pretty much gets a free pass as far as I’m concerned.  As such, even though I have absolutely no idea what he’s doing above, I don’t mind.  Maybe the fan in the photo is asking Encarnacion to re-enact how he and the Blue Jays have been strong-arming their way through opponents lately.

8 ) DION PHANEUF

And finally, it’s often said the slightest gestures by professional athletes can have a lasting influence on children.  As such, kudos to Dion Phaneuf for helping to put smiles on the faces of some kids.

Actually, you can already seen the impact the Leafs captain had on the children, as evidenced by this photo of them, which was taking just a couple of hours later:

What’s great, is the way two of the children have already started mimicking Phaneuf on the ice, reinacting those keys moments in games when he loses his balance.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

You can also follow us on Twitter @bluetoro_ca and like us on Facebook

• By English Paul
• June 22, 2013
• Comment

Well, it’s Friday and I think I’ve finally just about recovered from my photo shoot with the Argonauts cheerleaders. (Okay, I promise that’s the last time I’ll mention it. This week.)

Mind you, as you’ll see from this edition of the top Toronto athlete sightings of the week, photo shoots seem to be a bit of a running theme.  Let’s get started.

1) CHRIS VAN ZEYL, SWAYZE WATERS & JOE EPPELE

The Argonaut’s Chris Van Zeyl, Swayze Waters and Joe Eppele took time out from training camp to do a photo shoot for Ontario Outdoors magazine.  Sorry, but I’m just not buying Waters as the outdoorsy type.

2) MIKE BRADWELL

Another argonaut getting involved in photo shoots was the Argonauts Mike Bradwell.  According to Sharp Magazine, who the wide receiver posed for, short sleeve dress shirts are in.

(Trust me, nothing would be remaining ‘in’ if I wore one of those shirts, least of all my stomach.  Seriously, those are some tight shirts.)

3) JOSE BAUTISTA

You may remember that last week, we game ‘Pinball’ Clemons immunity from any mickey-taking.  This time, the lucky athlete who avoids any comments is Jose Bautisata, who made a Blue Jays fan’s day while he was in San Diego for the recent series against the Padres.

(Okay, fine. I just couldn’t think of anything even remotely witty to say about the above photo. Sorry? What do you mean ‘no change there then’?!)

4) AMIR JOHNSON

Amir Johnson this week helped to promote ‘Friends Movement’, an arts and media company looking to combat bullying.  Amongst other things. Johnson did a photo shoot for their latest project, called ‘The F Word’.

And while Johnson is our favourite Raptors player, there’s a certain F word I could use to  describe his choice in pants.

5) RICHARD ECKERSLEY

Toronto FC’s defender Richard Eckersley was spotted posing for a photo with a fan before last weekend’s game against the Union.

I actually had my own Eckersley sighting as well during half-time, but I figured it would be bad etiquette to take a photo of him going about his business in the washroom.  (In fact, it might have led to me joining him on the injury list.)

6) JONATHAN OSORIO

Sticking with Toronto FC, last weekend’s goalscorer, Jonathan Osorio, helped out at this week’s Tim Horton camp day.  Whilst applauding Tim Horton’s involvement, I wonder if a different sponsor may be more appropriate next time.  (How much coffee has that kid on the right drank?!?!)

7) DION PHANEUF

And finally, here’s our regular Dion Phaneuf sighting, which this week took place at Belvedere golf course………….Oh, hold on. That actually is Phaneuf.  Hmmm, it just doesn’t feel right to end the article like this.  Let’s try again.

8 ) DION PHANEUF (PART 2) 

Here’s a fan who found his Dion Phaneuf rookie card while tidying up, and decided to post a picture on the internet.  Yep, that’s much better.  Enjoy you’re weekend!

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

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• By English Paul
• June 6, 2013
• Comment

I know I’m a day early with our top Toronto Athlete sightings of the week, but the next couple of days are going to be busy on the work front, hopefully to the benefit of regular readers of Blue Toro. (More information to come later.)

1) CHAD OWENS

With veterans reporting to training camp this Saturday, the Argonauts Chad Owens prepares to return to Toronto.  As you can tell by the look on his face, that’s one half-hearted thumbs up.  Not that you can blame someone who is just about to leave Hawaii.

2) LANDRY FIELDS

The Raptors Landry Fields was spotted at Legends Sports Bar earlier this week.  I’m going to assume his choice in T-Shirt represents his love for Michael Jackson’s music, as opposed to the performance of him and his Raptors teammates this past season.

