Toronto Maple Leafs Rebuild Moves Towards Next Phase
The Maple Leafs put together a team at the top that had a plan, were not afraid to act on it, and most importantly were willing to stick to it.
The Toronto Maple Leafs let everyone know they planned on burning the whole thing down to rebuild the franchise. After the trade deadline drew to a close, it is apparent to all that they took the torch to most everything.
While there were some players we expected to move who stayed, the last two weeks has seen several players moved out including some unexpected. Being able to move the likes of Dion Phaneuf, Nick Spalling and Daniel Winnick for something of value without retaining salary, was good work by the Maple Leafs management.
Properly building anything to last over time requires a solid foundation. The Maple Leafs had been setting up their structure on shifting sands for a long time. The numerous trades and expensive signings that were short sighted in trying to bring instant success took the franchise to the bottom of the hockey ladder.
Starting with the front office overhaul orchestrated by Brendon Shanahan, The Maple Leafs put together a team at the top that had a plan, were not afraid to act on it, and most importantly were willing to stick to it. Add in a top tier coach in Mike Babcock who demands nothing short of a player’s best efforts, and a solid foundation was laid.
The remainder of the rebuild begins to slowly shift to the players who will represent the Maple Leafs for the years to come. Already in the pipeline are the likes of Nylander, Marner, Brown and others who Leafs nation will be pinning their hopes on. While the younger players in the system are a good start, they are far from a finished product. While the players begin to take more of the focus, there are still pieces to the puzzle that are missing. A top goaltender, more talent on the blueline and some physical edge.
These pieces can be filled by the sheer number of draft picks at the Maple Leafs disposal over the next three years. Part of the laying of the foundation was improving the scouting department for the Leafs. Placing Mark Hunter in charge of the draft decisions is a move that will be judged by how well the Maple Leafs draft picks turn out during this span.
Beyond the picks, smart free agent signings will also go a long way in completing this team. Shanahan and his team are going to have to make sure the signings they make are for proper value. Overpaying on a long term signing or two can handcuff the team in its ability to keep the team together, especially when the young stars contracts come due. Cap space is critical in today’s NHL, and currently the Leafs are in an enviable position.
The Maple Leafs have given themselves the ability to mold this team into what management envisions. They have done a good job of clearing out bodies and gathering assets. While the start to this rebuild has been a good exercise in laying the foundation, the Leafs are not on their way to the top yet. Making good on draft picks, developing players, adding free agents who bring value to the team and properly managing contracts are still actions that must be maneuvered properly.
Next: William Nylander to make Maple Leafs Debut
The Leafs appear to have the ship pointed in the right direction. Hopefully they can get the proper wind in their sails and make that long awaited journey from NHL afterthought to Stanley Cup contenders.