Prelude - In the Centre of the Universe, otherwise known as Toronto, the knives are coming out and getting sharpened fast. The Leafs, the centre to the centre of the universe, are doing very poorly this year. In short, there is little hope of making the playoffs. Changes are coming, so lets get you ready to be in the know as attention now turns to the big Swedish Centre who sits in the centre of the centre of the universe.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Focus is turning to what changes the Toronto Maple Leafs will be making to their management and roster.
Issue
Leaf fans are now out of patience with the current General Manager. He claimed that the changes he would bring would continue to make this team competitive aka a Stanley Cup contender. The evidence points to failure more than success.
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit second last in the Eastern NHL standings, and didn't make the playoffs last year. They have traded away many upcoming high level draft picks over the past two years. So, help is not being developed in the farm system.
All media outlets are now reporting that there will be changes come perhaps as soon as December. How drastic and to whom is the question.
Point to say - "So, the Leafs are having a bad season so far*. Do you think they will trade Mats Sundin? "*
* If you are Sens fan, you may change this statement to your own satisfaction.
Follow up point - "Do you think they could trade him for some players that would help the Leafs make the playoffs?"
Get out of the conversation - "Well, it's still early yet. We have to see what they do."
Backgrounder
Mats Sundin is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has been with the team since 1994. His status with the team has taken on iconic status now that he has past Leaf fan favourite Darryl Sittler in the Leafs all time scoring categories (goals, assists and points).
The trading of a captain is a big deal in hockey. Captains represent the heart and soul of a hockey team. Fans typically identify these players as their favourite. So, the trading of a captain is a big signal to a team, and its fans.
Analysis
No trade, save Sundin for an entire first line (best left winger, centre, and right winger of a team), would help the Leafs make the playoffs. Whoever gets traded, a trade should focus on the future and not a quick fix. No, if you are a Sens fan, you have still some time before the Montreal Canadiens or the Leafs will be giving you competitive games.
1 comment:
I'm sick and tired of hearing self proclaimed hockey experts (that includes Steve Simmons) from Toronto bash Mats. The Organization needs to look at the last 13 years and fiqure out who else has been that commited to the team. Should Mats Leave? Yes, to go and win a Stanley Cup. We as fans, team supporters and the suits that have profited from his efforts owe it to him. Good Luck Mats you deserve it!
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