This will be brief.
I’ve been thinking the past couple of days about the past week in
hockey. We’ve gone from a prolonged,
baffling, infuriating, greed-filled (and unnecessary?) CBA dispute to,
relatively speaking, a rather sudden reversal of mood—and a new deal.
After all that, it was excitement everywhere. And relief.
But then the reality of the “business” struck yet again. There was a need to dot all the “i’s” and cross
all the “t’s”. So it was “hurry up and wait” for yet another entire
week of no hockey. It evidently took all that time to
get the details of the new deal ironed out, and to have both sides in the
long-simmering dispute vote on and formalize the agreement.
That means teams will now officially open their doors to the
formerly locked-out players and training camps are getting underway this weekend,
with the regular season expected to start (the new schedule should be released
by the time you read this) on Saturday, January 19.
In our Leaf universe, we didn’t bother waiting for camp to
steal the headlines. We fired our
General Manager. That’s news anywhere,
but it’s huge in Toronto—and most especially when our team is only days away from
starting what will be an awfully short 2012-’13 NHL regular season.
I posted on the Burke decision a couple of days ago, and I don’t plan on going over what is
well-trod ground for me here. There was
great discussion at VLM about the ownership decision to remove Burke and
promote Dave Nonis. (I have my own
concerns about simply hiring Nonis because he was already “here”. Would ownership have hired him as the best
possible hockey guy out there if they had done a proper search? Now we’ll never know. But I’ll deal with that more another time…)
In any event, some Leaf fans are angry at Burke’s ouster, others are happy we
have moved on.
But I have a couple of questions for you, as you have now had
time to sit down, collect your thoughts and come to grips with where the Leafs
“are” as a mini-camp kicks off with a new GM, a basically new head coach—and a
new season that starts next weekend.
This is (as always) your forum today, but to help you get
the juices flowing, maybe think on the following:
- Are you happy or unhappy with the Burke dismissal?
- Does it matter to you why it happened?
- Does it affect your emotions as a Leaf fan or make you any less confident about the direction ownership will take with this team?
- Are you happy now that Carlyle is here?
- Would you rather, given our roster, that Eakins was behind our bench?
- We’ve discussed roster issues many times—goaltending, no ‘number one’ center, the lack of overall team toughness, no shutdown defenseman, no quality experience and veteran leadership, no real playoff experience on the roster to speak of, etc.. In terms of roster concerns, what stands out for you?
- What of the above can be corrected most easily?
- After all the bluster from fans that we won’t “go back to hockey” (and maybe a lot of you won’t, understandably) are you still excited for the new season? Are you excited about the Leafs?
- Do you feel the blue and white will make the playoffs?
- Are you hoping for that elusive playoff spot, or (and be honest now) would you give up another season for one more high draft pick? (Not that we have any say in the matter…)
By the way, for those interested in the latest "Leaf Matters" podcast on the Burke firing, it is up on iTunes. It is also available here here http://podalmighty.com/leafsmatters/21-leafmatters.mp3 A YouTube clip from the show is available at http://youtu.be/laVr6jIItrA
Again, this is all just food for thought. There are many other questions to bat around, but I'll save that for next week. I look forward to hearing your views.
Posts
"Are you happy or unhappy with the Burke dismissal?"
ReplyDeleteSomewhat unhappy...I panicked when I first heard the news because I thought a new regime might give away all the prospects ( please God..not again) but when Nonis was announced as the new GM and not the interim, then I felt pretty comfortable that many prospects would stay because Nonis had a role in their draft.
"Does it matter to you why it happened?"
Depends on what we learn. If we learn it was because Burke would not give away Gardiner, Kadri and Frattin for Louongo and then they go do that..then it matters.
"Does it affect your emotions as a Leaf fan or make you any less confident about the direction ownership will take with this team?"
Not really...as long as they keep Nonis at the helm and don't do anything stupid like vastly overpay for Louongo. In some ways I am actually ok with the change. It might produce a more quiet, results focused atmosphere.
