I was utterly baffled at the optimism that met the news of Stephane Robidas' signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. That is, people weren't totally trashing the deal. Yes, he's been a useful NHL defenceman, and yes, his possession numbers have looked pretty darn good, but for crying out loud people, he's THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD AND BROKE HIS LEG TWICE LAST SEASON. HE BROKE BOTH HIS FIBULA AND HIS TIBIA IN ONE YEAR (link is ewwy, not for the faint of heart). AND THE LEAFS HAVE SIGNED HIM TO A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR DEAL UNTIL HE'S 40! AND HE WON'T BE READY FOR TRAINING CAMP!

From the article:

Le défenseur espère tout de même être en mesure de prendre part aux deux derniers matchs préparatoires des Leafs.

Translation:

The defenceman still hopes to be in good enough shape to take part in the two final pre-season games for the Leafs.

OK, yes, he'll still get some form of a pre-season in, but honestly, why would you sign an ancient defender to a multi-year deal with gigantic injury problems and huge question marks surrounding his ability to come back WITHOUT GETTING MEDICAL ASSURANCE THAT HE WAS FIT TO PLAY, FIRST!? I FEEL LIKE I INVENTED THE PIANO-KEY NECKTIE AND THEN STARTED TAKING CRAZY PILLS. He had NO LEVERAGE. HE LITERALLY THOUGHT HIS CAREER WAS OVER.

Yeah, I was pretty sure not a single sane person would offer me even a penny, but then the Leafs' front office just walked into my house carrying bags and bags of money. Dave Nonis had that confused look in his eye, like when I found my grandpa at the bus station, so I figured he'd be a good guy to be my new boss, and so I signed in Toronto. They have a good team, right? I'm sure I'll play a sheltered role.

(two thumbs up)

- Stephane Robidas, probably

Here are some Leafs-related links:

If It Walks Like A Duck…
Hope In The Big Smoke believes that Carlyle's 2014-15 team is going to be run very similarly to its predecessor.

Dave Nonis on TSN Radio
I mean… it wasn't ALL bad. Link from MLHS.

Down Goes Brown: Things overheard at the Maple Leafs statue unveiling
As usual, you'll laugh and then put your head in your hands.

New Toronto NHL team facing $1.2 billion expansion fee?
I really hope the Leafs win another Cup before a new team gets dropped into the GTA, but it's looking less and less likely. Story from Wyshynski at PD.

…and here are some other hockey links:

Sidney Crosby happy he rested wrist rather than have surgery
For his sake, I hope for the best. Story from CP at CBC.

Daniel Alfredsson getting encouragement to return to Wings
The team is waiting until mid-September to see how the old man is feeling. Story from the AP at CBC.

Stephane Quintal named new NHL Department of Player Safety boss
I hope he continues to do those Shanaban videos. Story from Wyshynski at PD.

From The Branches