With the NHL free agency period set to officially begin today at 12pm ET, here’s some of the rumours currently circulating in respect of the Leafs:

TYLER BOZAK

The Leafs centre has been one of the more polarising figures recently in Toronto.  However, despite decreasing his demands to five years at $5 million, reports indicate Leafs GM Dave Nonis is not willing to accept this.  This does not mean Nonis would not like to bring Bozak back if it’s feasible, but as it stands, negotiations are ongoing.

ROD SCUDERI

The Kings defenceman is high on the list of players the Leafs would love to bring in.  Scuderi proved to be a key part of two Stanley Cup winning sides in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.   Word has it that the Leafs are at the top of Scuderi’s list if he leaves the Kings, although there could be competition from his former team, the Penguins.

MICHAEL RIBERIO

Apparently, the Leafs have reached a verbal agreement with a ‘Major UFA’, which will be announced today.  According to rumours, there are two names being mentioned prominently, one of which is centre Michael Riberio.  If this is true, fan opinion could be split on a player who, while more than capable of scoring 70 points next season, is often criticised for his lack of toughness.

DAVID CLARKSON

The other player being linked with the Leafs as their high-profile UFA signing, is David Clarkson.  The winger is renowned for being aggressive, something which would be of huge benefit to the team next season, especially if they make the playoffs.  Make no mistake though, if Clarkson does come to Toronto, it won’t be cheap. (Reports indicate he will get in the region of 7 years at $6 million.)

Photo credit: http://thehockeyjunkies.blogspot.co.uk

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• July 5, 2013
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I appreciate that not everyone was able to follow our ‘virtual tour’ of the Hockey Hall of Fame on our Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter yesterday.  As such, here’s a compilation of our favourite photos from yesterday, which you may, or may not, agree with:

1) JOHNNY BOWER

The great Johnny Bower, who played in goal for the Leafs for 11 seasons and earned the nickname, ‘The China Wall’.  He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976, but more importantly, won four Stanley Cups with the Leafs, including their last one in 1967.

2) DARRYL SITTLER

It’s always good to see a Leafs player in the Hall of Fame with a record that will likely never be beaten.  On February 7, 1976, Darryl Sittler set an NHL record for most points in a game, recording 10 against the Boston Bruins, including six goals and four assists.

3) NHL RETRO JERSEYS

I think everyone likes seeing retro sports jerseys, and I’m no different.  As well as the Atlanta Flames and California Golden Seals, the Leafs jersey, in particular, caught my attention.

It was worn during the 1949-50 season by Garth Boesch.  The defenceman played just four seasons, but still won three Stanley Cups during that time.  Wonder why he decided to retire?  Maybe Mr Boesch just got bored of winning all the time.

4) LEAFS V CANUCKS

Okay, I’ll admit it.  The only reason this photo is one of my favourites, is because of the comparison between the Leafs and Canucks in terms of how many Stanley Cups each team has won.  (Yes, yes, Vancouver.  I realise, the Canucks didn’t even have a team when the Leafs last won the championship. But it still amused me.)

5) MONTREAL CANADIENS DRESSING ROOM

On the flip side, I’m sure Leafs fans are dismayed to see anything relating to the Canadiens in my list of favourite pictures.  However, while they are the enemy, it was pretty cool sitting in a replica of an NHL dressing room. (Let’s be honest, it’s the closest I’ll ever get to the real thing.)

6) LEAFS DYNASTY 1962-67

Tougher for younger fans to comprehend, the Leafs have actually had a couple of dynasties during their time in the NHL. The first one was between 1947-51, when they won four Stanley Cups, while the second dynasty (above) took place between 1962-67, with a further four championships.

7) THE STANLEY CUP

Of course, this is what everyone really wants to see: The Stanley Cup.  Let’s be honest, forget about dynasties.  The Leafs and their fans would just love to win this trophy once and then we could all die happy.

8 ) THE PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY

Actually, it might be a good idea if the Leafs aimed for this trophy first.  The Prince of Wales Trophy was initially awarded to the winners of the Eastern Conference in 1994 and suffice it say, the Leafs have yet to get their hands on it.  We live in hope….

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 7, 2013
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You pretty much know you’ve made it in life, if you find yourself at a yacht party in Cannes on the French Riviera.  To say it’s tough to get an invite, is an understatement.

It normally requires you to be rich, famous, talented and good looking like, say, P Diddy. (Well, I guess three out of four isn’t bad.)  As such, maybe we shouldn’t be too surprised that this ‘exclusive’ list now includes  Joffrey Lupul .

The Leafs winger was lucky enough to be invited to Paul Allen’s yacht party in Cannes.  I just hope he remembered to follow the required etiquette for such events.

I could be bitter about Lupul getting to go to such an exclusive party.  However, the guy deserves the chance to unwind after all his recent injury woes, combined with the way this season ended for the Leafs.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is reportedly the 53rd-richest person in the world and I guess when you have that kind of money, you don’t worry about much. How else can you explain Lupul being allowed to take charge of his yacht, despite not having the appropriate licence:

When you’re in the company of the rich and famous, it must be tough to stand out from the crowd.  However, Lupul was up to the challenge, proving that his talents extend beyond an ability to stay upright and hit a puck:

There’s no denying that the ability to play the piano is a pretty cool talent to have.  However, I’ll be much more impressed if Mr Lupul continues to make sweet music on the ice next season.

Photo credits: @JLupul

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 paul.taylor
• May 21, 2013
• Comment

I appreciate reaction is often mixed towards our showing attractive women who apparently support one or more of Toronto’s sports teams.  Some people like it.  Others?  Not so much.

