Burke and Wilson Neglecting The Maple Leafs in Olympic Proportions!

Just how much is the distraction of managing and coaching Team USA's hockey team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics going to affect the roles of G.M. Brian Burke and Coach Ron Wilson in their quest to rebuild the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Is it possible for the dynamic duo to be successful at both endeavors or will the Team USA gig slow down the process in Toronto?

On the surface one would have to assume that the Leaf's growth and development will be curtailed because, arguably, the two most important men in the organization will have to split their time between the two time consuming programs. By virtue of that they are taking away from the Leafs development. It is not possible to give 100 percent to any two projects at any one time.

I'ts fairly certain that most Leaf fans would prefer to see a dedicated G.M. and Coach after so many years of failure in Toronto.

The love affair with Brian Burke in Leafland is not going to last forever. Many of those fans are already crying foul because of the perceived failure in Burke's desire to upgrade his draft pick in an effort to land John Tavares as well as signing a top six forward. He also appeared to fumble his way through a failed trade attempt with Boston involving Phil Kessel and Tomas Kaberle. 

Is it fair to slam Burke for those events. Likely not, in fact it's somewhat refreshing to see a G.M. who is willing to share his thoughts with the press and not care if the plan fails to reach fruition. At least the fans are aware of the game plan which is something that they have not been privy to in the past.

The pressure may be on Burke and Wilson to ice a team for the Olympics that will exceed expectations, after all Burke made it clear that the same strategy he is implementing with the Leafs will be used for Team USA.

Many fans and doubters alike will envision the results in Vancouver as a sign of things to come this season in Toronto.

Regardless of those results, Leaf fans should look at the fact that since Team USA has that much faith in Toronto's G.M. and Coach that the Leafs organization is on the right track in the building process, right from the foundation up. 

The experience will likely help Burke and Wilson better prepare for the NHL season ahead if not just by adding to their levels of knowledge. For example, Wilson will get a good look at Mike Komisarek and both men can create relationships with the top USA players in the world without being accused of tampering.

From a scientific standpoint no one can compare both teams nor the results of Team USA's success in Vancouver to the Toronto Maple Leafs upcoming season. In fact, it's a silly idea, but hey, August is a slow news month in the NHL so take it for what it's worth.