This week on AFITC, has the first half magic run out for the Maple Leafs? Three games this past week: two more rather discouraging lossesâand one win over the Ottawa Senators. We get you caught up on the action to kick off the Redline Report. Later, Brian Burke pulled the trigger on his first move, weâll tell you who the Maple Leafs acquired and who they sent to the Marlies to make room on the roster. The Revolving Door follows with updates on Mike Van Ryn, Matt Stajan and Jeremy Williams. Quick Hits concludes the first segment with a look at news on Leaf prospect Chris DiDomenico, Marian Gaborik, the Ottawa Senators and Mats Sundin. In On The Bubble, we feature an infusion of Listener Email from Andre, Nathan, Colin, Jay, Will and Aaron along with the Junior Hockey Report with news on the St. Michaelâs Buzzersâ last two games and Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at what the last stretch of games beginning with that ugly loss to the Dallas Stars before Christmas represents for the Maple Leafs. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Itâs the New Yearâs Edition of AFTIC. Episode 4.16 on the way to you today with news on three Maple Leaf games from the past week: losses to the Islanders and Capitals and a win against the Thrashers. The Revolving Door updates you on a plethora of injured Leafs including a bizarre one for leading scorer Matt Stajan. Now that Mats Sundin is officially off the market, we weigh in on whether itâs time for the Maple Leafs to pick a captain as we wrap the Leaf Note portion of the Redline Report. Quick Hits features news on Paul Kariya, the aforementioned Mats Sundin and World Junior Team Canada netminder Dustin Tokarski. On The Bubble brings you Listener Email, the Junior Hockey Report with news on the Central Division Showcase and the progress of Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. We wrap On The Bubble with the return of the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week. For more information on the Central Division Showcase including articles, reports, highlights and interviews, check out the official website of the Central Division. Finally in rigamarole we lay out some New Yearâs Resolutions for the Toronto Maple Leafs. To be sure, 2008 was not the best year for the Maple Leafs, will 2009 be any better? Find out coming right ahead in the next 365 days! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Ahead on the Christmas Edition of A Foot In The Crease, we take you through the last week of Maple Leaf action: two downright impressive games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Thrashers bookended by two atrocious outings against the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars. As well we update you on the statuses of injured Maple Leafs including Mike Van Ryn, Luke Schenn, Jamal Mayers and Vesa Toskala in the Revolving Door. Mats Sundin finally rendered a decision. We weigh in on his decision to return to the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks to conclude the Redline Report. Listener Email, the Junior Hockey Report which includes news on the St. Michaelâs Buzzers and the CJHL vs OHA Central Division âBattle of Ontarioâ tournament along with a fireside chat with Brampton Battalion defenseman Kyle Pereira follow in On The Bubble. In rigamarole, we hand out glasses of holiday cheer and lumps of coal to the best and worst from the first portion of the Maple Leafs schedule. Big thanks to Kyle Pereira of the Brampton Battalion for joining us for an interview (fireside chat) on todayâs edition of the program! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Ahead on Episode 4.14 of AFITC, the Maple Leafs were cruising this past week, picking up a pair of victories over the Sabres and Devils to stretch their winning streak to three games. All of a sudden they are playing too well again according to some members of Leaf Nation. The Revolving Door brings you some progress a number of injured Leafs including Schenn, Hagman, Frogren and Mayers. Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on a further injury to Joe Sakic and the conclusion of the Sean Avery saga in Dallas. In On The Bubble we feature more Listener Email from Simon, Stuart and Aaron; the Junior Hockey Report with a look back at two St. Michaelâs Buzzers games from the past week; a Troubling Fact of the Week pertaining to Peter Forsberg and an interview with the Pittsburgh Penguinsâ Director of Player Development, Tom Fitzgerald. Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why Jeremy Williams has never been able to stick with the Maple Leafs and why this time around, he may have a better to do so. All that and more ahead this week on A Foot In The Crease. Big thanks to Tom Fitzgerald for joining us this week on the program! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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After a solid start to a three game western road trip in Los Angeles last Monday, the trip went downhill from there with two disappointing losses to San Jose and Phoenix. Weâll cover those games as well as the two the Maple Leafs played since returning home to kick off the Redline Report. In the Revolving Door, we tell you about two more Maple Leafs to go down with injuries and update you on the statuses of Jamal Mayers, Mike Van Ryn and Jonas Frogren. News on two front office changes concludes the Leafs Notes portion of the show. In Quick Hits, we focus on news pertaining to Joe Sakic, Daniel Briere, Paul Maurice and Wade Belak. On The Bubble brings you Listener Email from David, Andre and Alan along with the Junior Hockey Report and a delicious, albeit Troubling Fact of the Week. Now that itâs clear the Maple Leafs wonât be a team competing for the playoffs once again this year, rigamarole wraps the show with a look at who is likely to be the first Maple Leaf traded. Weâll try not to say anything stupid during the show; weâll leave that to Sean Avery. For the complete roster for the 2009 Team Canada World Junior Selection Camp, click here. