This is an excellent opportunity for Toronto. Not only do they actually have their own first round draft pick, they can possibly aquire another by dealing Mats Sundin. Aside from that, we should get a pretty good quality prospect for him too. When you factor in the return on other trades Cliff will make, this team can go from having very few prospects to having a pretty decent collection. Kulemin looks very promising. DiDomenico also looks very promising, leading the QJMHL in league scoring. We have Stralman and Pogge. There is Earl and Tlusty.
Now, I want the first overall pick to draft Stamkos as anyone else would, but the chances of that happening are very slim. In fact, if Toronto were to finish last, they would only have a 25% chance getting that pick. So in a realistic view, lets say Toronto draft 2nd/3rd or 4th. They will still land a quality player in guys like Beach or Doughty.
Folks, I know this collapse and this brutal season is tough to swallow. Its never easy when you're the worst team and fans of the Habs and Sens have all the ammo in the world to make jabs and insults at Leaf fans. But for once, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Its time for Cliff to whip out his trading pistols and start shooting. We know the magic he can work in that regard. Lets hope trader Cliff lays the foundations of a solid Leafs team down the road.
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Make us proud Cliff. Rebuild, here we come.
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