Not happy, but figured this would happen

[leafslife]

So now that Sundin, Tucker, Kaberle, and probably McCabe have let us know that winning a Cup is not what they want, where do we go from here?

This team is in big trouble. What will trading Antropov or Poni or guys like that acomplish? Lateral moves. It is a dark day in Leafland.

I say trade Toskala and stick these guys with Raycroft for the rest of the season.

[3milelake]

I got up this morning went online & felt ill when read I that Mats invoked his NTC. I had myself convinced he would reluctantly leave. For a franchise with no luck, this seemed a lucky situation....maybe even a chnce at a couple lottery picks. I'm not mad at Mats, just disappointed. He negotiated & earned that NTC. Unfortunately the other 4 haven't earned or deserved theirs. The moronic series of events that marred JFJ's tragic tenure here have come home to roost. Cliff has been effectively neutered. Now, he is left to rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic.

It's the worst of all worlds. Mats leaving would have guaranteed a free fall in the standings (not far to go). Now, along with his underperforming NTC gang of 4, we'll likely see the team play respectable hockey down the stretch. Why not? All playoff pressure & trade anxiety is removed. I can easily see us playing our way out of the lottery group. How typical.

Even the losers get lucky sometimes? Right????

LOL LL....trade Toskala....that's not as crazy as it sounds...

[teppy1954]

All of the NTC boys (save and except for Sundin) had better get used to life on the Marlies next year. By failing to assist in setting the table for a turn-around these overpaid underachievers are likely to feel the wrath of the next GM.

If Sundin does not retire this summer, then he will be back for likely another poor year with lots of juniors surrounding him. If players are loyal to the club they should be prepared to fall on their sword for the club. Plus I have some deep suspicions that the Union got involved with our NTC boys and told them not to waive.

It would serve these guys well to spend the 2008-2009 season in the AHL or be given a buy out.

PS-Dont trade Toskala, give him the pressbox for one reason and one reason only, to cause the team to go into the tank and stay there. Let Vesa Toskala have an early summer, let Raycroft put these guys into competition for Stamkos.

[teppy1954]

Reading Howard Berger's column this morning on Eklund's site, it is now apparent that there will be hell to pay on the TML. Expect to see the likes of Kubina, McCabe and Kaberle either benched or demoted. From what Berger says, all of these jokers invoked their NTC, when they had earlier indicated that they would be okay with a trade. Therefore they chose to inconvenience the team versus a possible four months of inconvenience for themselves. Shame, as when Cliff or his successor begin the buy-out phase, these guys will find it near impossible to catch on with another team. Sure they can sit home or go to Europe, but their credibility is now completely compromised.

[3milelake]

Cliff is going to kick most of them out of the Country Club. Sundin retires. Kaberle survives. Kubina gets traded between June & August. McCabe gets bought out. Tucker??? We should be a pretty awful club next year, hopefully Tavares worthy. I hope Cliff orders Maurice to play Raycroft or else Toskala tweaks his groin. These jokers are going to play the franchise out of a lottery pick....tragic

[3milelake]

And now comes the inevitable winning streak. This team is at cross purposes for what is needed most. No trade pressure, unlikely playoff date. This team has been the same for 3 years now....and if they do get close to a playoff spot & the pressure returns, we'll see what this team is made of again. The "Loyal" 5 have set this team back a few years in development...I guarantee we're going to miss the lottery...