OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Turning Over a New Leaf(s): The 1988-89 Maple Leafs

uWoHollywood · 05-31-2023, 04:50 PM

Harold Ballard called his Leafs GM Jason Taylor into his office for a midseason evaluation. In short: he was thrilled. Toronto was easily on pace to win the Norris, the fans were happy, their youngsters were getting lots of playing time, and Taylor had done well so far in rebuilding the team’s farm system. Ballard told him it was a job well done, but cautioned him not to take his foot off the gas. “If you think we’re going to stay a .500 team… don’t be afraid to cut some of our veterans, as long as you can do a fast pivot over the summer to accelerate the rebuild. Oh, and one more thing… don’t f**k it up.” Ballard’s partner Yolanda even called Taylor to let him know Ballard was even SMILING more at home. Taylor was feeling good, but knew they had to get back to their November form.

Game 40 - 6-4 W @ CHI
Garry Leeman (2G 1A) returned to the lineup in style, and Eddie O (1G 2A) loved having him back. Belfour was straight up AWFUL, giving up 3 goals on 4 shots in the first 6 minutes of the game, but Wregget came in and stopped 27 of 28. The Leafs did the same to Jimmy Waite, who gave up 4 goals in 7 shots. After going down 3-0, Toronto scored 4 goals in 8 minutes in the 1st and never trailed again.

Taylor was impressed by Gary Leeman’s star-making performance, and extended for 2Yr @ $340k/yr. He also extended three others:

Todd Gill for 2Yr @ $200k; Gill was dependable and steady
Craig Muni for 2Yr @ $87,500; Muni would hold the line whenever Zalapski went charging down the ice!
Ron Wilson for 2Yr @ $140k; Wilson already had his best points total in eight years, and the season was only halfway over!

Just after the New Year, Penguins GM Tony Esposito (Taylor’s offseason trading partner) came calling, looking for some help shoring up his blueline depth. He was interested in 25 y/o Mike Heidt. Heidt had signed with the Leafs in the offseason, and was doing well with the AHL Newmarket Saints: 9-21-30 in 36 games, with a healthy 53 PIM. Taylor decided to swing for the fences: Heidt could be available, but Taylor had his eye on young Penguins winger Mark Recchi. Esposito initially balked, saying that was too high a price. Taylor said he wasn’t done. What if he also packaged Joe Sacco, the top forward prospect in the Leafs system? Esposito thought about it. After a pause, Taylor continued. “I also heard you were looking to move Mitch Wilson, I could take his contract off your hands.” Esposito took a moment, and then said “I also want a draft pick”. Taylor offered an 11th round pick, and the deal was finalized.

Pittsburgh sent Toronto RW Mark Recchi, 20 and C Mitch Wilson, 26 in exchange for RW Joe Sacco, 19, D Mike Heidt, 25 and an 11th round pick in 1989. Taylor met with both players, and said he was excited to have them aboard. He advised Recchi that he wanted him to get 1st-line minutes in the AHL for now, but said he would be one of the first call-ups in case of injury or poor performance. Taylor also told Wilson he loved what he’s heard about Wilson’s toughness and positive attitude, and said his job would be protecting the youngsters on the AHL Saints. Wilson was happy, but Recchi was dejected. Taylor clarified it was less to do with Recchi’s skill and more due to the fact he didn’t want Recchi getting a handful of minutes a night on the 4th line. Recchi would get his chance soon enough.

Game 41 - 6-3 W @ WSH
Toronto outshot the Capitals 41-27 in a decisive win. The Leafs trailed 2-1 after 1, then scored four times in the next 38 minutes. Dave Reid iced the victory with a shorthanded, empty-net goal. Ron Wilson assisted on both of Reid’s goals, while Al Iafrate also scored twice.

05-31-2023, 04:50 PM	#15
uWoHollywood Minors (Single A) Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 55	January Part I Harold Ballard called his Leafs GM Jason Taylor into his office for a midseason evaluation. In short: he was thrilled. Toronto was easily on pace to win the Norris, the fans were happy, their youngsters were getting lots of playing time, and Taylor had done well so far in rebuilding the team’s farm system. Ballard told him it was a job well done, but cautioned him not to take his foot off the gas. “If you think we’re going to stay a .500 team… don’t be afraid to cut some of our veterans, as long as you can do a fast pivot over the summer to accelerate the rebuild. Oh, and one more thing… don’t fk it up.” Ballard’s partner Yolanda even called Taylor to let him know Ballard was even SMILING more at home. Taylor was feeling good, but knew they had to get back to their November form. Game 40 - 6-4 W @ CHI Garry Leeman (2G 1A) returned to the lineup in style, and Eddie O (1G 2A) loved having him back. Belfour was straight up AWFUL, giving up 3 goals on 4 shots in the first 6 minutes of the game, but Wregget came in and stopped 27 of 28. The Leafs did the same to Jimmy Waite, who gave up 4 goals in 7 shots. After going down 3-0, Toronto scored 4 goals in 8 minutes in the 1st and never trailed again. Taylor was impressed by Gary Leeman’s star-making performance, and extended for 2Yr @ $340k/yr. He also extended three others: Todd Gill for 2Yr @ $200k; Gill was dependable and steady Craig Muni for 2Yr @ $87,500; Muni would hold the line whenever Zalapski went charging down the ice! Ron Wilson for 2Yr @ $140k; Wilson already had his best points total in eight years, and the season was only halfway over! Just after the New Year, Penguins GM Tony Esposito (Taylor’s offseason trading partner) came calling, looking for some help shoring up his blueline depth. He was interested in 25 y/o Mike Heidt. Heidt had signed with the Leafs in the offseason, and was doing well with the AHL Newmarket Saints: 9-21-30 in 36 games, with a healthy 53 PIM. Taylor decided to swing for the fences: Heidt could be available, but Taylor had his eye on young Penguins winger Mark Recchi. Esposito initially balked, saying that was too high a price. Taylor said he wasn’t done. What if he also packaged Joe Sacco, the top forward prospect in the Leafs system? Esposito thought about it. After a pause, Taylor continued. “I also heard you were looking to move Mitch Wilson, I could take his contract off your hands.” Esposito took a moment, and then said “I also want a draft pick”. Taylor offered an 11th round pick, and the deal was finalized. Pittsburgh sent Toronto RW Mark Recchi, 20 and C Mitch Wilson, 26 in exchange for RW Joe Sacco, 19, D Mike Heidt, 25 and an 11th round pick in 1989. Taylor met with both players, and said he was excited to have them aboard. He advised Recchi that he wanted him to get 1st-line minutes in the AHL for now, but said he would be one of the first call-ups in case of injury or poor performance. Taylor also told Wilson he loved what he’s heard about Wilson’s toughness and positive attitude, and said his job would be protecting the youngsters on the AHL Saints. Wilson was happy, but Recchi was dejected. Taylor clarified it was less to do with Recchi’s skill and more due to the fact he didn’t want Recchi getting a handful of minutes a night on the 4th line. Recchi would get his chance soon enough. Game 41 - 6-3 W @ WSH** Toronto outshot the Capitals 41-27 in a decisive win. The Leafs trailed 2-1 after 1, then scored four times in the next 38 minutes. Dave Reid iced the victory with a shorthanded, empty-net goal. Ron Wilson assisted on both of Reid’s goals, while Al Iafrate also scored twice.