"Are you happy now that Carlyle is here?"
I am ok with it.
"Would you rather, given our roster, that Eakins was behind our bench?"
Not yet, Eakins might not be ready for it and we have an even bigger batch of prospects for Eakins to teach on the Marlies over the next few year. Biggs, Broll, Rielly, Finn, Percy Lievo, Nilson, Granberg will be added to young Marlies guys like Colborne, Ashton, Abbot and Blacker. This is a big part of the future. I want Eakins in charge of these guys. I can't imagine any better person.
If we need to fire a coach in two years I would rather it be Carlyle. So we can bring up Eakins when he is fully ready.
"We’ve discussed roster issues many times—goaltending, no ‘number one’ center, the lack of overall team toughness, no shutdown defenseman, no quality experience and veteran leadership, no real playoff experience on the roster to speak of, etc.. In terms of roster concerns, what stands out for you?"
The lack of a first line center.
We don't have that coming up in the system. Team toughness, better defensive players...we have some of that in the system and it might start to show in training camp.
"What of the above can be corrected most easily?"
If needed, we could trade for a playoff veteran.
"Are you excited about the Leafs?
Yes, totally excited. I want to see if Reimer rebounds and I can't wait to see how Kadri, Fraser and Broll compare to the veterans in training camp.
"Do you feel the blue and white will make the playoffs?"
Yes, every year I predict the Leafs will squeak into the playoffs.
"Are you hoping for that elusive playoff spot, or (and be honest now) would you give up another season for one more high draft pick? (Not that we have any say in the matter…)"
Perhaps we can jettison a few veterans for draft choices and do both?
I like your optimism, DP. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteHey Michael,
ReplyDeletehave been reading your posts for a couple years now but posting for the first time.
I am one of those fans that the last lockout caused to be lost - was in my teens then.
It was James Reimer that brought me back, so one thing that I wish for - Reimer comes back to form.
Point 1: Initially shocked and annoyed with the lack of patience in this organization but after reading several varied opinions over the net - i realize this might be for the better than worse.
Point 2: Yes, cause of the timing issue and cause i really wanna know - lol.
Point 3: Nonis is here - so no panic - just a wait and see attitude.
Point 4: Not sure, lets just hope this isn't another "Ron Wilson" in the making = Wrong type of coach at the wrong time.
Point 5: Not yet, he should probably get a chamionship with the Marlies or at least make one or two more deep marlies playoff runs.
Point 6: Impact forwards - especially center, team toughness/will power to withstand under pressure down the closing stretch of the season, a more established "non-pylon" defencemen, an actual leader in the locker room - I don't think the Dion Phanuef experiment should continue for much longer, he needs to figure out his all-around game first before becoming a voice that can whip/shame/inspire.
Point 7: A leader - can sign or trade for one.
Point 8: Of course i am excited - lol. But i still feel the NHL and players should be punished somehow by the fans - especially in this market - the bread and butter area of the NHL Revenue pile.
Point 9: No, I don't but hey there is always hope.
Point 10: Lol - Tank Nation Member here. "Stinkin for Mackinnon"
And agree with DP - get rid of Clarke, Timmy, Matthew, and Maybe even Lupul if there is no contract. Get either some good prospects or high/middle picks - and hope for some draft day magic.
Anonymous - from Scarborough
Eakins is a good coach, however temper AHL expectations. Although Im sure DP' aware, of his list, maybe 4-5 players have legit shots at long NHL careers. AHL #'s do not always translate to NHL success. Teams always overhype their own prospects (except Karlsson! could not resist).
ReplyDeleteLook at Ottawa players from Bingo's Calder Cup team that made the roster + Lehner as his eventual roster spot is a given next year.
Condra/Greening/Smith/O'Brien/Daugavins/Cowen/Butler/Lehner. Butler was traded and Condra/Daug/O'Brien(a 1st rounder fyi)our fringe players at best.
So even from a championship team, 4 players ended up as meaningful pieces at the NHL level.