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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And stop the clock. Some eleven months after John Ferguson Jr. was relieved of his duties as General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the worst kept secret in hockey became a reality last week as Brian Burke was officially introduced as the new President and General Manager. What does this mean for the Maple Leafs? Weâre all over it in the Redline Report after we take a look back at four games from the past week against Atlanta, Ottawa, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Spinning you through the Revolving Door, we update the Maple Leafsâ injury situation and conclude the Redline Report with a Quick Hit featuring former Maple Leaf Wade Belak. On The Bubble brings you Listener Email as always along with the Junior Hockey Report. At the end of the segment we welcome back to our program the host of Off The Record on TSN, Michael Landsberg to discuss the hiring of Brian Burke, the first quarter of the Maple Leafs season and much more. Finally to wrap the show, rigamarole looks at the play of Curtis Joseph thus far this season and explains why it is time for him to call it a career. Big thanks to Michael Landsberg for joining us on the program this week! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Today on Episode 4.11 of AFITC, the Maple Leafs were not busy on the ice this past week playing only one game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Most of the action came in the front office when Cliff Fletcher sent a pair of former first round picks (Alex Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo) to St. Louis in exchange for a former All-American College player (Lee Stempniak). Weâll tell you who was involved and who got the better end of this deal. Also in the front office, as Fletcher continues to wheel and deal, heâs also preparing to step aside for Brian Burke. How close is the deal to being done? Weâll have those answers too coming up in the Redline Report. To wrap the Redline Report, we take you through the Revolving Door with updates on a pair of injured Leafs and focus on news regarding Brendan Morrow of the Dallas Stars and the injury situation of Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo in Quick Hits. On the Bubble brings you a healthy crop of solid Listener Emails from Simon, David, Andre, Alan, Aaron followed by the Junior Hockey Report and a Troubling Fact of the Week. Not surprisingly, rigamarole wraps the show with a controversial look at the decision to raise Wendel Clarkâs number 17 to the rafters at Air Canada Centre. We donât think he should be up there and weâll explain why in rigamarole. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Ahead on Episode 4.10 of AFITC, the Maple Leafs struggled through a difficult week, winning only once in four games. Weâll cover the week of action, examining the highpoints and the low points from their trip to Western Canada and their return home Monday against Boston along with spinning you through the Revolving Door to kick off the Redline Report. Brian Burke steps down as GM in Anaheim. How soon will he be in Toronto or is it still even the right move for the Maple Leafs? Weâll examine the possibilities coming up in Quick Hits. News on Ducksâ defenseman Francois Beauchemin, a coaching change in Tampa Bay and the departure of Doug Gilmour from the Toronto Marlies follow to conclude Quick Hits. In On The Bubble, we feature a Listener Email followed by the Junior Hockey Report with an exciting announcement and an appearance from six of the Team Canada East bronze medalists from the World Jr. A Challenge. Greg Miller, Reilly Smith, Nick DâAgostino, Jeremy Franklin, Marty OâGrady and David Pratt discuss their experiences representing Canada on the international stage and a whole lot more. Check out the official Central Division Hockey website for more information. Finally rigamarole wraps the program with a look at the most concerning aspect of the Maple Leafs play through the first six week of the regular season. Stick around, all that and more coming your way on Episode 4.10 of AFITC. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Today on Episode 4.9 of AFITC â the Remembrance Day Edition â one win, one loss and one overtime loss keeping the Maple Leafs very much in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. The Revolving Door spins again for the first time in three weeks including two injuries: one a minor injury and the second a far more serious one. Weâll tell you whoâs out and for how long coming up in the Redline Report. In Quick Hits, we discuss a long term injury to Martin Brodeur and the resurgence of Kyle Wellwood. An ambitious portion of On The Bubble brings you Listener Email, the Junior Hockey Report with news on the St. Michaelâs Buzzers last week of action and the results of the World Jr. A Challenge and a Collegiate Hockey Award to a friend of the podcast. Be sure to check out the official Central Division Hockey website for game reports, high definition video highlights and much more! The segment concludes with another Troubling Fact of the Week. If there was ever a player whose apology we buy for injuring another player, itâs Tom Kostopolous and we'll tell you why in rigamarole. While we sit back and talk hockey for an hour, letâs remember why we have this privilege along with so many others in this great country of Canada. Without our courageous veterans and those currently serving our country, our way of life founded on freedom and democracy would not be possible and for that we salute you all!Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Episode 4.8 of AFITC comes to you today after a week of Maple Leafs action that featured four relatively impressive games. Two wins, two losses but it was how the Maple Leafs played that left many pleased with the continued improvement this team seems to show. We will talk extensively about the four games against the Lightning, Devils, Rangers and Hurricanes and then jump into Quick Hits where we will feature news on the trade deadline, Ken Klee and Daniel Alfredsson. In On The Bubble, Listener Email comes your way from Andre, Alan and Aaron followed by the Junior Hockey Report where we will look back at the last week of St. Michaelâs Buzzers action and fill you in on the progress of Ottawa Senators prospect Louie Caporusso with the University of Michigan Wolverines and then wrap up the segment with another Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at some of the qualities this yearâs edition of the Maple Leafs possess that previous editions of the team have not. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Episode 4.7 of AFITC on the way today after a very successful week of Maple Leaf action that saw them pick up five of a possible six points, leaving some to say they are playing too well? We cover the games against Anaheim, Boston and Ottawa to kick off the Redline Report and then jump into Quick Hits featuring Luke Schenn, Carlo Colaiacovo, Fabian Brunnstrom and the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championship. In On The Bubble, we feature three great listener emails, the Junior Hockey Report including news on the 2008 World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta and a Troubling Fact of the Week with a political twist. Finally in rigamarole, we explain why the Maple Leafs are playing too well, at least in the opinion of some. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Well weâre past the first week of games and after a parade-planning worthy victory (to some at least) over the Detroit Red Wings on opening night, the Maple Leafsâ season is beginning to pan out in the way most people predicted: not so great. Weâll cover two losses this week at the hands of the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins to kick off the Redline Report, followed by just one spin through the Revolving Door and news on the punishment handed out to Ryan Hollweg for yet another board major penalty on Thanksgiving Monday against St. Louis. In Quick Hits, we discuss Steve Yzermanâs appointment as Executive Director for Team Canada at the 2010 Olympics, news on Kyle Wellwood and Mike Peca and tell you which Head Coach was the first to get the axe this season. On The Bubble features Listener Email from Mitch and Aaron, the Junior Hockey Report and a Troubling Fact of the Week. To conclude the show, rigamarole looks at the strong starts of the Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues and how that could bode well for the Maple Leafs in years to come. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Apologies for the delayed posting. Some technical errors/mistakes held the posting up until today. This show was recorded yesterday, Tuesday October 14th. With the first week of Maple Leaf regular season action complete, we got a taste of the best, the worst and the somewhere in between. Not a dominant start, but certainly there were some things to be optimistic about. Weâll cover in depth the three games against Detroit, Montreal and St. Louis to kick off the Redline Report along with taking a spin through the Revolving Door, looking at the Leafs injury situation. In Quick Hits, we share news on Daniel Alfredsson, Jack Johnson (the defenseman not the musician), Bryan McCabe and tragic news out of Russia. On The Bubble features Listener Email from Andre, Alan and Aaron, another installment of the Junior Hockey Report, and a Troubling Fact of the Week. In rigamarole, we look at the disappointing start from newly acquired agitator Ryan Hollweg. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Not a great week of preseason action for the Maple Leafs: only one win in four games but hey, itâs all about development right? We will tell you if there was any of development noticeable as we cover the four games on the docket, as well as update you on a multitude of injuries in the yearâs first edition of the Revolving Door. Concluding the Redline Report, we discuss the start of the NHL regular season in Europe, the ludicrous notion of Roberto Luongo as Canucksâ Captain, problems on the Penguinsâ blueline, the status of the netminding in Chicago, the comeback attempt of Jeff OâNeill, another trade from Anaheim and an injury to Chris Chelios. On The Bubble features Listener Email this week from Stuart, Andre and Aaron, a look back at the St. Michaelâs Buzzers last week of action in the Junior Hockey Report, and a Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole wraps the program with a look at how trading their first round draft pick in 2009 could have been a good thing for the Maple Leafs last week. Be sure to check out a video report of the Buzzers vs Spirit game Friday October 3rd on the Hightlight Video page at www.centraldivisionhockey.com. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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The Maple Leafs kicked off a busy week of preseason action with four games: two each against the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins. Weâll take you through all the action of those four contests as well as some of the stories that have developed as Maple Leafsâ camp wears on. To conclude the Redline Report, Quick Hits discusses a rather amicable separation between the Anaheim Ducks and Mathieu Schneider, a new job for John Muckler, and why golf has now likely been added to a list of extreme sports that NHL clubs would rather their players not participate in. On The Bubble brings you more Listener Email, this weekâs Junior Hockey Report in which we examine the St. Michaelâs Buzzers inability to close the deal after good starts in two games this past week and an appearance from the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week. Finally, in rigamarole, after hearing numerous seats went unused at the Coca Cola Fans First Game, we take a shot at those who let their tickets go to waste. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out the brand new, spectacular website for OHA Central Division hockey.

