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Is It Okay to Hope for a High Draft Pick?

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I don't know how many of you have been flipping around center ice and checking out other games, but if you do you will quickly realize that the talent level on the Leafs is vastly inferior to many other teams in the NHL right now.

I agree with most forecasts which suggest that the Leafs will finish near the bottom of the East.

In the past, wishing for the # 1 pick was seen as a hope that the Leafs would tank. Tank Nation was born and on and on it goes. I don't want to see the Leafs tank per se, rather, I just don't think they have the horses to get very far regardless of their efforts. It was nice to beat the Habs and all, but seriously, they are also going to be at the bottom of the ladder at the end of the season.

Oh, how I wish the Leafs kept Seguin and Hamilton..... but I digress.

I hope for a very high pick, but I also wonder if they could ever attract a guy like Corey Perry if they finish 30th overall.

I just want the team to be able to compete with the best out there night in and night out and despite not making the playoffs in nearly a decade, that is still a long way from reality. The way to get there is through high draft picks.


 
Is It Okay to Hope for a High Draft Pick?
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Not according to the Nutman.

In my opinion, this would be the best thing for the team.  Lots of great complimentary pieces are in place but they won't seriously compete until there's 2-3 elite, high-end peices.
 
I'd rather get a high draft pick because we've traded with some other team's 1st pick and that team happens to crap out the season.  Kinda like when Boston had our first pick and then...oh..
 
I did not see all of the home opener, but from what I saw, there were mental mistakes that led to Buffalo goals, but I also saw the development of a more in your face defensive system compared to last season.  Instead of skating around amok, I saw numerous times Leaf defenders were more agressive toward the puck carrier.  11 shots on goal against after 2 periods and 20 in the entire game is pretty good, too bad the Leafs could only get one past Miller.  If the Leafs can stick to the new defensive system, play more intelligent hockey, and get their offense going, I see huge potential in the Leafs making the playoffs this season.  One other need will be for the Leafs to acquire a veteran who has had playoff experience who can help guide the young Leaf players.

On paper, the Leafs lineup does not compare to a lot of other teams, but that does not matter if the Leaf players can play together as a team.  So as long as the Leafs can improve on their play from last night, and build on that, I am not looking forward to a high pick, but instead a playoff spot.
 
Optimus Reimer said:
On paper, the Leafs lineup does not compare to a lot of other teams, but that does not matter if the Leaf players can play together as a team.  So as long as the Leafs can improve on their play from last night, and build on that, I am not looking forward to a high pick, but instead a playoff spot.
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That sounds nice and all, but that just isn't very likely.

I want to be able to be positive about the team and about the development of guys like Kadri, Gardiner and Reilly and still be understanding that the team does not have the talent to beat most teams. Sure, some nights they will play 100% and the other team might take a night off so the Leafs can win some here and there that you do not expect, but that will be the exception and not the norm.

I hope to see effort, development, some wins here and there - and also a very high draft pick. And frankly, I would trade Kessel for a package that included a solid 1st rounder as well. But that's me.
 
The puck has barely dropped and Tank Nation has started already. Why don't we just trade everyone on the roster and call up the Marlies, then we can start rebuilding for 2020. Give it a rest...
 
I just can't cheer against this team. Way too early to be hoping for a top pick - even though it's more likely than not that they'll finish out of the playoffs. I'll revisit closer to the trade deadline but I doubt I'll ever hope they lose a game.
 
With the new lottery system in the draft the Leafs can just miss the playoffs and have a shot at first overall, no? Hope away...
 
Michael said:
Oh, how I wish the Leafs kept Seguin and Hamilton..... but I digress.
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The Leafs never had either of these players, nor is there any guarantee they would have if the Kessel trade had not been made.
 
cw said:
I just can't cheer against this team. Way too early to be hoping for a top pick - even though it's more likely than not that they'll finish out of the playoffs. I'll revisit closer to the trade deadline but I doubt I'll ever hope they lose a game.
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Yeah, it's a little early to start hating the Leafs, it's one loss. We already have nutman locking up his positivity.. What's next?
 
slapshot said:
The puck has barely dropped and Tank Nation has started already. Why don't we just trade everyone on the roster and call up the Marlies, then we can start rebuilding for 2020. Give it a rest...
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Yeah. It's too early in the season to be looking for this. This is something that is generally reserved for after the point where it's clear the Leafs won't be making the playoffs.
 
bustaheims said:
slapshot said:
The puck has barely dropped and Tank Nation has started already. Why don't we just trade everyone on the roster and call up the Marlies, then we can start rebuilding for 2020. Give it a rest...
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Yeah. It's too early in the season to be looking for this. This is something that is generally reserved for after the point where it's clear the Leafs won't be making the playoffs.
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So next week?
 
bustaheims said:
Michael said:
Oh, how I wish the Leafs kept Seguin and Hamilton..... but I digress.
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The Leafs never had either of these players, nor is there any guarantee they would have if the Kessel trade had not been made.
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..but it's fun to play the 'what if' Rask-universe question.. maybe Walter Bishop could help with a reset.
 
Michael said:
BlueWhiteBlood said:
Yeah, it's a little early to start hating the Leafs
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Did someone suggest that?
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Not exactly, but you can't like their make-up, if you want to trade our best player out of town. I also exaggerate a bit, so you can't take everything I say literally, that's no fun. Hatin' on! Is that better?
 
cw said:
I just can't cheer against this team. Way too early to be hoping for a top pick - even though it's more likely than not that they'll finish out of the playoffs. I'll revisit closer to the trade deadline but I doubt I'll ever hope they lose a game.
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Exactly.
 
Just for the record, I've never, ever rooted for them to lose.  It goes against the grain of fandom.
 
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