So well Eakins is a good coach be very mindful of his abilities. Toronto has a long history of overestimating what it has, and to be honest the Marlies our in the weaker conference in the AHL, hell 3/4 Calder winners all come from the same division in the east.
Im aware in summing up my argument that Ottawa potentially has 3 more players who could make the team this year from the Cup run, but that speaks to a whole other argument of development curves versus fan expectations.
A tremendous post, Scarborough Anon. You've covered the bases very well.
ReplyDeleteAll well-made points. (And you're young- you can afford to be patient and hope for that top pick in the summer!)
Glad you posted here- and very glad you've come back to the NHL, and the Leafs, despite the League's shenanigans!
Sobering but fair perspective, Sensfan90. Those who follow here routinely know that I've said (often) that every NHL team has nice prospects in the minors. The Leafs are hardly unique. And Toronto's history of "developing" players is not always a good one. Same reason (among others) I am not a fan of force-feeing Rielly into the line-up. Why the rush with an 18 year-old onto a lousy team? I've seen this movie - and the negative outcomes - too many times here.
ReplyDeleteSo yes, there are some kids with potential in the minors. But I agree, it can mean little, until they become more than replaceable bit players in the NHL.
As for Eakins, again, a fair point. He seems t be a guy who can relate to players, etc. and is calm with the media. He may be an outstanding NHL coach. But many before him had similar success and credentials in the minors and flopped at the next level. But I do sense he could do the job here.
1. Are you happy or unhappy with the Burke dismissal?
ReplyDelete>>>>> Neither. But what I am unhappy with is the timing. Absurd to do it now. Bad planning on the part of the new ownership.
2. Does it matter to you why it happened?
>>>>> Only in that it will help explain the thinking (or lack thereof) by the new owners. Are they Harold Ballard-like? It might also provide some closure for the players and fans, assuming they need closure.
3. Does it affect your emotions as a Leaf fan or make you any less confident about the direction ownership will take with this team?
>>>>> Yes. I feel for this team. It goes through cycles of dysfunction. The players have a tough enough time as it is, they don't need uncertainty when it comes to management and ownership. Affects how other players/agents perceive this organization. The pressure of playing in Toronto is intense. If you want players to come here, you want them to really respect the management and organization.
4. Are you happy now that Carlyle is here?
>>>>> I'm happy Wilson is gone. I'm undecided on Carlyle. I've heard he is very hard on his players, and I'd like to hope the players will respond to a new coach and any problems can be avoided as much as possible. Does a player like Getzlaf want to play for Carlyle again??
5. Would you rather, given our roster, that Eakins was behind our bench?
>>>>> What Eakins lacks in experience I think he makes up for in coaching techniques, communication skills, and interpersonal relationships with his players. It has less to do with the roster, as he could coach any team. Knowing some of the players already is just a nice plus.
6. We’ve discussed roster issues many times—goaltending, no ‘number one’ center, the lack of overall team toughness, no shutdown defenseman, no quality experience and veteran leadership, no real playoff experience on the roster to speak of, etc.. In terms of roster concerns, what stands out for you?
>>>>> All of those! I suppose what concerns me most is the inconsistent defensive zone coverage. Carlyle is going to focus on this, so we'll see which players can execute and which players fail to respond.
7. What of the above can be corrected most easily?
>>>>> Easily?? Is anything ever easy for this team? Well obtaining a UFA this summer might be an easy answer, though obtaining a UFA always seems to be a difficult task for this organization. Did I say the name Getzlaf?
8. After all the bluster from fans that we won’t “go back to hockey” (and maybe a lot of you won’t, understandably) are you still excited for the new season? Are you excited about the Leafs?
>>>>> Excited, NO. Just relieved to watch some NHL hockey again. My sentiment for the Leafs has taken a serious hit by the lockout and the timing of Burke's dismissal. If they show significant improvement(s) from last season, I'll start to get more enthused/excited.
9. Do you feel the blue and white will make the playoffs?
>>>>> Nope.
