The Toronto Maple Leafs are invading China?

It seems that the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to expand Leafs Nation by about a billion fans. TSN's Rick Westhead reported today that 4 members of Leafs upper management will be traveling to China today with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for meetings with Chinese government officials. They are hoping the trip will help establish the Leafs as China's favorite team, but they will have to compete with teams like The Islanders and the Canucks who have already started work on establishing themselves in East Asia. Dave Hopkins, MLSE's chief commercial officer, spoke to the media and stated"

"This is the most storied and established brand in the game, we were told that if they were going to partner in the NFL, it would be with the Dallas Cowboys. If they were doing a baseball deal, it would be with the New York Yankees. And if there's a partnership in the NHL, it's going to be with the Maple Leafs."

MLSE has already established cooperate partnerships in China as far as the Raptors are concerned , these partnerships reportedly generate $300,000 a piece. Chinese officials have inquired about staging a regular season NHL game as early as next season. The good news for the new Chinese Leafs fans? Their streak for seasons without a cup will only be at 1! Image courtesy Leafs' facebook.