"We've stacked up the blue line," said Burke. "Even my harshest critic would have to admit that the blue line is in the top three or four in the NHL in terms of 1 through 6. We may not have that dominant No. 1 guy like some teams have, but 1 through 6, it's a pretty good group."
"We've got 10 guys stacked up on the blue line now," said Burke. "Obviously, it screams for a move to get a forward back. But I will tell you, my next priority is my fishing trip next week. Anyone who tries to find me will need a very good detective."
over 2 years ago
Chemmy
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Top three or four? Easy there, champ.
Let’s aim for top ten and see where that takes us.
Down Goes Brown - Unapologetically nostalgic for the past. Brutally realistic about the present. Grudgingly optimistic about the future.
Grrrrr
We will have none of that!
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
BURKIE!!!!!1
MONSTER!!!!!1
PANCAKES!!!!!1
Not sure why pancakes on the last one… but I suddenly thought of the episode of Family Guy where Stewie is jonesy for pancakes when reading this.
'But I don't want to go among mad people' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can't help that' said the Cat 'we're all mad here'.
Well
I would say we have a much more well-rounded defense now with a few extra bodies to fill in the gap if the inevitable injuries starts cropping up
"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)
GRABBO TIGHT KOMIKAZI CUZ WE'RE EXELERATING INTO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!11
you forgot
KOMIKAZI!!!!1
(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score
by Wrap Around Curl on Jul 7, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
KOMIKAZI!!!!11
"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)
GRABBO TIGHT KOMIKAZI CUZ WE'RE EXELERATING INTO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!11
HAPPY TRAILS!!!!!1!
Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated... and truculent!
/ I approve of this comment. Pleased that “Happy Trails” is sticking!
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
Calgary stampede time ; lots of pancake breakfasts (mmmmm!)
by Its Cold In Here on Jul 7, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe not top 6, but I don’t think anyone can argue that 1 through 14 we have the best D.
by lordosis on Jul 7, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
Well it’s a step up from dead last at least.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
Maybe not three or four but definately top seven, at least defensively.
You’ll have trouble topping this:
Schenn-Komisarek
Beauchemin-Exelby
Finger-Van Ryn
White
And that’s assuming Kaberle gets dealt. The pieces are in place for Toskala to have a great bounce-back season and if not, he’s on a shorter leash with the Monster behind him who could put up great numbers behind those “butts”.
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
Kaberle’s not being traded, so why assume that?
Brian Burke on Thomas Kaberle: “if I had to handicap this, he’ll be a Leaf at the start of the year”
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
Which just makes it more scary
Schenn-Kaberle
Beauchemin-Komisarek
Exelby-Van Ryn/ Finger (when Van Ryn is hurt)
'But I don't want to go among mad people' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can't help that' said the Cat 'we're all mad here'.
Exactly.
Playoffs!!!1
Hopefully Burke’s comments will put a stop to all the ridiculous Kaberle rumours.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
Ditto. Although I was guilty as anyone I’ve kind of gotten tired of hearing Tomas’ name bandied about like he was a piece of meat. He’s never complained or been a problem, I’d like to give him the respect he deserves and not fantasy-trade him to every team in the league.
Starting now I shall no longer speculate on what his return might be, and simply enjoy that he is a great and productive member of the team.
This amazing comment calls for the Kaberle song:
He’s Tomas Kaberle, defenceman for the MAPLE LEAFS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eni3tZdeaKg
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
don't be silly eyebleaf
Kaberle rumours will continue until he’s a UFA again.
As for getting a forward Burke thinks the Leafs have 10 NHL ready d-men ( I count 9 Schenn, Kaberle, Beauchemin, Komisarek, Exelby, Van Ryn, Finger, White, Frogren)
Moving Van Ryn or Finger would be preferred but I’d be surprised if he could so I don’t see how it could be anyone but Kaberle.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
oops wasn't finished
BUT I would much rather move White as he may be at his peak in trade value.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
Kabby stays. Thanks.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
Exactly. I want the banner curse to be proven wrong!
