good stuff from today's Toronto Star
Staal's stag gets wild in Minnesota

Brothers Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes and Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins were among 14 people arrested and charged with disorderly conduct
after a weekend party.

The incident early Saturday morning occurred at the Lutsen (Minn.) Resort and Sea Villas, about 90 minutes south of the Thunder Bay, Ont., hometown of the
Staal brothers. They were gathered there for 22-year-old Eric Staal's bachelor party. Jordan is 18.

A Lutsen Resort employee, who did not want to be named, said: "It was a bachelor's party gone awry."

The group was warned by police around 12: 50 a.m. to quiet down "or they may be removed from the property, issued citations/arrested, and/or deported from
the country."

Around 3 a.m., according to the Sheriff's release, they were ordered to leave with the help of "Cook County Sheriff deputies, a Minnesota state patrol trooper,
and a United States border patrol agent."

"After leaving the property, the group gathered on Highway 61 and began harassing passing motorists," the release said. "At approximately 4 a.m. the suspects
were placed under arrest for disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process. Some of the suspects fled into the nearby woods."


If Peca stays, Stajan goes; 'They have some cap issues they're trying to resolve,' says centre as Leafs try to make room
Graphic: Paul Hunter toronto star Free agent Mike Peca, playing in an NHLPA charity tournament yesterday at The Club at Bond Head, is hoping to return to
the Leafs this year. ;

They were teammates last season with the Maple Leafs and now, in an odd off-season twist, one might have to leave to make room for the other to return.

Mike Peca, the two-time Selke Trophy winning centre, has Toronto among the teams at the top of his list as a potential employer. The Leafs, too, would like
to have the 33-year-old back. They called his agent, Don Meehan, last week to again make that point. The two sides are expected to resume talks before
the weekend.

There's only one problem. With more than $48 million (all figures U.S.) committed in salary to 23 players for the 2007-08 season, Toronto has pushed itself
as far up to the $50.3 million cap as it would like. Short of dumping a one-way contract into the minors, there is no room in the vault or on the roster
for Peca.

"They have some cap issues they're trying to resolve," Peca said yesterday.

Enter Matt Stajan. Or perhaps that will be exit Matt Stajan.

There are rumours that the Leafs are shopping Stajan, a move that, if accomplished, would open up a centre spot for Toronto and likely free up enough cash
to bring Peca back. Although Stajan is only due to make $875,000 this season and Peca earned $2.5 million last year, a campaign truncated by a badly broken
leg in December, the finances might work for both sides.

Peca knows he won't make what he earned last season and he's not looking to break the bank. So remove Stajan's salary from the books and Toronto, still
with some cap space, should be able to make it work.

"(Money) is really not an issue with me," Peca said yesterday before participating in the NHL Players' Association charity golf tournament at The Club at
Bond Head, north of the city.

"It's really about getting back in. Kind of like it was last year. I just want to get in a good situation and then try and prove myself again. I thought
I was on track last year until I got hurt but I certainly have to look to do that again."

Stajan was also at Bond Head yesterday. He said he too has heard the rumbles that he might be squeezed out of the Leafs' plans.

"You live in Toronto all summer, you're going to hear rumours," shrugs the 23-year-old. "I'm living my dream. I'm playing in the NHL. Playing in Toronto
is obviously the best situation and where I want to be. But you can't have all that in the back of your head and be worried about it. If I start looking
too much into the rumours, it will effect me mentally. You start worrying too much. I'm just keeping a fresh attitude and I'm working hard this summer
in order to contribute to the Toronto Maple Leafs next season."

Toronto isn't the only team interested in Peca. It was thought that the New York Rangers, in a move similar to what the Leafs might be contemplating with
Stajan, were freeing up space for the centre when they recently dealt Matt Cullen to Carolina. But Peca remains unsigned. Buffalo, where Peca lives with
his family, may also be investigating the possibility.

"But unless the general manager calls you and says he's interested, then there is no interest," said Peca of the Sabres rumours.

Toronto GM John Ferguson has called. Peca said the message he's received from Toronto since the season ended is: "We want you back. We want to re-sign you."

In a conversation with the Star's Mark Zwolinski, Ferguson praised Peca as "an excellent player and an excellent person" but included the caveat that he
has concerns about Toronto's cap space and where Peca would fit on the roster.

He added that the only way those two situations could change would be "via a trade."

Paul Hunter

- End of Article -

Return to newspaper list |
Return to The Toronto Star index |
Return to section: Sports