Thu 7 Jun 2007
Hockeybuzz is a good thing. So is Spector’s Hockey Rumours (spelling rumor in Canadian, don’t you know… www.spectorshockey.net)
Michael Peca may return home (well - sort of…)
Here is the report (links are to the actual articles and Lyle Richardson’s info is below:
PECA TO RE-JOIN THE ISLES?
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the recent buyout of Alexei Yashin by the NY Islanders could result in former Isles forward Mike Peca returning to the team as a free agent. According to Brooks, Peca would be “open to returning to the Isles if contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs fail to have a positive outcome.” It’s believed Peca was traded by the Islanders because he and Yashin couldn’t “co-exist constructively” on the ice.
CANWEST NEW SERVICES: Joe O’Connor reports Peca is hoping for a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs but acknowledges that his injury-shortened season doesn’t provide him with leverage to seek a raise. Peca played in only 35 games with the Leafs last season.
Spector’s Note: If the Leafs decide not to re-sign Peca I wouldn’t rule out a possible return to Long Island, where he was quite popular in his three seasons there, although his age and injury history have to be a concern. I think the Isles have other priorities to attend to but if Peca’s still available by mid-summer they might be interested.
Wow - the season is less than 24 hours completed, and we are getting such press… Hmmmmm
June 8th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Now, I preface this by saying that I was a Peca fan and really wished he had not been traded. With that said, my question is why would we want him back? Granted our PK could use his ability, but how much does he have left in him? Am I missing something?
June 9th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I agree with John. We have that role covered with Mike Sillinger and, although older, Silli is way more player than Peca at this stage of their careers. We have young players coming up at forward. We need some depth at “D”. Lyle’s good, but when you listen to Larry Brooks you’re gonna get horsecrap.
June 9th, 2007 at 6:33 am
It all depends on what they have to pay him. If he’s not going to cost much, it might be worth it. But if he’s going to cost them millions, then no. I don’t think after the injuries, he has a whole lot left in him.