Toronto Maple Leafs 2009-2010
By XanderDDS
@XanderDDS (62)
United States
September 21, 2009 6:50am CST
This summer, the Maple Leafs have changed up their roster a lot, added some young prospects, and recently signed Phil Kessel. Does anyone have any opinion on whether or not these changes are going to make lasting gains (in the win column) for the Leafs this season and beyond? They had to give up a couple of 1st round draft picks and a 2nd draft pick in order to sign Kessel (plus, he didn't come cheap). I think they'll make the play-offs this year, but I'm not expecting a run for the Stanley Cup.
4 responses
@Philbo (578)
• Canada
21 Sep 09
I grew up in Toronto Maple Leafs territory and while I think they have made an effort to improve the roster, they may improve in the wins column but they have a long way to go before they can be considered cup contenders. We've seen it all before and part of me is conditioned to be pessimistic about the future.
@Philbo (578)
• Canada
12 Oct 09
Getting Gilmour was one of the very few really good moves in the last thirty years. They need a player like him again if they ever intend to put a contender together. He didn't just bring skills he brought a frame of mind that the team sorely needs and he was able to impose his view of winning on his teammates. They miss that more than anything else.
@XanderDDS (62)
• United States
11 Oct 09
yeah i agree philbo. it's tough not to be pessimistic with all of the bad decision making on the part of the management of the maple leafs over the past 30 years or so (with the exception of the gilmour seasons).
1 person likes this
@ladyhope (377)
• Canada
21 Sep 09
As a Montreal Canadiens fan, I am tempted to say: No, they will always suck!!
However, as a general hockey fan, I do think that some of the changes will be good, and hopefully, we will see a better Toronto team in the next few years. I don't expect they will make it anywhere near the cup, but maybe a round in the play-offs.
However, as a general hockey fan, I do think that some of the changes will be good, and hopefully, we will see a better Toronto team in the next few years. I don't expect they will make it anywhere near the cup, but maybe a round in the play-offs.
@XanderDDS (62)
• United States
11 Oct 09
it's tough for fans like me to be patient and wait a few years! i think the GM burke was an impatient as i am, and that's why he has given up so many draft picks to get players now. wonder what's going to come of it.
@TremendousMachine (779)
• Canada
26 Sep 09
Toronto got tougher for sure, but I don't think Phil Kessel is a franchise player to build your team around. I find it ironic that you have an American GM getting American players to build a team in the biggest Canadian hotbed for hockey. Nothing wrong with that - Burke can build good teams & Komasarik & Kessel are good players but it is ironic.
@XanderDDS (62)
• United States
11 Oct 09
i agree with the irony there. i know burke is trying to toughen up the team, but i think he gave up a lot to acquire kessel. who knows though, when he returns (in december or whenever), maybe he'll be an offensive sensation! right now, i'm just waiting for their first win!
@XanderDDS (62)
• United States
14 Oct 09
i absolutely agree with you. what a stupid move on burke's part. even if kessel becomes a scoring sensation, that doesn't necessarily lead to more wins. having a team with several excellent player/prospects is a much better bet. like you said, scoring some top draft-choices probably would have been smart, instead of giving them over to boston.
