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Thursday, October 7, 1999
Leafs Watch
What has been speculation since the Maple Leafs and Canadiens met in the season opener on Saturday has become fact. The two clubs have discussed a trade involving Toronto defenceman Sylvain Cote.
"I cannot deny that I have talked to the Leafs (about acquiring a defenceman)," Canadiens general manager Rejean Houle said. "But I've talked to other teams as well."
The Leafs are believed to be asking for a draft pick in return for the veteran, who has a salary of $1.5 million US.
"We cannot confirm or deny what Mr. Houle is saying," Leafs executive Bill Watters said. "But I can confirm that we've talked to him and 26 other GMs about reducing our roster."
Canadiens scout Mario Tremblay was at last night's Leafs/Avalanche game at the Air Canada Centre.
TAKING IT EASY:
Leafs defenceman Bryan Berard felt that he got back in the groove during the second period of the season opener in Montreal.
But coach Pat Quinn has been stingy with Berard's ice time. Against the Canadiens, Berard played 9:58. His ice time increased to 15:04 against Boston in the home opener on Monday. Only Chris McAllister saw less ice time among the defencemen during the first two games.
"(In) the first game, the first period I had to get used to the speed again," Berard said. "But in the second period of that game I had my timing back and my wind back."
Quinn has been cautious about using Berard.
"He missed a month of training camp, so he is a month behind," Quinn said. "He has been fine. Bryan is still a prospect. He is good enough to be in the league, but a long way off from where he wants to be."
Berard played 17:25 in last night's victory.
SCHEDULE BLUES:
Some coaches like a good stretch of home games to start a season. Not Quinn.
Last night's game was the Leafs' second of nine at the Air Canada Centre in October.
"I don't like our schedule again," Quinn said. "The league has its idea of a good schedule. I have mine.
"Playing all these games at home means we have to pick up the road games later."
The Leafs' busiest months on the road are January and March. They're away for nine games each month.
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