Is Cliff Fletcher developing a youth system, or are we seeing more of the same of Leaf GM's before him. 'More of the same' meaning trading away draft picks for players.

This off season, the Maple Leaf transaction list looks as follows.

Traded - 1st,2nd,3rd rd. picks for Luke Schenn

Traded - 3rd rd. pick for Jamal Mayers

Traded - 2nd rd. pick for Mikhail Grabovski

Now the Luke Schenn deal is obviously a deal that was needed to be done. But a  third round pick for another Darcy Tucker, and a second round pick for a faster Kyle Wellwood. I just don't see the need in these two players, especially after losing Wellwood for nothing in return. It kind of feels like they just paid to get him back.

Although this is a young and potentially talented team, there has not been a big splash made by the Leafs that stands out saying " We are Rebuilding"

After the Deadline in 08, I was certain that once Kubina's contract temporarily ceased to have a NTC, that he would be gone as soon as possible. But a trade has not happened and I do not expect the other 2 Dmen to waive (Kaberle, McCabe).

Look for the Leafs to compete for the 1st overall pick, probably finishing 8th last.

This team will lose a lot of games but will leave many a leaf fan excited for '09 -'10