The B Plan: Burke Rebuild Vs. Rebuilding Through the Draft

December 15th, 2010 by Peter Leave a reply »
In the summer, I praised Brian Burke's IQ in his "Kaberle Affair". The more I analyze his hockey moves, the more respect I have for him. Even to this day, I will stand by Burke 100% in his acquisition of Phil Kessel.

Here, I will analyze Burke's rebuilding method, as opposed to rebuilding through the draft.

When Toronto goes on a losing skid, criticism of Brian Burke comes out faster than Usain Bolt exploding off the block. People criticize Burke as if they knew the "real way" to rebuild, which always seems to come back to "build through the draft, look at Pittsburgh."

Let's take a look at all the notable 1st rounders who were drafted by the Penguins within the last decade as part of this "proper" rebuild.

Staal 2nd - 2006
Crosby 1st - 2005
Malkin 2nd - 2004
Fleury 1st - 2003
Kunitz (Whitney 5th - 2002)

Pittsburgh tanked for five seasons, then it took another three years to become legitimate contenders—making eight years in total.

Or we can look at Washington, as some say.

Carlson 27th - 2008
Backstrom 4th - 2006
Varmalov 23rd - 2006
Ovechkin 1st - 2004
Schultz 27th - ...

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
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