TORONTO -- After taking a sip of water at the start of his news conference, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis made

TORONTO -- After taking a sip of water at the start of his news conference, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis made sure to thank the players who were around last season and left on the first day of free agency. C.J. McCollum Blazers Jersey . "I just wanted to thank them for what they attempted to do over the last 12 months and wish them all the best going forward," Nonis said. Attempted might be the most important word after the Leafs went from being almost surely playoff bound to collapsing with an eight-game losing streak. Gone from that group are centres Dave Bolland and Mason Raymond, who signed elsewhere Tuesday. In come defenceman Stephane Robidas, signed to a US$9-million, three-year deal, and forward Leo Komarov, signed to an $11.8-million, four-year deal, along with forward Matt Frattin, re-acquired in a trade that sent winger Jerry DAmigo to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Its Noniss hope that those players change the Leafs mix back to more of what it was like in the lockout-shortened 2013 season, when they made the playoffs. "The compete level that we had two years ago, I think was at or near the top of the league," Nonis said. "We got more out of our players, the coaches did, the players themselves did in terms of pushing each other, than we did last year -- no question about it. Some of the players that were talking about either were here and will help us get that back or have a history of doing that. That was a focus for us." Robidas at 37 brings 885 games of experience to Toronto, along with a right-handed shot. He broke his leg while playing in the playoffs for the Anaheim Ducks but started skating last week and expects to be ready for Day 1 of training camp. Komarov returns from the 2013 Leafs after a year with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL. He had four goals and five assists in 42 games that season, but the 27-year-old Finn is expected to have a much bigger role this time around. "Leo offers a lot more than I think even we got out of him two years ago," said Nonis, who met with Komarov in Finland and "laid that out so that he knew that he wasnt just a fourth-line guy that was playing six minutes a night, that we feel that he can do more." Komarovs return could help fill the void left by the departure of Bolland, who signed for five years and $27.5 million with the Florida Panthers. Bolland said on a conference call with local media that the Leafs were close to bringing him back. "We were getting there," the 28-year-old Toronto native said. "We were just a little bit apart." Nonis did not begrudge Bolland for taking the more lucrative deal with the Panthers. "We feel our offer was very fair, very strong, it reflected his value to us," he said. "He chose to go somewhere else, thats his right. Hell be a good player for them ... The only way to prevent that from happening was to spend more than we felt was appropriate, and I dont think thats something we wanted to get into." Raymond also got more money than the Leafs were willing to pay: three years and $9.5 million from the Calgary Flames. Being closer to home was part of the Cochrane, Alta., natives decision to go there. Even before signing in Calgary, Raymond expected changes around the Leafs under new president Brendan Shanahan and after the teams late-season collapse. "I think we all wouldve loved to finish a lot better," Raymond said in a phone interview. "When you have new management or different changes within the organization, that (roster moves are) susceptible to happen." What Bolland and Raymond have in common is they werent around for the Leafs somewhat-expected 2013 season that Nonis seems to want to replicate. Komarov and Frattin, who was sent to Los Angeles a year ago in the deal that brought goaltender Jonathan Bernier to the Leafs, were. "We talked a little about the chemistry that we had two years ago and the work ethic and i think players playing outside their comfort zone," Nonis said. "Those are two players that played a big part in it." Notes -- Nonis said if a trade for restricted-free-agent goaltender James Reimer was there and made sense, the Leafs would make it. Otherwise, he reiterated, Reimer could be back next season. ... The process of hiring assistant coaches is still ongoing with no resolution as of Tuesday. Bill Walton Jersey .J. -- Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils took a lot of grief considering his scored the first of his career-best three goals just 12 seconds into a crucial game against the Florida Panthers. Anfernee Simons Blazers Jersey . Toronto has lost six of its last eight games but is coming off Thursdays 7-3 victory at Kansas City. Juan Francisco and Colby Rasmus both went deep for the Blue Jays, who are second in the American League with 34 home runs on the season. http://www.blazersteamofficial.com/Cj-Mccollum-Blazers-Jersey/ . The Senators return from a lengthy layoff caused by Wednesdays attack on Parliament Hill to host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. BEREA, Ohio -- Brian Hoyer spent a long, merciless winter in Cleveland rehabbing his right knee so hed be ready for the day he could run on the field again. Hes never worked harder at anything in his life. The Browns are his team, and have been since he was a little kid. And now that hes back -- not 100 per cent, but getting there -- the homegrown quarterback, whose promising 2013 season was cut short after only two starts by a serious injury, isnt about to let go of his dream of leading an NFL team without a fight. Cleveland can draft a franchise quarterback next week. Hoyer believes the Browns already have one. "I know how I feel about myself," he said. "I know how my teammates feel. Im trying to go out and prove it to these new coaches and all I can really ask for is a chance and I think Ill get that. Im going out there every day, and until someone tells me otherwise, I think Im the starter for this team." Six months after surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Hoyer participated in Clevelands first voluntary minicamp practice Tuesday to rave reviews. It was a significant step for the 28-year-old, who showed poise and potential in winning his first two starts before he was injured while sliding at the end of scramble against Buffalo. Hoyer was sharp during the portion of practice open to media members. He didnt show any limitations while making cuts, and displayed nice footwork while firing pinpoint passes. If not for the brace on his right knee, there would have been no evidence Hoyer had been hurt. Following the indoor workout, Hoyer was upbeat and somewhat relieved. "It was awesome," he said. "I felt really good, which was no surprise to me. I felt like I was prepared for this for a while. Its just good to play football again." Hoyer has been cleared to do individual work, but not take part in team drills. The Browns dont want to take any unnecessary risks with Hoyer. But that didnt stop him from pleading with new Browns coach Mike Pettine to let him jump behind centre during 11-on-11 drills. "He begged me to be able to jump in there for the team sttuff and I had to play head coach for a minute and tell him no," Pettine said. Clyde Drexler Blazers Jersey. "But again, thats the way he is. Thats the way hes made up, ultimate competitor, so I think he firmly believes that its his job." Hoyer spent three seasons sitting behind Tom Brady, then made one start during a year in Arizona before getting his shot last year with the Browns. Hes aware Cleveland could use the No. 4 overall pick next week on a quarterback. Theres a chance in a few weeks Hoyer could find himself competing with someone like Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel. How would he react? "Just be myself," he said. "I have to do what I do on a daily basis and work hard. Thats all I know how to do." Hoyer isnt the only quarterback trying to make an impression this week. Vince Young, who hasnt played in an NFL regular-season game since 2011, has three days to convince the Browns he can help them. The 30-year-old said hes motivated to resume a career after being sidetracked the past few seasons. "The fire is lit always," Young said. "One thing a lot of people dont know, I love this game so much." Young has been given no guarantees other than hell get a chance. He was with Green Bay late last summer, but got released. Young was reluctant to discuss why his pro career has stalled. "Im just happy to have the opportunity playing for a historic team, a respectful team," Young said. "Its a long history for the Browns. "Im just going to make the best of it." Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has admired Young for years. Gordons mom taught Young in elementary school and has looked up to the fellow Texan. From what Gordon can tell, Young isnt done yet. "Oh yeah," he said. "Hes still got it." NOTES: RB Dion Lewis, OL Chris Faulk, LB Quentin Groves and S Josh Aubrey were on the field after sustaining season-ending injuries in 2013. WR/KR Travis Benjamin is on schedule after undergoing knee surgery, but Pettine said the Browns will likely keep him out until training camp. ' ' '