Toronto Maple Leafs

Cliff Is In Control

While I think it should be obvious that the Leafs don’t seriously think drafting 2 players in the top 5 picks is the key to reaching the promised land, Cliff Fletcher spoke to the media and made it more explicitly clear that there’s a bit more of a plan in place going forward on Tuesday.

“Trying to build a team can’t be fast-tracked,”

In reference to stud D prospect Luke Schenn, Fletcher wanted Leaf fans to know that he’ll get a chance to shine in camp, but given the team’s depth on the blue line, there’s no need to rush the kid and ruin his development in the process.

“He’ll be given every chance to make the team…When you look back historically Toronto’s been a graveyard for young defencemen that maybe shouldn’t have been integrated into the NHL lineup as early as they were.”

“We’re not going to make that mistake.”

In reference to the increasing number of young forwards in the Leafs fold, many of whom are unproven commodities, he had this to say:

“When you look at your top two lines, we’re going to have a lot of young players there this year… How we fare during the regular season will depend very much on how half a dozen of our young players progress.”

“We’re not going to be able to start finding that out until we drop the puck for real.”

Leaf fans should find this dose of realism and honesty refreshing. No predictions of Cup glory (which frankly nobody really expects anyway), and no discussion at all of “competing for a playoff spot”. While I personally think there’s more to this young club than a basement finish, I will freely admit that nothing will be clear until the team is playing meaningful games.

“The key word for the Maple Leafs management and coaching is going to be patience. You can’t force things to happen - you have to let them unfold and happen at their own pace.”

“We will be patient. We will give a lot of young players that opportunity to become better players and to become a good hockey team.”

“I think most hockey fans in this area understand what our situation is here. I think they have a pretty good feeling for what has to be done to build a much better team.”

Stockpiling draft picks, and selecting talented youngsters with upside. Letting them develop their games organically and at their own pace, with solid support from the rest of the organization. Providing them with every opportunity for success, and making appropriate use of the very generous amounts of hockey knowledge and skill at the club’s disposal.

Making maximum use of Ron Wilson, Rob Zettler, Tim Hunter, Keith Acton, Dallas Eakins, Greg Gilbert, Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Doug Armstrong, Al Coates, and Cliff Fletcher, as well as every other important hockey mind in the organization. The team is improving, and Fletcher is thus far saying all the right things.