Unifor president Jerry Dias told TSN that Gumbley is no longer involved.

TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs stood pat Wednesday, deciding that the cost to make a move on trade deadline day was too much. Minkah Fitzpatrick Stitched Jersey . "We would have been hurting ourselves long-term and we werent prepared to do that," Dave Nonis, Torontos senior vice-president and general manager, told reporters. Nonis, who said he made plenty of calls to test the waters, said the asking prices were high and the talent on offer limited. The sense he got was there might be more movement come the summer. "There wasnt a lot available in general," he said. "I think deals that changed the look of your team seemed to happen at the draft." Nonis acknowledged that his team had been up and down, putting the onus on the Leafs to return to their winning ways before the Olympic break. "If we do, we should be fine. And if we dont, then were going to have some difficulties," he said. "But its not a bad team. I think weve got a good core group. Were very young still." Nonis said he did get trade inquiries, pointing to younger players like rookie defenceman Morgan Rielly -- who turns 20 on Sunday. "Morgan Riellys easy to move today. But it doesnt makes sense to us." He said the team could have got some "pretty good high picks" for some of its players facing unrestricted free agency this summer. One of those is forward Dave Bolland, who is recovering from a tendon injury. There is no time frame on his return, with Nonis saying some movement was still causing him discomfort. "Its going to take however long it takes. Im hopeful and confident that hell be back this year," said Nonis. Bolland had surgery after being checked into the board by Zack Kassian in a 4-0 loss in Vancouver on Nov. 2. Asked about taking on other teams unrestricted free agents via trade, Nonis said either the price was too high or he felt the Leafs already had comparable players. "Why pay a price for nothing? Asked how close the Leafs were to being a Stanley Cup contender, Nonis said the salary cap has changed the NHL landscape so that anyone who gets into the post-season has a chance to win it all. "Are there favourites? No question, Would I put ourselves in as a favourite? No. But I think you saw in the last year we were pretty close to moving on." Toronto, which took Boston to seven games in the first round of last seasons playoffs, was 32-23-8 going into Wednesday nights game in New York against the Rangers. Other Leafs who are eligible to become unrestricted free agents after the season are forwards Nikolai Kulemin, Jay McClement, Mason Raymond and Troy Bodie, and defenceman Paul Ranger. Jason Sanders Stitched Jersey . -- The court fight over NFL concussions should heat up soon as a judge in Philadelphia weighs the fairness of the proposed $765 million settlement. Durham Smythe Stitched Jersey . -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wanted to keep Logan Mankins with the team for a long time. http://www.officialdolphinsnflauthenticshop.com/ . And, just for good measure, lets say the lottery team finishes the game short-handed because two starters come down with the very same injury.The Canadian Hockey Leagues top official is fighting back against Canadas largest private sector union, which says it wants to improve working conditions for the 1,300 mostly teenaged hockey players who compete in the countrys three major junior leagues. Unifor, which represents workers in industries such as the auto and media sectors, is trying to convince the Ontario government to organize a task force to examine the junior-hockey industry. David Branch, president of the Ontario Hockey League, has sent a series of emails to OHL players and their parents over the past few weeks to thwart Unifors efforts. In three emails obtained by TSN, Branch advises players that they do not have to sign union cards, are not required to attend any non-team off-site meetings, and can refuse requests from third parties for their personal information. Branch is also president of the Canadian Hockey League, which represents the OHL, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Its unclear whether Branch or other officials have sent similar emails to players in those leagues. In his emails to players, Branch included links to a Toronto Star story in July that reported a controversial figure in the hockey world named Glenn Gumbley was involved in Unifors attempt to organize players. Gumbleys involvement tainted a failed effort two years ago to organize junior players after he contacted members of the media using someone elses name. While Gumbley asked Unifor earlier this year to consider taking up the junior hockey issue after the United Steelworkers union declined, Unifor president Jerry Dias told TSN that Gumbley is