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At long last, we hit the eve of the return of NHL action as training camps across the league are officially underway with Maple Leaf preseason competition set to begin on Monday. Leaf Notes in the Redline Report bring you the news from the first weekend of workouts at Leaf camp including thoughts from Ron Wilson, Luke Schennâs chances of cracking the roster, the battle for spots on defense and a Wellwood who was invited to training camp. In Quick Hits, we feature news on the participation of NHL players at international tournaments in future years, Mathieu Schneiderâs status with the Anaheim Ducks, new contracts with the Sabres for Jason Pominville and General Manager Darcy Regier and the return of JFJ to the NHL. On The Bubble is jam packed this week with the Junior Hockey Report that includes live coverage from the Governorsâ Showcase Weekend in the OPJHL, Listener Email, and a Troubling Fact of the Week. With still no sign of Mats Sundin, in rigmarole, we examine who the logical choice to become the next captain of the Maple Leafs. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out the brand new, spectacular website for the Central Division in the OPJHL.

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Nine weeks off and in that time, much has transpired in the world of hockey. Weâll kick off the show with the conclusion to the Bryan McCabe saga as well as the latest on Mats Sundin. Also in the Redline Report, we will touch on a depth signing on defense for the Maple Leafs, new honours for Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour, Cliff Fletcherâs season outlook and new additions to the coaching staff. Quick Hits brings you the biggest news from around the league: this week featuring Eric Staal resigning with the Hurricanes, and Joe Sakic and Chris Chelios deciding to continue their NHL careers. In On The Bubble, we feature the first installment of the Junior Hockey Report discussing the new Central Division within the OPJHL and the return of the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole wraps up the inaugural episode of Season 4 explaining why despite all the doom and gloom, there is still much to be interested in about the Maple Leafs this season. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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At long last, the highly anticipated, glitz and glamour, red-carpet conclusion to Season Three of AFITC is upon you with the second of its kind, âYear End Awards Special.â Throughout the show, we take a look back at the year that was on the program while handing out awards in the following categories: Email Of The Year, Emailer Of The Year, Moonlighter Of The Year, Irreverent Moment Of The Year, Whipping Boy Of The Year, AFITC Leaf Player Of The Year, Rigamarole Of The Year, Guest Of The Year and Songs Of The Year. Congratulations to all of the award winners (no doubt the crowning jewel in their particular careers) and thanks to all of our listeners who took the time to cast their votes in a variety of categories over the last few months. As mentioned at the end of the program, Season Four of AFITC will begin on September 14th, 2008, a week later than normal as NHL training camps open a week later than usual as well. Again thanks to all of our listeners for their support this season in helping us make Season Three the best yet! So from us to you, a summertime treat, enjoy the Year End Awards Special for Season Three of AFITC! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Feel free to continue sending listener email along throughout the summer to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. We will respond to each one we get and feature as many as possible on Episode 4.1 of AFITC to be released during the second week of September.

