I Dream of Draft Day

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 4:00 PM EDT Comment 89 comments

We are just over a day away from the beginning of the season so it's time to make predictions for the upcoming season. Throughout the day we have brought you a number of previews and the latest to step up to the plate is The Muppet. He's directly on the front lines of the digital Battle of Ontario so keep him in your thoughts. He's stuck on his iPhone (fancy schmancy) so I've posted his words below:

Being a Toronto Maple Leaf fan these last few years has been tough. No, scratch that. It’s been more like having a red hot copper wire fed through your nostril into the back of your eye socket while you’re being repeatedly slapped in the face by a crack whore. If you don’t agree, at least in principle, you’re probably not as committed as a fan as you should be.

That being said, when a grave Cliff Fletcher post trade-deadline promised us a complete decimation of the team and a few years of losing bad most of us knew inherently, even if reluctantly at first, that it was the right thing to do. The entire franchise was mired in a hopeless state of never-enough. It was time for all of us to nod solemnly when his sermon spoke of a team that would look younger and less skilled come opening day 2008. In the end, Cliff was a man of his word.

Today, and in the months to follow, enough will be said about this year's edition. I aim to offer a perspective a little further down the road when, in my opinion, the team will have the chance to really set the tone going into the next decade of Toronto Maple Leaf hockey.

The Leafs have their defensive cornerstone in Luke Schenn. That much is obvious. Now what the team really needs is an offensive one. We have all heard that John Tavares’ rank as the best prospect available next year is in jeopardy thanks to challenger Swedish defenceman Victor Hedman - however none of us should care about that. We need a Center. A Winger, at the very least. The bad news is that Toronto is no lock for finishing last overall and getting our pick of the crop. We have some grim challengers. The Islanders, for one; Atlanta; Los Angeles; St Louis (although I don’t think they’ll be as bad as advertised). Plus, one or maybe two other teams who will surprise us and really, really suck.

If the Leafs can’t wrangle dead last from the cold grip of the aforementioned we can still do very well drafting 2^nd through 5^th.

Here are the current Top 5 draft prospects for next year:

1. JOHN TAVARES, C, Ht/Wt:6/199 lbs

2. VICTOR HEDMAN, D, Ht/Wt:6.05/211 lbs

3. JARED COWAN, D, Ht/Wt:6.05/216 lbs

4. MATT DUCHENE, C, Ht/Wt:5.11.5/196 lbs

5. BRAYDEN SCHENN, C, Ht/Wt:6/196 lbs

Tavares without a doubt will be special. Duchene, a Peterborough lad, was captain of WJ Team Canada and has 5 points in 5 games so far for the Battalion this year. Then there’s Brayden Schenn. Imagine the Leafs finish 25^th in the NHL and have the chance to take the brother of Luke in the same draft position? It’s storybook type stuff and he looks to be a damn fine player. More importantly, if he’s anything like Luke he’s a good guy and born leader. Not bad for 5^th overall.

Whoever the Leafs choose, I just hope they covet personality as much as they do skill.

As the Silver Fox told us, it’s going to be a long season and there will be losses. The reality of that starts Thursday and it’s going to be difficult at times to be a fan. But late next June when the Leafs send their head scout to the podium in the first 15 minutes of the draft, it will all be very worth it.

Enjoy the Season.

The Muppet.

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Comments

The Brothers Schenn

That would be two new jerseys in one year for me…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 8, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

double dose

of awesome!

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like the Sedin Twins

but male.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and less ABBA loving…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 8, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or fetus looking

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES!

another person who thinks the Sedins looks like fetuses! thank you!

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 9, 2008 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean

isn’t it obvious?

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 9, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How much do you want to bet

If that happened, that Canuck fans would all be like “yo Leafers totally copied-catted us and the Sedin-twins”.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

but they’re dumbasses.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would be more similar to the Niedermayer brothers, with one on D and one forward.. Except in the schenn brothers case, the forward brother would actually have skill. And the D-man wouldn’t have a glass jaw.

by LeafFanInVan on Oct 8, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Muppet

Great post btw…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 8, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

iPhone

what an elitist.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 8, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m rocking the iPhone 3G. Word.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Oct 8, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I Can't

Not with Roger’s Crippling Data Rate Plans where they send someone to shoot out your knee caps every time you turned your iPhone on for 3 years.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blackberry Pearl

with no data plan.

You know how we do.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 8, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We do without data apparently.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Oct 8, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that is correct.

i sit at a computer all day. that’s my FREE data plan, baby.