no longer involved. Dias and several hockey player agents say a union for major junior hockey is needed because compensation to players has not kept up with the times. Dias said franchises are now selling for as much as $10 million. "The London Knights are probably worth $20 million," he said, "but theyre still paying kids like $50 a week, the same as they were in the 1980s. They havent even kept up with inflation. Are you telling me that with teams putting 8,000 fans in an arena, selling tickets for $17, at least one dollar of that cannot go to player salaries?" Todd Christie, an NHL player agent, told The Globe and Mail in 2012 that if OHL players were paid Ontarios minimum wage, players would have collectively received $15 million between 1980 and 2006.Branchs emails come as Dias says Unifor is making progress. But Branch disputes Diass claims. Branch says that the OHL alone is paying out some $5 million worth of educational scholarships this year to the leagues former players. The OHL has also changed its policy on its education packages. Players used to be required to attend school within six months of finishing their junior career, or they would forfeit their scholarships. Now, players can wait 18 months, perhaps giving them time to test the waters on a pro career. On July 8, a day after the Toronto Star story was published, Branch emailed OHL players. "In your time with us we look to provide you with the best player experience be itt through training, education, player development and health and safety. Womens Dolphins Jerseys. We want you to be able to fully focus on the playing and developing in the game you love while learning valuable leadership and teamwork skills," Branch wrote. "While you are in the CHL, please know that regardless of who asks, you are not required to do any of the following: give our your personal information; sign a union card or attend any offsite non-team meetings." Dias confirmed that some players in Quebec have been asked to sign union cards by Nicholas Pard, who played three seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs in Quebecs major junior league. It is unclear how many players signed union cards. Pard is now playing pro hockey in Europe, Dias said. Days after his first email to players, Branch emailed the parents of players. In that email he referred to OHL players as "amateur student athletes," a key description. Calling the players "student athletes" helps the league justify not paying players at least minimum wage, Dias said in an interview.On Aug. 21, Branch sent another email to parents. "We firmly believe that no third party can provide the player experience that the CHL does in cooperation with our partners – the players and their parents, and our partners in the game - the CIS, Hockey Canada, the NHL and many others," Branch wrote. The parents of several OHL players said it was unusual to receive multiple emails from Branch during the off-season. Dias said the emails show how worried Branch and other officials are about prospective change to the game. "They say we are messing with the game," Dias said. "I say we are trying to protect the rights of these kids." Dias said hes spent the past weeks speaking to both current and former major junior and NHL players, player agents, and politicians. He wants the Ontario government to establish a task for to scrutinize working conditions in the OHL. Branch told TSN that the emails were sent because the league is working to improve communications with players and families. "In terms of the reference to not being required to sign a union card, we felt it was important to let our parents and players know that they are not obliged to do so," Branch wrote, adding that he also emailed a link to the Toronto Star story in July about Unifors efforts. One NHL player agent, who also represents players in the CHL, told TSN that Branchs tactics are "straight from the management handbook of labour relations. Discredit, deflect issues, avoid real issues."While a source told TSN that several OHL team owners are now lobbying members of provincial parliament, arguing that a union would ruin the game, Branch said that the OHL has not yet organized a coordinated lobbying effort. "There are teams in 17 locations in the province, in 13 of those locations the OHL team is the number one sports and entertainment property," Branch said. "All of the teams are connected in their community and with their local elected officials at all levels." Cheap Cowboys Jerseys Cheap Giants Jerseys Cheap Eagles Jerseys Cheap Redskins Jerseys Cheap Falcons Jerseys Cheap Panthers Jerseys Cheap Saints Jerseys Cheap Buccaneers Jerseys Cheap Cardinals Jerseys Cheap 49ers Jerseys Cheap Seahawks Jerseys Cheap Rams Jerseys Cheap Bears Jerseys Cheap Lions Jerseys Cheap Packers Jerseys Cheap Vikings Jerseys ' ' '