Quote:
Originally Posted by trackercowe
They are most definitely not a great team yet, and possibly even over-achieved this year. But at least we can tell they are finally improving with a team Burke built. He made a few mistakes getting there, but at least the Leafs finally started to make positive changes with Burke at the helm, something that just only started to happen in Calgary when Iginla was dealt (too late in the game might I add).
However, just look at how Ferguson Jr. left the team for him, and where they are today, and you'll see how much of a difference Burke made. They were in complete turmoil when Burke took over, just like we are today. The only "bad" move Burke made was trading for Kessel, which even then isn't as bad of a move as everyone says.
Even with that considered no one can overlook all the great moves Burke made while in Toronto. He also made a bunch of great moves throughout his career while in Hartford, Vancouver, and Anaheim. All that's missing from his track record is winning a cup with a team he's built on his own.
I know some people don't take to his bombastic nature, but I'll take that over Feaster's strange approach. He would be a drastic improvement over Feaster.
I don't mean to sound like a complete and total ass, but can any one name one significant A+ move Feaster has made during his time in either Calgary or Tampa Bay? I can't think of one, and could probably name ten for Burke over the years.
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Oh, don't get me wrong. I don't think too much of Feaster. The only 'plus' in my mind at the moment about Feaster is that he defers to his 'Hockey-Minded Advisors'. Burke would be a definite upgrade over Feaster for sure.
I also fully understand the condition of the Leafs when he took over. They were definitely the laughs in every sense of the word - their NHL team and their prospect base. Burke did start from scratch.
My point is not that Burke was unable to turn that franchise around - he did. Just that they have rebuilt their team, and it looks like a team that is good, but nowhere close to being a contender (or even a future contender) with the pieces they have in place. They didn't draft elite-level talent during the rebuild (other than possibly Kadri, who finally is starting to look like he could be elite-level).
Their prospect base is not looking great. Their young talent on the team is minimal. Kessel will be a UFA after this season (I think). They have only drafted one elite-level talent in Kadri, possibly Rielly (who I think is over-hyped, but I do think he will be good) and not much else. Burke is FANTASTIC at trades, however (aside from the Kessel trade initially - but the others seem golden).
Maybe I am missing something. Aside from him being a huge blowhard in the media, I just don't think he is a guy that you want to bring in at this stage. His Stanley cup he won was because he was a 'finisher', not a builder.
It is funny that I don't like Burke as a GM and/or President. I actually like the model he has - big, tough and aggressive team. I just don't like how aggressive he tries to be in rebuilding, and I think it sets the franchise back somewhat in some ways by not drafting nearly enough talent to set them up for being a contender. I think he did better work in Van to be honest, though he wasn't able to 'finish' that team.