Succeeding they finish last every year and have proved nothing

Drafting strategy They pick first every year they get to pick a can't miss player theres not stategy involved tambi might be the worst GM in the NHL fact
- The_Vark

I know.

Just drives me crazy when the pessimists come out and say "Duh, Burk fail, no tanky-tanky".

If that was the winning strategy, every team in the league would be scrambling to sign Boyce Crabb Brent as their top line.

Fact is, for every Pittsburgh and Chicago, there's a Florida or Columbus: perennial losers, still no team success after years and years bottom feeding.

We arguably lost two years worth of "tanking" but I still think you swap Kessel for Seguin (and lets not forget that signings like Beauchemin likely wouldn't have happened, so no Gardiner) and we're really not much further ahead, if at all.

So?? I care what someone that is A) Admittedly not knowing of the Leafs (mildly following the Sens) and B) shows very little interest in hockey (Not a hockey fan)?? Do I care about that?? Does that mean that everyone feels the same?? I'm sure that she doesn't know half the story, considering you're blaming Burke for the "fiasco" when he wasn't employed with the team when the whole "trade thing" went down, and was on the job 2 weeks when he signed in Van.


People who know the story, and don't prejudge, feel the same way.
- burn

Mrs. Spatso is a fine and decent women. Her lack of interest at a competitive level in hockey does not disqualify her from being able to see things from the greater perspective. Her point if view, I think, was based primarily on the issue of relationship. Leaf fans had a long loving affair with Sundin. He became old they tried to move him for younger assets they denied the fans who had loved him a chance to witness his gracefully stepping from the stage. I understand that Burke is not entirely at fault. This falls more at the feet of MLSE who should have made it known that they wanted Sundin to play his last game in the blue and white.

I know.

Just drives me crazy when the pessimists come out and say "Duh, Burk fail, no tanky-tanky".

If that was the winning strategy, every team in the league would be scrambling to sign Boyce Crabb Brent as their top line.

Fact is, for every Pittsburgh and Chicago, there's a Florida or Columbus: perennial losers, still no team success after years and years bottom feeding.

We arguably lost two years worth of "tanking" but I still think you swap Kessel for Seguin (and lets not forget that signings like Beauchemin likely wouldn't have happened, so no Gardiner) and we're really not much further ahead, if at all.
- gravyface

DUDE!! They are blaming Burke for bungling the Sundin fiasco. Cripes, he wasn't even here then. How much dumber does it get?

Mike Augello: Don’t Hold Your Breath For Doan
- mikeinbuffalo

It would nice to see Doan in leafs jersey but me thinks he's going to Detroit if the stuff in Pheonix drags on.

Mrs. Spatso is a fine and decent women. Her lack of interest at a competitive level in hockey does not disqualify her from being able to see things from the greater perspective. Her point if view, I think, was based primarily on the issue of relationship. Leaf fans had a long loving affair with Sundin. He became old they tried to move him for younger assets they denied the fans who had loved him a chance to witness his gracefully stepping from the stage. I understand that Burke is not entirely at fault. This falls more at the feet of MLSE who should have made it known that they wanted Sundin to play his last game in the blue and white.
- spatso

I'm sure she is.... but not know the story doesn't qualify her to pass judgement.

Burke isn't entire to blame?? They guy not employed by the team during this time isn't ENTIRELY to blame??? How bout he's got ZERO blame.

You don't think Sundin's waffling had something to do with it?? Were they supposed to sit around forever waiting?? Perhaps he told them he wasn't coming back and they moved on?? Ever think of that. If Sundin wanted to go out a Leaf he should have signed on.

I think these conversations are funny, Over the last 2 years I've seen people complain in Leaf Blogs that they shouldn't make trades or Sign Free agents and just build within.

Burke is somewhat building within by sticking to his guns about not going after alot of free agents and everyone is up in arms with all the moves or attempted moves he hasn't done.

The Leafs could turn over half there roster with new players and it still doesn't mean they will be good once the season starts. You want an example of that look at the Sabres last year and all the moves they made last summer.

I remember all the experts picking the Sabres to challenge the Bruins for the Northeast division instead for most of the season they challenged the Habs for last in the division.

DUDE!! They are blaming Burke for bungling the Sundin fiasco. Cripes, he wasn't even here then. How much dumber does it get?
- burn

Burke did state (check a few pages back for a link) that he's not pursuing Sundin when Sundin was milling retirement.

I don't blame him, nobody even knew whether the guy was coming back at all and he did decline contract offers from the Leafs (and Rangers and Habs) on July 1st of that year because he wasn't sure if he was going to play and wanted to think it over.

By November, when Burke signed his six-year deal, he had no interest in bringing back Sundin. I really don't blame him.

I would've liked to have Sundin retire as a Leaf, but JFJ should've negotiated an extension the prior off-season; Fletcher was just there temporarily to hold the fort (and make a few stupid deals like Finger and Stempniak) so there's no way he's taking that assignment on, especially since he would likely have been taking direction from someone else at that point and they probably all believed Sundin would want to waive to go to a contender at the deadline.

They thought wrong: Sundin didn't believe in being a rental player and felt he wanted to win by playing a full year with a team (which he kind of back-peddled on as December to April ain't exactly a full year with the Canucks).

I think these conversations are funny, Over the last 2 years I've seen people complain in Leaf Blogs that they shouldn't make trades or Sign Free agents and just build within.

Burke is somewhat building within by sticking to his guns about not going after alot of free agents and everyone is up in arms with all the moves or attempted moves he hasn't done.

