Every year it is the same thing and nothing happens. There is no superstar on the team and the draft has been just as exciting as it was 4 years ago when we were in the same hole but decided we were not going to get any better. There is one thing to look forward to though. The draft this year is just as strong as it was in 2008 which means something positive for the Leafs. There is no doubt that the Leafs are still in need of a #1 center man and/or another NHL superstar like Rick Nash. There is one thing that leafs fans forget and that is being realistic. Picking up Rick Nash would be great if it was not for his $7.8 million salary at 6 years a piece. Too much money for too long. As for Ryan Suter there are reports he is looking at $7 million plus per season long term like every other NHL superstar is looking for.
After seeing a young Erik Karlsson take over a team and earning a juicy 6.5 million, 7 year deal for one great season while playing the worst defense in the league at the same time seems pretty crazy to me, but to the players it looks like a wish from a genie. With a new CBA having to come in play the NHL salary cap could fall or rise depending on league revenues and many other financial details. This is probably the main reason as to why I am saying that signing these free agents or picking up a lot of salary is a problem. After taking on crazy salary last year in Lombardi (3.5 mil) and signing Conolly to 4.75 mil there is not a lot of room for mistakes like the Komisarek signing (4.5 mil. 5 yrs).
With the fifth overall pick in the draft I say the best way to build this team is through the draft and trades, but not for big players with salary. A Jordan Staal would be a nice fit but we would have to give up a lot. Mark my words through the time they will be changing.
p.s. I am really pumped for the draft Friday and you should be too!
- GO LEAFS
-Daniel Testa
?
No comments:
Post a Comment