As such, Blue Toro have rebranded this feature as the ‘Top Toronto sports fan of the week’.  This way, it will be clearer what to be expect, and readers can then decide for themselves if they want to ’read’ the article or not.

This week, we introduce Zara, who lives in Toronto and appears to be a Leafs fan.  However, s0mething tells me you won’t care too much about this:

Yep, Zara’s definitely a Leafs fan.  For some reason, that last photo clinched it for me……

For anyone who’s interested, you can follow Zara on Twitter @Zara9lives and on Tumblr at http://zaramansion.tumblr.com/

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 paul.taylor
• May 20, 2013
• Comment
• 3

People have been wondering how Phil Kessel was able to play so well against the Bruins during the playoffs (including four goal and two assists), especially after previously struggling against his former team.  Well, it turns out the Leafs winger is actually the latest version of the terminator:

Like Arnie, I just hope Kessel strives to uphold the motto “I’ll be back”, for next season.

Credit: @BuzzFeedCanada

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 paul.taylor
• May 19, 2013
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Okay, it’s been four days since the Leafs now infamous implosion, meltdown, self-capitulation, or whatever the hell you want to call it. The question is, are you ready to watch a goal by goal reaction to the 5-4 loss against the Bruins?

I’m going to guess ‘probably not’.  However, given the average person’s inwardly natural sense of morbid curiosity, I bet you’ll still relive the experience through the eyes of this group of Leafs fans:

You may want to watch the video clip a few times to see the reactions of certain people.  A personal highlight was the girl sitting on the left, who was clearly bored and did her best to hide her amusement when the Bruins scored the game-winner.

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 paul.taylor
• May 17, 2013
• Comment

I appreciate Monday night’s 5-4 loss to the Bruins still has a lot of people feeling a bit dazed and confused.  However, I reckon enough time’s now passed, that we can look at some of the top reactions from fans, players and media alike:

1) IN THE OFFICE

I’m guessing scenes similar to this one were repeated in offices and work places all across Southern Ontario on Tuesday morning.

2) BOSTON CREME SURPRISE

I wonder if the Penguins fan who attempted the following joke, made it through the day in one piece.  Is he even from Pittsburgh?! Jackass!!

3) LEAFS FANS FIGHT ON THE TRAIN

I know emotions were running high after the game, but shouldn’t stuff like what happened in game 7 unite Leafs Nation rather than tear them apart?  Mind you, it does amuse me how the guy that was getting his ass kicked, suddenly became a lot braver when other people became involved.

4) LEAFS FLAG AT HALF-MAST

This picture seemed particularly appropriate.  In fact, I can almost hear the trumpet playing in the background.

5) SIGN OUTSIDE A SPORTS BAR

Only an Ottawa Senators fans could have come up with the following, although I will admit it did amuse me.

6) JACK EDWARDS CALLS THE WINNING GOAL

As if we didn’t already have enough reasons to hate the Bruins, Jack Edwards call of the winning goal for NESN just provided us with another one.

7) JOFFREY LUPUL TWEET

That hockey game will haunt me until the day I die…

— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) May 14, 2013

I’m sure that tweet from Joffrey Lupul resonates with a lot of people.  Leafs fans look forward to having you for a full campaign next season Mr Lupul.

8 ) LEAFS FULL PAGE ADVERT

Of course this advert has absolutely nothing to do with the fact fans still bought playoff tickets despite the 70% increase from the regular season prices, already the most expensive in the league.

9) LEAFS FAN MELTDOWN: PART 1

This photo seemed to capture the very essence of Leafs fans having a meltdown after the Bruins scored the winning goal in overtime.

10) LEAFS FAN MELTDOWN: PART 2

Finally, I much prefer the way the following Leafs fan handled their meltdown:

(Women and young children may want to look away at this point.)

(Look, I’m being serious.)

(Okay, fine. Well don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

I can only assume she’s pining for the days of when Tie Domi played for the Leafs.

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 paul.taylor
• May 15, 2013
• Comment

In the interests of remaining upbeat after the Leafs elimination from the playoffs, at least we now get to concentrate more on the Blue Jays and Toronto FC……..(thinking)………aww crap!

Okay, fine!  For the sake of everyone’s sanity, we need to perform a damage limitation exercise. This should help:

I don’t even care that Nanci’s from Miami and is actually a Bengals fan.  When someone looking like that decides to include ‘Toronto Blue Jays’ in their tweet, that’s good enough for me! (Like I even need an excuse.)

In fact, given that she’s a model, it would be pretty selfish of me not to share some more pictures with you:

I don’t know about you, but I’m as distracted as she is in that last photo. In fact, I’m not even sure I remember what happened yesterday anymore.

Photo credits: @Nancibunni

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• By paul.taylor
• May 14, 2013
• Comment

Despite the devastating 5-4 loss to the Bruins, the Leafs can hold their heads high and be proud of what they accomplished this season.  However, this still doesn’t change the fact we’re all going to need a little time to get over the trauma of last night.

Personally, I’m just about over the denial and anger stages and slowly beginning to accept what happened. Which might explain why I found it too hard to resist creating the following meme:

They way I look at it, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.

In all honesty though, James Reimer has nothing to be ashamed of. If it wasn’t for him, the Leafs wouldn’t have got back into the series.

Besides, all the goaltender has to do is remind smartasses like me, who he gets to go home to every night:

Yep, something tells me Mr Reimer is going to be just fine.

Photo credit: @RayPetkau

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• By paul.taylor
• May 14, 2013
• Comment

What an unbelievable night for the Leafs, who’ve played a great game. And this may just be the icing on the cake: Nazem Kadri’s goal to make it 4-1.

If you have any questions, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

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• By paul.taylor
• May 13, 2013
• Comment