Toronto Maple Leafs – Looking ahead

Another season has gone by and yet the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans are on the outside looking in for the fourth straight season. All is not too bleak in Leaf land though. For the first time in memory, the Leafs actually have a solid plan in place to make the team younger, stronger, and more competitive. This began with the mid-season acquisition of General Manager Brian Burke from the Anaheim Ducks. Burke straight out said that each player would be fighting for their spot on the roster come next season, and while it is too soon to say he will live up to those words, it did not take him very long to begin putting his stamp on the team.

Burke so far since taking over has made a couple of deals. First, he brought in Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks for a Conditional 6th round pick (if he resigns). This was an excellent trade as May immediately made an impact on the team with his rough style of game and leadership qualities he exhibited to a young Maple Leafs squad. At the trade deadline, Burke attempted to make several trades, but was limited to three moves. First, Nik Antropov went to the New York Rangers for a 2nd round pick in 2009, and a conditional draft pick pending how deep they go in the playoffs. Second, they sent Dominic Moore to the Buffalo Sabres for another 2nd round draft pick after being unable to sign him to an extension. Lastly, the Leafs made an interesting move to help the Tampa Bay Lightning relieve some of their financial strains by sending AHL player Richard Petiot in exchange for Olaf Kolzig, Jamie Heward, Andy Rogers, and a 4th round pick. Essentially, the Leafs took the financial responsibility for the long-term injured players in exchange for their 4th round draft pick. A wise decision as the Leafs finally uses some of their bulging wallet to their advantage. At the end of the campaign, Burke was also able to target players Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson from the NCAA hockey league who were undrafted and sign them to very lucrative contracts that will also help moving forward.

Now, the Leafs must look past the 2008-2009 season and ahead to the draft and free agency. It is no secret that Brian Burke is looking to capture one of the first or second overall draft picks this year, held respectively by the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning. It is thought that the player Burke is targeting is long time coveted player John Tavares, as many called this the Tavares Sweepstakes, but interesting twists have occurred lately according to “Redline Reports” that place Tavares at 3rd overall, behind that of Victor Hedman (1), and Matt Duchene. Whether Burke is targeting Tavares or not, it has become more obvious that despite wanting the first overall pick, Burke should be targeting the Tampa Bay Lightning for their second overall pick in an attempt to grab one of these three highly coveted players. Look for a deal involving the Leafs first round draft pick, seventh overall, one of Kaberle or Kubina, and a young roster player, such as Grabovski, Kulemin, or Tlusty, and a 2nd rounder at least for the pick. Any of the three would instantly be slated as a building block for the future, and if Burke is able to get the second overall pick without trading defensemen Luke Schenn they would have a very solid foundation moving forward.

Free agency is a great place for the Leafs to look this season as well. While there currently 12 million in cap space available, don’t look for Burke to sign any insane contracts. There are a couple hot commodities available in Mike Cammalleri and Jay Bouwmeester that any team would love to have, but rather watch for Burke to look to the future with the current economic downturn and make sure he is able to maneuver in the new cap world, something the Leafs have had issues with since its introduction as they have usually been up against the cap. Rather, watch the Leafs continue to sign young NCAA players and role players during this free agent frenzy as they continue to grow as a team and set their mark in the Eastern Conference.

What happens in Leaf-land it is going to be an exciting time. From draft day to free agency to the puck drop in October, look for the Leafs to continue to grow under coach Ron Wilson and enjoy watching the current playoffs knowing that the Leafs will soon be back in the dance with their best chances in many years.

Chris Lewis