Comments on: Leafs: Now It’s Burke’s Turn

By: Mitch H

Mitch H — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:45:26 +0000

Owen,

He wouldn’t be reporting to Toronto. He is currently in Spokane and a lack of defensive depth in combination with a lack of goaltending should lend itself to a quick and painless early playoff exit for the Chiefs this season. Were that the case, Beach would then report to the AHL affiliate of whomever owned his NHL rights for the duration of the AHL playoffs. While the idea of Kyle Beach playing wing for Nazem Kadri in the AHL playoffs is tantalizing for Leafs fans, it’s also unlikely.

By: Owen

Owen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:01:49 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Mitch. And you are right about Niemi.But if Hut gets injured near to, or in post-season, is he ready to handle the pressure of backstopping a team who can legitimately challenge for the cup?

Re; Beach, of course, you are right. He is in Spokane. Youre the junior expert.If his rights are traded, is there anything prohibiting him reporting to Toronto, where Burke can oversee his development?

By: Owen

Owen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:57:34 +0000

Great question. I think once Kadri has had a chance to bulk up and get his body prepared to handle the rigors of the NHL schedule, he’ll be a very good addition. I don’t like the idea of rushing the kids, or making them our primary weapons of choice, and that would likely be the case with Nazem. Of course, he’d embrace the challenge,as he is a competitor by nature, but that wouldn’t necessarily be in his best interest. Borrowing a page from Ken Holland’s play book, I’d be inclined to let him work his way into the top six, without making him the saviour of the franchise. They appear to be taking this approach with Bozak, Hanson, and Stalberg, who are all a few years his senior, and it’s not a bad way to go about things.

Trying to get our house in order before expecting the youth to right the ship is the way to go. Detroit never rushes a prospect, and takes their development seriously. Hats off to Burke for demonstrating some restraint and foresight here.

Kadri will likely be an impact guy in a year or two, when he is stronger, and has had opportunity to grow up a little in the Leaf’s system.A few months under Coach Eakin’s watchful eye next year might even be in order before tossing him into the Leafs roster.
Thanks for reading…

By: Daculafan

Daculafan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:08:55 +0000

What is your take on Burke sending Kadri down? Watching him during pre-season I felt like he had the stuff to be playing at the NHL level.

I certainly don’t think he would have been much of a hinderence to the teams performance thus far, and perhaps calling him up (if possible) would be a toss in the right direction. The kid’s got grit and good scoring hands.

As an Atlanta fan (and somewhat of a Leaf fan) I feel bad for you guys…I’ve been there and I know your pain

By: Mitch H

Mitch H — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:59 +0000

Owen,

I agree with you on most points. I just have one point to argue and one technical correction to make. One, while I don’t disagree with trading Toskala, Chicago’s getting good back up minutes out of Antii Niemi. They don’t need the cap headache from Toskala. They’d probably be fine with taking on Lee Stempniak instead. You’re right that if you want Kyle Beach from Chicago you have to replace him with a forward prospect. Still not sure if Stan Bowman would make the deal but it’s probably better than any other offer he’s seen.
Also, Kyle Beach isn’t playing in the AHL with Rockford this year. He’s in the Dub with Spokane.

By: Curtis

Curtis — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:55:48 +0000

Where is the accountability?.. All off-season and pre-season Wilson and Burke said they would not be afraid to ship the underachievers out of town or to the Marlies..

It’s time for those two to send a message