THEY'RE not "Dismal"

The way the article sounds, you'd think they were 25 games under  .500.  They won more than they lost, and were looking like they'd make the playoffs until the last few games of the season.

I still can't believe they thought Toskela was the answer in net...how could they trade a first round pick for a Goalie?  They need to get younger, and fast - before Sundin retires.

THEY'RE not too far away from getting into the playoffs - and that's really all it takes, once THERE - anything can happen.  Just look at Philly this year - they went from worst in the league last yr, to final four this year.  It just takes good decision-making.

Good Luck in doing that to the Leafs management!!

Toskala is not a bad goalie, just has a poor team in front of him. I'd even step out on a limb and say that Raycroft is not bad either. The games I saw him in the team would just stare at his rebounds until an opponent shot it in the net. So the last thing they need is to look for a goalie.

TO needs to rebuild and to do so they need to sign no more no trade contracts, and the fans have to be prepared to lose a lot this year. Even if Sundin signs again, tell him up front he'll be traded to the highest bidder come trade deadline. Buy out the others except McCabe, they'll have to suck it up and pay him, but keep pushing him to accept a trade. If it becomes apparent that he's not in the plans for the future he may go as well. Then, let the young guys play and build for 3 years from now.

I have to say, as a Torontonian, the Leafs were dismal last year, and the year before.  Old, slow and the D was often absent. 

But, I really wanted to respond to your comment about a goalie and how could you trade a first rounder for one.  Bottom line, no team will be successful in hockey without a good goalie.  Raycraft had good moments, but far fewer than his shaky moments.  Toskala was very solid.  He kept the Buds in many games they had no right to be in.  With any support in front of him, they would have won quite a few more.

On the other side, look at the first round draft choice issue.  If it is not a top 5 pick, they are often gambles.  So, if you know you won't get a lottery pick, and you think you can get a solid goalie, then that is a no-brainer - you get the goalie.  You wouldn't do it if you were likely to get a shot at #1 in the 2009 draft and Tavares, but for a mid-first rounder you do it every time.