More changes on the way

by Ryan Fancey on July 4, 2012 in Morning Mashup - 1,203 Comments

Though we’ve endured a pretty boring free agency period so far, it looks like we may still be treated to some substantial roster movement in the next few weeks. Some have said that once the big pieces like Parise and Suter are locked up, we could see the trade market spike, but for now we’re in a dead zone. Because of this, as Leafs fans, it’s hard not to feel as if we’re looking at opening night’s roster. Not the case.

In Burke‘s interview with Bob McCown on The FAN, posted by our own Declan Kerin, the Leafs’ GM was asked if this roster, for the most part, is the one that he’ll go to battle with in October. Burke said the possibility of that is remote, and he still has a lot of work to do. He seems focused on addressing the situation at center, but whether the goaltending gets sorted out is obviously in the air. Either way, I think we could be looking at another top six shakeup up front.

With a weak free agent crop, and the only notable guys unlikely to be on the Leafs’ radar (Suter and Parise will get ten years+ each) it’s time for Burke to do what he’s done best so far in Toronto, and that’s make trades.

It puts my mind at ease to an extent. With Burke basically skipping free agency and moving on to flipping players with another club, it seems he’s identified his weakness in the open market and moved on from it. He believes the Leafs have depth at all areas, but now it’s time to fix this mess of a roster and get it in order. If he can start packaging these depth players for higher end skill, the Leafs can look a hell of a lot different going in to next season. Hopefully he’s successful in doing so.

On to some links

The things Phil Kessel can’t be (TLN)

Leafs Nation Podcast (TLN)

Suter offered 13 years, 90 million (Detroit Free Press)

Jagr to the Stars (Puck Daddy)

Is Kadri ready for the NHL? (TLN)

McKegg wants to make the jump (The Star)

Retaining star players (Vintage Leaf Memories)

Komarov a man amongst boys at prospect camp (The Star)

More links? Drop them in the comments section.

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