By Steve Simmons
SCENE AND HEARD
Sometimes I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have worked in this industry for the past 46 years. And I got to thinking about that upon the news presentation and celebration of Bob McKenzie’s career on TSN on July 1. I have been lucky enough to have worked around Bob, against Bob, for Bob, and with Bob since 1982. His career, now over, is unmatched in Canadian sports media. He didn’t just cover the stories or break them — he changed the way we look at the NHL draft or free agency or trade deadline or the world juniors. No one has played such a large role in the growth of hockey in Canada from a viewership perspective. And no one deserves a happy retirement more … How long ago did I write for Bob at The Hockey News? Long enough ago that we mailed in our columns for the next edition of the paper and hoped they arrived on time … Big time for Sam Bennett. A Stanley Cup. A Conn Smythe Trophy. A new contract. And now, more reasons for the Panthers to party — his wedding … I thought of Lou Lamoriello when Noah Dobson was traded to Montreal and signed an expensive deal with the Canadiens. Says Lamoriello of too many contracts signed: Too much money, too much term. Dobson signed for eight years and $76 million in Montreal. Which is too much money and too much term … Speaking of which, what a disaster the signings of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi turned out to be for Toronto FC. Insigne never took the job seriously in Toronto. He just took the money. At least Bernardeschi tried to embrace the city, if not the team. TFC has won four of 20 games this MLS season … Congratulations to the terrific broadcaster, Scott Oake, rewarded with the Order of Canada for all he’s done for drug rehabilitation in Canada … I love these kind of stats. This one comes courtesy of Columbus hockey writer Aaron Portzline. The Blue Jackets had a record of 26-13-2 last season when Zach Werenski, Ivan Provorov, Dante Fabbro and Denton Mateychuk all played together on their defence … There is nothing quite like NBA drama. LeBron James may be in play. Giannis Antetokounmpo may still be available after saying he wasn’t. Damian Lillard has been bought out in Milwaukee.
SIMMONS: No reason to believe Maple Leafs could ever win in the playoffs with Mitch MarnerSimmons Says: Masai Ujiri joins Toronto’s sporting Mount Rushmore