State of the Leafs Address

(BOD - Teresa Palmer)

It’s been a couple of months since I’ve discussed the plight of the 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs and, with the team not playing terrible over the past two weeks, I feel it is my duty to impart some reality to the blissfully ignorant members of Blue and White nation who foolishly believe this fortnight of spirited play is going to lead to a playoff berth.


While I have to admit that I’ve been impressed by the stellar play of goaltender James Reimer—a man the team turned to solely because of injuries—and the apparent re-emergence of Phil Kessel from the Witness Protection Program, it’s all a smokescreen for a team playing over their heads for the past 11 games. A fall back to Earth is inevitable.

I love how members of the Toronto media and innumerable fans are all clinging to the maxim of “We’re only six points out of a playoff spot” believing that, if they say it enough, they’ll be able to return home to Kansas by clicking their ruby red slippers.

Yes, six points seem like an attainable mountain to climb IF there was only one team in front of the Leafs for the final playoff spot. However, there are currently three teams between Toronto and the postseason which makes the task three times as difficult. And, let’s be honest, has this team shown anything to make you think they have the gumption and fortitude to make this happen?

Not in these eyes.

For that matter, whatever happened to Brian Burke’s plan to turn this team around into a Stanley Cup contender? Is he still doing that?

When he first climbed aboard the bridge on the Leaf’s ship, he waxed poetic about a long and arduous return to glory (true) and a patient, but complete rebuilding process. Ok, everyone was willing to give Burkie the benefit of the doubt back then.

Then he traded two first round draft picks for Phil Kessel. Hmm, doesn’t the trading of draft picks, especially when you know your team is shit and going to pick high in June, go against the rebuilding mantra? But Burke must know something we don’t, so Leaf fans let this one slide.

After two putrid seasons, Toronto is no better off than before Burke came to town. The team is terrible, but they have no first round draft picks to catalyze a return to respectability.

This year, Burke vowed the team would compete for a playoff spot. He’s showed so much belief in the team that he’s traded Kris Versteeg, Francois Beauchemin and Tomas Kaberle for a collection of draft picks and minor leaguers.

What exactly is Burke trying to do? Rebuild or compete for the playoffs? He has to commit to one or another. This waffling back and forth will just leave the team in further limbo with no end in sight.

What a great time to be a Leafs fan.