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TORONTO – Two times in the past three seasons, the hockey team from Toronto has collapsed under city-rattling circumstances, including a rapid descent from near-certain playoff entry last season. In between was a valiant stab at the first Leaf post-season series win in years from a feisty, competitive group – albeit, one that probably benefited from the 48-game schedule. Looking to recapture some of that magic, Leafs management made character, attitude, leadership and qualities of mental fortitude high priorities in their bid at roster reconstruction on July 1st. Led by president Brendan Shanahan and incumbent general manager Dave Nonis, the club reacquired two players from that 2013 squad – Leo Komarov and Matt Frattin – also adding 37-year-old Stephane Robidas to a defence that recently replaced the steady Carl Gunnarsson with edgy-type Roman Polak. “Part of it is always about character,” said Nonis, shortly after 5pm et, when the Leafs first crack at free agency ended. “I dont think that we have a character issue with our team or our players, but I think adding people like Leo and Robidas to [the roster] only strengthens it. The compete level that we had two years ago, I think was at or near the top of the league. 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.” Randy Carlyle couldnt summon much in the way of explanation as to why things unraveled for the Leafs so epically months earlier, but did notice something amiss with the attitude of his group. “We lacked the compete,” he said, while at the draft in Philadelphia this past weekend. “I look at compete as part of the character flaw.” It was clear management sensed something similar, though character and leadership would hardly encompass the Leafs woeful defence and penalty-killing, targeting players in free agency or on the trade market who were known for their high compete level. In addition to Komarov and Robidas, the club also made pitches to keep gritty, but soon-to-be overpaid, Dave Bolland, 38-year-old former Team Canada defender Dan Boyle and long-time Montreal heart-and-soul type, Josh Gorges. Robidas, who was signed for three years at $9 million, offers the Leafs a much-needed veteran upgrade in their top-four, a long-time Dallas Star whos physical, blocks shots and has the ability to play in every situation. A right-handed defender, in short supply for the club a year ago, and veteran of 885 regular season games, Robidas brings a savvy that was lacking on a mismatched back-end last season. “It was a factor,” Nonis said of character when it came to Robidas, who suffered two separate, broken right-leg injuries last season, but will be ready for training camp. “The people that I know that know him, that Brendan knows, speak very highly of the way he handles himself, on and off the ice. I dont think were looking at a guy thats going to come in here and be terribly vocal or anything like that, but in terms of playing the game the right way, taking care of yourself and leading by example, that coupled with being a right-shot and his playing ability, he was the guy we targeted right away.” Komarov bolted for the KHL after that 2013 campaign, but was eager to return to the NHL-lifestyle this fall. He garnered considerably more than the club appeared willing to pay just one year earlier, four years at $2.95 million per season, and quite a bit for a player who was limited offensively as a Leaf. It was clear, however, that Nonis and company valued the Finnish wingers scrappy play and were also hopeful of more upside with more opportunity next season. “Hes a very competitive guy,” said Nonis of Komarov, who had nine points in 42 games with the Leafs. “Hes going to give you whatever he has … He has compete. He gets under peoples skin by the way he plays, not because hes a chirper or anything like that, but he finishes every single check and, sometimes, I think people dont really enjoy the way he does that. But for us, he brought that element; he brought some character to our group. He was very well-liked by his teammates. All the things that you look for in a player, he ticks a lot of boxes.” Polak, too, was added from St. Louis earlier with an eye toward the “edge” he would bring to the Toronto defence, a quality infinitely enduring to the head coach. But for the all the focus on injecting the Leafs dressing room with more bite, increased leadership and character, its Carlyle and the still-yet-to-be-named coaching staff that bear the most watching next season. For whatever the Leafs lacked in determination and persistence last year – and there was a noticeable difference – it was their inability to defend with any degree of success that instigated their downfall last season. No team, as widely known by this point, allowed more shots than Toronto and only three teams allowed more power-play goals. It was a house of cards that was bound to collapse and did when Jonathan Bernier went down with injury in mid-March. And for all his drum-beating about the troubles, and he was quick to point flaws as early as October, Carlyle and his since-deposed trio of assistants could not find the right answers, instill a defensive mindset onto a sometimes immature roster, employ top line-ups and