Brian Burke has not publicly stated who he'll be targeting on July 1st, but logic dictates his focus will be deadlocked on Unrestricted Free Agents Mike Cammalleri or the Sedins.
After many critics--fans and writers alike--expressed their discontent towards Burke's inactivity at the NHL Entry Draft last weekend, you can bet Burke will be looking to make a big splash once July 1st comes swinging. While he managed to draft seven North American players at the draft, most of them at behemoth size, he failed to import more prospects and draft picks by not pulling the trigger on any deals.
Lucky for Burke, Free Agency Day kicks off almost immediately after the draft, so if he really does care what his critics are complaining about (doubt it) he can now make amends. Burke stated that he will not watch the same team that was displayed last season, so one way or another, you can expect change. While he'll be able to dispose much of his players via trade, it's unlikely they will garner a return valuable enough to upgrade the team's woes. While the stock of Leafs defensemen Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina has surely risen due to the Chris Pronger and Jay Bouwmeester deals, it's unlikely trading one of the defenseman will suffice in Burke's "master plan."
While Cammalleri or the Sedins hardly constitute as a "Burke-type player," they are offensively gifted forwards who would implement an immediate impact to the team's long-term goals, not to mention the goals for category. And it's not as if their defensive game leaves much to be desired. While they lack in the grit and size departments, it shouldn't be too much of an issue if they’re surrounded by bigger players. And judging from Burke's draftees this year, I'd say that won't be much of problem.
The question, however, is what UFA's to target. Should Burke focus his attention towards the Sedins, or should he try to ink Cammelleri to a contract? Personally, the prospect of signing Cammalleri seems the most enticing. While his resume is less impressive than the Sedins, he'll probably cost the Leafs around 5 million dollars in cap hit, while the Sedins would cost near the 15 million vicinity. Signing Cammalleri would also allow the Leafs to award more roster spots to gritty, two-way forwards. If the Sedins sign in Toronto, then the Leafs' top-six, should they re-sign Mikhail Grabovski, will compromise of many one-dimensional forwards. And frankly, I'd rather the Leafs avoid getting handcuffed with lucrative, long-term contracts until atleast next summer, when Rick Nash is set to become a UFA.
What do you think? Should the Leafs target the Sedins, or Cammalleri? Or should they avoid both and opt for different UFA's?
Personally, I'd be a pretty happy Leafs fan if Cammalleri is locked up on July 1st. Let the madness unfold!
ronguillet@gmail.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
Cammalleri or the Sedins?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sedins + Leafs = Failure
Rumours continue to swirl about the possibility of Brian Burke landing both Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin should the pair opt for unrestricted free agency this off-season. My take on the rumour? Don’t do it, Burke!
Let me begin by stating that the Sedin twins are indeed offensive weapons, and are valuable commodities to any team; but only under the right circumstances— and the Leafs don’t fit the bill, sorry to say.
The Sedins have been producing at nearly a point-per-game pace during the past three regular seasons. Impressive, especially considering they’re suiting up for the defensively minded Vancouver Canucks. But while their offensive production suggests they’re elite forwards, taking a glance at their lack of physicality (and playoff point totals) will prove that the Sedins are no more, or less, than second-line forwards. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Nothing.
To their credit, both players managed a PPG pace in this year’s playoffs (the first time in both of their careers). However, the Canucks’ playoff fortunes weren’t only due to bad luck, there was also the issue of lack of leadership. Take a look at the four remaining teams and the forwards leading them:
Detroit: - Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen
Chicago: - Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews
Carolina: - Eric Staal
Pittsburgh - Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin
Each one of the players listed above have stepped up in the playoffs and contributed in more than one way. The Canucks, however, were dependant on the Sedins (and Luongo, of course) to lead the team. I’ve always respected the offensive skills of the Sedins, but I’ve never considered them anything more than support players, or second-liners. They have the skill, but they lack the tenacity and heart to inspire a team to new levels— which is obviously crucial this time of year.
Now, on to the Leafs. If Burke signs the Sedins on July 1st (assuming they don’t resign in Vancouver) then the duo will, once again, be depended on to lead the team. And that won’t happen; not as long as the Sedins are on the top line. If the Leafs were to land some elite forwards this summer (which obviously won’t happen, taking a look at the Unrestricted Free Agents list) than I would be all for the prospect of adding the Sedins to the Leafs’ roster. However, that is not the case.
If the Leafs sign the Sedins, the team is right back at square one, and will destined, once again, for mediocrity. I hate to be so negative, but there’s just no way the Leafs can realistically compete for the Stanley Cup with the Sedins as their top players. If Burke has other tricks up his sleeve, fine, but I don’t think that’s the case here.
Personally, I’d rather Burke spend the Leafs’ money on UFA’s Mike Cammaleri and Mike Komisarek. Cammareli is young at 26, and his offensive skills would help compliment the Leafs’ future forwards. He also knows how to play in his own end, and he’d be cheaper than signing both of the Sedins. While Komisarek had an average season with the Canadiens, (hell, who didn’t?) don’t forget he was ranked 1st in hits and 2nd in blocked shots just last season. He’s young and, if you ask me, would look mighty fine with Luke Schenn on the Leafs’ PK unit.
Let’s just hope Burke hasn’t lost sight of his long-term goal: the Stanley Cup. Not the playoffs.
What's your take on the matter?
ronguillet@gmail.com
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