Independence Day, 2011

With all the controversy that seemed to come from Burke haters on July 1st for being in Afghanistan I figured I'd start a blog with my opinions about the Leafs.

First of all, I'd like to say that I have no problem with Burke being in the Middle East on Free Agent Day, and here's why:

1) Skype/Cell Phones/Assistant GM's - We have the personnel available to get the job done and still be in constant contact with the big boss man.

2)Luke Schenn - Luke is our biggest RFA who needs to be signed. Burke spending that day with him gives us a much better shot at a good deal with him.

3) Brad Richards - Now it was never likely that we would land Richards because Burke is unwilling to frontload a contract. I support that decision because he has been firm against such things, and to go back on that would just make him a hypocrite. Now on the off chance that we did land this coveted free agent, we needed to make sure we had the cap space for him (I would imagine if he had come here it would of been for around 7.5m/season) and the other 4 players we would need to sign. For this reason the Leafs couldn't really pay the $ that was being handed out to mid-level players (at long term contracts) before they knew for sure that Richards was out of reach.

4) Canada - Yes, Canada. Burke has been shunned by many because of his "Americans First" attitude that some believe he has. American coaches, players, etc. So when Burke finally does something for Canadians you criticize it: "He could have went any other day". But the point is, he was with the Canadian troops on CANADA DAY. I appreciate that.

That all being said, I understand why people are upset; He's our GM, and if you ignore/don't realize all the things I just said (especially the Luke Schenn part) it may seem like he's not doing what he's getting paid for

Ok, so off of the Burke topic, where do the Leafs stand as of today with their roster?

Forwards
1 - Lupul - Connolly - Kessel
2 - Kulemin - Grabovski - (MacArthur)
Those two lines are basically set (provided Connolly stays healthy, and MacArthur gets a new contract).

After the first two lines, things may be a little confusing; we have:

Lombardi (probably not going to play), Bozak (still an RFA),
Jay Rosehill, Mike Brown, Colton Orr (Tough guys, most likely only 1, max 2 in the lineup any given night).
Matt Frattin, Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne (Young guys still trying to earn their spot. I imagine Kadri is a lock on the 3rd line wing this season though).

If I had to put together the bottom two lines I would probably say something like this:

3 - Armstrong - Bozak - Kadri
4 - Frattin - Colborne - Orr

Now if Lombardi is actually healthy and able to play, that makes Bozak expendable. Not counting on that though. Also, the 4th line is a big question. I expect Colborne to be up full time after the first 20 games if he doesn't start the season up with the big club. Orr/Brown/Rosehill could take turns (who's playing well, who's healthy, etc.) on the wing(s) depending on how Frattin is playing as well.

On D it is a much better looking story:

Phaneuf - Aulie
(Schenn) - Liles
Gunnarsson - Franson

Komisarek - (Lashoff)

Providing Schenn is re-signed (I have no doubt he will be) our top 6 is very strong. After that Komisarek becomes expendable (trade to a team looking for the cap floor?). Then we are left with Lashoff (again, expecting him to be re-signed) who will probably start in the AHL with the Marlies, but I expect to see him up with the big club at least semi-regularly (if there's an injury on the blueline then we will definitely see him).

In net it is as straight forward as can be.

Starter: Reimer
Backup: Gustavsson

I expect Reimer to start about 55-60 games leaving 22-27 for Gustavsson.

If Gustavsson's heart complications start up again then I see Scrivens being brought up, and Reimer taking more starts. I do not foresee a trade for another goalie as an option.

So Leafs fans, there's still some work left to do this summer, but the pieces will all continue to fall into place. There is (and never has been) any need for Burke to rush things. He waits for the right time to get the guys he wants. We still have 10.5m left in cap space ( www.capgeek.com ) for 3 players. Assuming those 3 are MacArthur, Schenn, and Bozak we're probably looking at 3.25, 3.5, and 2 respectively. That would leave 1.75m in cap space (most likely with 3.5m free when Lombardi is still unable to play). Lots of room if any trades are to be made (and Burke always seems to have a way of making them).

We have an exciting season coming up, and I for one am looking forward to it with great anticipation.