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After forty four straight weeks, Episode 3.44 brings to a close Season Three of AFITC. Before we pack it in for the summer though, this weekâs program is jam packed with all of the player movement including trades and signings that have taken place in the last week. The Maple Leafs were busy signing a trio of players â Jeff Finger, Niklas Hagman, Curtis Joseph - and trading for another â Mikhail Grabovski. Weâll tell you whether these were good deals and what roles these players will take on come next season to kick off the Redline Report. After a year of holding his tongue, Oilers GM Kevin Lowe finally let his opinions of Brian Burke be known. Weâll tell you exactly what he said as we begin Quick Hits, followed by news on all the notable trades and signings of the past week. On The Bubble, as always, features Listener Email, and the Gong Bangerâs final appearance of the season in the Troubling Fact of the Week. To conclude the segment, the host of Off The Record on TSN, Michael Landsberg joins us as we get his take on the Maple Leafs moves, Mats Sundinâs future, salary inflation and much more. Finally, rigamarole wraps the show by explaining why it really is not all about the money for Mats Sundin. The second edition of the AFITC Year End Awards will be released in early August. As a result, the polls will remain open accepting votes in the following categories until the end of July: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year! Check back on our site early in August for the awards show! As we reach the end of our third season there are numerous people that we must thank for their contributions and support of our show. First of all, each of our guests who have taken time over the past year for our show has helped immensely in furthering its credibility. Thanks go out most sincerely to Dr. Pat Graham, Damien Cox, Shredder, Russell and StooLi from Sens Underground, two-time guest Paul Hendrick, four-time guest James Duthie, John Iaboni, four-time guest Michael Landsberg, Corey Landsberg, Louie Caporusso, Wade Belak, John Scrymgeour, three-time guest Bob McKenzie, three-time guest Andy Frost, three-time guest Jennifer Hedger, Nick DâAgostino, Brandon Burlon, Justin Hodgman, two-time guest Matt Stajan, and Matt Marquardt, all of whom appeared this season on AFITC. Secondly, thanks to everyone who took the time to correspond with us throughout the season on the program. Whether it is a comment about the show, an opinion on a team, player, coach, or manager or just somebody wanting to talk hockey, hearing from our listeners is what makes doing the show worthwhile for us! Thanks to all of you! Finally, we cannot express enough how fortunate our show has been to have such incredible support through each of its three years of existence and especially this season as the new levels of listener interest it has received has been staggering. We do not say this often enough but today we will: without each and every one of our listeners, there would be no show! The show is for you and we could not appreciate your support more than we do! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Feel free to continue sending listener email along throughout the summer to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. We will respond to each one we get and feature as many as possible on Episode 4.1 of AFITC to be released during the second week of September.

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Ahead on Episode 3.43, the penultimate edition for Season Three of AFITC, we bring you up to date on a variety of Maple Leaf roster moves made in advance of the kick off to free agency on July 1st. GM Cliff Fletcher continues to live up to what he said back in January about significant changes before next season. We will tell you who is gone and who can still expect to call themselves a Maple Leaf come September. Quick Hits features lots of news regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning, news from Anaheim including Scott Niedermayerâs decision for next year and a departure from the Ducks, a new contract for Jeff Carter, a trio of signings in Calgary and San Jose, a pair in Colorado and two departures from Ottawa. On The Bubble features Listener Email and the return of the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole concludes the show by cautioning the Maple Leafs as to why it would be a good idea to tread carefully once the free agency market opens for business. As we approach the end of Season Three of the show with the final episode to be released on July 6th, we would like to get your input for the AFITC Year End Awards in the following categories: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year! Refer to the âGuest Listâ to the right of this page for links to each program on which a guest appeared and to www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for written transcripts of each edition of rigamarole. Send your votes along for each category to afootinthecrease@gmail.com and we will announce the winners near the end of our season. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Ahead on Episode 3.42 of AFITC, we bring you all the news from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and boy was there ever a lot to discuss including the Maple Leafs making a splash by moving up to 5th overall. Weâll tell you who is now property of the Maple Leafs, touch on another Leafs trade â the acquisition of Jamal Mayers, the status of Mats Sundin and the hiring of Al Coates as Director of Player Personnel. Later in the Redline Report, Quick Hits brings you news on major trades involving Alex Tanguay, Olli Jokinen and Mike Cammalleri to go down at the Entry Draft, two signings in Nashville and one from Ottawa, who will guide the Thrashers behind the bench next season, and where the much sought after Dave Nonis is headed. On The Bubble kicks off with Listener Email from Stuart, Mark, Will, Alan and Aaron and concludes with this weekâs guest. Boston Bruinsâ prospect Matt Marquardt joins us to discuss his path to the NHL, his last year of junior hockey with the Moncton Wildcats and the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL and much more. Rigamarole concludes the show by explaining why this year is the year of the defenseman in the NHL. As we approach the end of Season Three