I've read a lot of articles on the internet etc regarding my beloved Leafs and their rebuilding phase. Most of them were calling for them to tear it all down and start from scratch, then the next week, slam them for not signing enough free agents for the upcoming season.
3 things.
(1) Regarding Mats sundin...
I would love to see Mats back in the blue and white. However, I think it's best for him to go elsewhere or retire. Best for the team. They need to tank it in a bad way, and it will be a lot more natural for them to do that with #80 centering the top line rather than Mr Sundin. I really appreciate Mats' contributions to the team and admire his loyalty. I just think at this point, we should start seeing other people.
(2) Regarding Mr McCabe...
I don't feel Bryan was given a fair shake in all this... ever since he scored in his own net in Buffalo last fall, he has been thrown under the bus. I think he's still got a lot left in him, but seems it's too late for him here. At any rate, someone will get him cheap due to the smear campaign thrown at him a la Ray Emery. You should always get rid of a player when they are riding high, not after you convince everyone else that he's not good enough for a rebuilding team. Good luck in wherever Bryan... People can go back to heckeling Antropov.
(3) Regarding additions...
As easy as it would be to wag the accusing Finger at Trader Cliff for overpaying for a FA defenceman, I think Jeff will do just fine here. Apparently he doesn't mind hitting people, which is cool. Niklas Hagman seems like a good pickup, while Jamal Mayers, and the few other weird pickups appear to me to be nothing more than hoarding players to trade later. At least the bulk of the players brought in aren't on the back nine of their careers. Cujo is just a wonderul reminder of days gone by.
Anyways, should be interesting. I am hopeful that they are going to play just well enough to land on the bottom of the pile next spring and get the John Tavares pick. At least they haven't brought in the likes of Phil Housley and Dougie Gilmour to gun for the post season.
No comments:
Post a Comment