THE FUTURE IS HERE FOR THE BLUE AND WHITE

THE FUTURE IS HERE

BELEAF IT OR NOT

Remember the days when Leaf Nation hoped to get an aging star to get us over the hump and finally bring home that 14th cup and end the drought?  The CUJO era, Mats, Mogilny, Roberts, Tucks, Caber with additions Glen Wesley, Doug Gilmour, Ron Francis, Joe Niewendyke, Owen Nolan. The list goes on and on. I Remember it like it was yesterday, giving up upcoming youth or high draft picks for aging veterans past their prime giving them one last chance at the cup before they retire. This is the very reason why we are in this five year playoff hole. Those were the old days; this team has completely taken their foot off the gas for a quick fix and letting their players grow. So is their optimism and hope for the future? You better "beleaf" it.

NEW DIRECTION

 There is a new swagger and direction led by the mastermind himself Brian Burke and his right hand man Dave Nonis. What was the major problem during our cup runs as an organization? They lacked prospect depth and youth talent. Hockey's Future, although may not be the best source in the world has ranked Toronto 6th in prospect pool, organizational ranks moving twelve spots up from being ranked 18th last year. The Leafs have an abundance of youth and talent in their farm from great drafting and scouting as well as depth in the net minding position with the additions of Jussi Rynnas and Ben Scrivens who will be in the AHL soon. James Riemer is also very good prospect and with the best goal tending coach in the universe, Francois Allaire, the Leafs should be very in net for years to come. They have great young talents in Nazem Kadri, Luca Caputi, Christian Hanson, Chris Didomenico, Kenny Ryan, Jimmy Hayes, Philipe Paradis, Jerry D'Amigo and wild card Mikhail Stefanovich and great defensive depth in Jesse Blacker, Korbinian Holzer, Juraj Mikus, and Keith Aulie.

Looking at the team next year, there will be 1-2 new additions from the prospect pool. OHL Superstar Nazem Kadri and depending on Kaberle's future, one of Keith Aulie or Jesse Blacker should get some minutes as a 7th D-man next season.

 FREE AGENCY AND TRADES

The 2010 Free Agency period is probably not as exciting as the NBA's this year, however there are some players Brian Burke should attempt to sign and as well trade for. They need to resign Nikolai Kulemin. He is just starting to come out of his shell and will be a strong physical force with sweet hands for years to come. The major issue that needs to be addressed is that the Leafs are lacking that veteran top 6 scoring presence, "funny isn't it" who would have thought, a team with a veteran based philosophy in past years has completely changed their direction. Burke should look no further then Patrick Marleau. He is a player who brings intelligence and leadership to this young squad, a great teammate and dressing room guy with his soft hands and high hockey IQ. He will do wonders for young centers like Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri. The next move should be to find a place for Kaberle. Yes I agree, why would we trade Kabs? He is a great player at a steal value but he is not, I REPEAT, not a "Burke" player. Kaberle is an excellent skater and playmaker and a quarterback on  any teams first Power Play unit, however, he does not bring the physical presence and strength that Burke could get from let’s say a Dan Hamhuis as a UFA. They should look at a scenario to trade Kaberle to a team that needs another top 4 d-man in Chicago where they have major cap issues and need to get rid of some contracts. A package deal in Kaberle, Grabovski and a prospect for Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg a bad contract and a pick would work for both teams. Toronto would get 2 very solid NHL players who evidently might be cup champions this year and know how to play Ron Wilson's style of hockey as well bringing a scoring touch, dump the bad contract in the minors and Chicago would clear some much needed cap space. Burke should address a 3rd/4th line grinder in Manny Malholtra, who can more grit and strength to the bottom 6. 

These are just some possibilities for this off season. The Leafs defence should be a very strong force in not just only the east but the entire NHL, on paper at least, with or without Kaberle.

PREDICTIONS FOR UPCOMING SEASON

The new guys: Nazem Kadri, Patrick Sharp, Patrick Marleau, Kris Versteeg, Manny Malholtra

The Sophomores that will be starting next year: Stalberg, Gustavsson, Bozak, Caputi and Gunnarsson.

Guys to say farewell too: Kaberle, Grabovski and Finger

Leafs that should be resigned: Kulemin and Hanson

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

The soon to be announced captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dion Phaneuf, brings a presence that no other player in the entire NHL brings. Ron Wilson quotes “It was like an adrenaline bomb went off in the dressing room". His poise and energy throwing devastating checks and great offensive instincts brings a swagger to our back end that will bring fear to NHL teams. With Dion, we have improved our Penalty Kill and our Power Play. He loves to challenge his teammates and brings fire to the dressing room, ready to pump up the team before game time. He is a special player and will be a great captain for years to come.

WHERE WILL THE LEAFS FINISH NEXT SEASON?

The Leafs will be in contention for a playoff berth for the first time in 6 years finishing anywhere from 5th-8th seeding. Although some of these moves may or may not happen, the Leafs are strong enough in their net and back end to grind out a playoff berth and Burke adding 2-3 more solid players, the Leafs will make that push in mid season.

AND FINALLY...

My pick for Rookie of the year goes to...

Nazem Kadri:

I know it's a long shot but I think he will edge Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall with outside lookers in Jordan Eberle and Michael Backlund.

THE NEW ERA 

In closing, the future is bright for the blue and white. We've been outside of the playoffs far too long and with the direction and philosophy of Brian Burke and Ron Wilson, the intelligence of Dave Nonis and Dave Pouline and the guru goalie coach, Francois Allaire, with patience, perseverance, work ethic, skill, drive, determination and 2 million plus cheering on, this future will be something to remember.