10. Are you hoping for that elusive playoff spot, or (and be honest now) would you give up another season for one more high draft pick? (Not that we have any say in the matter…)
>>>>> I'd be okay with "TankNation", especially in a 48-game shortened season. This is a strong draft year. A top 5 pick would be great. Top 2 even better!
1. Happy. I do have some mixed feelings about Nonis taking over, but he should know the terrain, and a completely new guy, even if any real candidates were available, wouldn't be in a great position to take over, as the stretch run pretty much begins on day 1 of the regular season.
ReplyDelete2. It does, obviously. Even though there's been plenty of reasons for a change for quite some time now, it's puzzling why Burke kept his job at the end of last season, only to lose it after a period of forced inactivity due to the lockout. Burke's results would have been excusable only if he had opted for a rebuild once he took charge, but he declined the opportunity. So his record warrants a change, but his record hasn't changed since the end of last season. Meaning something else must have changed since.
3. A significant change is made and no explanations offered? Not too keen on that. But I am happy about a change in general, so I'll take it at face value for now.
4. Still a bit wary, but I'm willing to see what he can do. Burke hired him, so if things go south, he might not have many opportunities to straighten the course.
5. Basically, yes. If the new owners want to "win now", then he'd probably just end up a sacrificial lamb. If the worst comes to pass and Carlyle can't start winning, I hope Eakins will get his chance.
6. I'm most worried about the state of general defensive play. But maybe, and hopefully, Carlyle can fix that. Adding a proven shutdown d-man would be pretty high on my list of roster fixes.
7. If we are headed to the playoffs, I'd suspect the veteran leadership department might be easiest to trade for. If not? Well, then I hope we'll finally forget about all the "win now"-nonsense, and gear up for an honest rebuild. There's a chance to do it and start winning before the next lockout.
8. Leafs playing is always better than Leafs not playing, so yes, I am excited.
9. I wouldn't say it's odds-on, but if we can get a strong start, we'll have every chance of doing exactly that.
10. Playoffs, absolutely. Top picks are nice, but watching a winning team would be nicer.
Yes, couldn't help but notice the recurring Getzlaf theme today, Don (TML-fan)!
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point about player perception of the organization. We already have not been able to attract elite, experienced UFA's here in quite a number of years. These kinds of decisions may not help, in that sense. We'll see.
Good stuff, as always. Thanks Don. (Or should I say "Tanks"?)
I'm more of a 'win and let's not just hope for a good draft pick' kind of guy, too, CGLN. Not that the coaching staff or players would ever adopt that kind of thinking (why would they? Many are fighting for jobs) but I don't find cheering, as a fan, for a draft pick is a lot of fun. It rarely works out!
ReplyDeleteAnd we hopefully will find some leadership before the next lockout! Thanks, CGLN.
Michael,
ReplyDelete1. I am neither happy nor unhappy at Mr. Burke no longer being the GM of the Leafs. He was, and continues to be a bright hockey guy. We have discussed this a lot. There are many bright hockey guys around. Everyone thinks Nonis is as well.
2. The why matters more to me than you might think. The Maple Leafs have been a side show carnival act for almost my entire life. I am dismayed that the more things change the more they stay the same. One of the things that the Leafs had done well recently was to act honourably. Mr. Burke treated the players with respect. Extended breaks and all that. Agree or disagree with his ideas. He stood behind them. New ownership has proven to be exactly what we feared they would be. A bunch of guys in suits making hockey decisions. A terrible turn of events from where I sit.
3. Less confident. See sideshow answer above. Whats next Nonis is forced to fire Carlyle because he used the wrong fork at dinner? This is supposed to be a hockey team, not a comportment exercise.
4. Ambivalent. I don't think the roster suits his known coaching style. I believe that he ultimately crashes and burns here, through no fault of his own.
5. Yes. Even though I would say that it would be a year too early.
6. The fact that in the 4 years since Mr. Burke was hired we have the same glaring problems we had then with respect to the big club.
