jtkratzer

Good luck to him, doesn't look like he's going to miss time any time, not that that's the most important thing, but either way, I'm sure he'd rather be getting treatment and playing than going through treatment and not play.

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TylerDCA

I thought I would chime in on this.

My main concern of course is for Blake's well being. I would like to point out that the Leafs medical staff has a brutal track record and I really hope that the team is not telling him to play when he shouldn't. He has just signed his first really big contract and of course he will want to play, but if that is not for the best then he should shut it down.

From a Sun article:


CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Hockey NHL - Toronto - Cancer scare for Blake


I don't want him to ruin his life to justify his contract.


If the side effects become too much and he has to shut it down there are other options for the Leafs. They can throw some money in the direction of Forsberg or Selanne on a short term deal and Blake's spot can still be waiting for him when he is healthy.

The Leafs need to be really smart about this. They better not ruin his life.

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draeko17

When Yuschevich was diagnosed with a bloodclot in his leg, contrary to his personal wishes, the Leafs shut him down for his own safety/health. I'm very certain the team would put Blake's overall health first. They would, at the very least, be callous enough to want to protect their investment. That being said, I'm pretty sure they're are concerned about his health and well being from a compassionate perspective as well.

All the best to Jason Blake and his family. I hope it helps even a little to know the support and well wishes sent to him from the hockey community, whether it be other players, management or the fans from all teams.

TylerDCA

That was a different medical team.

This new medical team has let both Colaiacovo and Wellwood play early to have them miss significant time. They screwed up with Lindros' wrist. They screwed up with Nolan's back (he won his arbitration and got 6 million), and screwed up the physical on Belfour so his new contract paid him during the lockout.

All this and then mention that the Leafs have missed the most man games to injury of any team in the league over the last 3 years and you really need to start wondering about the quality of the medical staff.

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BE-LEAF-ABLE

I totally agree. I'm troubled of the notion of him playing right now. I'm not sure what medica staff cleared him to play but Lukemia is Lukemia if you ask me, and chemo is chemo.

From a Leaf fan that desperately wants the team to finally take a step further this year (and having been very vocal about it year in and year out), I'd throw it all away if it means Blake isn't risking too much. He's been signed to a pricey contract? Well, things changed.

Hockey suddenly doesn't matter as much.

If he does play, I hope everything's alright, though I do really wish that he'd sit out for some time, especially with his style of play.

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"It's not the way it's going to be. We have to be very, very patient and build this the right way. We have to go through a process. It may be painful. I hope it isn't. But we're prepared for all the bumps and pratfalls and potholes in the road ahead. I'm prepared for it anyway, or I wouldn't have come." - Ron Wilson, Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

draeko17

Very fair point. I wasn't thinking of that. With respect to Blake, though, he has specialists involved aside from the team's medical staff. I would hope their experience and knowledge will play a big role in any decisions made. Looking at the list of some possible side affects mentioned, I would expect it definitely to have an impact and also hope Blake's long term health is everyone's priority. I trust that it is as this situation is somewhat different than a bad back or wrist.