Sports And The City

A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...

by eyebleaf on Oct 8, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait

They have the internet on computers now?

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm Stuck

With Fido for another year and 9 months.

Fricking 3 year contracts my fanny.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

my phone

is stainless steal, thats a MANS phone.

also it is very very shiny

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What on earth is

stainless steal?

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

its like

stainless steel, only a really really well priced

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice save :)

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I concur

Same for me, although I’m with fido – just another head of the corporate hydra that is Rogers. Signing a 3 year contract is not in the cards, especially with the new playahs coming into the market soon..

So instead I got an ipod touch. lovin’ it.

by LeafFanInVan on Oct 8, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cans and some string

I dislike Apple and Microsoft so they can lick me balls. I’m going to get my own phone at full price and switch carriers every 6 months just to piss them off.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apple and Microsoft

I second your feelings (except they can suck my left ovary). I’ll probably just get a super small laptop and run Skype on it or something. I seriously don’t know enough people who talk to me on the phone to justify a cell phone (besides, what with me being in one country for home and another for school, I’d screwed on long distance either way)

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Border Crossing

Gawd I hate those. When I had to cross the border for work they always give me the 3rd degree and try to guilt trip me into thinking I’m doing something horrible.

Along those lines, last time I was in the States to do a project for my company I had to use my own cell phone for a week and I don’t usually cross the border so they didn’t have a company phone on hand for me to borrow… I got smacked with just over a hundred bucks in long distance charges for over a dozen calls.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

border jumping

yeah, it’s that and the fact that I’d just spend most of my time playing games on it anyway. With that money I could get a DS-like product and play better games

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

PSPs have Skype on them from the factory now, no mods required. If you really would rather carry a device with Wifi and Skype than a phone…

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Oct 8, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

interest = piqued

It’s just that, as I said I’m skipping over borders a bit so I’ll get screwed on long distance either way. Then again, I’m graduating soon and will most likely remain in one country anyway…

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that sucks. I want an iPhone but I want to be able to use it to it’s full capacity.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh

There are better devices out there, don’t fall to the marketing hype PPP or I will send Wendal after you.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

booo Apple

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Hype

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There aren’t better devices.

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Oct 8, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wish list for the season

I want the Leafs to be the most heavily penalized team in the league.

I want the opposing team to pay for every success they might get on the scoreboard.

I want the opposing team local sportscasters to blanche visibly when recapping the game after their star player was checked into the boards so forcibly the safety glass exploded everywhere.

I want BLOOD, dammit!

Game on, muthafuggas!@#

by LeafFanInVan on Oct 8, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I went

to a Marlies games years ago (back when they were still the St Johns Maple Leafs) when they were playing at the ACC, and Aki Berg was playing… and he got into a scruffle and no matter how loud or how much profanity I used, I could not coax him into fighting

I was screaming for blood but it was not to be.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That dude was infuriating.. Thank god our D doesn’t have to suffer weenies like that anymore. Kabs gets a free pass cuz he has skill.

by LeafFanInVan on Oct 8, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We used to taunt him

with shouts of “AKI WE’RE IN BLUUUUUUUUUUUUE”

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+2000

use them at your discretion

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hedman

Also, what should the plan be if the leafs get #2 overall and can’t get Tavares? Should the pick be shopped to drop down since we’re already stocked with D prospects? or draft hedman for a couple of young D studs?

by LeafFanInVan on Oct 8, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

or possibly draft some other forward just to fuck with everyone?

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Take Best Available

They’d have to take Hedman unless their was some blockbuster trade to be had.

by torontocoltsfan on Oct 8, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

They could always trade who they draft

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I agree. At this point, draft the best available player. If it’s Hedman well then let’s find another way to find an offensive star.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or just slap him on wing a la Ian White

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 8, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Point

If White and Belak (albeit fairly poorly) can do it, anyone can!

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Oct 8, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot can happen in a year

Tavares may fall and Schenn could rise. It’s supposed to be another deep draft. We’ll be OK with grampa Cliff running the table…

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 8, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We’re not exactly stocked with D prospects.

Schenn, Stralman and…

I say that if we get a top 5 pick, we use it unless someone makes a ridiculous offer to us. Especially since the only marketable assets we really have are Kaberle and Kubina and it’s likely we’ll be shopping them around come the new year.

by article1 on Oct 8, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Schenn, Stralman, and Hedman

Defence is set for literally 15 years.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hedman

Some scouts have suggested that Hedman might end up in April rating higher than Tavares. I think if you can’t land Tavares you would not be disappointed with Hedman. You go for the best available and there is no such thing as being over stocked in any position.

by Pseudonym on Oct 9, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, I am still pushing for the potentially deadly combo of Cowen and Schenn.

