What’s the Buzz in Toronto?

Something particularly interesting is going on in Toronto, and it has the rest of the league dazed and confused. Let’s try to get to the bottom of this together.

Somebody call the authorities, something unusual is happening to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although it’s often a familiar sight to see a post deadline Leafs team tear it up, this year it’s different. The Toronto Maple Leafs roster is one of the youngest in the league, and as they learn the ropes they’re showing they can compete as well. Despite their success ( 9-7-1 since Phaneuf trade, but 7-3-1 since the deadline purge) many people are convinced that this current show of success is a façade. Why would anyone doubt the skill shown by a young and promising team? It’s because of the unknown status of the roster next year, and the ongoing tinkering to be made by the Burke regime.

We can understand people who doubt that these are real deal players, you all believe that they’re just fighting for roster spots next year, hence the success. Also, you’ve stereotyped Toronto as a losing club, and the image of veteran players populating the bulk of the team. However, things have changed and it’s time for you to update your viewpoint. Toronto is a club in transition, both statistically and philosophically. Out with the veterans and losing records, in with the youth and competitive nature. Players like Bozak, Kulemin, Kessel, Phaneuf and Schenn will be future cornerstones of the once powerful franchise. In populating the team with youth, you gain a competitive hunger and youthful love of the game you rarely find in veterans. That doesn’t go to say however that veterans are useless to team, quite the opposite. Being so young, the team will require veteran leaders to help with the growing pains, and to direct the players and groom them into legitimate NHL athletes.

I’ll say it again, something strange is going on in Toronto, but it’s something that’s been long overdue. The roster has vastly changed, and so too will the results on the scoresheet in the years to come.

Let us know what you think, we always appreciate it.

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