Could Burke really trade Schenn?

You know who's enjoying the new Brian Burke era the most in this, the fine city of Toronto? Jeff Blair, of The Globe and Mail. His column today is an absolute must read. (Talks with Mikhail Grabovski's agent have "not been successful." Lovely.) 

Burke's for real, and he's got his binoculars locked on John Tavares. Apparently he's already called the New York Islanders to say hi, and sent what I'm sure was a very pleasant email down to Tampa Bay. The man doesn't mess around.

My initial reaction to Burke's comments from Tuesday was that of reservation. I thought the Leafs weren't going to mortgage the future anymore, so what's all this talk about trading first round picks, and possibly even trading Luke Schenn? Say it ain't so.

But along came Jeff Blair, via Twitter, and in his infinite wisdom he asked me:

@eyebleaf Hey, you guys wanted Brian Burke? You got him. What makes the Leafs better: guy like Bouwmeester and Tavares? Or Schenn and No. 7?

Well, I'll be damned, but I think Blair might be on to something. Don't get me wrong, I love Luke Schenn. He is the type of defenceman we Maple Leafs fans have dreamed of for years. But if the Leafs send him to Long Island, where hockey goes to die (ugh, sorry Luke), along with draft picks (ugh, multiple first rounders, I'm sure), in return for Tavares, well ... it certainly makes you think, doesn't it? 

Of course, there's no guarantee Burke will be able to sign unrestricted free agent Jay Bouwmeester at 12:01 PM on July 1st, further complicating matters.

But were it all to go down as planned, come July 2nd, a Leafs team with Tavares and Bouwmeester, and a depleted draft picks cupboard (as if that's anything new to this franchise), would be better than a Leafs team with Schenn and a seventh overall first-round draft pick, whomever it turns out to be. Period.

Look, I know Schenn's special. But Tavares might be even more special. He might be Evgeni Malkin, or Alexander Ovechkin, or Sidney Crosby type special. He might be the young, dynamic offensive player the Toronto Maple Leafs have never had.

It's a tough one. Believe me, I know. How the hell do you trade a guy like Luke Schenn, the future captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs? And to the Islanders, of all teams. He doesn't deserve that. It would be blasphemy; a sin. And then, on top of that, Burke would be putting all his eggs in the free agency basket. Frankly, I can't believe this is even being discussed.

But I think if the opportunity presented itself, if the Islanders agreed to accept a package of Schenn and multiple draft picks for John bloody Tavares, it just might have to be done. And Brian Burke is crazy enough to do it.

Dare to Dream (Read: PLAYOFFS!)

Forget about tanking. Forget about John Tavares. Start thinking about the playoffs.

After last night's magical come-from-behind overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators, with Curtis Joseph between the pipes no less (the Sens and their "fans" should be deeply ashamed), our Maple Leafs find themselves only seven points out of 8th, and eight points out of 7th, in the Eastern Conference.

It's the longest of long shots, but this Leafs team could actually make the playoffs. Believe it.

Want to know why? Vesa Toskala. The fashion-forward Finn put together one incredible month of hockey in February. He started nine games, and finished the abbreviated month with an unblemished regulation time record of 5-0-3. When he was the goalie of record, the Leafs picked up points in the standings. His save percentage, you ask? A tidy .912. 

It was his most productive month, by far. Here's hoping his save percentages of .887 in January, .875 in December, and .878 in November remain a distant memory.

Confidence starts and ends in the blue paint. When Toskala is on his game, and cutting his angles aggressively, the Leafs are a stingy team to beat. Period. The fact that Toronto has earned points in 12 of their last 15 games proves it.

Think about it: had Toskala been playing this way all season, the Leafs would likely be in the thick of the playoff race. This team has no trouble scoring goals - nine guys have registered 10 or more. It's keeping the puck out of their own net - keeping Vesa's legs closed - that has been the problem.

Let's face it, if you think the Leafs have a shot at John Tavares, and have had one all season, you're on the opposite end of the delusional spectrum as me. While you're dreaming of a high draft pick, I'm dreaming of an incredible late season run led by a rejuvenated and motivated Toskala and co.

Look, this doesn't have to be a lengthy rebuild. The Leafs have some pieces in place. I don't know about you, but a defence core next season with a top-four of Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Luke Schenn and Mike Van Ryn sounds pretty good to me. Throw in the incredible Ian White, who leads the team with a +11, and the most expensive sixth d-man in Jeff Finger, and the back end looks even better; strong, I must say.

Let's re-sign Nik Antropov, and Dommy Moore. And keep Kaberle, and Kubina, who is playing with incredible passion right now. Let's throw some of the cash we've got this summer Mike Cammalleri's way. Or Alex Tanguay's way. Or the Sedin twins' way. We've got options.

The way I see it, the Leafs are a top goalie away from competing in the Eastern Conference. And the way Toskala has played of late has me once again believing he can be that top goalie. Maybe even this season.

Fuck tanking. When the Leafs play, they play to win. They're playing with pride these days, and I'm rooting for them to win every single time I watch them. In the end, no matter where the Leafs end up drafting, they will have the opportunity to draft a good hockey player. Look at the New Jersey Devils, and the Detroit Red Wings. They find talent, and it's never with a top-five or a top-ten pick. The New York Islanders should be lesson enough that if you finish at the bottom of the standings year after year, you're not guaranteed to climb out of the basement, no matter who you draft.