The Leafs could turn over half there roster with new players and it still doesn't mean they will be good once the season starts. You want an example of that look at the Sabres last year and all the moves they made last summer.

I remember all the experts picking the Sabres to challenge the Bruins for the Northeast division instead for most of the season they challenged the Habs for last in the division.
- Leafsfan9329

I know.

Just drives me crazy when the pessimists come out and say "Duh, Burk fail, no tanky-tanky".

If that was the winning strategy, every team in the league would be scrambling to sign Boyce Crabb Brent as their top line.

Fact is, for every Pittsburgh and Chicago, there's a Florida or Columbus: perennial losers, still no team success after years and years bottom feeding.

We arguably lost two years worth of "tanking" but I still think you swap Kessel for Seguin (and lets not forget that signings like Beauchemin likely wouldn't have happened, so no Gardiner) and we're really not much further ahead, if at all.
- gravyface

Florida won their division and have a sick core of prospects.

Burke did state (check a few pages back for a link) that he's not pursuing Sundin when Sundin was milling retirement.

I don't blame him, nobody even knew whether the guy was coming back at all and he did decline contract offers from the Leafs (and Rangers and Habs) on July 1st of that year because he wasn't sure if he was going to play and wanted to think it over.

By November, when Burke signed his six-year deal, he had no interest in bringing back Sundin. I really don't blame him.

I would've liked to have Sundin retire as a Leaf, but JFJ should've negotiated an extension the prior off-season; Fletcher was just there temporarily to hold the fort (and make a few stupid deals like Finger and Stempniak) so there's no way he's taking that assignment on, especially since he would likely have been taking direction from someone else at that point and they probably all believed Sundin would want to waive to go to a contender at the deadline.

They thought wrong: Sundin didn't believe in being a rental player and felt he wanted to win by playing a full year with a team (which he kind of back-peddled on as December to April ain't exactly a full year with the Canucks).
- gravyface

Agreed.

Florida won their division and have a sick core of prospects.
- robin_steele264

9 years of failure will do that.

Who should the Leafs plan for? Burke said the roster (will) look different come opening day...well I hope that didnt mean adding Mclement....

Morning lads!

<========

Leaf fans are always extremely excited to get a shot of Semin...
- keatondixon

I think these conversations are funny, Over the last 2 years I've seen people complain in Leaf Blogs that they shouldn't make trades or Sign Free agents and just build within.

Burke is somewhat building within by sticking to his guns about not going after alot of free agents and everyone is up in arms with all the moves or attempted moves he hasn't done.

The Leafs could turn over half there roster with new players and it still doesn't mean they will be good once the season starts. You want an example of that look at the Sabres last year and all the moves they made last summer.

I remember all the experts picking the Sabres to challenge the Bruins for the Northeast division instead for most of the season they challenged the Habs for last in the division.
- Leafsfan9329

And that's because there is no magic formula for success; those with limited cognitive abilities can't understand that there are no guarantees, there's risks or rewards with every move you make as a GM.

I'll be honest, this UFA season has been a bit boring, but I'll take lack of Leafs news vs. another Connolly, Komisarek, or Lebda.

Florida won their division and have a sick core of prospects.
- robin_steele264

Have they done anything yet? Besides making the playoffs once in how many years? And would you say that magical 1st-round exit had more to do with "sick prospects" or the fact that they loaded up on vets last UFA?

Have they done anything yet? Besides making the playoffs once in how many years? And would you say that magical 1st-round exit had more to do with "sick prospects" or the fact that they loaded up on vets last UFA?
- gravyface

They went from crappy doormats to a respectable, competitive club.

9 years of failure will do that.
- burn

Duh, and how long has it been since the Leafs made the playoffs?

And that's because there is no magic formula for success; those with limited cognitive abilities can't understand that there are no guarantees, there's risks or rewards with every move you make as a GM.

I'll be honest, this UFA season has been a bit boring, but I'll take lack of Leafs news vs. another Connolly, Komisarek, or Lebda.
- gravyface

1000 times YES!!

Florida won their division and have a sick core of prospects.
- robin_steele264

They also spent a shot load of money last year



And are a one hit wonder IMO ( but only time will tell)

Duh, and how long has it been since the Leafs made the playoffs?
- spatso

Not 9 years.

They went from crappy doormats to a respectable, competitive club.
- robin_steele264

Right-o. If division title in a weak division and a 1st round exit is your idea of success...

Have they done anything yet? Besides making the playoffs once in how many years? And would you say that magical 1st-round exit had more to do with "sick prospects" or the fact that they loaded up on vets last UFA?
- gravyface

I remember everyone making fun of them after signing all those players... Saying they'll still suck, finish last etc.

They won their division and finally make the playoffs, and almost knocked off the Devils didnt they?


Tallon has turned them around nicely.

They went from crappy doormats to a respectable, competitive club.
- robin_steele264

Winning the weakest devision in hockey doesn't make them respectable or competitive. If they miss out this year are they still respectable and competitive?

And that's because there is no magic formula for success; those with limited cognitive abilities can't understand that there are no guarantees, there's risks or rewards with every move you make as a GM.

I'll be honest, this UFA season has been a bit boring, but I'll take lack of Leafs news vs. another Connolly, Komisarek, or Lebda.
- gravyface

I agree. Doing nothing can be a conscious, proactive agenda. Last year Buffalo was the most active team in free agency. You know that lots of their fans today understand they might be in better shape had they just done nothing.

[quote=robin_steele264]

Should maybe wait and see if they can repeat before you call them turned around, no?