Cheering AGAINST the Leafs

I have been a Leaf fan all my life. This is the first time I can ever remember cheering against the Leafs. I was actually disappointed last night when they tied it 2-2.

I will be happy if they get blown out by both Buffalo and Ottawa this weekend.

Why? Because it is the only possible hope we have that the leafs will be sellers at the deadline. This team NEEDS to be sellers!

The problem is that as long as MSLE has visions of even a couple playoff dates, they won’t make any changes.

As a Leaf fan, the only hope I see is if they totally go into the tank in the next 5 games. That would leave them something like 3 out of their last 20… it may be *possible* that they will decide the time is right to finally gut this mess and rebuild.

You aren’t going to get much for some of their players, a couple others could fetch a decent return, and one guy at least would command a big price.

… and there are buyers. There are teams that legitimately want to improve certain areas. Maybe a depth D-man or an experienced goalie or a producing 2nd line center.

Belfour – We *have* to trade this guy if it is at all possible. He is not going to fetch anything in return. In fact, you have to pick up maybe some bad salary in return. Belfour for Peca maybe? or Belfour for a 4th round pick? I would do either in a heartbeat. I would get whatever was possible just to get out from under that contract.

Berg – The word on Berg has been a 2nd rounder all season long. a LOT of teams could find room on their roster for him and could use the depth.

Klee – Probably about the same as Berg. You might get a second rounder or maybe a young middle of the road prospect.

Allison – who knows what he could fetch. I would think there is a market for his production though. Heck, if Calgary can’t land Jokinen, they might go for Allison.

McCabe – I have been a supporter of McCabe against all the bashers. However, being practical, I say it is time to deal him now. His value will never be higher than it is right now. You could fetch a good pick+ good prospect package for him, or a front-line player. There is not a team in the league that would not be interested in taking a look at what it would take to get him.

Finally, cheer for the Leafs to lose, so that they make a coaching change. Pat Quinn was a very good coach for the Leafs for a number of years. He was a good coach for a team with veterans though. He plays the “us against the world” card better than anybody.

I think the leafs are about to change their look. There are going to be a couple lean years ahead of them and missed playoffs. During that time, they need a “system” and “teacher” coach, instead of a motivator coach. It is time to bring in Paul Maurice.