Jason Blake looks forward to a fresh start

Jason Blake feels “great” and is looking forward to the season after nearly a year has passed since his cancer diagnosis. There are a number of updates this morning on exLeafs Wellwood, O’Neill, Berard and Pat Quinn.

Here are the headlines of stories relating to the Leafs and the Marlies in the news recently:

Leafs NHL News
Marlies & Leafs Prospects News
ExLeafs & Leafs Media News
NHL News & Rumours

Stajan, Joseph among Right To Play supporters

Maple Leafs Matt Stajan and Curtis Joseph will be among a list of 30 celebrities that will participate in the inaugural Festival Cup charity hockey game to be played at Air Canada Centre on September 5. All proceeds raised from the event will go to support the international humanitarian organization Right To Play.

Other skaters will include NHL players Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza and Andrew Ference as well as Hollywood celebrities Alan Thicke and Tim Robbins. Newly appointed Marlies assistant coach Doug Gilmour as well as future Hall-of-Famer Luc Robitaille have been named as team captains.

Tickets for the event are now available through TicketMaster.

Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

Links: TSN.ca | Right To Play website

This Day in Leafs History: John Pohl acquired

On August 24, 2005 the Maple Leafs acquired centre John Pohl from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations.

Pohl spent the majority of his first season in the Toronto organization with the Marlies of the AHL, posting 75 points in 60 games. Altogether the Rochester, Minnesota native played 114 games in a Leafs uniform between 2006 and 2008, collecting 17 goals and 38 points along the way.

On May 27, 2008 Pohl signed with HC Lugano of the Swiss League.

Swedish Report: Leafs sign minor league defenceman

According to the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, the Leafs have signed Josef Boumedienne to a one-year, two-way contract.

Boumedienne, 30, was originally a draft pick of the New Jersey Devils in 1996.

The Swedish-born defenceman registered 42 points in 52 games last season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL, the affiliate of the Washington Capitals.

Links: Aftonbladet | Boumedinne’s stats on HockeyDB.com

Matt Stajan and Alex Steen Comment on the Roster

Matt Stajan and Alex Steen comment on the roster changes. Jeff Finger talks about his first impressions as a Leaf. Joe Nieuwendyk speaks of the importance of lacrosse in his career. Doug Gilmour talks about his ambitions in coaching.

Here are the headlines of stories relating to the Leafs and the Marlies in the news this morning:

Leafs NHL News
Marlies & Leafs Prospects News
NHL News & Rumours

Mark Bell humbled doing his “time”

Mark Bell completed his jail time for his impaired driving offence. Discussion of rumours about Bryan McCabe being traded to Florida persist. Paul Holmgren comments on the Flyers interest in Mats Sundin.

Here are the headlines of stories relating to the Leafs and the Marlies in the news this morning:

Leafs NHL News
Marlies & Leafs Prospects News
ExLeafs & Leafs Media News
NHL News & Rumours