tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Why Firing Burke Makes No Sense

Last night a faint chant of "Fire Burke" was heard at the Air Canada Centre during Toronto's 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Throughout the day, whether on twitter, talk radio or in newspapers, many were calliing for the dismissal of Brian Burke. Frustration and anger has gripped Leafs Nation big time. Being a Leaf fan for over 40 years, I have experienced plenty of both so I get it. I am just as frustrated about what has happened this season as the next Leaf fan. How many of you wear a Leafs lanyard to work in the middle of Buffalo Sabres country?? I've been taking plenty of heat and ridicule for the last 16 games because of it.

So I understand the outrage over missing the playoffs once again but firing Brian Burke makes absolutely no sense. Has Brian Burke made mistakes?? You bet he has. The goaltending situation rests at the feet of Burke. In his defense, one has to wonder what the season would be like if Brian Gionta had not nailed James Reimer in the head. In case you forgot, Reimer was 4-0-1 before being knocked out for over a month. With respect to Jonas Gustavsson, the same critics who are slamming Burke were praising the acquisition of the "best goalie not in the NHL." Be that as it may, the Leafs would have been better off if they had a veteran available, particularly after Reimer got hurt.

Burke's free agent acquisitions have been terrible. Tim Connolly, Colby Armstrong, Mike Komisarek, and Brett Lebda have not helped this club. Of the four, Komisarek has played better as of late but he has not delivered as was hoped. In his defense, the free agent market has not been good since the lockout. Players like Rick Nash and Steven Stamkos decided to re-sign with their current clubs before hitting the open market. Brad Richards, who was the prize free agent last year, had his heart set on the Rangers from day one. If Nash or Stamkos were available there is no doubt in my mind that Burke would have gone after them. Do you remember how Ron Wilson got in trouble for saying that the team was looking at the Sedin twins?? In fact, the Canucks were very concerned and it has been reported that Burke was ready to spring into action if the twins hit the open market. Of course, that didn't happen.

Where Burke has done very well has been in the trade market. He has been able to move free agents that have not worked out well (Francois Beauchemin, Kris Versteeg and Brett Lebda) and acquire players that have been productive along with future assets (Jake Gardiner, Joffrey Lupul, Cody Franson, Matthew Lombardi and a first round draft pick). Through trades, he has built up a farm system that has been a laughingstock for 40 years. The same people who are ripping Burke are the same people who have ripped the Leafs over the years because the farm system was barren and that they had no young prospects worth a damn. When was the last time that the Leafs AHL affiliate has led a division this late in the season?

Many will say so what. Big deal that the Marlies are in first place and headed to the AHL playoffs. The bottom line is that the Maple Leafs have not made the playoffs once again. But let me ask this question: how many so-called hockey experts predicted at the beginning of the season that the Leafs would make the playoffs?? Most experts had the Leafs somewhere in the neighborhood of 8th and 13th place. Does this justify the collapse? No it does not but what it does tell us is that this team is not there yet and most knew that at the beginning of the season.

There is no question that this off season will be a critical one for the Maple Leaf organization. There is no question that Burke will need to acquire a goaltender. Depending upon where they finish they are going to get a top 7 pick in the NHL Entry Draft. They will need to acquire a big forward, preferably a center. It may also be essential to pick up a big defenseman. I wouldn't have a problem if they made a run at Ryan Suter. In addition, certain players must be moved out. Colby Armstrong's stint in Toronto has been terrible and there may be a market for him. Matthew Lombardi is occupying a roster spot that could be opened for a trade acquisition or a youngster from the Marlies. A decision must be made about Cody Franson. You are either going to play the kid or you need to move him. One thing is clear, the Leafs need to get bigger and stronger in order to compete with the Eastern Conference heavyweights like Philadelphia, Boston and the Rangers.

Firing Brian Burke now will be a huge mistake. He is an accomplished general manager who has built a Stanley Cup team in Anaheim and set the foundation for the team that you see in Vancouver. Whether you want to believe it or not, this team is in much better shape than where it was five years ago. We have waited 45 years for a Stanley Cup. I think I can wait a couple more years to be a legitimate contender using youth as the foundation.