The NHL trade deadline is an opportunity for teams on the cusp to add some final pieces in hopes of having a successful playoff run. It also gives dwindling franchises the opportunity to unload some big contracts, and add some inexpensive pieces for the future. While teams like the Stars, Penguins, and Capitals added some talent to ensure some success for the stretch run, it was another unsuccessful day for the NHL's most dysfunctional franchise, The Toronto Maple Leafs.
It was a little over a month ago that Toronto's brass decided to fire John Ferguson Jr. as their GM, and named Cliff Fletcher as his temporary replacement. Fletcher was brought in to clean up the mess of undeserving large contracts, and underachieving talent that Ferguson left behind. Fletcher has a decent track record as an NHL executive, and even worked for the Leafs for six years in the 90's.
Fletcher's mission was clear: Trade Mats Sundin, and improve the 
team for the future. Neither has happened, which leads to one important question- What the hell is going on in Toronto? The team was unsuccessful in convincing Sundin to remove his no-trade clause so that they could trade him to a contender for some building blocks for the future. Why would Sundin want to stay in a losing situation and play for a team that wants to dump him, instead of competing for a Stanley Cup? I guess winning isn't everything to some people.
team for the future. Neither has happened, which leads to one important question- What the hell is going on in Toronto? The team was unsuccessful in convincing Sundin to remove his no-trade clause so that they could trade him to a contender for some building blocks for the future. Why would Sundin want to stay in a losing situation and play for a team that wants to dump him, instead of competing for a Stanley Cup? I guess winning isn't everything to some people.The inability to trade Sundin isn't entirely the fault of the franchise, but they dropped the ball at the trade deadline by not unloading some big contracts and adding high draft picks and prospects. Instead of dumping over paid players like Bryan McCabe and Darcy Tucker who had value on the trade market, the Leafs did practically nothing, and received two 5th round picks, and one 2nd round pick. I'm sure that will make a real difference.
There's a concept that the Leafs don't understand - Rebuilding. The Leafs have been held back and have been stuck in mediocrity for years due to their refusal to rebuild. Their fans and the media demand too much from them, which pressures them into making horrible decisions that affect them for a long time. Until the Leafs learn to rebuild, they will be in the same situation year after year. Building a successful sports franchise begins in the front office, and maybe that's where the problem is. The Leafs have an attitude that they're better than everyone else due to their history and incredible fan base. Unfortunately for the Leafs, until they learn to be like everything else, and rebuild when necessary, it will be a long time before their considered a serious contender.
-Joe Osborne
