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Forums :: Toronto Maple Leafs :: Big Offseason for the Hockey Capital of the World
Author Message
dclanglois
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 01.14.2008

Jun 19 @ 11:46 AM ET
Happy Friday Leafs Nation!

As anticipation grows with the looming draft, like most Leafs fans, I'm hopeful that the Leafs new Management can prove its worth, and make selections (more so with the late 1st and on rounds!) that will truly help the Leafs in their rebuilding process. This year's draft, is arguably the biggest in my lifetime as a Leaf fan (probably because they've traded away so many of their valuable picks in the past, they can actually start with drafting their own talent starting at next week's draft).

So many have speculated who will go where, but I think it's safe to say, there are many quality options available from 3-6, and even from 3-10. I will be watching with anticipation to see who is called to the floor at #4 (assuming they don't trade the pick).

Which brings me to my 2nd point; in, again, one of the biggest off seasons ever for the Leafs, who will be wearing the blue and white come opening night is as intriguing, if not more so, than who we draft at #4. It seems that almost every single Leaf player is rumored to be available, and rightfully so. But who of Kessel, Phaneuf, Lupul, Bozak, Kadri, etc., etc, etc...will actually be dawning new colors come the fall is yet to be seen.

I worry that we are dealing from a position of vulnerability, but the culture within that dressing room undoubtedly has to change. What the return will be for some of these players will also be interesting. As a Leafs fan, I don't want to see them "give" Kessel or Phaneuf away, but what can we honestly expect as a return? So, as we await the draft, July 1st, and the rest of the summer shenanigans, kick your feet up, open a cold one, because this will be one interesting summer for Leafs Nation.

Cheers!
twiztedmike
Toronto Maple Leafs
Joined: 10.06.2007

Sep 18 @ 11:55 AM ET
this thread really took off!