On Rebuilding and This Season ...

Marmoset · Post #1 » by **Marmoset** » Sat Jan 3, 2009 4:52 pm

On the official Leafs forum I'm already seeing plenty of calls for the Leafs to forget the 'rebuilding' process and try to compete seriously now, mainly (I suspect) due to the Leafs better-than-expected performance this year.

I'm curious as to what people think around here. I think the Leafs should stay the course and rebuild the team properly, making trades over the next two months with that goal in mind. The team has definitely been better than I expected it to be this season, but despite that they are still currently 6 points out of the playoffs, with most teams holding a game or two in hand. And, the same lack of young prospects/picks still exists. Guys like John Mitchell and Jonas Frogren and Jamie Sifers have been good, but this is not the 'core' that you build a contending team around.

I will be disappointed if we don't see some guys like Antropov, Kubina, etc. traded before the deadline. I have confidence that Burke will make the right moves, although it might be best if they go on a skid over the next 2-3 weeks to remove any temptation to do the JFJ move and go all out for thr 8th playoff seed.

Post #2 » by **Crowned** » Sun Jan 4, 2009 7:37 am

There's no reason why we should be trying to win. There are some potential star players in the upcoming draft (outside of Tavares and Hedman).

We have some nice young players, and we should be constantly adding to that core whenever we get the chance.

Leaf fans are going to be disappointed if they think Burke is going to have somewhat of a 'firesale' and gut the roster. He'll trade a Kubina/Kaberle and an Antropov/Poni type player at the most, perhaps with a player along the lines of Moore or Mayers.

He does want draft picks, and has openly admitting to wanting picks. Let's hope he acquires those picks.

PJTucker · Post #3 » by **PJTucker** » Mon Jan 5, 2009 3:40 pm

We should definitely stay the course and continue the rebuilding project. I'd love to see Toskala dealt for as much as we can get (hopefully a 1st rounder). I think that move would allow us to continue to play hard but be in no danger of threatening for a playoff spot.

As others have stated, this is an outstanding opportunity to get a young prospect with the potential to be the star of this team for years to come. We shouldn't be wasting this opportunity on hopes that we can grab the 8th playoff seed and likely lose in the first round.

Mike Hunt · Post #4 » by **Mike Hunt** » Wed Jan 7, 2009 4:32 pm

I agree with all three previous posters. The Leafs finally kept their first rounders over the past couple of years and they actually have something to show for it. Schenn has been pretty solid for a 1st year D-man and despite some struggles this season that saw him sent to the minors, Tlusty did show enough flashes last year to at least instill some hope in Leafs fans. I know "tanking" is a dirty word but I can't think of a team that needed to veer that way more than the Leafs. Adding another 1-3 solid prospects to the mix would do wonders for the team.

There are only two situations where I could justify a lwoly team actually pouring a lot into getting the 8th seed. 1) If the team is in dire financial status and any type of additional revenue is a positive. 2) IF the team has one of the top-3 goalies in the league (because a hot goalie can win a cup almost single-handedly).

JaysOrRaps · Post #5 » by **JaysOrRaps** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:07 am

Agreed. If Columbus sneaks into the playoffs they might pull off an upset or two if Mason stays this hot. I always predict which team will win the cup on their goalie. That's why I like Vancouver's chances (as soon as Luongo gets back and heats up again) to win it all. Having lived in B.C for half my life I don't feel guilty for cheering them on to win - them having Sundin, Wellwood and Antropov* doesn't hurt either.

There's no sense hoping the Leafs sneak into the playoffs because any realistic fan can see we would have no chance to get far. Whereas tanking can potentially get us John Freakin' Tavares.. or like Crowned said, there's a lot of potential stars in the draft, so why waste this chance?

*Antropov will be traded with another player to Vancouver for Hodgson and a 2nd round pick. It's my fantasy, go away.

Marmoset · Post #6 » by **Marmoset** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:45 pm

They're 9 points out as of today - let's keep it going! They're now closer to the potential #2 overall pick (6 points) than they are to making the playoffs.

JaysOrRaps · Post #7 » by **JaysOrRaps** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 3:10 pm

As of Jan 14th, 10:00am.

6. Leafs - 43GP, 38PTS
5. Lightning - 43GP, 36PTS
4. Blues - 42GP, 35PTS
3. Senators - 41GP, 34PTS
2. Thrashers - 43GP, 33PTS
1. Islanders - 43GP, 28PTS

While the Isles might be hard to catch up with, the rest is easily attainable. We only need 5th to get a chance at Tavares, so let's get it done!