http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?blogger_id=48Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:31:42 -0400 http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16082 Cliff Fletcher's "draft schmaft" mentality seems safely intact. That's not to suggest Fletcher is uncommitted to a re-build, but that he rather acquire his long-term assets by way of trade or signing instead of the draft podium. After dealing a 3rd rounder for Jamal Mayers and a 2nd and a 3rd rounder to move up to grab defenseman Luke Schenn at 5th overall, Fletcher has peddled another 2nd rounder Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:06:05 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16047 It took no time at all for the Toronto media to give recent acquisition Jeff Finger the Pavel Kubina treatment. Despite the fact that Finger plays in the opposite Conference (one which is making the East look increasingly inferior), on a team which Leafs fans and media haven't had a good look at since the teams' last meeting in October of 2006, Finger has already been deemed the next buyout candid Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:16:21 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15905 The decision to hire Cliff Fletcher as general manager back in January is currently being proven a judicious one on MLSE's part. Given the mandate to detonate the Maple Leafs roster, Fletcher couldn't accomplish much at the trade deadline as he was circumscribed by no trade clauses, ludicrous contracts and several players content to be a part of a losing formula. Fletcher's face shortly after 3pm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:07:44 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15871 The moves on Cliff Fletcher's part thus far have been largely anticipated. The club was expected to cut ties with its castaway back-up goaltender in Andrew Raycroft and to buy-out its threadbare left-winger, Darcy Tucker. Its refreshing, however, to see the moves that should be made actually carried out by a franchise that's struggled at the best of times to take the seemingly obvious action. R Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:41:08 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15793 Luke Schenn is the potential franchise defenseman who serves as the lynchpin in your blue-line corps for 10-15 years. He's also the most NHL ready of all the defenseman in his draft class, standing 6-2 1/2, 216 pounds and having served an extra year for the Kelowna Rockets at the age of 16. It was a costly trade to sacrifice what looks to be the team's 2nd round selection (in addition to a third n Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:23:45 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15548 Bigger doesn't always mean better. As Leafs' management has been seeking out their big name for behind the bench, it remained a worry of mine that they would hire someone based on the name and not tangible results. Wilson boasts (he does literally boast) one of the best regular season track records in the league and warrants recognition for that. However, he's also been supplied with one of Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:41:46 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15463 If the Maple Leafs are thinking forward at the upcoming entry draft in Ottawa, deciding between Brampton Battalion pivot Cody Hodgson and Kitchener Rangers' winger Mikkel Boedker will be the topic of debate amongst Leafs management and scouting staff. Hodgson appears to be a sure-fire future NHLer as an all-around asset with favourable intangibles. Boedker's future is slightly less certain as a Mon, 26 May 2008 23:27:18 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15413 The IIHF World Championship was a coming out party for Maple Leafs' prospect Anton Stralman. The 21-year-old recorded 3 goals, 4 assists for 7 points in 8 appearances for his 4th placed Swedish side. Stralman accomplished a +6 rating in significant ice-time, averaging about 17 and a half minutes per game. The Swedish coaching staff showed no hesitancy in allotting the youngster substantial r Thu, 22 May 2008 16:58:56 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15198 According to TSN, the Maple Leafs have requested permission from the Vancouver Canucks to speak with former general manager Dave Nonis. Nonis makes a lot of sense. He emphasizes player growth and development and doesn't jump the gun to try to acquire immediate results. Nonis would understand that the Leafs are not a project which can be built overnight. His unwillingness to take any sort Wed, 07 May 2008 16:26:27 -0400Maple Leafs http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15181 The upcoming off-season will be one of dramatic change, if all goes to Cliff Fletcher's plan. As much as the summer will feature subtraction more than addition, the Maple Leafs have some serious shortcomings which need to be addressed, regardless of the fact that the 08/09 season will be one of roster refurbishment. If I were to itemize every one of the Maple Leafs' inadequacies I would be her Tue, 06 May 2008 19:03:03 -0400Maple Leafs