Toronto Maple Leafs: Current Roster Depth Will Be Key to Future Playoff Success

Though the Toronto Maple Leafs' many critics would have you believe otherwise, Brian Burke and his management team have a very definitive agenda in mind when it comes to transforming the Toronto Maple Leafs into a perennial playoff team and an eventual Stanley Cup winner.

A major aspect of this process has been consistent throughout Burke's tenure in Toronto but has become very prominent in the last month or so—acquiring quality depth wherever possible within the organization.  Interestingly, this includes the coaching staff and management team as well.

As far as player personnel goes, the Leafs have an abundance of NHL-ready centermen and defensemen.

Up the middle, the list includes Connolly, Lombardi, Grabovski, Bozak, Dupuis, and for argument's sake, Colborne and Kadri (though he is penciled in as a winger for this fall).  Not to mention that Brian Burke may yet sign Darryl Boyce, who is looking for a one-way contract elsewhere in the league with little success as of this date.

When it comes to defense, Phaneuf, Schenn, Liles, Franson, Gunnarson, Aulie, Lashoff, and for argument's sake, Mike Komisarek and Jeff Finger make up the pool from which Ron Wilson and his staff will draw throughout the 2011-2012 season.

So, why acquire so many NHL-ready players at one position?

Other than the fact that the Leafs were extraordinarily thin up the middle last year, this quote by Brian Burke provides a great deal of insight as to how the club has been operating since he took over:

“Well I think we used 10 defensemen when we won the Cup in Anaheim.  I think you need to have depth at that position.  It’s a wear and tear position and it gives you assets to put in a trade.  We’re in a position to move a defenseman if we want to or need to.”

Depth, depth, depth.

What I want to highlight from these statements is that Burke is pursuing a model that he has had a great deal of success with in the past.  Anaheim and Vancouver have both been very competitive teams for many years now.  No matter what anyone may argue, Burke has his fingerprints all over the current rosters of both teams.  Nonis has his on Vancouver's as well. 

These facts are undeniable.  Ignore the "anyone could have done what Burke did in Anaheim, the team was already built" and the "Burke almost drove Vancouver into the ground" type sayings.  People dislike Burke because of his loud mouth, cockiness and ego—I get it.  But disliking a personality does not invalidate what has been accomplished.

Anyway, that’s an argument for another day.  It’s too nice outside to spend writing two articles in one!

Much has been made about Burke’s ability to simultaneously build for current and future success, and justifiably so.  He’s been doing a fantastic job.  Case in point, the Brett Lebda trade.

The cupboard is slowly but steadily being restocked, and while the recent additions of Liles, Connolly, Franson, Lombardi and Dupuis are hardly cause for Leaf fans to begin scrambling to inquire about late-round playoff tickets in the spring of 2012, they will all improve the team to some degree.  They all provide the Leafs with the depth they need to eventually be successful.

Depth causes internal competition.

Depth allows for continuity in the event of injury.

Depth gives more options for potential trades.

Depth allows prospects to develop properly in the minors.

DEPTH WINS STANLEY CUPS.

Slow down, Jason. 

Realistically, the Leafs are not Cup contenders as of today.  Many still question their ability to even squeak into the playoffs.  I acknowledge this reality and embrace it.  There are still pieces of the puzzle that either do not fit or are missing altogether.  However, keep in mind that this is normal for a rebuilding team and no one should be discouraged by it. 

Burke has only been in Toronto for two-and-a-half years.  Be patient.  They are well on their way.  And what is the biggest reason why?

It starts with a “D”…

Thanks for reading!