TORONTO -- Mason Raymond liked the opportunity, so he took a risk by going to the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp on a tryout. Wholesale Jerseys 2022 . The Leafs liked what they saw out of the veteran left winger, so on Monday they signed him to a one-year, US$1 million contract. "Based on Masons play in the pre-season, we feel he fits in well with our group and will have a significant role on our team," general manager Dave Nonis said in a statement. "We agreed to terms over the weekend and look forward to him making a strong contribution this season." Raymond is likely to slide in on the Leafs third line. His signing adds welcome speed to the lineup. The 28-year-old made $2.275 million last season for the Vancouver Canucks, when he had 10 goals and 12 assists in 46 games. After going unsigned during the off-season, Raymond chose to attend Torontos camp because he stood a good chance of making the team. "Theres limited stuff you can control in this game," Raymond said recently. "One of them is how hard you work, and with the ice time youre given to play the best that you can play." Given some ice time in pre-season games, Raymond was impressive. It looked like the back injury he suffered during the 2011 Stanley Cup final was past him. If Raymond can put up strong numbers, he could cash in on a bigger contract next summer, when the salary cap is expected to rise. For now, its the 2013-13 Leafs salary-cap picture that is the major question. Raymonds deal is an affordable one, though theres little breathing room for Toronto under the $64.3-million limit. Restricted-free-agent defenceman Cody Franson remains unsigned. Wholesale Jerseys 2021 .40 metres at the Drake Relays. Drouin, from Corunna, Ont., bested his own record of 2.38 metres set in Aug. Wholesale Jerseys . The Detroit Tigers closer blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning Wednesday night against the Dodgers. https://www.wholesalejerseysaaa.com/ . -- The Toronto Maple Leafs are tightening the race for second place in the Atlantic Division. INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Like most kids growing up near Boston, David Blatt lived and breathed the Celtics. They were his team, the only team. Pressing a transistor radio against his ear, Blatt listened as legendary announcer Johnny Most described how Bill Russell grabbed rebounds and when John Havlicek "stole the ball!" At an early age, he was hooked on hoops. "I kind of had that NBA dream in my ear and in my heart," Blatt said. And now, its back in his life. Blatt was introduced Wednesday as the new coach of the Cavaliers, a team in transition as it prepares to select first in the NBA draft and make a strong run at LeBron James, the soon-to-be free agent who has several other teams making moves to try and get him. Blatt spent the past two decades in Israel, where he developed into a top international coach. Now, after winning numerous titles across Europe and guiding Russia to a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics, Blatt is ready to take on the challenge of coaching on pro basketballs biggest stage. It was time to make the jump, and the Cavs helped Blatts overseas leap. "Absolutely its a challenge," Blatt said of his upcoming transition. "But Ive got to tell you, the game is not so different as people think it is. Its a little bit longer here. Perhaps the level of athleticism and speed all around the court is different. But its not like playing baseball and soccer. Its still the same game." Blatt isnt hung up on labels or perceptions. He doesnt consider himself an Israeli coach, European coach or any type for that matter. He doesnt favouroffence over defence. "Im a basketball coach," he said, "someone who through teaching and working with people and getting the most out of my players and staff has always seen the success of the team as paramount." The Cavaliers spent nearly six weeks looking for their third coach in three years before hiring Blatt, who recently resigned as coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, a squad he led to this years Euroleague title. Cavs general manager David Griffin said Blatt was one of "five or six" candidates who had full-blown interviews and the club contacted as many as 11 coaches. "Hes truly the embodiment of every characteristic we most sought in a coach," GGriffin said. Wholesale Jerseys China. . "Hes a guy who has passion, creativity and intelligence. As a coach, hes able to adjust in ways that make him special because of those things. He lives those things as a man as well. Because of all that, the players all feel him in a very powerful way. David is an authentic leader." The team hired finalist Tyronn Lue as an associate head coach under Blatt. Blatt understands theres a responsibility that comes with being the first at anything. He believes other European coaches are as qualified to coach in the NBA, but hes the one getting the chance. "I know Im carrying the torch, and I hope like hell I dont drop it," he said. "I dont plan to. It does mean a great deal." Blatt was charming, convincing and self-effacing during a 30-minute news conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Blatt said he had previous chances to come to the NBA, but the timing wasnt right. "Somebody told me the reason I did it is because I missed Boston lobster and macaroni and cheese," he cracked. "Theres something to that, honestly." Blatt is taking over a team that went 33-49 last season and underachieved for Mike Brown, who was fired on May 12, ending his second stint in Cleveland. Blatt believes the Cavs have the pieces to be a contender, and that its up to him to put them together. And that would be the case in any country. "I find a group of guys that want to be coached, that want to learn, that care about winning," he said. "Those are things I have to emphasize with them, that I have to strengthen and help them understand the right way to do it. "Ive coached enough great players in my life to know when guys are happy playing together and are seeing that doing it the right way brings and fosters the spirit you need to win, it doesnt make a difference where you coach." Blatt feels hes finally where he belongs. He had a great run overseas, but it was time to come back to where he started. It was time to come home. "I was happy and fulfilled in what I was doing," he said. "But I never, for a moment, lost the hope that I would come full circle and make my way back to the places where I grew up and to be part of something that was so much a part of me." ' ' '