Hockey Beat » Toronto Maple Leafs

Van Ryn’s Career Could Be Over

Jeanne Dupuis — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:26:19 +0000

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman, Mike Van Ryn, is only 30 years old but his NHL career might be over. He has elected to undergo extensive knee surgery and, depending on how he heals, he could be forced into early retirement.

Van Ryn is having an osteotomy on October 22, 2009 and the procedure that is usually reserved for the elderly. His bone will be cut and then the knee will be realigned.

It takes at least six months to recover from this surgery (seriously, it sounds awful) but Steve Yzerman had the same thing done back in 2002 and was able to rejoin the Detroit Red Wings. He wasn’t as good as he used to be but he was able to play.

I’m hoping for the best since Van Ryn could still have some good years ahead of him in the game.

image: TSN

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Gustavsson Signs With Maple Leafs

Jeanne Dupuis — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:32:06 +0000

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke claims that his trip over to Sweden right before the free agent deadline was to talk to goaltender, Jonas Gustavsson, and not the Sedin twins. Since the NHL is investigating the team for tampering we might find out a little more but it’s pretty clear that he was able to persuade the Swedish netminder since he has decided to sign a one-year $810,000 (plus a $90,000 signing bonus) deal with the Leafs.

I’m interested in how this might affect Toronto’s stats next year since I’ve heard a lot of good thing about Gustavsson. I know that his nickname is “The Monster” and some have called him the best non-NHL goaltender and I can see why – last year while he played for Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League, he posted a 1.96 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. His team went on to win the league championship.

image: TSN

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Maple Leafs Get Offer For Kaberle

Jeanne Dupuis — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:31:27 +0000

TSN is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs are considering a significant offer that they have received for, Tomas Kaberle. The offer was a surprise but, in exchange for the defenceman, they would be willing to give the Leafs a player and a draft pick.

The Leafs also reveal that at least three other teams have expressed their interest to GM Brian Burke. I know the team was trying to wait until after July 1st but I think they would probably take a good deal if it was offered to them right now.

No details about which teams made offers/inquiries so it’s hard to really comment on whether it’s a good move for him. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for details.

image: TSN

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Kostopoulos Handed 3-Game Suspension

Jeanne Dupuis — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:45:19 +0000

After reviewing that nasty hit on Mike Van Ryn (Toronto Maple Leafs), the NHL has decided to suspend Montreal Canadiens forward, Tom Kostopoulos, for three games.

Van Ryn was left with multiple injuries after being knocked into the boards during a game on Saturday night.

Kostopoulos did release a statement: ”First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries suffered by Mike Van Ryn. ‘This is an unfortunate turn of events. I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I didn’t anticipate him turning and couldn’t stop. I was trying to finish my check and obviously it did not end up well. I never intend on injuring another player. I feel bad. I hope he is going to be all right and resume playing as quickly as possible.”

Kostopoulos will forfeit almost US$33,000 in salary and will miss the next three games (against Ottawa, Boston and Philadelphia) but Van Ryn will be out of action for a month.

image credit: TSN

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NHL to Take 2nd Look at Hit on Van Ryn

Jeanne Dupuis — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:03:48 +0000

The NHL will be reviewing Tom Kostopoulos’ (Montreal Canadiens) hit on Mike Van Ryn (Toronto Maple Leafs). Van Ryan has subsequently been sidelined for at least a month with a concussion, gash to the forehead, broken nose and a broken bone in his hand. Yeah, he basically got pretty jacked up.

Kostopoulos got a major penalty for boarding and was thrown out of the game.

"It was a dirty hit," Leafs forward Matt Stajan told reporters following the game. "It’s something that can’t happen in the game. Luckily, we made them pay."

Missed it or want to see it again? Watch it and you be the judge:

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