Brendan Shanahan came into Toronto and spent some time assessing what the players brought on the ice and what the management, scouts and coaching staff brought to the table. There was some talent, and still is some talent left on the ice for the Leafs come October when we play Montreal first game of the season. Without question there will be some painful times ahead in the next couple of years while we stock up the cupboards with picks and prospects, selling off assets that some fans look up to; which is never easy letting go.
The rebuilding process takes patience more than anything. Selling off the right pieces at the right time is one of the keys to success. Scouting the right players to fit into the organization, and of course bringing in players through free agency that fit the needs of the team. Whether that is to sign them for years to come, or a simple one or two year deal to sell them for picks and prospects. Many stars need to align in the early stages to do the rebuild correctly, something Toronto seems to have tried to shortcut many times in the past; of course resulting in failure.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signing of Coach Mike Babcock, many were surprised, myself included. I had very high hopes that my beloved Leafs would sign the most legendary coach in the current era and that’s exactly what happened. Toronto blew the bank out and brought in Babcock on a mega deal for eight seasons, this was and still is huge for Leafs Nation. Finally, a coach we can all like, one that will be patient with his prospects, not throw players under the bus after a tough loss and hold players accountable for their actions on the ice.
Mike Babcock defines success when it comes to coaching, if you are second guessing him; just look at his resume and look at that face of his when he is behind the bench. Mr. Babcock means business, and I love every second of this signing.
Since the signing of Babcock the Leafs have made a number of excellent decisions regarding the team’s future. Signing an elite talent at the OHL level in Marner, selling off a late first round to get more prospects for Hunter to hit the home run with was genius. The Leafs are in dire need of everything in the prospect pool, what better way to do so than load up in numbers. Sure, the top ten players in the draft may have been at another level, but the remaining 60 players or so seemed to be somewhat of a crap shoot. Mark Hunter has a keen eye for talent, and his ties with the OHL give us new hope when drafting as it’s been mediocre at best in recent years.
Looking at some moves that have pushed the Leafs in the right direction:
- Hiring of Brendan Shanahan - Hiring of Mike Babcock - Trading Clarkson for Horton - Firing Carlyle and Nonis - Trading Kessel for picks/prospects - Signing Kadri to a 1 year deal to prove his worth to Babcock
Shanahan signing players for one/two year deals:
- Shawn Matthias (2.3) 1 year - Daniel Winnik (2.25) 2 years - Nick Spaling (2.2) 1 year – Kessel trade - P-A Parenteau (1.5) 1 year - Mark Arcobello (1.1) 1 year - Taylor Beck (875k) 1 year - Matt Hunwick (1.2) 2 years - Martin Marincin (700k) 1 year
After looking at the list of players signed for one to two year deals you can see there is certainly some potential for players to have good seasons getting ample playing time. Even if half of these players are able to bring in a pick or prospect, the Leafs are in a win-win position here. Money is free to burn when it comes to a rebuild; this is a great thing for the Leafs as they seem to have a large sum at their disposal. Whatever gets the job done I say!
Toronto still has just over 6.5 million before hitting the salary cap, even with 3.3 million in buyout money accounted for.
The Leafs only need to resign Bernier at this point and his club-elected arbitration date is set. Salary arbitration hearings will be in Toronto from July 20th to August 4th. The Leafs will be able to negotiate with Bernier until the date of the hearing, so we shall find out shortly what his deal is going forward.
There is still a decent amount of time left before the season starts and I for one am hoping that Toronto can still move a few pieces before we get underway. Bozak for one, I am really hoping Toronto can move, as I feel his value will only go down without his wingman Phil Kessel. Bozak has three years left on his deal at 4.2 million per. I would hate to see the Leafs take on more salary in buyout money, but if it’s only for three seasons I could live with eating another million.
As for Cody Franson, I simply don’t see him coming back to Toronto. The Leafs have eight defensemen signed at this point, and a few prospects who will be playing on the Marlies who could make the jump for some time if need be. Unless Franson resigns with Toronto for a short term deal at a reasonable price, he will likely not be dressing for the buds again.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your week.