When people talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs, they often mention how the team has missed the playoffs the previous six seasons. What those folks do not realize is this year’s Leafs were the second youngest team in the NHL. Arguably they are now where they should have been four years ago. The oldest Toronto Maple Leaf this season was Jean-Sebastien Giguere at 34, the next oldest Leaf is Colton Orr and Mike Komisarek at 29. It’s safe to say now, the rebuild has officially begun.
Do we stick with rebuilding or go for it come July 1?
It would likely be 50/50 in Leaf Nation, some would say stick with the rebuild, while others say go for it all on July 1. But, the lack of center man on July 1 is concerning for the Leafs. What if the Rangers sign Brad Richards, all that would be left is Jason Arnott and Tim Connelly. No one could agree with giving either one of those players more than a 3 year deal, both would want north of 3.5 million. Arnott’s play has fallen off, to where he cannot be considered a number one center. Connelly is a soft, injury prone center and he’s the opposite of what Burke wants.
Outside chance is that Rick Nash could be had from Columbus. The only problem with this is the price tag would be sky high, do you part with both Kadri and Schenn? I say absolutely not, only because there is no center to play with Nash and the rebuild would need to start over.
Because of this I say the Leafs should stay the course, hope Joe Colbourne and Kessel get some chemistry early in the season, if they do that drops Tyler Bozak to the third line center. The Leafs can also see what’s available on the trade market. Would Florida part with Stephen Weiss? Would they be interested in one of the 1rst rounder’s, what else would it take to get him? But, he’s allot like Connelly but his consistency would also need to be called into question. Nazim Kadri is also going to be better next year as well, he showed progress late in the year when playing on the third line.
Could Kaberle come back next year?
With Tomas Kaberle struggling in Boston, the question at some time during the off-season will be asked will the Leafs take him back, and/or would he want to come back? Leafs general manager Brian Burke would likely not take Kaberle back at his 4.25 salary, but would Kaberle take a hometown discount? No one can argue that the Leafs power play was not the same without him, same thing can be said with the Leafs transition game. If the Leafs did bring back Kaberle, the “experts” would have to agree about the Leafs fleecing the Bruins. Colbourne, 1rst round pick (possible 2nd round pick) all for a guy that could be back in the Blue & White.
Bring back the soliders
Not since the Leafs had Bill Berg, Mark Osbourne and Kent Mandrerville have the Leafs had the soldiers who come to play night in night out. Late last season, you did not have to worry about our third and fourth liners bringing their lunch buckets to play. We’re talking about the Darryl Boyce, Tim Brent, Joey Crabb and Mike Brown. Now do they have room for all four, that remains to be seen. But when Burke’s Duck won the Cup, his third and fourth liners were those type of players. They’re dirt cheap as well, none of the four will make more than 700,000 that then frees up money for the top six forwards and top four defenseman.
No comments:
Post a Comment