Leafs Up Up and Away
Posted 11:37 AM ET | Comments 0
Finally:
After Years of patch work and lackluster attempts at playoff success, the buds appear to be on the right track.
Many are questioning the size in which the leafs have been drafting, but fear not there is a plan, and its a damn good one. Kyle Dubas made an excellent point that you can add strength but you cannot add smarts or character. The 2015 draft was laid out with a lot of skill and the leafs jumped at that. The 2016 draft is not nearly as great as 2015 but there are many great sized players available and many will come from Mark Hunters OHL turf.
The recent additions of Mattias, Parenteau, Winnick, Hunwick, and Arcobello. Should give each of these players and opportunity to prove their worth and get traded to a contender at the deadline. This should in theory give the leafs another 6-7 more picks in 2016 which will expel riches in the 3rd-4th rounds. This is not counting the potential of pre existing leafs to go at the deadline in Polak, Komorov,and less likely Robidas.
The difficult part from here on in will be to expel players that could bring some success to the leafs under Coach Babcock. The players that must be jettisoned are Phanuef, Lupul, Bozak, and JVR. Less important but still a consideration to go is Kadri.
JVR carries the highest value of return for the buds and really should have been flipped at the 2015 draft for a guaranteed higher pick. Most want to keep him, but my argument is simple. If the leafs are not going to compete for a cup for another 5 years, JVr is past his prime and a non factor in a hunt. Therefore his value has never been or will ever be higher than now. He also carries with him a weak body and is a tad injury prone.
The best thing about the rebuild is that it will not be rushed, no prospect will be learning at the NHL instead fill in NHLers vying for a better contract will be brought in to replace them while they develop.
Most are saying that the leafs are starting to mimick the red wings in their model, but I believe it looks more to be in the mold of the Blackhawks and the ground work Dale Tallon made before his silly firing.
Anyway much to be excited for and the excitement of the 2016 draft and the praying of the leafs losing all season will be infuriating for some but optimistic and enticing for true beleafers.
After Years of patch work and lackluster attempts at playoff success, the buds appear to be on the right track.
Many are questioning the size in which the leafs have been drafting, but fear not there is a plan, and its a damn good one. Kyle Dubas made an excellent point that you can add strength but you cannot add smarts or character. The 2015 draft was laid out with a lot of skill and the leafs jumped at that. The 2016 draft is not nearly as great as 2015 but there are many great sized players available and many will come from Mark Hunters OHL turf.
The recent additions of Mattias, Parenteau, Winnick, Hunwick, and Arcobello. Should give each of these players and opportunity to prove their worth and get traded to a contender at the deadline. This should in theory give the leafs another 6-7 more picks in 2016 which will expel riches in the 3rd-4th rounds. This is not counting the potential of pre existing leafs to go at the deadline in Polak, Komorov,and less likely Robidas.
The difficult part from here on in will be to expel players that could bring some success to the leafs under Coach Babcock. The players that must be jettisoned are Phanuef, Lupul, Bozak, and JVR. Less important but still a consideration to go is Kadri.
JVR carries the highest value of return for the buds and really should have been flipped at the 2015 draft for a guaranteed higher pick. Most want to keep him, but my argument is simple. If the leafs are not going to compete for a cup for another 5 years, JVr is past his prime and a non factor in a hunt. Therefore his value has never been or will ever be higher than now. He also carries with him a weak body and is a tad injury prone.
The best thing about the rebuild is that it will not be rushed, no prospect will be learning at the NHL instead fill in NHLers vying for a better contract will be brought in to replace them while they develop.
Most are saying that the leafs are starting to mimick the red wings in their model, but I believe it looks more to be in the mold of the Blackhawks and the ground work Dale Tallon made before his silly firing.
Anyway much to be excited for and the excitement of the 2016 draft and the praying of the leafs losing all season will be infuriating for some but optimistic and enticing for true beleafers.