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

Cynicism Reins Supreme In Toronto

Yesterday the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Hobey Baker finalist Spencer Abbott. Abbott leads the NCAA in scoring and will be assigned to the Toronto Marlies. Abbott is from Hamilton, Ontario (did you hear that Don Cherry) and his favorite team growing up was the Leafs. What I found unbelievable was the amount of disdain and cynicism expressed by many Leaf fans over the signing. Comments such as, "Burke knows how to sign AHL caliber players." Really???

I just can't understand some people. For years all I've heard is how the Leafs are old, they don't have any good prospects and their farm system stinks. Am I expecting Spencer Abbott to be the reincarnation of his childhood hero, Doug Gilmour?? No I am not. But if this kid can contribute in any way then what have the Leafs lost but some money. If Abbott pushes guys like Joe Colborne, Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak then that's great. Just to remind many, Tyler Bozak and Ben Scrivens were college free agent signings. So were Christian Hanson and Brayden Irwin. The point is signing college free agents is no guarantee just like the NHL Draft is no guarantee. Has anyone heard of Alexander Daigle???

There is no one more disappointed about the Leafs not making the playoffs for the seventh straight time than me. But the constant negativity does nothing to solve the situation. I heard Dave Nonis yesterday and he raised a good point: the Maple Leafs currently have 7 number one draft picks within their organization. These were all acquired since 2008. There is no other team with as many. Ken Holland, General Manager of the Red Wings, said that you have to give number one picks four years before they can realistically contribute in the NHL. The exceptions are guys like Stamkos, Crosby and Tavares.

The fact is this season is over. There will be no playoffs once again and the focus needs to be on next year and beyond. If bringing in college free agents can be accomplished, then the Leafs should do it. They have nothing to lose but money and they have plenty of it.