Brian Burke is his own man, a down-to-earth farming kind of guy. His loose-collar-red-in-your-face-goddamn-it style actually makes him one of the few people who can handle the pressures of running the most demanding hockey franchise in the world. And although he has certainly done well for the Maple Leafs, his style has also taken the franchise down a couple of ugly blind alleys that he needs to be called on.
There is no denying the good. The acquisition of Phaneuf was outstanding, as were the signings of Gustavvson, Bozak and Stalberg. Last summer’s signings of Komiserak, Beauchemin and Orr bode well, as do the additions of Kadri, Caputi and Aulie. This is an outstanding group of young players who give the Maple Leafs real promise for the future.
Kessel, certainly promising in his goal-scoring abilities and intensity, is good, but the price was not. Surrendering three top picks (this year’s overall No. 2 & No. 32, as well as next year’s No. 1) was a devastating mistake. As much as Burk ...
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Article written by Don Gibson