Budding Leaf Star Reports To Camp
Posted July 12, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Being the newest high-profile member of the Toronto Maple Leafs must be something like that disturbing dream many of us experience where we realize we’re naked in the middle of a public place. Basically, everyone is looking at you, and there’s nowhere to hide.
That’s the unenviable place former New York Islander Jason Blake found himself in on Thursday when he made his first appearance in Toronto since signing a US $20-million five-year deal with the Buds in the off-season.
Blake realizes that expectations are high, and rightly so after scoring 40 goals last season with the Isles.
“I’m not going to sit here and say I’m going to score 40 goals again but I’m going to do everything I did last year that made that happen,” he promised. “Points, goals — that’s beside the point.
“I’m here to help the team win and hopefully get in the playoffs.”
Blake is also exciting about the chance to play with captain Mats Sundin.
“He’s one of the biggest and strongest guys in the league,” Blake said. “He’s so good in the corners and he’s strong on his skates.
“He does it all. He definitely creates room for his linemates. If I get the chance, hopefully I’ll complement that.”
