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Toronto newspaper mocks Burke with “Trade Deadwhine” front page

Trade Deadwhine

From Chris Johhnston of the Canadian Press:

Trade Deadwhine

This, of course, is in reference to Toronto GM Brian Burke’s post-trade deadline presser in which he said the following:

-- “I think it’s remarkable that players have kept their focus through this time.”

-- “I think the trade deadline is hard on players (around the league) but I think it’s murder on players in Toronto.”

-- “It’s to the point where I’m debating doing the same thing I do at Christmas, starting our own trade freeze 10 days before, that’s how distracting it is.”

-- “There’s no question in my mind that there’s times when the pressure in this marketplace is a millstone, not an asset.”

After suggesting that no city puts pressure on its hockey team like Toronto (because, you know, Montreal has been so mellow this season), the media shot back:

Dave Feschuk, Toronto Star: “He said he and his staff had even talked of instituting a 10-day trade freeze in the lead-up to the deadline to relieve the Leafs of the stresses of TradeCentre. (And as he spoke you could almost see the lightbulb ignite above the heads of the all-sports TV executives who have turned trade talk, or lack thereof, into a mini-industry: Why not have two deadline days every February? Burkie’s day followed by everyone else’s — ratings gold!)”

Steve Buffery, Toronto Sun: “Playing in this market is definitely a disadvantage compared to playing in Nashville or Florida. Reimer and Gustavsson have looked like deer caught in the headlights the last couple of weeks. And that makes it tough on a GM. But what Burke didn’t say was that one of the huge advantages of playing in this market is that Toronto fans are unbelievably patient and understanding. The Three Amigos — Burke, [Raptors GM] Bryan Colangelo and [Blue Jays GM] Alex Anthopoulos — should thank their lucky stars every day for that. Especially Burke.”

Jeff Blair, Globe and Mail: “Burke couched his notions with the caveat that he wanted to make sure his hands weren’t tied by imposing his own deadline – in effect, taking his ball and going home, to hell with the rest of you. For that, Leafs Nation ought to take comfort, because Burke’s homemade rules too often mitigate the financial clout this organization ought to wield. Really, isn’t the point to try and screw over the other guy, not be your brother’s keeper?”

It’ll be very interesting to see how the Leafs come out tonight in a crucial home game against Florida. The Panthers have dominated the season series (winning 5-3 and 5-1) and are five points clear of Toronto in the standings.