Leafs Watch

By DAVE FULLER -- Toronto Sun 'HAWKS SWOOP IN: The Chicago Blackhawks appear to have a leg up on the Maple Leafs in the race to acquire Bruins free agent Dmitri Khristich.
And, that leg is Ottawa lawyer Larry Kelly, who represents both Khristich and Blackhawks general manager Bob Murray.
Specifically, Kelly is Murray's personal lawyer and the Leafs worry that because of that relationship, the Blackhawks may end up with the player.
But Murray is at a disadvantage, too, in that the Blackhawks do not have much to offer the Bruins in return for the 6-foot-2, 195-pound centre/left winger, who has averaged 29 goals and 68.5 points in each of his past two seasons.
That may explain why Chicago has yet to make Khristich a specific offer, while the Leafs already have a firm one on the table for about $2.3 million a season.
The Leafs also have several young and gifted forwards that might interest Boston more.
Of course, since the Bruins forfeited their right to match any offer Khristich receives above $2.24 million (having rejected his $2.9-million salary arbitration award) any club is free to sign the player on their own.
But they would also be breaking rank with other NHL clubs who believe the 'walkaway' clause the Bruins exercised is a potentially important weapon in the battle to keep salaries under control.
Still, a desperate team such as Chicago just might go ahead and sign Khristich -- especially when friction already exists between the Blackhawks and Bruins.
It started three years ago when Chicago accused Bruins general manager Harry Sinden of knocking rookie salaries out of whack when he signed first-round picks Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov to deals which included huge performance bonuses.
The clubs argued again at the NHL entry draft in Boston in June, after the Bruins selected Ottawa 67s captain Nick Boynton just before Chicago was ready to pick.
It was known at the time that the Blackhawks coveted that player.
LUNCH WITH MATS: Tickets are still available for the annual Meet The Leafs Luncheon, which will be held tomorrow at the Metro Convention Centre.
Tickets range from $45 to $60 with proceeds going to the Ontario Special Olympics and are available by calling TicketMaster (416-870-8000).

Bert's back on blades
Blue Jays boot game
Bombers drop Peterson
Felicien rebuilds race

Visit our Polls Archive

SLAM! Sports SLAM! Galleries Help CANOE