No Rush for a Top 6 Forward

The resounding chorus from Leafs nation these days is that patriarch Brian Burke needs to, and will, trade his defensive surplus for a top-six forward in time for the anticipated October 1st visit from the Montreal Canadians. If you don't believe me, read anything published about the Leafs since Burke fortified his defence. If you're still not convinced, check the poll on the official website. Admittedly, this sample of voters may represent the roundest of armchair GMs, but 80% of nearly 9,000 agree - we're thin up front.

Perhaps this is true when you consider what Burke has done to bolster a team's defence that allowed more goals on average than any other team last year. He's added two studs in Komisarek and Beauchimin, a bruiser in Exelby, and dismissed an overpaid defensive liability in Pavel Kubina. Combine the three additions with Kaberle, Schenn, Finger, and Frogren, and you have yourself a world class blueline. That's not even counting Ian White, who can move up to forward in this log jam, or Van Ryn, who we can pretty much count on watching from a press box by Remembrance Day.

Sure, Burke has made defence the Leafs strong suit, but the offence wasn't bad last year. The Leafs averaged 2.98 goals per game last year, good enough for 10th in the league. There's no reason they shouldn't be able to replicate or surpass that success, especially now that they have some heavy bodies (see Primeau, Orr) clearing the way for players that are hitting stride like Grabo, Blake, Hagman, and Poni. Forwards poised to take it to the next level like White, Kulemin, Mitchell, and Tlusty can skate a bit more liberally too knowing their back is covered. Likewise, prospects Rickard Wallin, Tim Brent, Christian Hanson, and Tyler Bozak can be given a fair shot under that same protection.

The real uncertainty in my opinion, is in net. Burke went through a lot of trouble to land a much sought after free agent in Gustavsson, who seems to have a great deal of potential, but until the Swede proves himself in the rougher North American game, Burke shouldn't go cashing in his blue chips just yet. More importantly, Toskala is returning from hip surgery which capped off a shaky 08-09. Who knows how his recovery will pan out? Behind them, we have Pogge, hardly a guy you want to fall back on to start games. He could still come around, but he didn't do himself many favours with the games he played for the Leafs last season.

Burke would be wise to hold his bargaining chips until he gets a good look at how Toskala and Gustavsson perform in games. In the meantime, divide up the bottom defensive spots game by game, tell them to play their hearts out, and give them lots of rest. It won't take long for the right trade will come along, but there's no need to be hasty.