Toronto Maple Leafs: Mike Komisarek Ready to Go as Players Hit the Ice

Welcome to this week's edition of Bleeding Blue and White.

It has been a busy two days in Leafs Nation. The Tsar is back and has begun to acquire a bloc of satellite free agents and possible trade scenarios to surround himself with as protection.

The NHL is once again behind a curtain of iron.

Thanks to the iron curtain, Tomas Kaberle may remain a Leaf next season. It all depends on how the market heats up—even though offers are already in the double digits. My heart hopes he will be traded for his sake and the Leafs, but my head says there is a significant chance he could stay.

Meanwhile, Leafs prospect Jerry D'Amigo has decided to forgo higher education to pursue a career in pro hockey much earlier than originally expected.

To say the past 48 hours have been bittersweet just doesn't suffice.

In other Leafs news, rugged defenseman Mike Komisarek is ready to go and is excited to be back on the ice. Komisarek was joined by teammates Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak on the ice in preparation for September's training camp.

The fact that Kadri, Komisarek, and Bozak are already in Toronto working out and on the ice together shows that they are taking this season's opportunity seriously. If these three can come out healthy, in shape, and strong, the Leafs should be able to have a strong opening night and avoid last year's disastrous start. 

Other Leafs involved in the on-ice session included John Mitchell and Luke Schenn, as well as prospects Jesse Blacker, Brayden Irwin, and Alex Foster. Perhaps a little pre-preseason competition will help raise the competition level come October.

With veterans working with younger players in early August, this season looks brighter already. Brian Burke has gotten rid of the sense of entitlement that followed the Leafs for years and created a culture of hard work and teamwork.

Not bad for less than two years on the job.