TORONTO,ONT- As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to rebuild, the club once again drags out it’s crystal ball and looks to predict the future players that will bring the club up to a standard the Leaf nation deserve. The slow process of ‘Transition’ is a frustrating time for the winless fans of the blue and white but as every season seems to finish in disappointment, a brief hope is cast come draft day. And why not, when you look at the few highlights of last season, one that stands out is the superb debut season of 2008 draft choice Luke Schenn. The young blueliner is just part one of the Leafs rebuilding process, and what a place to start. Schenn played in 70 games for the Leafs and showed with his two way play and mature head why the Leafs traded up to get him. However, the 2008-09 season showed just how far the club has to go to even make the playoffs let alone even think of some silverware, but with a core bunch of prospects, and the skills of General Manager Brian Burke and the coaching of Ron Wilson, can hopefully turn the club in the right direction. The downside of this is it will be a very long process judging by the current prospects in the system. The franchise is reloading but at the same time trying to compete which is hard for a club that for many years had the mentality of trading draft pick’s for a winning season only to find out they had traded for a over-the-hill veteran. At this years draft, the Leafs will look to secure a top goal scorer, which shouldn’t be a problem since seven out of the top ten ranked players are forwards. The Leafs hope to bring in someone who within a few seasons can be ready for the NHL. Excellent scouting unearthed prospect Dale Mitchell in 2007 who recently lifted the Memorial cup with the Windsor Spitfires in round three. The young left winger will be making the step to the AHL in 2009-10 and hopefully the NHL by the following season. Mitchell will play a pivotal role in the rebuilding process. Put him along side the next generation of Leafs such as Nikolai Kulemin and Tyler Bozak to name a few and things don’t look so bleak. However, unless the Leafs can trade up, their wish list for 2009 will be a lot smaller. Will Burke make Kaberle available if he waives his no-trade clause? It is a possibility that he will say yes, but it is most likely a no. The Leafs need someone who can carry the franchise through this bleak period and although his days are numbered in a Leafs uniform, in reality the Leafs need him. Look for the Leafs to unload draft picks from next years draft with a third line grinder or even a netminder in order to move up in this years draft.
Brayden Schenn (photo courtesy of the WHL)
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