Leafs Clipped
Yesterday, it has emerged that the once strong image of the Toronto Maple Leafs has officially hit a new low as ESPN has ranked them as the least popular franchise in North American Sport. Money wise, this team can do no wrong since the Air Canada Centre is routinely packed out week to week with loyal fans. Problem is despite their bank balances singing loudly, there is an air apathy about this team and the fact that they haven't taken home a Stanley Cup since 1967 nor come close to challenging since doesn't justify value for money. Problem seems to be that the franchise doesn't appear to feel the need to challenge for glory, when they are in a stable financial position. Also the long suffering fans seem happy to pay what ever high prices the ACC deems fit to put in front of them.
Despite the distinction of being one of the 'Original Six' of the NHL, the Maple Leafs name isn't considered among the league or sports elite any more (they placed lower than the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA) and in recent years they have struggled to fill the side with big names. There have been fine individual players such as Mats Sundin, Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark and Phil Kessel, but as we all know one player doesn't make a team. Last season they began on a high after reaching the playoffs the year before, but another year in lower Eastern Conference obscurity hasn't helped morale. David Clarkson's monster contract has also been a head breaker for them since his only real contribution was his 10 game ban for leaving the bench in the infamous pre-season brawl with Buffalo!
This off season hasn't brought any further promises of glory either and it appears that head coach Randy Carlyle is the bookies favourite for the chop early on. Brendan Shanahan has joined as assistant GM which is a smart move as he has been a smart and effective Head of Player Safety for the league. Also the Hall of Famer could the eye for business that so many have lacked before him. Trades wise there has been nothing to smile about with only Roman Polak joining from St Louis and Matt Frattin re-joining from Columbus. David Booth, Leo Komarov, Mike Santorelli and Stephane Robidas have all joined via free agency, but while solid squad players, they aren't the tools you use to rebuild a franchise!
The people of Toronto may still love their beloved franchise, but the rest of North America's interest them has long since declined. If they ever want to add another Stanley Cup banner on the rafters of the ACC, they better have a long and hard think about things.
Despite the distinction of being one of the 'Original Six' of the NHL, the Maple Leafs name isn't considered among the league or sports elite any more (they placed lower than the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA) and in recent years they have struggled to fill the side with big names. There have been fine individual players such as Mats Sundin, Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark and Phil Kessel, but as we all know one player doesn't make a team. Last season they began on a high after reaching the playoffs the year before, but another year in lower Eastern Conference obscurity hasn't helped morale. David Clarkson's monster contract has also been a head breaker for them since his only real contribution was his 10 game ban for leaving the bench in the infamous pre-season brawl with Buffalo!
This off season hasn't brought any further promises of glory either and it appears that head coach Randy Carlyle is the bookies favourite for the chop early on. Brendan Shanahan has joined as assistant GM which is a smart move as he has been a smart and effective Head of Player Safety for the league. Also the Hall of Famer could the eye for business that so many have lacked before him. Trades wise there has been nothing to smile about with only Roman Polak joining from St Louis and Matt Frattin re-joining from Columbus. David Booth, Leo Komarov, Mike Santorelli and Stephane Robidas have all joined via free agency, but while solid squad players, they aren't the tools you use to rebuild a franchise!
The people of Toronto may still love their beloved franchise, but the rest of North America's interest them has long since declined. If they ever want to add another Stanley Cup banner on the rafters of the ACC, they better have a long and hard think about things.
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