+ October 3, 2003 +
It was, by NHL waiver draft standards, a wild and woolly affair Friday afternoon.
After claiming Travis Green off the waiver wire, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded him to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a sixth round pick.
Green, who spent two years in Toronto, was place on waivers earlier this week along with forward Robert Reichel. His departure will free up $1.6 million in salary from the Leafs' payroll.
"I'm going to miss playing hockey in Toronto," Green said Friday before leaving the Air Canada Centre. "It's got to be the best place to play hockey in the league." Green admitted it stung to be discarded by the Leafs. "I'm not going to lie. I think I gave the team a lot in my two years here. It hurts a little."
"Travis gives us additional depth at the center position," Bruins GM Mike O'Connell said in a statement. "He is good on faceoffs and is a very reliable player."
In return, the Maple Leafs selected Petr Tenkrat, an unsigned, Group II restricted free agent, whom Columbus was forced to expose after taking Green.
Travis Green will be missed deeply by the Toronto fans... Good luck in beantown Travis!
+ September 5, 2003 +
John Ferguson, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Friday that the club has agreed to terms with forward Nik Antropov on a one year contract. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Antropov, 23, played 72 games for Toronto last season collecting 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) with 124 penalty minutes. He set career highs in games played, goals, assists, points and penalty minutes. He finished third on the team in plus/minus (+11), third in game winning goals (6), fourth in goals, fourth in penalty minutes, fifth in points (tie) and fifth in powerplay assists (11). Antropov also ranked 15th in the National Hockey League in game winning goals (tie).The Leafs really needed a strong gritty forward like Antropov to contribute, and to score some very timely goals for us. :)
+ September 1, 2003 +
John Ferguson, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Tuesday that defenceman Bryan McCabe suffered a knee injury while training.
He will be sidelined indefinitely and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. During that time, McCabe will undergo conservative therapy. :(
+ Augest 29, 2003 +
LEAFS NAME FERGUSON GENERAL MANAGER
Richard Peddie, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., announced Friday that John Ferguson has been named the Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager. He becomes the 12th person to hold the role in the seventy-six year history of the Maple Leafs' franchise and he ranks as the youngest current general manager in the National Hockey League. In keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 36-year-old Ferguson has served as vice-president and director of hockey operations for the St. Louis Blues since February 26, 2001, and was involved in all facets of the Blues' hockey operation. He evaluated players at the professional and amateur level and he also negotiated player contracts. Prior to that he spent five seasons as assistant general manager with the club.
Ferguson takes over the role of Leafs General Manager from Pat Quinn, who has served as both head coach and general manager the past four seasons. Quinn will now focus exclusively on coaching the Leafs into his sixth campaign beginning this Fall. During Quinn's tenure as general manager the Leafs posted a .591 points percentage, the best mark in franchise history. Toronto has been among the NHL's most successful franchises on the ice during the Quinn era.
Ferguson was also the president and general manager of the Worcester IceCats and played an integral role in the negotiation and acquisition of the Blues' top minor league affiliate. He is a former chairman of the American Hockey League's Competition Committee and also served on the league's Legal Affairs Committee.
The native of Montreal, Quebec is the son of John Ferguson, Sr. who was a member of five Stanley cup championship teams with Montreal and later served as general manager for the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets. He is currently working for the San Jose Sharks organization.
John and his wife Stephanie have three children; Emily, John and Grace.
