If defenseman Mike Komisarek was going to leave Montreal, a place he called home for his first six NHL seasons, the next destination on his career path was a logical choice.
MIKE KOMISAREK
Komisarek agreed to a five-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, the first day of the NHL's free-agent signing period, and in a conference call with the media on Thursday explained what made his decision an easy one.
"Being in a hockey mecca [in Montreal] and going into another Original Six city, the fans are really passionate and that's important," Komisarek said. "I never saw myself playing in a non-traditional market. I've always had a vision of playing in a traditional hockey environment where there's electricity in the building."
Komisarek, who has 12 goals and 58 points in 361 career regular-season games, fits perfectly into Toronto General Manager Brian Burke's plan to add size and snarl. Despite playing just 66 games due to injuries, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder finished fourth among defensemen this past season with 207 blocked shots and ninth with 191 hits.
"I was pumped to see Brian Burke's approach, his vision for the team, having a physical, aggressive team that's tough to play against," Komisarek said. "Being a physical player is my style, and I can use my game to help the team win.
Born 27 years ago in West Islip, NY, the son of Polish immigrants, Komisarek and his sister were taught from an early age that "nothing was going to be given to you." His mother died a few years ago, but his father, who continues to live and work in the area, was "thrilled by the news," Komisarek said from Long Island, where he spends time during the offseason.
Predictably, Komisarek was asked about what his emotions might be the first time he takes the ice on the opposite side of the Montreal-Toronto rivalry.
"I'm definitely going to be looking forward to my first game putting on a Maple Leafs uniform," he said. "I'm sure it will be quite the experience when we do play Montreal. I'm sure you guys won't forget the date."
MIKE KOMISAREK
Komisarek agreed to a five-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, the first day of the NHL's free-agent signing period, and in a conference call with the media on Thursday explained what made his decision an easy one.
"Being in a hockey mecca [in Montreal] and going into another Original Six city, the fans are really passionate and that's important," Komisarek said. "I never saw myself playing in a non-traditional market. I've always had a vision of playing in a traditional hockey environment where there's electricity in the building."
Komisarek, who has 12 goals and 58 points in 361 career regular-season games, fits perfectly into Toronto General Manager Brian Burke's plan to add size and snarl. Despite playing just 66 games due to injuries, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder finished fourth among defensemen this past season with 207 blocked shots and ninth with 191 hits.
"I was pumped to see Brian Burke's approach, his vision for the team, having a physical, aggressive team that's tough to play against," Komisarek said. "Being a physical player is my style, and I can use my game to help the team win.
Born 27 years ago in West Islip, NY, the son of Polish immigrants, Komisarek and his sister were taught from an early age that "nothing was going to be given to you." His mother died a few years ago, but his father, who continues to live and work in the area, was "thrilled by the news," Komisarek said from Long Island, where he spends time during the offseason.
Predictably, Komisarek was asked about what his emotions might be the first time he takes the ice on the opposite side of the Montreal-Toronto rivalry.
"I'm definitely going to be looking forward to my first game putting on a Maple Leafs uniform," he said. "I'm sure it will be quite the experience when we do play Montreal. I'm sure you guys won't forget the date."
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