RALEIGH, N.C. (May 12) — Did you see Patrick Kane last night?
Did you watch the most dynamic Chicago draft choice since Denis Savard came along 29 years ago personally lift his team into the Western Conference final with a scintillating Game 6 performance against the Vancouver Canucks? Were you mesmerized, as I was, by the puck wizard drafted first overall from the London Knights in 2007? If so, you have a pretty good idea why Toronto Maple Leafs’ GM Brian Burke goes to bed dreaming of another London junior, John Tavares.
You were provided a splendid example of the style and caliber of player that National Hockey League teams build around — an explosive, natural goal-scorer with soft hands, quick feet, nerves of steel, and the ability to stick a dagger in the opposition when the stakes are highest. The Leafs could draft a thousand facsimiles of Luke Schenn and not have to worry, for a moment, about professional demeanor and defensive mastery. But, a player in the Schenn mold will never break open an elimination playoff game the way Kane did at the United Center. And, that’s why the Maple Leafs desperately need a John Tavares… at the expense of any asset in the organization.
A performance such as the one Kane provided in dispatching the Canucks will only make it more difficult for Burke to pull off what many believe is the impossible… moving up in the draft order, and lucking out that Tavares is still available when the Leafs’ number is called. It may be nothing more than a euphoric pipe-dream on behalf of the aggressive Toronto GM, who doesn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of his intentions.
Chances are, Burke will hang onto Schenn and supplement his club with a lower draft choice that may be impactful at some point down the line. Leafs Nation will let out a collective sigh.
But, if you saw what happened in Chicago last night, you know why Brian B. is aiming for the stars.
You saw the type of player that can one day lift 19,000 fans at the Air Canada Center out of their seats in the second round of the playoffs the way Patrick Kane ignited the madhouse on West Madison. You saw the dynamic quality that allows 19 other players to evolve around brilliance the way the planets circle the sun; the impeccable superstar that can re-kindle a franchise smoldering, for years, beneath mountains of deadwood.
That’s what Brian Burke is after.
And, nothing the Leafs currently own should stand in his way.
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