The Podium
Registered User
I agree with you on a lot of things, but I really disagree with a short-term quick-fix like Gio.
Yesterday is gone. I would much rather that what the Leafs do today builds for tomorrow. If that means playing a younger defenceman who has not yet succeeded in a role Gio is intended to fill, then let's try the younger players and see what they can do.
I am so sick and tired of the Toronto Maple Leafs pursuing older players whose best years were spent elsewhere. I wish they would develop their own stars, in the regular season and in the playoffs as well.
No more retreads like Owen Nolan, Brian Leetch, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Wayne Simmonds and you name it.
Not-quite-over-the-hill John Tavares and very-much-over-the-hill Jason Spezza probably also fall in or near this category as well, although I have a hypocritical soft spot for both of them. Tavares came here in his prime, and helped establish the Leafs as a desirable free-agent destination. Spezza is still highly talented although very worn -- like your uncle's 1982 BMW with 500,000 clicks that is in perfect condition -- and he is the salt of the Earth playing on the most team-friendly contract possible just for the love of the game. They both win my heart, but truthfully I would still rather see younger, homegrown emergent stars.
This sounds absurd, but give me Travis Dermott's future over Mark Giordano's past. Now and tomorrow.
Oh, I’m not overly enthused about Gio as the big add. Wouldn’t be too upset as I think he is an upgrade, but I’d prefer someone young with term.
Just pointing out the reality of our cap situation to that poster.