align the talent in place with a suitable style of play. All that will have to change and its up to Carlyle to adjust accordingly. The coming season wont be about leadership concerns or questions of character, but whether a head coach can adapt to a younger and faster league. Robidas, Polak and Komarov should help to address some of the defensive deficiencies of last year – also fitting Carlyles harder brand of hockey – particularly a penalty kill that fell right back to the bottom of the league last season. Roster ........... still to be filled include a centre capable of playing in a third or fourth-line capacity – Peter Holland is in line for regular opportunity, but a security blanket for Carlyle is likely preferred – perhaps another defenceman, with Cody Franson likely on the way out, some scoring depth and a backup goaltender, though, Nonis continues to insist that James Reimer could be back next year, despite clear indications of his desire to move elsewhere. Some of those changes could come internally with a round of Marlies keen to take the next step into the NHL. The Leafs additionally have about $15 million in cap space to work with a group of restricted free agents, Jake Gardiner most prominently among them, still to sign. 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Brazilian striker Brandao opened the scoring with a header in the 55th minute before winger Franck Tabanou volleyed home from close range to double the lead in the 61st. Dave Casper Raiders Jersey . Then he got back at the team that released him five days before the start of last season, hitting a tiebreaking double in the ninth inning of the first game at Fenway Park since Boston won the World Series last October.BEREA, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Brandon Weedens injured right thumb will not require surgery, and he could be back on the field sooner than expected. Assuming, that is, coach Rob Chudzinski decides to put him out there. Weeden visited a hand specialist on Thursday and was told there no further damage and that he doesnt need an operation. Chudzinski said it was "highly unlikely" Weeden will need surgery and that his status will be re-evaluated next week. "As soon as hes cleared well have to evaluate what status he is, whether hes 100 per cent or 80 or 90," he said Friday. "Well play it by ear as it goes." Weeden was not available for comment. As practice wrapped up inside the teams indoor field house, Weeden, wearing a black immobilizing brace on his right hand, shagged footballs as quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Jason Campbell took turns trying to hit the goal posts crossbar from 50 yards. Weeden injured his thumb in the fourth quarter of last weeks 14-6 loss at Baltimore. He smashed his thumb on the helmet of left guard John Greco while throwing a pass and had to leave the game for treatment and X-rays. Campbell played the Browns final offensive series as they dropped to 0-2. On Wednesday, Chudzinski surprisingly named Hoyer, who had been listed as Clevelands No. 3 quarterback since the start of training camp, as his starter for Sundays game against the Minnesota Vikings. Chudzinski said he picked Hoyer over Campbell because "where were at offensively now, the things that the does well fits what we need." Chudzinski then added that Weedens starting job was not guaranteed when he returned, yet another startling development later trumped by the Browns trading star running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round draft pick next year. Weeden seemed stunned to learn his job wouldnt be waitingg for him when he got back, and the second-year QB tried to downplay the significance of Chudzinskis comments.dddddddddddd "I dont worry about that stuff," he said. Chudzinski said Friday that he has spoken to Weeden about the situation and the 29-year-old understands the situation. Chudzinski said even if Weeden returns earlier than expected, it would have no bearing on which quarterback plays. "Well, not really," Chudzinski said. "Were just going to take it week by week and see where hes at and where were at. Hes played two games, Id love to see more of him." Weeden has completed 47 of 86 passes for 516 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. He has never gotten the full support from Clevelands new regime, which may have shown its intent to draft a quarterback in the first round next year by dealing Richardson for a future pick. The Browns will have 10 selections next year, enough ammunition to move up in the draft if needed. ---- NOTES: Former Browns president Mike Holmgren criticized the teams decision to deal Richardson. In a radio interview, Holmgren said he would quit as coach if his team traded its best offensive player. "Philosophically, if I am the coach and someone came in anywhere and did that, Id say OK, fire me, or Im going to quit. Or were going to both go into the owner and talk about this and then well see whos still standing." Current Browns CEO Joe Banner fired back at Holmgren. "Mikes entitled to his opinion," Banner said in a radio interview. "He ran the team for three years and was able to do what he believed in. Its our turn trying to do what we think is right. 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