of the show with the final episode to be released on July 6th, we would like to get your input for the AFITC Year End Awards in the following categories: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year! Refer to the âGuest Listâ to the right of this page for links to each program on which a guest appeared and to www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for written transcripts of each edition of rigamarole. Send your votes along for each category to afootinthecrease@gmail.com and we will announce the winners near the end of our season. Congratulations go out to Brandon Burlon and Nick DâAgostino, both of whom were selected at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Burlon, who appeared on Episode 3.38 of AFITC, was taken 53rd overall by the New Jersey Devils and DâAgostino, who joined us on Episode 3.37 of the program, was selected 210th overall by the Stanley Cup finalist Pittsburgh Penguins. All of us at AFITC wish to congratulate them on these outstanding accomplishments! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Episode 3.41 of AFITC comes to you after a busy week in the NHL as teams begin the retooling process for next season. Starting off in Leaf Land, a new head coach was announced in advance of more front office moves planned by now permanent GM Cliff Fletcher. Also we bring back the Revolving Door to highlight a legacy member who is, once again, back in this dubious injury club. Later in the Redline Report, we discuss the NHL award winners and who took home the hardware from the Awards Gala last Thursday. Quick Hits features news on the retirement of three more prominent veterans, contract signings by the Habs and Hurricanes, a coachâs contract extension, new head coaches for the Sharks, Panthers and Senators, a new head coaching vacancy, an update on the injury status of Tomas Holmstrom and a new home for âThe Hockey Theme.â On The Bubble brings you listener email and an appearance by the host of the NHL on TSN, James Duthie! Finally rigamarole looks at which player is becoming the most marketable asset for the NHL during a time of positive transition and interest growth in the United States. Special thanks to James Duthie for joining us on todayâs show! Always such a pleasure to talk to, James, as usual, was a great guest on the program! As we approach the end of Season Three of the show with the final episode to be released on July 6th, we would like to get your input for the AFITC Year End Awards in the following categories: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year! Refer to the âGuest Listâ to the right of this page for links to each program on which a guest appeared and to www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for written transcripts of each edition of rigamarole. Send your votes along for each category to afootinthecrease@gmail.com and we will announce the winners near the end of our season. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Episode 3.40 of the program brings you all the news from the final week of action in the NHL. We wrap up games five and six of the Stanley Cup Final, tell you how Detroit won and what Pittsburgh needed to do differently. Beginning the Redline Report though, we start with news of who the next Maple Leaf Head Coach is likely to be as well as touching on a depth signing from the Finnish Elite League. Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on a couple of retirements, a signing in Carolina, a coach getting the axe, and a minor trade. Also during this segment, all those rumors about Brian Burke becoming the GM of a new team were true. Weâll tell you which team it is and also touch on the fate of Canadaâs second national anthem: the Hockey Night In Canada theme song. On the Bubble features more listener email, a Troubling Fact of the Week and this weekâs guest. We are pleased to welcome #14 Matt Stajan of the Toronto Maple Leafs back to the program as he makes his return to AFITC during On The Bubble. Rigamarole, as always, will wrap up this weekâs proceedings with a look at how a team, but perhaps not the one you may think of, from this yearâs Stanley Cup Finals could be champions for years to come. Big thanks to Matt Stajan for taking time for us this past week to make his second appearance on AFITC. What a treat to get him on the program! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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The Detroit Red Wings took a big step this past week toward securing their eleventh Stanley Cup by building a three games to one series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. We will tell you how they did it and what Pittsburgh did not do well enough in our Stanley Cup Report. To kick start the Redline Report though, lots of Leaf News to discuss including a meeting between Cliff Fletcher and Mats Sundin, Fletcherâs status as GM heading forward, decisions on free agents and interest in former Leaf head coach Paul Maurice. Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with the terrible news of the loss of Canucks prospect Luc Bourdon. Also in the segment, we touch on a trade involving the Bruins and Blue Jackets, a new contract for Starsâ defenseman Trevor Daley, and a front office hiring by the St. Louis Blues. On The Bubble features, as always, listener email. To conclude the segment, we welcome this weekâs guest, #88 Justin Hodgman from the IHLâs Fort Wayne Komets, to the program. Finally, rigamarole wraps the show with a look at how Mats Sundinâs legacy in Toronto will depend entirely on the next major decision he makes: what to do about next season. Special thanks to Justin Hodgman for joining us this week on Episode 3.39 of AFITC! Check out Justinâs IHL championship winning goal in triple overtime. Next week on Episode 3.40, #14 Matt Stajan of the Toronto Maple Leafs joins us. Be sure to listen to next weekâs program! