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HEARD IT BEFORE
Maple Leafs centre Matt Stajan knows his name has popped up in trade speculation, mostly because pals of the Mississauga native have told him.
"I usually hear stuff through friends, that's just the way it is playing in Toronto," Stajan said. "As a player, you learn to block that all out. It's other people's business to manage their teams."
The Leafs were in talks with the Chicago Blackhawks regarding defenceman Brent Sopel, and Stajan might have been affordable for the cap-strapped Hawks. But a potential deal was not worked out.
OLYMPIC FEVER
John Tavares has not been part of the Olympic talk for Canada, but the 19-year-old is not surprised.
"I really don't expect it, being the age that I am," the New York Islanders rookie said. "It will be a long shot, but you never know."
FORMER FAN
Tavares was a Leafs fan growing up, and remembered that Mats Sundin scored on "a beauty backhand" at Tavares' first game, against either St. Louis or Tampa Bay (Tavares could not recall which). Is Tavares still a Leafs fan? "Uh, no, not anymore," Tavares said.
LOOSE LEAFS
Toronto Marlies forward Alex Foster, who had five goals and one assist in three games, was named AHL player of the week ... Islanders goalie Dwayne Roloson was 1-6 in his career against the Leafs prior to last night.
