Brian Burke Does His Own "How Do Ya Do" at Draft

Bestow it to all Leafs Hockey Fans to actually have a GM who likes to remind people (much like me) that he is Irish and he won't take a back seat at decision making to the MLSE giants. Granted his work ethic and candor during his current reign as GM of the Leafs is not being overlooked like the recent garbage strike in the city. It's Brian Burke's relentless decision making that will eventually prove it's worth.

There are many hockey hounds that are ready to pounce on Burke at any given time like a rural man visiting his first "street meat" vendor at Yonge and Bloor. But will Brian Burke worry?

Absolutely not.

Looking into his past and present, one thing is very clear to me: the Toronto Maple Leafs are in good hands. With Ballard-like manners and Fletcher-like charisma, the Maple Leafs will no longer have to worry regarding soft play, accountability, lack of grit and passionate players.

A good example of this is the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Being from the Kitchener/Waterloo area, I had the pleasure of watching Nazem Kadri play for the Kitchener Rangers and London Knights of the OHL. Each game watching this kid was a treat. He never stopped skating.

When Brian Burke asked Brian Murray (Ottawa Senators GM) who he was looking at, they also commented they wanted Kadri. So was Brian Burke taking Kadri in spite much like LA Kings taking Schenn just to tick of Toronto? Maybe yes, maybe no. However, it's no surprise that he took Kadri, as many scouts were high on him.

It is ironic, though, that they took Kadri with the seventh pick. Why? Well it is only seven weeks away from training camp and I bet that this lucky kid gets a crack at proving all the nay-sayers wrong with his decision. Take it from me, with Kadri and Schenn as building blocks of the beloved Maple Leafs, it's one step into a direction that we all have been starving for.

No, not a Cup...accountability!