2010-11 Toronto Maple Leafs: Brian Burke Pines For New Beginnings

The seasons are changing. The days are getting shorter… And the countdown begins. There are only 9 days left of summer. I know, I know – but every party needs a pooper. And for those of you wallowing in your own jogging shorts and self pity, to you I extend my greatest sympathies. However, this literary tour de force isn’t written with you in mind. This is for the strung-out, knee jumping, hook-it-to-my-veins Leafs fanatic whose raging power (a force not unlike that of the incredible Hulk) grows exponentially with each passing criticism, judgement and opinion poll aimed at whether or not Brian Burke can turn water into wine.

Over the last several months, the hype over this 2010-11 Toronto Maple Leafs team as been absolutely staggering, if not slightly baseless. But this should come as no surprise to followers of this storied franchise, awaiting their first playoff birth since the 2003/04 season. With each passing year without a postseason presence for the Buds, we are each forced to battle the demons of our own psyche; do we revolt or give into the evermore enticing feeling of complacency? Whatever side you’re leaning toward these days, it’s certainly during these exercises of abstinence that we truly get an understanding of how loyal a hungry dog really is. And the savage and unearthly appetite of Leafs fans coming into this season could even put the likes of Takeru Kobayashi to shame…      

As we have all spent our summers foaming at the mouth, scouring online articles, hockey forums, blogs (and God only knows more than a tweet or two), for anything linking the Leafs to a blockbuster trade, this could all seem a little anticlimactic as we approach the NHL Pre-Season. This degree of anticipation surely is evident as you’re probably reading this article out of the one bloodshot eye you have left and minding the bandages wrapped around your callused finger tips…ouch! But wait a minute, is that really fair to say? Is it possible after so many years of failure we are now undervaluing the team in front of us today? Let’s look at what has transpired over the last several months to see whether Brian Burke’s Buds are finally ready to bloom into the playoff calibre hockey team we hope they are.

On June 30, 2010 the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forwards Viktor Stalberg, Chris Didomenico and Philippe Paradis. Versteeg was certainly the centerpiece of the deal, being a former Calder Memorial Trophy nominee in 2008-09, as this 24 year old is coming off two 20+ goal seasons. He not only brings a scoring touch with a good offensive potential, but also the intangible experience of having won a Stanley Cup Championship. This packaged in with his on-ice versatility and youthful exuberance, you can expect Kris Versteeg to impress in his new top-six role with the Maple Leafs.

Following up this trade news, Brian Burke announced a day later that Colby Armstrong would also be joining these “new look Leafs” as he was signed as an unrestricted free agent to a three-year contract. In Armstrong, the Leafs get an established character forward whose presences will improve this years club. His overall game is what makes him an attractive acquisition as he can contribute with 15-20 goals along with helping to reinforce a very shabby Toronto penalty kill. Colby Armstrong will provide depth, grit and something you can’t necessarily measure in statistics: heart.

Throughout the rest of July and August, Toronto made flurry of signings which look to strengthen a message that Brian Burke has sent his players since the January 2010 signings of Dion Phaneuf and J.S. Giguere: “We’ve had a sense of entitlement, and we’re trying to change that.” The Leafs brought back Nikolai Kulemin on a new two year contract and added defenseman Brett Lebda from the Detroit Red Wings, Marcel Mueller (formerly of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, in Germany) and most recently Clarke MacArthur from the Atlanta Thrashers. These signings prove not only to add depth and scoring to the future Maple Leafs squad, but will also act as a catalyst to up the compete level and work ethic of a now very crowded roster. Now with Captain Dion cracking the whip on the new bunch, the culture of this team is definitely changing for the better.        

Out with the old and in with the new. Indeed, there has been quite a lot of change that has taken place within the last year. To have expected more out of Brian Burke at this stage of his tenure as General Manager would be downright absurd. Perhaps Leafs Nation is still coming down off the Tomas Kaberle trade speculation in which media coverage reached a fever pitch. But who really was more to blame for that spectacle than ourselves?? Step outside and close your eyes; you can already hear the steady drone of Zombie, err Leafs Nation, grumbling over measly scraps of fresh media coverage. Is it really ever enough people? The short answer is no, it’s not. This is exactly why Leaf fans are both among the best and worst in the league. When it comes to hockey in this town, you really can’t eclipse the sheer passion that radiates around this city. With that being said, it’s a double-edged sword.

But don’t worry Kessel, although it seems as though our hands are firmly clasped around your neck, we really want to be more of the encouraging type. Really!... Just don’t screw up, or we’ll cast you out like a leper. And I really don’t think anybody wants to hear more about that trade…especially Burke. So get over it! Phil Kessel rocks and that’s all we need to worry about. NEXT.

Tyler Bozak will be returning for his sophomore season after turning some heads toward the end of the 2009-10 campaign. Besides watching his progress as the potential number one center, there is cast of characters all looking to erase the bad memories of last season. Now add the elite rookie Nazem Kadri and skilled prospect Jerry D’Amigo to this list of young intangibles and you’ve got yourself even more reason to approach this upcoming season without a brown paper bag in hand. One thing that is certain, when the puck finally drops to start the Pre-Season, the Leafs dressing room will be packed to the brim with a very ambitious group with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. So chin up Leafs Nation! More than ever, what the Toronto Maple Leafs need this coming season is a supporting cast of loyal fans that motivate without causing blunt force trauma. Our job is to rock the ACC when our beloved Leafs are weak, to start another rousing interpretation of “GO LEAFS GO” when our club looks down and out, and to never lose faith in the team we love (and love to hate).

And for those who can’t fathom the idea of putting away those backyard condiments and trading them in for tube socks and long underwear, relish the idea that the Blue and White are back again in the pressure cooker that is the city of Toronto. Truculence, schmuculence… let’s drop the puck already!!