A Bitter Toskala Is No Fun For Anyone

Vesa Toskala's career as a Toronto Maple Leaf could be described as many things, but successful is not one of them. Coming to Toronto in a trade with San Jose, Toskala was seen as a young and very promising piece of the future for Toronto. Things obviously did not work out that way.

After being traded to the Anaheim Ducks along with Jason Blake over a week ago, Toskala seems happy to be out of the Toronto spotlight. This is despite the fact that he has yet to play a game for his new club, having work visa issues.

This weekend, the usually quiet Toskala said more to the the media in Anaheim than he said in two and a half years in Toronto. When asked about when his blue and white goalie mask would be painted, Toskala reportedly took a jab at his former club when he replied, "hopefully soon, so I can wash that blue and white out of my gear." (Toronto Star).

Some in the Toronto media have come down on Toskala for taking a "parting-shot" at the Leafs. But lets be honest here, can you really blame the guy? Toskala's years in Toronto came at a time when the Leafs were icing painfully bland and incapable rosters. Now I am not saying part of the blame should not be on Toskala's shoulders, soft goals and uninspired play seemed to become a part of the goaltending situation in Toronto over the last couple of years. But for the Toronto media to get up in arms over this one sentence comment is a little much. During a time of blockbuster trades, competition for the playoffs, and NHL participation in the olympics, is this really a story that deserves so much attention?

The Leafs needed a change in goal and Toskala needed a change of scenery. That happened and now it is time to move on. I do not see Toskala's statement as a direct bash at the Maple Leafs, but showing his relief at a having a fresh start in Anaheim. Once again, I do not blame him and I believe both sides are equally happy with a change.