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
It’s not a curse yet.
If Kabby, Doc and Bosh all leave town…then I’m fucked. Then we’re all fucked.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
by eyebleaf on Jul 7, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
White’s peak value is a 2nd round pick right now. Not the impact forward Burke is looking for. And I say that with all my love for the ’Stache.
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
Let’s live in the dream that we can give up someone other than Kaberle. C’mon. Don’t kill the dream!
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
If Steen and Colaiacovo can get you Stempniak, then Stajan + White/Van Ryn/Stralman should be able to get you something slightly better. Stempniak was meant to be a top-six forward. Theoretically we should be able to get another.
by general borschevsky on Jul 7, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That was under Fletcher's watch...
Sure Burke might have been advised of it before hand, but he wasn’t a MLSE employee when that trade went down.
And if there’s one thing we know about Burke, it’s that he’s quite a bit more flashy, targets a player and goes all out to get them. If Kaberle’s traded it won’t be for a Stempniak +1.
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
Not suggesting Kaberle gets traded. The opposite. If Cliff can swing Stempniak for Cola+Steen, then surely Burke can get us a top-six forward for a combination of spare parts.
by general borschevsky on Jul 7, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm expecting a rebound year from him
He has the tools, he’s had his 2/3 of a year adjustment period, now he gets to be comfortable and start potting the puck.
Brian Burke in the above noted article: “Obviously, it screams for a move to get a forward back.”
Sorry eyebleaf, I love Kaberle too, but I just don’t see him being here next year.
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
And that doesn’t mean it HAS to be Kaberle going the other way.
Burke values Kabby.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
I value pancakes..
mmmmmmmmmm
'But I don't want to go among mad people' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can't help that' said the Cat 'we're all mad here'.
Keep Kaberle
Would rather see MVR or even White moved. You need one of those two guys for the second power play unit and as #5 guy. XLB, Finger and Frogren fight for 6. You can carry 8. Strahlman plays 30min a night with the Marlies. Next year you move the other of MVR or White and he steps in. Kaberle is the best defenceman in the league for the money he is getting. He’s top ten easily in terms of skill and he does his part defensively. Too good to give up.
by Leaf in Habland on Jul 7, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
MVR or White are not Kaberle.
We can discuss other potential trades until we’re blue (and white) in the face. MVR or White will get you nowhere near the return of Kaberle and the fact remains Kaberle has been almost dealt twice in the last two years. If not for the confusion of a few days ago, or his refusal to waive his NTC he’d already be gone.
Like I said, I love Kaberle too, but it’s painfully obvious he’s not in the long term plans of the Leafs. Sure, Burke will keep him if he can’t get a good return, but you can put money down on him being traded by this year’s trade deadline at the latest. He’s on borrowed time so enjoy it while it lasts.
Breaking up is hard to do.
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
Let’s put some money down, then.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
Haha, I think we’ll both be too distraught when it happens to care.
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
No no
it’s not happening, so I’ll just be cashing your cheque.
How much?
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
Oh I meant you could money down in Vegas or something, I spend all mine on cupcakes and playing the NHL jersey futures market. Wanna buy a Kaberle Blackhawk’s jersey cheap before the rush?
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
Why would we trade for Versteeg when we’re getting him as a UFA?
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
Who said Versteeg?
Chicago’s paperwork screw up has put them in a bad cap situation that they weren’t expecting. While the Leafs still have space. So this puts the two of them at the same party, whether they dance or not remains to be seen.
Maybe Burke’s fishing Lake Michigan?
"Hey, when I was traded, it was just a draft pick!"
Sorry if it wasn’t clear, my comment was in jest.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
not the same
No question. But I don’t think we need to trade for a top-six forward. I would prefer to see what the kids can do and let Poni and Blake pick up the slack. For White/MVR I agree, a 2nd rounder would be top value. Take it. Keep Kaberle.
