Leafs Locker Cleanout Day

Many of the Leafs were packing up their stuff and heading for the trading block the World Hockey Championships Aruba. As is tradition, they had an endless series of microphones jammed in their faced and were asked questions that were predominantly answered in cliches. Some of the players comments were more interesting than others and we’ve got those for you right here in one convenient location.

Nothing too surprising about Bernier’s comment, but really confirms that everyone expects to be traded or to be meeting a bunch of new teammates next season.

This is really builds on what Bernier was saying, but much more colourfully.

This is interesting since there was some belief that injury was playing a part in his dropped production. Of course, that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t banged up, but he’s not going for surgery, which is nice.

While Phaneuf, Bernier, and Kessel have already stated they will not be going to the Worlds. Rielly is the most likely going, Komarov is on a plane tomorrow, and van Riemsdyk is still coming up with an excuse to duck out.

Again this isn’t earth shattering news, but it’s certainly not the cliched “I love playing in Toronto” response. Since Polak has good value and doesn’t seem thrilled about sticking around I’m guessing he’ll be gone this summer.

David Booth dropping the biggest IF of the day.

This might be the most surprising response. There were a ton of “I want to be back” responses from Lupul, Kessel, Bozak, etc., but nothing this definitive. This may also not be what most Leafs fans want to hear as he’s 30 years old and cost $7M a season. Expectations aren’t reality, but it’s interesting that he was so confident in his response.

Here’s Casey Bailey on his early experience with the Leafs…

Looks like he’s well aware that he’s got a lot to do before he can be a regular in the NHL.

This makes me sad.

So far that’s today’s story out of Leafs Land. This is purely an appetizer before Shanahan’s press conference, so keep on hitting refresh on TLN’s front page waiting for that recap to appear soon.