Leafs president and general manager declared his intention to trade up in the forthcoming June draft in an attempt to land London Knights scoring sensation John Tavares. “Once we figure out who’s got the top couple of picks, we’re going to go after them and see if we can move up,” said Burke prior to last night’s draft lottery – which was won by the New York Islanders. The Isles currently have the top overall pick while the Leafs are scheduled to draft seventh.
The Leafs inked propsects Robert Slaney and Viktor Stralman to three-year and two-year contracts, respectively. Slaney (age 20, Cape Breton – QMJHL) is listed at 6′ 2″ and 204 pounds. Stalberg (age 23, Vermont – Hockey East) checks in at 6′ 3″ and 210 pounds.
The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on four fronts today. The Rangers, Hurricanes, Flyers and Blues host their respective series. Vancouver vs. St. Louis features five ex-Leafs: Mats Sundin, Kyle Wellwood, Brad Boyes, Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Steen.
In AHL playoff action, the Toronto Marlies begin their quest for the Calder Cup as they open their conference quarter-final series at MTS Centre against the Manitoba Moose (8:30pm ET, Leafs TV).
Here are the headlines of stories relating to the Leafs and the Marlies in the news this morning:
Leafs News
- The Tavares declaration Toronto Sun
- Leaf target: John Tavares Toronto Star
- Burke planning to land Tavares National Post
- Burke prepared to deal for Tavares The Globe And Mail
- Young star ‘shocked’ at Leafs GM’s comment Toronto Sun
- Having a plan is one thing Toronto Sun
- Prying pick from Isles tough task for Burke Toronto Star
- Burke launches surgical strike on Leafs Toronto Star
- Leafs pursue hot Swedish goalie Toronto Star
- Leafs sign pair of forwards Toronto Star
- Burke aiming for the top National Post
- Tavares “Overwhelmed” By Burke’s Comments FAN 590
Marlies News
- Pogge, Tlusty have something to prove Toronto Star
- Marlies Weekly (PDF) TorontoMarlies.com
NHL and Hockey News
- In-creased pressure Toronto Sun
- 10 players to watch Toronto Sun
- NHL playoff preview: Round One Toronto Star
- NHL playoffs offer plenty of questions National Post
- Islanders win Tavares sweepstakes National Post
Eastern Conference Playoffs
- Boston Vs. Montreal preview MaxHockey.com
- Ryder has plenty to play for Toronto Sun
- Price’s playoff goal: Ignore distractions The Globe And Mail
- Washington Vs. NY Rangers preview MaxHockey.com
- Not the same old Rangers AP
- New Jersey Vs. Carolina preview MaxHockey.com
- Devils a question mark AP
- Pittsburgh Vs. Philadephia preview MaxHockey.com
- Flyers, Penguins renew nasty rivalry AP
Western Conference Playoffs
- San Jose Vs. Anaheim preview MaxHockey.com
- Detroit Vs. Columbus preview MaxHockey.com
- Veteran Jackets will not be tight CP
- Hossa driven by loss of Cup Windsor Star
- Vancouver Vs. St. Louis preview MaxHockey.com
- Confident Luongo saves best for last Vancouver Province
- Sundin to savour every playoff shift CP
- Chicago Vs. Calgary preview MaxHockey.com
- Jokinen brushes off personal milestone Calgary Herald