7. Top flight goaltending and a legitimate #1 centre are the two most difficult things to acquire. They remain the most pressing needs, and getting either one of them will not be easy. Or be attained on the cheap.
8. I am excited hockey is back. It is the most interesting, engaging game on the planet. I am not excited about the Leafs. Probably from the fact that I don't believe they are a good team. I am however excited to watch them again.
9. No. But I buy lottery tickets, so I am clearly not that bright. Someday I might win, and so might this team. Chances, in my mind, are equal.
10. I would give up five more seasons out of the playoffs in order to build a Stanley Cup contender for the 10 years after that. Hello, Red Wings.
"Comportment exercise" - love that phrase, Jim.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Wings, at the end of the day (or perhaps the Devils, under Lamoriello, though he sure treats coaches shabbily more often than not) have been that 'model franchise' for 20 years or so now. Ownership matters, at least in the case of Illitch and the Red Wings. But it took even Illitch a while to find success in Detroit as owner. He let good hockey people run the show and he stayed out of the way and signed the cheques, when necessary- as best we can tell from a distance.
I'm not a predictions guy, Jim- but I do think the Leafs will win (OK, get better) before you or I win a lottery!
Are you happy or unhappy with the Burke dismissal?
ReplyDelete- I think it was merited. Just lousy timing, IMHO.
Does it matter to you why it happened?
- I think it's as simple as 4 seasons, no playoffs.
Does it affect your emotions as a Leaf fan or make you any less confident about the direction ownership will take with this team?
- Having lived through the Ballard years, I'm apprehensive. But if it means that results will definitely matter, I'm OK for now.
Are you happy now that Carlyle is here?
- I liked the Wilson team until it collapsed last year. We haven't had a team that was so much fun to watch for years. I'll wait and see how Carlyle does. I do like his straightforward demeanour.
Would you rather, given our roster, that Eakins was behind our bench?
- No. I like Eakins a lot, and expect to see him behind the Leaf bench in two years.
We’ve discussed roster issues many times—goaltending, no ‘number one’ center, the lack of overall team toughness, no shutdown defenseman, no quality experience and veteran leadership, no real playoff experience on the roster to speak of, etc.. In terms of roster concerns, what stands out for you?
- I agree with those who think team defence is priority #1. Without that, we're going nowhere.
What of the above can be corrected most easily?
- Probably trading for the first line center, if we're willing to cough up some heretofore untouchable assets.
After all the bluster from fans that we won’t “go back to hockey” (and maybe a lot of you won’t, understandably) are you still excited for the new season? Are you excited about the Leafs?
- I can't help being excited, even though I'm extremely disappointed in the way the fans were treated during the lockout.
Do you feel the blue and white will make the playoffs?
- Based on last year's final 16 games, I have doubts that we'll make it this year.
Are you hoping for that elusive playoff spot, or (and be honest now) would you give up another season for one more high draft pick? (Not that we have any say in the matter…)
- I'd hope for the playoff spot, because it would mean that light at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train of continued disappointment!
Michael,
ReplyDeleteWe shall have to leave the betting to those more inclined to take it on the chin when they are wrong.
I watched a lot of Burke stuff today on the TV and the internets. Its funny, I didn't always like the things he did, or sometimes the way that he did them. But, today, I came away with a feeling that no matter what, he is a guy that would have my back so long as I had his. Dare to say, that even though I don't know him, I have never even met him. That if I was lucky enough to meet him, I know that I would like him enormously.
I don't often laugh out loud anymore. Today when Burke said the best thing about getting fired was not having to talk to Steve Simmons ever again, I did. For a good long time. I would like him, I really would.
I think that we will only be able to see if this ownership will be like the bad old days over time, Gerund O'. Right now, they've made this one move, albeit at a peculiar time. Hopefully over time we will see some stability and a hands-off approach when it comes to hockey decisions.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on team defense. I'd also like to see the toughness issue addressed. Thanks Gerund O'.