Crowned wrote:For the first time in awhile, we've accumulated some young talent. We've got Wellwood, Steen, Stajan, Tlusty, Pogge, Kulmein, Stralman, White, Coliacovo, and whoever we draft this offseason (throw in a name like Couture, Hamill or Backlund). We also have some half decent 2nd tier prospects like Reimer, Earl, Aubin, Kronwall and Harrison.
We're not exactly 'thin' in youth, we're just missing that young star. Getting rid of the contracts JFJ has given out is not exactly a major concern, because I believe we can find takers for guys like McCabe, Kubina, Tucker and Sundin, while recieving some additional youth in exchange for Tucker and Sundin.
I think JFJ recieves too much slack for his inability to rebuild, when I truly believe he's quietly done so, proven by the list of names mentioned above. His two major mistakes were McCabe and Kubina, both of whom addressed an immediate weakness. I don't know if any of you recall what our defensive core looked like 2, 3, 4 seasons ago, we really did need defensive help, and the acquisition of Brian Leetch proves it.
As much as I currently dislike McCabe, he did deserve the contract he recieved. If you recall, before he recieved the contract, he was playing some good hockey. He was a member of Team Canada, and was recieving praise from hockey outlets across the country, as they labelled him as one of the best defenseman in the NHL. He was rapidly putting up points, and looked pretty good. If we didn't give him that contract, somebody else certainly would have. However, after he recieved the contract, his play slowly declined. Who's to blame for that? I think McCabe is. Someone on the roster needs to get this guy going, whether it's Sundin (his job), Maurice (ditto), or even Tucker. He needs to step it up. As for Kubina, well, he's overpaid...but didn't play too bad down the stretch.
I honestly don't think there's as much as an urgency as many of you are making it out to be. If guys like Kulemin, Stralman, Tlusty and Pogge were ready to play, and were as good as they're going to be, there'd be no complaints about the current roster, other than a few overpaid players.
Yes, Kubina needs to go. Yes, McCabe isn't earning his contract. Yes, Sundin is ready to retire. However, I REALLY do like our group of youth.
I'm going to agree with you, Crowned. I like the youth that JFJ has been accumulating rather quietly. And, I do agree that Kubina is overpaid and should be moved. However, I have stronger feelings about McCabe.
Certainly, he's not earning his contract, but moveover, I feel like he's overpaid. He's not a top-flight defenceman in my eyes, especially not when it's obvious that our main guy is Kaberle. McCabe doesn't play big enough and makes too many mistakes in his own end. IMO, he needs to be moved, optimally after starting the season strong.
It's at this juncture that I think the problems with the Leafs' roster, management and relationship to it's fans comes into clear focus. While JFJ has built up some attractive prospects, we lack top line talent. In the past, the Leafs made up for those deficiencies by signing ageing FAs and trading picks/youth for them. These moves are less possible in the salary cap NHL. So... how to get those coveted talents? Just as in the NBA, teams need to clear cap space and acquire draft picks to sign or draft that limited pool of talent.
JFJ's problem has been his seeming unwillingness to make these sorts of moves, ie. letting McCabe walk (though with the Leafs' D problems, this would've been tough), trading older players who don't figure into the future (ie. Sundin, Tucker, et al.) and, in general, the types of moves that would look like a step backwards in order to take two forward.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a perception that the Leafs fan base won't accept losing which leads to frustration as fans rationalize the middling moves the GM makes.
I remember the late 80s and pre-Gilmour period. We stunk. It was between us, the Nordique and the expansion Sharks for the basement. Yet, as far as I remember, the Leafs still sold tickets. That will be the case if JFJ decides to grow a pair and ditch our overpaid and ageing "talent".
The future of the Leafs lies in it's still developing talent and the opportunity to acquire more. Therefore, there are few players beyond Kaberle, Wellwood, Ponikarovsky and the prospects that are unmoveable. Move McCabe for picks and prospects/spare parts. Move Kubina for whatever you can get. Move Tucker (though, he did sign a very reasonable contract, so that may be a little over the top). Move Sundin.
The Leafs must lose (unfortunately) in order to improve.
PS. If the Leafs make the playoffs, JFJ keeps his job. If they don't... I think you get the idea.