We all know why I think that Cowen should be number one…

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 8, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

bow-chicka-wow-wow?

Anybody throws me against the boards I'm gonna piss all over myself.

by blurr1974 on Oct 8, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you would have no other choice but to be a Leaf fan

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, can someone photoshop him into a Leafs uni?

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 8, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drayson Bowman

I think we should trade for him….just because

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh Bows…
The Leafs should just pick up all my Chiefs. Especially Blake Gal and Tyler Johnson. They are dreamyyyyy.

It’d make for clever marketing.

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 8, 2008 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They did that with the Belleville Bulls, and I think we all remember how well that went.

by lordosis on Oct 8, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They tried that in 1989 with the Belleville Bulls when they got Scott Thornon Rob Pearson, and Steve Bancroft.

Combined stats:
225 GP
50 G
45 A

and all but 1 goal and 3 assists came from Pearson.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just in case anyone had forgotten ;)
Also, all three were gone from Toronto within 3 seasons.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fineeeeeee. I won’t pick an NHL team. I will like them all.

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 8, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

dammnit

we almost had her!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You just can’t love the Leafs and want them to draft all of your WHL players!

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes I can!

I am a pretty little lady! I can have whatever I want.

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 8, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes I can!

I am a pretty little lady! I can have whatever I want.

Truer words have not been said. Aside from the peeing while standing up, I can’t think of any downsides to being a pretty little lady, rather than what I am – a big (when I step on a few phone books), wickedly handsome (in the dark) male.

by bkblades on Oct 8, 2008 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can pee while standing up. If I buy a shenis. Yeah it’s a real product. I will let you google it.

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 8, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like there's no downsides

I wonder how much of the “lugging” it around will be bothersome though. We guys already have it attached, so we’re used to the extra appendage – much like the East German woman’s team.

by bkblades on Oct 8, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.

by Chemmy on Oct 8, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loves itttttttt

Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.

by wrap around curl on Oct 9, 2008 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The "A: is what makes this awsome

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 9, 2008 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he also stole Kabbys number

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 9, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If someone ever forgets that “lesson”, they should be banned from leafdom. haha

by lordosis on Oct 8, 2008 6:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Someday I’ll get the reply function correct. Someday.

by lordosis on Oct 8, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Practice

:) It’ll come!

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good article

Link

Why can’t all Leaf articles be written like this? No agenda, no contradictions, no fan-bashing. Seems like all the great writers are stuck blogging: Brownscombe, Gus, Barilkospherers. Why can’t any of you (them) take Cox, Simmons, and Berger’s job? Shouldn’t I have more of a say in how things work?

by lordosis on Oct 8, 2008 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice

Chemmy’s term is spreading :)

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

still waiting

On “The Dynasty that never was” to catch on in the media the first year Ottawa fails to make the playoffs
IE this year.

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 8, 2008 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another great term that needs to start being used repeatedly.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 8, 2008 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The most popular joke in Edmonton circa 1991

How do the Flames fans spell dynasty?

O-N-E.

A life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...http://bitterleaf.blogspot.com

by mf37 on Oct 8, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t want to be told of anything he’s spreading.

by lordosis on Oct 8, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chemmy

Chemmy’s term is spreading

You really need to get that looked at. PPP should get checked out as well, you know, just to be safe

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 9, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t forget to bring a towel!

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Oct 9, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

/takes bong hit
//I wish

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Oct 9, 2008 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see that the author is just a month or so older than me.

I feel young again!

Leafs, the universe and everything.

by 1967ers on Oct 9, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Swedes

I mentioned this on Steve’s site, but watch out for Magnus Svensson-Paarjarvi (I think it translates to “Most awesome three word name EVER”), winger for Sweden in the 2009 draft. He looks to be a top 5 pick for sure and he’s the youngest player to play for every level he’s played in Sweden – and that’s not played out. Seriously, Svensson-Paarjarvi has played in the SEL at a younger age than Forsberg, Sundin, and Lidstrom.

Toni Rajala, though small and not looking older than a 12 year old, is another forward to look out for from the land of Finland. If the Leafs don’t finish in the top 5, the 2009 draft is one that looks to be 10 players deep in ‘star’-like players.

by bkblades on Oct 8, 2008 8:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs