Toronto Maple Leafs Stuck in Mediocrity?

There has been much talk in Toronto about the Maple Leafs' current rebuilding plan. Undoubtedly, Luke Schenn was a step in the right direction. Throw in youngsters like Kulmelin, Tlusty, Grabovski, Stralman, and Pogge and the future is looking much brighter for the buds than it did this time last year.

That being said, with both the McCabe and Sundin situations still looming over the team, this year may not be what most Leaf fans may expect—or want.

To many die-hard Leaf fans, this is the year to take a few steps back in order to take a giant leap forward. This year, the Leafs may have a legitimate shot at drafting John Tavares, the superstar prospect this organization drastically needs.

The problem with this is with the team being unable to move McCabe and the potential of Mats' return, management may blow any shot the team has at drafting Tavares before the season even begins.

This team has the potential to "tank" and that’s what most fans hope for and expect, however bringing back a guy like Sundin will only hurt the prospects of a last place finish.

It's not that Sundin and McCabe would make this team a contender, it's just that it would make them what they have been for years now—just good enough to keep people interested, but just bad enough to miss the playoffs. That won’t cut it.

It may be time for Fletcher to finally come out and state that the franchise has to move on and thank Mats for his loyal years of service and wish him the best.

I think its fair to say that most loyal Leafs fans would rather see Sundin have a shot at the Cup with a contender than toiling away his final years with a rebuilding Leafs team. He has more than paid his dues.

If the Leafs truly wanted a shot at Tavares and were really serious about rebuilding, we would see Toskala and Kaberle traded for some significant prospects and draft picks.  Management and ownership should decide if rebuilding is what they really want. Do they want to rebuild and aim to be competitive in 5 years or so or are they happy just dumping the over 30 skaters and adding a few grade B prospects.  Because if rebuilding is what they want to do, than guys like Toskala,Kaberle,Sundin and McCabe should all be shown the door. Yes Toskala and Kaberle are now the teams top two players and relatively young however by the time this team is contending they would be better off with the prospects brought in by these moves.

That being said, it looks like Leafs' ownership is happy with the way things have gone over the past three years or so. The more things change in Leafland, the more they very well may remain the same.