The Leafs are seven points out of a playoff spot. And there are 19 hockey games left to play. Call me crazy, but I believe there could be playoff hockey come this spring, yet. 

Dare to dream, I say. Without hope, there is nothing. 

Trip For Tavares

Well, the boys and I are off tonight to the great Canadian city of Brampton, Ontario, to take in some OHL hockey action.

It's the London Knights vs the Brampton Battalion. Word on the streets is that some dude named John Tavares plays for the Knights and, apparently, he's the shit.

So, we're going to see if all the hype around this guy is to be believed. We shelled out big bucks, $5 a ticket, so this Tavares fellow better not disappoint.

I like to think of the trip as a scouting mission. If the Hockey Gods choose to shine their light on the Toronto Maple Leafs (they never do), Tavares could be a Toronto Maple Leaf in June (it's not happening).

But I guess the point is that it could happen. One thing's for sure: the Leafs' goalies, especially the underwhelming Justin Pogge and laughable Vesa Toskala, are certainly doing their part.

Anyway, by "scouting mission," I of course mean that I'll be wearing my Leafs jersey, getting hammered on what I assume is cheap, junior hockey priced beer, and chanting "Go Leafs Go!" repeatedly.

It should be a most pleasant evening. Rest assured I'll let you know how it goes.

If you've got a message you'd like me to pass along to our boy, JT, drop 'em in the comments. I'll be sure to oblige. 

Happy Anniversary, Tomas

Ten years. Can you believe it has already been ten years together? Time flies. It really does. It has been a remarkable journey, and I want you to know, Tomas Kaberle, that I love you.

Before I continue, I must apologize for my most brutal photoshop skills. As you can see, I have none. I don't know how guys like Greener and Chemmy do it. But, like I always tell my girlfriend, it's the thought that counts.

Oh, Tomas. Where do I begin? You came out of nowhere 10 years ago and stole my heart. You've held it ever since. I'll never forget the first time I saw that smile, and those rosy cheeks.

I remember our first night together, October 10th, 1998, like it was yesterday. The Detroit Red Wings, the defending Stanley Cup champions, were in town. We had a new coach, a new goaltender, and a new attitude. Coming off a disastrous season in which the Leafs missed the playoffs, no one knew what to expect.

Wait a minute, that sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Tomas, you were new on the blue line that night, yet you quickly showed that you belonged. You helped start the season on the right foot. We were victorious that night 10 years ago, 2-1, and on Monday morning at school we, the die-hard Maple Leafs fans, were all abuzz over #15 on the blue line. I won't lie, Tomas. Not on a day as special as this. You had me at hello.

Like any long term relationship worth a damn, we've battled. We've been through our ups and downs. We've seen the good and the bad. Sure, we've had great times: the lengthy playoff runs, and the All-Star game appearances. We've also had our troubles: your contract holdout in 2001, douchebags laying you out with late hits, the Paul Maurice years (try to block them out), and, of course, the NHL lockout of 2004/2005.

I missed you so much during the lockout, Tomas. It was, arguably, the most difficult year of my life. A long, cold, depressing winter without you. Without the Toronto Maple Leafs. Without hockey. Oh, how it hurts my heart to just think about those days. 

You, however, had faith. You said we needed the time apart, to figure things out on our own, and you were right. You returned in due time, just as you said you would; a man of your word. Sure, the lockout didn't mean a damn thing as player salaries are once again completely out of control, and the salary cap's floor has gone through the ceiling. Sure, the Leafs have missed the playoffs three seasons in a row and all signs are pointing to that trend continuing. Sure, all your closest friends in the dressing room have been shown the door. None of that matters, Tomas. What matters is that you're still here with me. Where you belong. 

(Allow me to keep it real for a moment: it also matters that Kaberle comes at a very reasonable price. Thank you.) 

I know that last year some people tried to tear us apart. Others will try and do the same this year. They're jealous of our love. Fuck Jeff Carter. Fuck a first round pick. Call me selfish. Call me a stupid face. I don't care. Tomas, you're the one I want here in Toronto, and we must stray strong. Until death  Cliff Fletcher asks you to waive your no-trade clause (again) do us part, right? Right. 

My point is, we've persevered. Here we are, 10 years deep, 10 years strong. Ten glorious years. Have I told you how much I love the way you rush the puck up ice today? Nobody starts a break out like you do, Tomas. Nobody. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. And your tribute song on YouTube, which is now my cell phone ring tone I might add, says it best: "He make cross-ice pass like you won't believe."

It's been one hell of a ride, Tomas. I've enjoyed every second of it with you. As we embark on another chapter in our lives together down in Detroit tonight, all I want us to do is live for the moment, and live for today. I know everyone in the world thinks the Leafs are going to be terrible this season. Let's prove them wrong. Fuck John Tavares. Fuck Victor Hedman. I mean, who knows how long we have left together? Who knows how long we have left on this earth? I won't be cheering for the Leafs to lose. I don't have it in me. I'll be cheering for you, Tomas, and for the rest of the boys. Live for today. Have faith. Let's shock the world.

I'm counting on you, Tomas, like I always have. Regardless of what letter you've got on your jersey, you are the leader of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I know that Mats Sundin has taught you well, and I know that you won't disappoint. Make me proud, Tomas, like you always have.

Please, raise your glass. I love you Tomas Kaberle. Here's to 10 years. And ten more.

Go Leafs Go.