3) AMIR JOHNSON

Sticking with the Raptors, Blue Toro favourite Amir Johnson has been relaxing in Palm Springs, California.  At least I assume it’s Amir Johnson, because I’m otherwise distracted by other aspects of the photo. (Okay, it’s possible I’ve been spending too much time around Jack Douglas recently.)

4) MIKE ‘PINBALL’ CLEMONS

Here’s Argonauts legend Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons attending a Ruby Sky event. Not surprisingly, given the greatness of the man, it was for charity.  As such, I have no intention of attempting to make any ’witty’ comments in respect of the photo above.

(But don’t think I couldn’t!  I’ll compensate for it with the remaining photos.)

5) BRANDON MORROW

Brandon Morrow kindly took the time to pose for a photo recently with a fan.  I hate to say it, but the only thing worse than his top is the way he’s been pitching lately. (Sorry Brandon.  I actually feel bad for writing that, but, as I said, I have to make up for giving Pinball a free pass.)

6) TORONTO FC

Toronto FC’s Kevin Payne, Ryan Nelsen and Jeremy Hall appeared on Global Toronto’s Morning Show earlier today.  Not surprisingly, Hall, along with the rest of the team, is currently suffering from a crisis of confidence.  I assume that’s the reason he’s hiding the soccer ball, for fear of being asked to do some tricks for the TV cameras.

7) JOE EPPELE

The Argonauts Joe Eppele decided to share his dilemma about whether or not to keep or shave his beard.  I didn’t have the heart to message him to explain he doesn’t really have a choice anymore. The fact he’s also 6ft 8 and 304lbs had absolutely nothing to do with my decision to remain quiet.

8 ) DION PHANEUF

And finally, there’s been yet another Dion Phaneuf ‘sighting’.  In fact, with similar photos currently flying around the internet, we may soon have to make this a weekly feature in its own right.  Especially, if it involves attractive women like the one above.  (Yep, I’ve definitely been spending too much time around Jack Douglas.)

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

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• By English Paul
• May 29, 2013
• Comment

As part of Blue Toro’s on-going/never-ending quest to provide interesting content, welcome to our new weekly feature: Top Toronto Athlete sightings of the week.

As regular readers know, we often feature public shots of athletes who ply their trade in Toronto.  However, rather than producing random blogs discussing these various sightings, we thought it would make more sense to collate them into a weekly feature.

As such, we now present our inaugural column.  Please feel free to contact us with your feedback, constructive or otherwise:

1) JAMES REIMER

Removing whatever doubt was left that James Reimer never stops smiling, here he is taking the time to pose with a fan, despite dealing with the fallout from the Leafs game 7 meltdown.  Mind you, now that we know who the goaltender is going home to every night, I think we’d all have a permanent smile on our face under those circumstances.

2) JOFFREY LUPUL

Meanwhile, Joffrey Lupul appears to be doing his best to avoid the spotlight, which might explain why he went under the cover of darkness to attend the Vampire Weekend Concert last night.  However, he still couldn’t avoid the fans. If his left fist and expression on his face are any indication, the winger appears close to lashing out at somebody.

3) JOE EPPELE

Argonauts offensive lineman Joe Eppele was at RealSports Bar with some friends on Monday night to watch the Leafs game against the Bruins.  They all seem quite happy, so I’m assuming the photo was taken sometime before the last two minutes of regulation.  Either that, or they just don’t care.

4) BRETT LAWRIE

While this isn’t what you’d usually term as a social sighting, we felt obliged to share this photo of Brett Lawrie.  I’m sure plenty of women out there can empathise with how much of a pain it is when you’re preparing to go out and you’ve misplaced your makeup mirror.

5) JOSE BAUTISTA

This picture actually comes from last weekend, when Jose Bautista went out for a meal in Boston.  How do we know he’s in Boston? Look no further than the guy not bothering to stand up for the photo, basically embodying the arrogant sense of self-importance normally associated with Boston sports fans.

6) RUDY GAY

Quick quiz: Why do you think the Raptors Rudy Gay looks less than happy? Is it because; a) He’s in Baltimore, b) He’s shopping at H&M or c) The Grizzlies have clearly shown they don’t need him.

7) R.A. DICKEY

Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey received an honorary doctorate from Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto earlier this week, i.e. he didn’t actually put any time or effort in to earn it.  This led to questions about if his Cy Young award was also an honorary one, given the way he’s performed at times this season.

8 ) DION PHANEUF

And finally, I’m not saying fan James Liles is pissed off with Dion Phaneuf, but here’s a photo that was taken when he ‘meet’ the Leafs captain.

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

You can also follow us on Twitter @bluetoro_ca and like us on Facebook

• By paul.taylor
• May 18, 2013
• Comment