So What Happens Now?: How Does Burke Deal With a Winning Team?

Now that the Buds are on a roll, and things are finally looking up, as Leaf fans we need to ask ourselves, what is it we want out of the rest of the season? In terms of signings, trades, promotions...what do we expect the Leafs to do now once we pass the Christmas roster freeze?

Going into the season, and especially after the dismal start, it seemed that guys like Stajan, Poni, and Toskala's days as Leafs were numbered. Everyone expected Burke to peddle them for picks at the deadline. But now what does he do? These guys are playing lights out hockey, and have lead the team back up the eastern standings. If Leafs are sitting at the trade deadline somewhere between 6th and 9th place, it could really put Burke between a rock and a hard place.

Take Stajan for instance. Despite the fact that he is having a career year, and has shown chemistry with Kessel, does he really fit into the Leaf's long term plans? Personally, I would love to see him take a hometown discount to stay in Toronto, but let’s say he won’t, and Burke decides before the deadline that he will not play in Toronto next season. Does he risk trading him away, and risk losing all the first line's chemistry for a pick or prospect, or does he let him walk at the end of the season for nothing in favour of a chance at a late seed playoff berth?

Same thing can be said about Poni. This is a guy I really think the Leafs should hang onto, but with the way he is playing he might command a higher salary than he is really worth. Last thing we want is a Tucker or McCabe situation where they get huge raises after half a season, only to coast for the rest of their time as Leafs.

Toskala poses more problems for the Leafs. He has been great since coming back from injury, but as has been the case for his entire tenure as a Leaf, one bad goal or game can knock his confidence out the window. Rumours about Biron, Vokoun, and Huet among others have been floating around as being on the trade market. Is it time for Burke to trade Toskala after Christmas while his value is at its peak, or can he carry this team through the rest of the season? Also, if he would take a major pay cut, would he be worth resigning as a guy to back up whomever is goalie for the Leafs in the future (be it Gustavsson or someone else)?

See...we all felt bad for Burke when the Leafs were losing, but really he had it easy. Then all he had to do was trade away all the expiring contracts (except White), bring up some Marlies, bury some overpaid veterans, and sign some big name free agent in the offseason, then win or lose everyone is happy...except maybe the sting of the picks for Kessel. Now, he has to balance a potentially playoff calibre season, without jeopardizing the future of the team, and really I have no clue what he is going to do.

This is my first attempt at writing on BR, so I thought instead of sharing my opinions, instead I would use it as a starting point for discussion about how people think Burke will deal with a winning team going forward (I never thought I would describe them as a winning team after October!)