Corn Flake
New member
LeafsInSeven said:Reason #1: Last year of Burke's contract. Adding a talented 18 year old defenseman could be just that piece of optimism that gets Burke an extension from the penny pinchers at Rogers and Bell.
I would think getting this team into the playoffs, fixing the goaltending situation and maybe signing one of the big name UFA's would go a lot further than wedging his highly touted pick into the NHL prematurely. After the way things went with Schenn I think concerns and eyebrows would be raised if they DID keep this kid.
Funny thing is, Nonis effectively got canned in Vancouver because he refused to shortcut the development of the team. He had ownership pressure to speed things up but he wouldn't do it and they replaced him. He carried through Burke's plans which were they were not going to rush the process. I think the same thing is happening here and will continue no matter what ownership says (and probably won't say).
Burke doesn't really strike me as an owner's pet type of guy so expecting him to do things to save his job doesn't really go with his track record.
Reason #2: Burke stated that the Leafs had him rated no. 1 in this draft. If I'd ever heard a tee-up for high early expectations...
Yeah but that doesn't mean they think he's ready for prime time NHL duty out of the gate. Expectations high? Yep. They would have been anyway no matter what he said.
Reason #3: The type of talent this kid has. He'll look good against pros because he's bringing the effortless skating and puck handling skills that stand out in training camps.
He absolutely will look good. Kadri looked good in 2 of his 3 camps but was demoted. I think the coaches and the Execs can see through the flash and dash and notice the things that will stick out as a kid learning the game. I think in light of everything that has gone on here the last 3-4 years they will be more cautious than ever about bringing a kid along too soon.
Reason #4: History. This organization has no issues with playing 18 year olds when they are deemed to be good enough for the NHL.
Yes but so far under Burke they have not done this.