| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ThorntonisTHEMAN |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 07:44:21
If you are Brian Burke, what would be your biggest concern this offseason? What signings would you make to solidify the Leafs? |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| fat_elvis_rocked |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 15:22:03
I think one of the biggest problems the Leafs have gotten themselves into is this hard-line stance that in the eyes of the media, hiding behind tradition and self-imposed fear of failure, lies the conception that because they are Toronto, they have to compete every year for top spot.
This has caused them to make numerous bad deals, trading away long term investments, for hopeful short sighted gain. The managemant has done nothing for as long as I can remember to prepare for the inevitable phase of rebuilding that every team has to go through. I call it arrogance and you can call it whatever, but they seem to think that they have to uphold this illusion of always being an upper echelon team. It's gotten to the point that they really have left themselves with nothing to build on.
I would hope Burke looks at this, and realizes rebuilding is a 3 - 5 year plan and use that media monster that surrounds the Leafs to that advantage. Generate excitement that the team is builiding for the future while painting the current core in that light, and applaud the effort while they do so.
Detroit learned it the hard way...suck it up for a few years...rebuild and keep your prospects developing, then use them when ready.
Montreal did the same thing and it's starting to pay dividends.
Every top team in the last 20 years has done the same thiing....Colorado, New Jersey, Pittsburgh...they all have had tough rebuilding years, but rebuild and compete they did.
Why not Toronto?
Maybe the best thingk Burke can do in the immediate future is forget about trying to compete and utilize what he's got to attract youth and prospects from teams that are looking to push into the playoffs.
Toskala, Blake, Kaberle, Antropov, Ponikarovsky...these are all decent players that could be used by teams in the hunt. Might be time to clean house instead of attract more...dust.
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| Thrasher |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 15:21:22
Looking at their defense, they seem pretty solid, but they are still letting in too many goals. goaltending may be the issue, but IMO they need a star player to light the lamp and get everyone else on their team fired up. Every since Sundin left, they are lost. Rumours of Kovalchuk going to Toronto are nice to hear, he would be a huge asset. Also with talk about one of Heatley or Spezza being shopped around, they may be able to pick a player off their rivals. Since Ottawa needs a goalie, maybe Toskola for one of them(among other things), and then sign a goalie in the off season? Toronto is all secondary scorers, no one who can consistenly put the biscuit in the basket. I would say thats where they need to improve. |
| Porkchop73 |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 14:56:03
I think if I am Burke, I continue to rebuild with the idea focused on Speed, fast transition, solid defensive play. If players become available that fit the criteria and the price isn't so steep that Toronto sells its future (again) then obviously I would make the move. There are two ways to rebuild in the NHL. A one or two year turnaround for short term run at the cup and there is the long rebuild focused on building a perennial contender. Toronto is not in the position for quick turnaround. I hope they stay the course and give TO fans something to be proud of and to cheer for for many years. |
| Guest4150 |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 13:22:59
#1 Trade Everything You have for picks/prospects
#2 Draft John Tavares
#3 Jay Bouwmeester
#4 Mike Cammeleri
www,drunkleolie.com
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| goleafsgosjnb |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 11:05:10
none of the above. getting younger and stocking up on blue-chippers is priority #1 |
| Matt_Roberts85 |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 10:55:21
Well, you could check off at least 3 of those. They definatley need an upgrade between the pipes. Toskala is either playing really hurt (there are reports he has a bad groin/hip) or he just sucks dirty balls...
With Kaberle and/or Kubina likley to be gone by the start of next season, I would be looking for a REALLY steady blueliner. Don't be surprised if Burke goes after JayBo on July 1st.
The defence on this team kinda confuses me....
Kaberle Kubina
Schenn Van Ryn
Finger White
Frogren Stralman
It doesn't really seem that bad to me, but they let in alot of goals... Is it goaltending? The forwards not coming back enough? Or a bad system?
I think its more of a combination of the first two.
The team is full of 2nd - 4th line players. They absolutley need a franchise forward and another 1st liner. If they had both of these things right now, I beleive they could be a playoff team. If guys like Antropov, Poni, Hagman, Blake and Moore are your depth guys instead of your go-to guys, you have a pretty decent club.
Im replacing Matt Stajans roster spot if I can, same with Jason Blake (even though he's hot right now, I don't care). Grabovski needs more time, so does Kulemin and Mitchell. Schenn is coming along nicley. This team needs time as much as it needs new players.
So yea, all In all, im looking for Goaltending, a franchise forward, a 1st liner, and a top 2 defenceman. Quite the shopping list. I give it 3 years before they have those. Hopefully by then the rookies will have come along nicely and won't need to be replaced as well.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
| Guest9109 |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 08:40:10
its not scoring goals thats the problem for them, its keeping the damn puck outta their own net |
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