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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At long last, the Stanley Cup Final is underway and of course we are all over it here on Episode 3.38 of AFITC. Will Detroitâs experience be too much for the Penguins to handle? Will Pittsburgh be able to learn the ropes in the Finals quick enough to get back on track? We answer all those questions and more coming up in the Redline Report. Before that though, we start the show with news on John Pohl and the Toronto Marlies playoff run in the Leaf Notes portion of the show. Quick Hits concludes the Redline Report with news on Jeremy Roenick, Alain Vigneault, Tony Granato, the coaching and GM situation in Dallas and this yearâs deadline for Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne. On The Bubble brings you more listener email, a Troubling Fact of the Week, and at the end of the segment, we welcome this weekâs guest to the program. Joining us this week is St. Michaelâs Buzzers defenseman #6 Brandon Burlon. Brandon is ranked 41st among North American skaters for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft and we will talk to him about what got him to this position, what he expects heading toward the draft and look ahead to next year when he will skate with the University of Michigan Wolverines. And finally, rigamarole tells you which team the Pittsburgh Penguins resembled in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. Thanks go out to Brandon Burlon for joining us on AFITC this past week! We wish him all the best as he goes into the NHL Entry Draft at the end of June. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Photo courtesy of St. Michael's Buzzers

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The march of the Penguins has led Pittsburgh to the Stanley Cup Finals where they await either the Detroit Red Wings. We will get you caught up on all the happenings regarding the Stanley Cup playoffs in the Redline Report. Before that, we open with Leaf Notes featuring news on the search for a new general manager, Mark Bell, Kyle Wellwood, Tomas Kaberle and Anton Stralman, along with the Toronto Marlies and their continuing quest for the Calder Cup. Quick Hits brings the Redline Report to a close as we take our final look at Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships, and touch on news regarding Ron Wilson, Martin Erat, Chuck Kobasew and Jacques Martin. On The Bubble follows with Listener Email and this weekâs guest: St. Michaelâs Buzzers defenseman #8 Nick DâAgostino. Heâll join us at the end of On The Bubble. Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why the Pittsburgh Penguins have been so dominant thus far in the playoffs and surprisingly, it is not because of Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Big thanks to Nick DâAgostino for joining us on the program this week! We wish him all the best heading toward the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Next week on Episode 3.38, we will welcome Nickâs teammate from this past season with the St. Michaelâs Buzzers, #6 Brandon Burlon. In the final NHL Central Scouting Rankings, Brandon was ranked 41st among North American skaters. Among the topics we will discuss next week on the program are what it took to get to this position and what lies ahead including next season where he will be a member of the University of Michigan Wolverines and what he expects as the 2008 NHL Entry Draft draws near. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Photo courtesy of St. Michael's Buzzers

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Just when it seemed like things were finally starting to cool off in Leaf Land, news picks back up to regain midseason form. After two years behind the bench, head coach Paul Maurice was fired this past week. Was this the right move? How does this affect the bigger picture of Maple Leafs management? We touch on all of that in the Redline Report. Also last week, the Maple Leafs signed a draft pick. Weâll tell you who and where heâs playing now along with updating the Marlies playoff run. The NHL Playoff Recap follows Leaf Notes as we wrap up the second round and set the Conference Finals match ups including their progress thus far. Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on Team Canada at the Worlds, Wade Belak, Fabian Brunnstrom, Joel Quenneville and Olaf Kolzig. In On The Bubble, we announce the nominees for the Bill Masterton Trophy and the Jack Adams Award, feature Listener Email and welcome the Gong Banger in for another Troubling Fact of the Week. And finally to wrap the show in rigamarole, we look at whether or not the Brian Burke to Toronto scenario really is as dead as it seemed two weeks ago. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Ahead on Episode 3.35 of AFITC, Mats Sundin is no longer a free agent, at least not of the social kind. With Sundin engaged to be married, will that affect his playing future? We speculate on that, finally reveal the International Man of Mystery and take you through the continuing progress of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL playoffs to begin the Redline Report. Later, NHL playoff coverage and news on Team Canadaâs first game at the World Hockey Championships will wrap the segment. In On The Bubble, we announce the nominees and our picks for the Frank J. Selke trophy and feature more Listener Email. Concluding the segment, we are pleased to welcome TSN Sportscentre anchor Jennifer Hedger back to our program. Fresh off her trip to Afghanistan, we talk to her about the conditions she saw, what this trip meant to her, what hockey means for Canadian Troops as well as some NHL playoff talk. Rigamarole wraps the show as it always does, this week with a look at which team Fabian Brunnstrom should sign with. Special thanks to Jennifer Hedger for appearing on our program this week. What a treat it was for us to hear about such a remarkable experience! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Episode 3.34 of AFITC brings you big news regarding the next Maple Leafs general manager, well alright; we tell who it wonât be. As well, Cliff Fletcher thinks he knows which way Mats Sundin is leaning. Weâll let you know which way that is as well as getting you up to date with the progress of the Toronto Marlies playoff run. Also in the Redline Report, we conclude our coverage of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, set the second round and let you know the happenings in that round thus far. To conclude the Redline Report, Quick Hits feature news on the new GM of the Canucks, Bruce Boudreau, Barry Trotz, Scott Niedermayer and Team Canada at the World Championships. In On The Bubble, we reveal the nominees for the Vezina, Norris and Calder Trophies along with our picks to walk away with the hardware. Also, weâll quickly touch on the final NHL Central Scouting Service rankings released this week and of course feature more Listener Email. Rigamarole concludes the show and explains how the Brian Burke speculation got right out of hand last week. