I’ve never been a fan of the idea
of “tanking”. I find that it’s degrading to do, as an organization and that
there are better ways of reconstructing a team. But sometimes, in the most
desperate of times… it feels like the only option.
To my fellow, broken hearted leaf
fans, I am sad to say that once again… it was not our year. Yes I am aware that
the season is not done but I’m trying to be a realist here. We are amid another
disappointing season courtesy of our Toronto Maple Leafs. Really, are you surprised?
I hate to be a cynic, but I can’t help to only generate negative thoughts while
I think about the Leafs in this moment.
I hate being negative, so let’s
discuss some positives:
The reconstruction of the entire
team is healthy. Many people will argue and dislike trades that are going to be
made because they believe some of our guys have potential. Hey, guys, remember
someone named Wayne Gretzky… “The Great One”, yeah… he was traded. It’s all
apart of the realm of sports. It’s all just a game and players are just along
for the ride, where they end up is where they end up. Either they excel or they fall down the ranks and that is that. A lot of people look at this and read it
for what it is. Dig a little deeper people; to evolve we need to shake things
up a little bit. Yes, Kessel has been our guy for a long while in Toronto, but
has he taken us anywhere? A man can only do so much. Look at Phaneuf, sure he
did some good things for us but maybe switching up the leadership in the locker
room is what this team needs. Think of all the possibilities that can come from
moving guys like Kessel and Phaneuf. This gives us more cap space to work with
and potentially we can have something that will change us. If you love a team,
you have to be willing to let go of some things to make for a brighter future.
Here’s another positive. I
presume that once this disastrous season is over, management is going to find a
guy that can change the stigma around the Leafs. A guy like Babcock comes to
mind instantly. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but a girl can only hope.
I sincerely feel like a broken
record, and maybe sometime soon I can write something about the Leafs flourishing
as an organization but as of right now, I think that’s a long shot.
So leaf fans, I leave you with a nice little cliché; There’s always next year.
