Credit Where Credit Is Due...

I must tip my cap to Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. The boisterous Burke declared his man-crush on John Tavares claiming he was planning to move up to the #1 spot to claim the London Knight phenom as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. That wish didn't come to fruition as Toronto wasn't willing to part with Luke Schenn in exchange for the coveted #1 pick, and John Tavares is now an Islander. Burkie then stated his focus was on the Sedin twins, (flirting with the NHL's tampering laws) and even flew to Sweden on the first day of free agent eligibility in hopes to ink them to big contracts. Despite this bold move, the twins re-signed in Vancouver just hours before, and once again Toronto was left empty handed. In a last ditch effort to salvage an international flight, Brian Burke headed over to see Jonas "the Monster" Gustavsson.

The Monster is billed as "the best goaltender NOT in the NHL" and many general managers have shown interest. Gustavsson had narrowed his list of potential employers down to 4 (Dallas, Toronto, San Jose, and Colorado) before July 1st, reports out of Sweden say he's cut that list in half and the 2 horse race is between the Stars and Maple Leafs. Now if you're a goaltender who is looking to play for a team competing for the Stanley Cup, of those 2, Dallas has to be your first choice. If you are looking for a place where you'll get more playing time, you'd be leaning towards Toronto. If you like the warmer climate, you're heading to Texas. If you want one of the best hockey markets in the NHL, you're going to Ontario. Both Cities have their pros & cons, both teams have sent their Swedish players to wine and dine the young man and give a subtle sales pitch. So what can Brian Burke do to tip the scales in his favour?? The latest news on the FAN 590 today was that Toronto is now also interested in signing Gustavsson's teammate and Farjestad captain Rickard Wallin.

Wallin is described as a solid 2-way player and was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes back in 1998. Without playing a game for Phoenix, Rickard was traded to the Minnasota Wild in 2000 for Joe Juneau. Wallin played 19 NHL games with the Wild, and recorded 6 goals and 4 assists before opting to return to Sweden in 2005. If Toronto can sign Wallin soon, their chances of winning the Gustavsson sweepstakes will dramatically improve.

You have to hand it to Brian Burke, he's not afraid to gamble. Lets just hope this one pays off.