Matt Karash: Maple Leafs and Hurricanes: Comparison in rebuilding strategies

As much as I like the young D getting NHL experience, it really shows a lack of organizational depth when 4 of 7 D men used this year are so young and some barely in their 20's. As I've said before, if an experienced D man is available, I wish RF would go out a get him to replace the loss of James W. May not be available, and or make $ contract sense though.

All in all, the Canes' young D have played admirable, giving the forwards are scoring enough goals to help out. Can't really hang too many loses of them, when your not scoring more than 2 goals often enough.

4-1 Toronto

I like the way the Leafs are doing it better. That said, it's the first time they have been doing things right.

The June draft was great for the Leafs and things are looking-up.

As much as I like the young D getting NHL experience, it really shows a lack of organizational depth when 4 of 7 D men used this year are so young and some barely in their 20's. As I've said before, if an experienced D man is available, I wish RF would go out a get him to replace the loss of James W. May not be available, and or make $ contract sense though.

All in all, the Canes' young D have played admirable, giving the forwards are scoring enough goals to help out. Can't really hang too many loses of them, when your not scoring more than 2 goals often enough.
- CappyJr.

The lack of organizational depth when it comes to veterans is a good thing. I wish we had even fewer.

Partly agree but there is a balance to it. I think Brett Pesce's NHL start benefited immensely from playing with John-Michael Liles who cerebrally adjusted his game a bit to avoid putting Pesce in tough situations with the puck, and he was (still is) incredibly vocal barking instructions on the ice.

There needs to be a balance of spots for kids to play in with veterans to help make it a positive situation.

A lot less outside pressures for the Canes young players - they can make mistakes and learn on the fly. Although you get the sense the Leafs fans and media are somewhat more patient now that Babcock is running things, the pressure to not screw up is ten fold in Toronto what it is in Raleigh. It couldn't be a better environment for these young defensemen, especially with the mix of young/old players. Some success with a few wins will go along way to help with their confidence. It should be an interesting game tonight - need the goalies to step it up a notch to have hope.

Interesting article, although a little vague no? I guess it's a good starting point for discussion but if you want to suck the Leafs fans in why not explain some specifics?

Mike gave his shot at deadline predictions and values why not give an outsider looking a more in depth look at Carolina. What's the market for Eric Staal and Cam Ward? Does Francis actually consider keeping one or both through the rebuild? If Eric is traded does Jordan also get moved? Looks like a solid supporting cast of prospects with one stud (Hanifan) and is Jordan Skinner damaged goods?

Austin Matthews would really make the Leafs or the Canes look much better going forward.

4-1 Toronto Canes
- MountAlbert

Sorry but the Leafs have issue beating this team.

Pretty hard to discuss the pros and cons of one approach versus the other without mentioning one disadvantage to Carolina's approach relating to the number of entry level deals all kicking in at the same time and at pretty young ages. That could become a problem down the road.