State of the Leafs Nation: Brian Burke once again shows us the way

Ronald H. Neal
Staff Writer

There’s nothing like controversy when it comes to trade season with the Maple Leafs.
It’s almost impossible to avoid, and impossible to stop, and with these last few days, for fans, it has definitely stepped up to the plate.
It all started when Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke announced he was sending defenceman Francois Beauchemin back to the Anaheim Ducks in a trade for Joffrey Lupul, defenceman Jake Gardiner and a conditional 2013 entry draft fourth-round pick. Some turned their heads in anger, but most understood his decision.
And who can disagree?
For one, Beauchemin was expendable. As the roster stood, we already had one too many players like him (i.e stay-at-home defencemen who rarely, if ever, put the puck in the net). When you consider players like Schenn and Komisarek and the stable of very young and eager defencmen in waiting, we could afford to part with Beauchemin. Many people probably adored him personally, but people can get over that.
But this trade was also a steal because we got some great players in return.
In Joffrey Lupul we get a former first round draft pick with a lot to prove. He is anxious to win and is hungry for success after being drafted seventh overall in 2002 with little to show for it. Despite his lack of early success, he is an undeniable threat that’ll give beleaguered coach Wilson a few more options up front.
Before Lupol, we had a problem: one solid and consistent offensive line, anchored by unsung Kulemin and Grabovski, and nowhere to put Phil Kessel. Now we have two serious threats to opposing teams and a more balanced roster. It was a calculated risk with little downside, and for Lupol alone it was worth it.

The other upside, of course, is the draft pick and prospect Jake Gardiner. Given the often-publicised sentiment Brian Burke is in the player development business, one could almost be excused for thinking these assets were the real steal in the trade. In today’s National Hockey League (NHL), a draft pick is as good a currency as any, and Gardiner is expected to be top four one day.

Overall, the first trade picks were something everyone could agree on, but then Monday came and it was a different story.

In an apparent attempt to outdo even himself, Burke followed up what many considered a dumb move by trading key off-season acquisition Kris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers for a first and third-round pick in this year’s draft.

This trade has sadly been met with mixed results. Many believe Versteeg is an integral part of our team moving forward, and at only 24 and having just come off a Stanley Cup run with the Chicago Blackhawks, it was easy to see why. Unlike the last deal, which seemed to be in line with team policy and a step towards the playoffs, this trade seemed to signal the team’s demise and betray the thoughts of a general manager who doesn’t believe. Philadelphia’s first place positioning means our picks will be on the low end, and that does not help.

Despite early criticism, though, this is yet another brilliant move, and here’s why.

Admittedly, I liked Versteeg and had even committed to him being in the Blue and White for some time. Despite the emotional attachment, though, one cannot escape the fact that he wasn’t working in Toronto.

Despite his age, potential and early success, Versteeg never managed to find a home beyond the third line, and could never seem to capture the stride that saw him hoist the Cup last spring. Burke recognized this and made a move when Versteeg’s value would arguably never be any higher as a Maple Leaf.

Burke essentially called a mulligan on a decision he made last summer. Take solace in the fact the man has a plan and is not afraid to correct even his own mistakes.

Despite a season of strife on the ice, this is a step forward for the Maple Leafs. Rest easy, Leafs Nation – we are still in good hands.