Khristich a longshot

By TIM WHARNSBY -- Toronto Sun The Maple Leafs have shown mild interest in outcast forward Dmitri Khristich.
But apparently it's not as strong as three other NHL teams vying for Khristich's services.
"We've had conversations with (Khristich's agent) Larry Kelly since August, but at this stage our interest is less than other teams," Leafs executive Bill Watters said last night.
The Bruins exercised a walkaway right on Khristich when the 71-point scorer was awarded $2.8 million US from his salary arbitration case.
If another team offers less than $2.24 million (80% of the salary awarded in arbitration), the Bruins have a right to match.
It is believed that three teams have reached agreement on a trade with the Bruins, but each time the trade partner was left at the altar because no contract could be reached with Kelly and Khristich.
In the meantime, Leafs general manager/coach Pat Quinn and his players went back to the drawing board yesterday, trying to shake off the hangover of their 4-3 drubbing to the Ottawa Senators.
But there was no Mats Sundin at practice. The Leafs captain suffered a bruised foot in the third period Saturday and was given the day off.
"I'm assuming he will play (tonight against the Nashville Predators) until I hear something different," Quinn said.
"It was recommended he stay off skates (yesterday)."
Quinn didn't appear overly concerned about his team dropping its first game in four starts and being outshot 50-23. "This is such an up-and-down city in terms of how we play," Quinn said.
"It's up to the coaching staff to keep the team on an even keel.
"You are always concerned about that first real challenge. We seem, for whatever reason, to occasionally get caught not being prepared to play the type of pressure game that was thrown at us. The team could use a humility pill every once in awhile.
"But you want to be prepared for that first challenge."

SEVERAL HICCUPS
The effort of Quinn's forwards was the main of many problems against the Senators. The Ottawa defence combined for 22 shots on goal, one less than the entire Leafs team mustered.
Still, Quinn didn't know if centre Steve Sullivan or veteran Kris King would be inserted into the lineup against Nashville.
However, look for Quinn to give goalie Curtis Joseph a rest and start backup Glenn Healy.
"I don't think I'm going to play Joseph (tonight)," Quinn said.
Healy hasn't played since a Sept. 27 exhibition game.
"I will be ready when called upon," Healy said.
The Leafs are halfway through a lengthy stretch that sees them play eight games in 15 nights to open the season.

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