Yes, the fact that he’s almost been traded twice is ominous, but the Boston thing wasn’t really an almost trade. Burke would not have said “we are going to huddle” if he had understood the original deal to be Kaberle+OUR 1st rounder. It would not even have been mentioned. The Jeff Carter trade is also not really relevant as the player he would have been traded for no longer exists: Jeff Carter 09 is much better than Jeff Carter 08.
by Leaf in Habland on Jul 7, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Top 10 would mean a 70 goal reduction from 293 to 223.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 7, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I might die of happiness if that happens.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
Actually, it’s 286 to 223 so 63 goals.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 7, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
This is why
I love Brian Burke
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
It’s like Christmas in July…
(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score
by Wrap Around Curl on Jul 7, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions
But I will tell you, my next priority is my fishing trip next week. Anyone who tries to find me will need a very good detective
Where’s Nancy Drew when you need her?
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
i have a raging clue
mmm, we should follow your clue Frank
(south park season 9, the mystery of the urinal deuce)
Jesus didn’t need a brother to be great. Neither does Luke Schenn.
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
Where’s Nancy Drew when you need her
Playing for the Montreal Canadiens, I believe.
jrwendelman
The Artist Formerly Known as "Junior", who blogs at heroesinrehab.ca/blog
"But if someone so eager to engage into fist talk, we can always meet after season end in Minsk." (Mikhail Grabovski and a well-meaning but not particularly skillful translator)
by jrwendelman on Jul 7, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
Nancy Drew is French?
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
rec'ddddddd.
(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score
by Wrap Around Curl on Jul 7, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
well played.
Mee-Mee-Meep Meep Go Leafs Go Meep Meep! MEEP!!!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 7, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions
At least Nancy Drew is in better shape than poor Encyclopedia Brown.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
You know what this is:
The Summer of Burke, yo.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
PLAYOFFS!!!!1
but...
I’m addicted to Leafs roster moves!!! MUST SIGN MOAR PLAYERS!!!!!!!
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 7, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions
Tank Nation has been overthrown
“We’re not doing a traditional model here. People should figure that out,” Burke said. “You look at the pre-cap rebuilding jobs, you look at Ottawa and you look at Pittsburgh, and basically the philosophy was, ’Let’s finish dead last or next to dead last for 4-5 years and get top picks and we’ll turn it around.’ I don’t see any reason to repeat that here. I don’t think our fans here would be that patient. As long as they see a plan, I think they’ll be patient for a retooling, but not a demolition.”
well
we’ve been patient for 41 years so far…..
but still, I’m glad he’s doing it quickly.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 7, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I would rather say that we have been patient for the last 5 years and during the Ballard years. During the early 2000 and early 1990s we had good teams that went deep into the playoffs each year.
'But I don't want to go among mad people' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can't help that' said the Cat 'we're all mad here'.
I agree. Most Cup champs don’t win by tanking (The Pens on the other hand have done it 3 times)
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.
it could be done
but as Burke says, fans (like me) are not patient enough for that. I am patient enough to see him do it this way.
by Leaf in Habland on Jul 7, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
And he seems to be doing a fine job of it so far, guess we’ll really see in November when it matters.
by Mirinov's Nose on Jul 7, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Burke Newser: On Kaberle
There’s interest but nothing that requires thinking about. It’s going to take a tough deal to get Tomas Kaberle out of here. It’s going to take a deal that everyone in this room would have to think made sense for us. If I had to handicap this he will be a Leaf at the start of the year…I haven’t been given any offers that approach what I think it will take to make that deal.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
Gone Fishin’!
Mee-Mee-Meep Meep Go Leafs Go Meep Meep! MEEP!!!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 7, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Shhhh
Don’t rush him. He’s got this on lock, babydoll.
(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score
by Wrap Around Curl on Jul 7, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
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