tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610527122550067891.post4393090089120946463..comments2023-07-25T11:40:43.810-04:00Comments on Blue Chip Prospects: Breaking Down The Burke Press ConferenceCurt Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10817914669452185454noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610527122550067891.post-26328581900140039982012-04-11T11:29:45.996-04:002012-04-11T11:29:45.996-04:00Don't get me wrong, I really like Phaneuf, but...Don't get me wrong, I really like Phaneuf, but as you point out, you probably need his defensive equivalent to be competitive and to me that qualifies as a 1D<br /><br />You're also right that the UFA crop is likely to thin out between now and July 1 but I still think that there will be guys there who would be valuable to the team. If I were GM, I wouldn't be closing the door on that possibility just yet.Curt Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10817914669452185454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610527122550067891.post-48989289876464393582012-04-11T10:46:11.041-04:002012-04-11T10:46:11.041-04:00I disagree that the Leafs need a #1 D, despite all...I disagree that the Leafs need a #1 D, despite all the criticism directed at Phaneuf. I mean, the guy was top-5 in the league for points among all NHL defensemen this year--putting him ahead of guys like Jack Johnson and Nick Lidstrom. I think, if anything, they need somebody whos comparable to Phaneuf in skill and defensive ability, and really give them a 1-2 punch on the blueline. But, I totally expect it from Burke, because that's how hes built his defence in the past (i.e. Pronger, Neidermayer). Although I could see Gardiner potentially filling that spot, he wont next season--so I think they should attempt to bolster the defence. But more than anything, I think their poor defensive play was also attributed to a lack of size and grit on offense. Guys like Lombardi and Connolly were useless this season unless they were putting up points and in Carlyle's line-matching system, you need more of a bottom-6 of grinders. Also, be careful to jump the gun on free agency--although theres tons of speculation, I doubt Suter, Carle, Parise and Semin will all be headed to free agency. Theres still two months and everyone knows how late the bigger contracts get done (in years past, Marleau and the Sedins came down to the end of June)--so I moreso agree with Burke in that regard than you. But, overall, nice article and good analysis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com