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new âQuotesâ? section developed this week. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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Episode 3.33 of AFITC hits the air today with the NHL well into the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some surprises, some upsets, some teams cruising right on through. Weâll go in depth once again on all that has transpired thus far in the Redline Report. To kick off the segment though, we discuss more news on the Maple Leafs including potential buyouts, the Leafsâ draft position and the progress of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL playoffs. Quick Hits wrap the Redline Report with big news out of the front office in Vancouver, along with the future of Ray Emery, the status of Jacques Martin, a new deal for Sergei Samsonov and the possibility of moving to an eighty four game schedule. On The Bubble follows with Listener Email featuring several quality emails touching on a variety of topics. At the end of the segment, Andy Frost â the public address announcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre and host of Psychedelic Psunday on Q107 among his various other responsibilities â makes his return to AFITC to offer his thoughts on the Maple Leafs and the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why their could be so much on the line in game seven of the Montreal Boston for Carey Price, apart from just winning the series. Big thanks to Andy Frost for taking time to join us on this weekâs program! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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The Maple Leafs have been watching for over a week now but that doesnât mean there isnât anything to talk about. We get you caught up on lots of news regarding the Maple Leafs to kick start the Redline Report. Then itâs onto the playoffs as we take a look at the progress of each of the eight first round match ups including in depth looks at those involving Canadian teams. Quick Hits bring the Redline Report to a close with news on Team Canada for the upcoming World Championships, the Edmonton Oilers, Jacques Martin, and Patrice Bergeron. In On the Bubble, we bring you more listener email and a playoff edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week. To conclude the show, rigamarole looks at why the Ottawa Senators are experiencing so much trouble in the playoffs and who is partly responsible for it. All that and lots more on the first playoff edition of the program for season three. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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The Maple Leafs bowed out with a curtain call this week of three more meaningless games: a shootout loss to Buffalo followed up with two more losses against rivals Ottawa and Montreal. We cover those games, hand out the final AFITC Player of the Week award for season three and talk about changes in the Redline Reportâ who must go, who should stay, the biggest surprise, the biggest disappointment, is Paul Maurice still the man to coach this team, among other things â all questions that must be answered for next season. Quick Hits feature news on the Senators and Habs injuries, Vincent Lecavalier and Ken Hitchcock. In On The Bubble, we hear more final thoughts on the Maple Leafs season with Listener Email and deliver another Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at the great story that is the Washington Capitals. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

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In the words of the immortal Led Zeppelin, âClose the door. Turn out the lights. No they wonât be home tonight,â? or rather this spring as in no playoff hockey at the ACC for a third consecutive season. Two losses last week in keys games against the Bruins sealed that fate. We explain what went wrong in the games with the season on the line and touch on the first meaningless game: a win Saturday over Montreal. Later in the Redline Report, we hand out the AFITC Player of the Week Award, touch on the again murky future of Mats Sundin in a Maple Leaf uniform and tell you who Cliff Fletcher signed this week. To conclude the Redline Report, we touch on news regarding Pat Quinn and the injury statuses of the Canadiens, Bruins and Canucks. On the Bubble brings listener email from Stuart, Alan and Aaron along with another Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole wraps the show looking at one playoff dream that died and another one that still lives after last week. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Check out the article about AFITC in the Ryersonian newspaper. Finally, after hearing the premiere of the three latest tunes by The Printing Press on each of the last three shows, be sure to visit the website to download your own copy of each of the songs.

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A perfect week with wins against the Islanders, Sabres and Senators has left the Leafs four points out of the playoffs with six games left but with four teams to pass in the process. Weâll break down each of those games, hand out the legendary AFITC player of the week award to one of the several nominees this week, spin through a crowded Revolving Door and once again, address the chance the Leafs have at the playoffs in the Redline Report. Busy in the front office too this week as Cliff Fletcher signed a goalie. Weâll tell you who and what plans are in store for him going forward. Quick Hits wraps the segment with news on Rick Dipietro, Tim Connolly and Kurtis Foster. On The Bubble brings you some more outstanding Listener Email and a Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole this week explains why it is so hard to see the Leafs miss the playoffs the way they have each of the past two seasons. We said last week nine wins in the last nine games would be necessary. Well three down, six to go. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Check out the article about AFITC in the Ryersonian newspaper.

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