Two Days to Camp

Over two months without so much as a post - it's like Brian Bradley took over or something (I couldn't remember my blogger password when I went to log-in this evening...)

The 2007-08 Leafs training camp opens in just two more days and yet it seems oddly silent in Leafs Nation...with so few roster spots open and no cap room to play with, it seems like this year's roster has been set for some time. Yet, I read somewhere the Leafs expect to have 50+ players in camp. If/when the Blue and White get off to a slow start this season, look for pundits and columnists everywhere to question why so many players were in camp with so few spots up for grab (wasn't this the story-line post lockout when the Sens had a stripped down camp and came out flying, or did I just make that up?)

Speaking of making stuff up, the rules of grammar and solid editing still don't apply to Ms. DiManno at the Star. Rosie remains in desperate need of an editor (or she thinks she's some sort of hockey poet). Yeah, I know this comes from a guy who's good for a typo/ screwed up clause every 100 words or so...but seriously, Rosie - at least read your copy before you hit send.

Speaking of reading your copy before you hit send, JFJ's latest blog entry admits that last year was just about making the playoffs (oops) while this year is about competing for the cup (WTF?).

The good news is: if JFJ comes through on this year's plan the same way he's delivered every year since taking over the role of GM...oh, wait a minute, that's not right....um, ok, so the Leafs will likely make the playoffs this year (yay!) and then fall short of actually competing (boo!). Hell, even Eugene Melnyk would like the Leafs to be more competitive this year. (I'd like to welcome Eugene to Leafs Nation and may I suggest that if Melnyk really wants the Leafs - Sens rivalry to be more competitive, he should immediately offer JFJ a senior role with the Sens organization.)

And finally, the biggest issue heading into camp isn't Mark Bell's rapidly developing shiv-making skills, but the new Leafs jersey. MLSE/ NHL unveil the new look swater on Wednesday, September 12 at 3 PM. Mike Ulmer has a nice look at how the uniform has evolved, complete with some pretty sweet jerseys from the past...I'm looking forward to seeing the new Leaf jersey, it certainly can't be any worse than Vancouver's (can it?).