Go for it, or re-build?

[TOMGUNNER]

Well....I voted! ;D

[Leafs_Pam]

So did I. ;D

[thinkblue]

I vote C: Proceed with caution ;D

I wouldnt accept this team getting older, for example, dealing most of our top tier prospects for veterans.

I think this team can and should get younger, and at the same time, going for it (by adding fresh, young, fast legs).

Dealing picks would be a mistake. At some point in the next few years, Id like to see the Leafs draft up and get a top 5-10 pick in any draft and get a future star to build around.

I don't think a full rebuild is in order, however, and frankly, I dont see it happening any time soon (even post CBA). I think since the team has the finances to remain competitive, you won't see the Sundin's or Nolan's or Mogilny's dealt.

[NorthernDancer]

Think we have to go for it, a re-build attempt ahead of the CBA is futile. (personally I think the out-come of the jihad will be a 24 team League but that is another topic).

There is going to be a ton of salary dumping going on in the next few months (Turgeon was just the start).

Lot's of talent will be available, the one thing the Leafs have is MONEY, spend it wisely. (I also think we ALL might be surprised at what might be available in the form of Kovalev type salary dumps as SO MANY high budget teams were a bust in the play-offs)

[stugats1]

Absolutely this team can get younger wwithout hurting the core. Corson is one that is gone,Svhela is gone, don't bring back Housley, Lumme, Hoglund or Gilmour. That shaves a ton of years. Actually though i would like to see dougie give it a try but it does push the average age up a ton... the Leafs do need some youngsters to come in. Every team that has playoff success has the young legs.I am not s sure oni is the answer. Maybe there is someone deep in the draft that can come out of nowhere.

[lapniappe]

you guys

the leafs are NOT THAT OLD (oy vay!)

they are exactly (well were exactly) 0.5 years older then the Wings. that's it, that's all, the end. LOL

but they are older then I'd like them to be, and old in the wrong places.

we have an ancient offense, and a baby defense

I'd rather have it the other way around, at least.

I voted go for it. 2 defensemen, 1 winger, and a centre away, an a commitment to defense first (not trap, just play it)

Everyone says so
so why blow it up.

the changes I'd make is obviously the spots left by Corson, Renberg, and Svhela. Gilmour, I'd keep for experience, and experience alone, but explain to him that you can not work out a contract with him until they've got the bigger pieces of the puzzle first. Gilmour I feel would totally understand that, considering that he said he's not playing after next year.

Trade Kidd for a lower round pick in this year's draft, and let Tellqvist play under Belfour for a year. I like Kidd, seriously, however, let's not Kid(d ) ourselves. Telly is our future, and Belfour is the future right now. Belfour is also awesome positioning wise, and to see that for a whole solid year would pay dividends for Telly.

sorry Trevor.

ND hit the nail right on the head. EVERYONE is going to be dumping salary, or buying out contracts to have "cap room" after the next two years. the thing is the players want a three year (mim.) deal, worth a lot of coin.

someone's going to have to budge.

I think if we get the 2 defensemen, one of them being a number one, so if that means Svhela's back, yippie skippy, and get a centre and a winger, we're set.

the Leafs can play eastern conference winning hockey. we've seen it (until they get injured). now can they play Eastern Confernce Finals winning hockey?

we'll have to wait on that score. We haven't seen THAT one since 1967 (and they were in the West then ;D)

[Gerard]

I know we're older but the core of those older players are still very good. Youth is always tempting but they also (usually) bring the down-side of the learning curve. I agree with many who could be let go but Dougie isn't one of them. You'll get plenty of miles from him. He IS a Maple Leaf and the lessons he'll give to Nik alone make him a valued asset. I'd ride this team till 04 and see what happens. Besides, you know Quinn is gonna go with them so we have little choice but to like it.