No matter what the Leafs do they'll continue to suck because that's what they do best

I love how Toronto fans blindly support a team that blown chunks for the past 20 years

Go FLAMES!
Jay-Z, 2008-06-27 11:20:23

Buds is a sick patient and a few band aids won't help him to get better.He needs major surgery,including a heart transplant,a blood transfusion,skin grafts, and a few amputations.He might look like Frankenstein when Cliff the surgeon is done but at least he should be able to get out of the hospital.
Johnny, 2008-06-27 10:23:33

DM, don't know what I was thinking. It was me who wrote the aphinany with regard to McCabe. Pete is trying to undermine me at every turn, or is it Wayne, who is actually Jimmy the American Idiot. Anyway it does not really matter, McCabe is and always will be a second rate defencemen in the NHL. That being said he had to do someone or something right to get into the NHL.
Disgruntledfan, 2008-06-27 10:12:49

The Ballard, Imlach, Smythe

era is still alive in To.

Fletcher intertwines with these three in a perfect fit. How many cups did Fletcher win in TO. Whoa! (you can stop counting now)

Players when signed contracts are not honored, just think what it would be without the CBA!!
nodifference, 2008-06-27 10:03:13

Tuckered out had to go but when he was on, he showed more intensity in one game than Ponikarovsky, Carlo and Devereaux have displayed in their combined entire careers. As for the uncoachable, untradeable, and unwanted McCabe, he sure is greedy. Whenever he is on the ice in TO next year, to be able to put up with all the boos he will receive, he is going to have to keep repeating "one million, two million, three million...".

The Laffs still have a long way to go to clear out the dead wood and add some better scouts.
Ron, 2008-06-27 08:56:24

DM - that last post using this nick came from the Board's favourite "game-player" Pete - not me. Just so you know.
DisgruntledFan, 2008-06-26 14:19:44

Finish dead last pick first for 3-4 yrs and grab all the top junior players that will develop into stars and you will have your cup Looks like how Colorado did it via Quebec finishing last so many yrs in a row.
bill, 2008-06-26 12:54:14

DM, McCabe will not, I repeat, will not excel under anybody's system. He is an obstruction type Defencemen of the past. His entire game rests with the can opener move or clutch and grab because not only is he slow of foot he is slow whitted. Mistake after mistake after mistake, he is a highlight reel for all the wrong reasons. He fits in well in TO, leave him there. No different than Gill, did you watch him during the playoffs, holding and obstructing all game. However he got away with it for the most part as did Syd the crybaby because the league wanted their golden boy and the team to go further in the finals if not win it all. They did their best, however the skill and professionalism of the wings took over.
Disgruntledfan, 2008-06-26 08:48:10

Rick L. - you hit it bang on.
DM, 2008-06-25 23:54:50

DisgruntledFan- thanks for your comment. I agree that it may be hard for the free agency players to roll up here as certain players may not like the process of rebuilding. Like I said before I'd be going out on a limb for big name free agents, however, by subtraction, the Leafs have to find/add depth up front. And seeing that the bankroll is getting larger to spend on we may be surprised. I still think that a major RFA offer sheet is on its way. It is clear by the current moves that forwards and goaltending are targets for repair in his rebuilding process.

Gord- to answer your question- Yes it is time for the Leafs to rebuild and we should welcome this season as a season to develop. Now, the key is to bring in the right players to make the development process work. Wilson and his staff, will do the right thing- he has proven that with his stints in Washington and San Jose. The biggest issue is going to be leadership to get the young players through the adversity of playing in the media mecca and dealing with a record that may not be favorable. As of today, I do not expect a playoff berth this upcoming season, but, that could all change within 1 to 2 week after we digest what happens at the opening of the free agency season. I too am a little shocked by the Clemmenson move.

Just a couple of thoughts here:

Could a Dwayne Roloson or Ty Conklin be wearing the blue and white this season?

Bryan McCabe will excel under Ron Wilson's system. So to will Kubina and Kaberle. Don't be surprised if the D out scores the forwards this season.

If no one takes Raycroft and he is not bought out, he is the Marlies #1 goalie making the Clemmenson move seem more understandable.

Canada Day can't get here fast enough!

DM, 2008-06-25 23:50:00