I legitimately believe they would have taken either Yakupov, Murray or Galchenyuk had they had the first overall pick. I always get some respect for Burke, then he does an interview like this and just like that it is gone with the wind. I like this guy though, I feel like he is going to be a top powerplay guy in this league. If Phaneuf can fix his slapshot to hit the net, I think Rielly feeding him can be dangerous. Nice to have to good puck moving defenseman in this system. (Him and Gardner) Schultz here we come?

Interesting D-Corps as it stands right now:
Phaneuf
Gunnarson
Schenn
Gardner
Liles
Franson (RFA may be gone)
Komisarek (Shouldn't even be here)

So it seems we have one spot open. We know its not Rielly.
It could be -- Blacker, Percy, Holzer? Or maybe someone we bring in through Free Agency like Schultz?

Thoughts?
- Jman19

Love the note on Komi. I hope Schultz lands in TO, but I think we all know it's just that...no one knows at this point. Percy is a minimum 2 yrs out, so Holzer is probably most likely. Blacker may be a good end of season call up or make the club out of camp next year (2013). I hope we can trade Franson for something.

Leafs have too many NHL defenseman... I believe they now have 8 #1-2 quality Dmen... that includes Schultz of course.

Well done Burkey!
- TimThomasLunge

If we had NHL quality defensemen we wouldnt be drafting 5th overall

Lots of 25 and under dmen with good potential:
Gardiner
Gunnarsson
Schenn
Franson
Holzer
Blacker
Percy
Rielly
(Possibly Schultz)

The outrage over this pick is retarded. Guys are already makig suggestions about Schenn traded, no Shultz, what about Percy, Blacker...... My lord, Reilly has crazy skill, and automatically becomes our best D prospect, but lets let the dude develop. We don't need to move poop yet. Everybody wants a re-build, but nobody wants to wait. ANYBODY picked today will take 3 years before they contibute. I'm happy with the pick!

If we had NHL quality defensemen we wouldnt be drafting 5th overall
- twiztedmike

Why can't we all just be amazed that Burke did his tie up!?

The outrage over this pick is retarded. Guys are already makig suggestions about Schenn traded, no Shultz, what about Percy, Blacker...... My lord, Reilly has crazy skill, and automatically becomes our best D prospect, but lets let the dude develop. We don't need to move poop yet. Everybody wants a re-build, but nobody wants to wait. ANYBODY picked today will take 3 years before they contibute. I'm happy with the pick!
- gojets

Some sanity. You'd think Percy and Blacker were shoe-ins for the Calder

A little yes.

Thought they had pulled it together when they picked Sven B.
- AdamFrench

This will be worse than the Jokinen Revolt of 2010

Pitsburg just made another move...

Pitsburg just made another move...
- WayneStatic

Pierre LeBrun ‏@Real_ESPNLeBrun
Pitt has dealt Z. Michalek to Phx in exchange for prospect Harrison Ruopp plus a 3rd-round pick this year (81st) and goalie Marc Cheverie.

Pitsburg just made another move...
- WayneStatic

them, along with every other team that has cap space are going after Parise and Suter

The outrage over this pick is retarded. Guys are already makig suggestions about Schenn traded, no Shultz, what about Percy, Blacker...... My lord, Reilly has crazy skill, and automatically becomes our best D prospect, but lets let the dude develop. We don't need to move poop yet. Everybody wants a re-build, but nobody wants to wait. ANYBODY picked today will take 3 years before they contibute. I'm happy with the pick!
- gojets

Although Galchenyuk was the first guy I hoped for, Rielly is a real good, solid pick. No need to rush him like we did with Schenn though.

Pierre LeBrun ‏@Real_ESPNLeBrun
Pitt has dealt Z. Michalek to Phx in exchange for prospect Harrison Ruopp plus a 3rd-round pick this year (81st) and goalie Marc Cheverie.
- MetroidPrime

Jesus, are they trying to make space for Parise?

I am so tired of burke and his bull crap this player is the player we would have picked 1st overall come on already, stop talking and do something we need a goalie and a1st line center why are always the ones talking but everone else is doing the tradeing shut up and get to work!

Each controlling for 45+ minutes? Do you know how long a game normally lasts?

- Leafmania84

I said "each controlling the puck for 45 - 50 minutes between them". In other words...each plays 22.5 - 25 minutes of ice time on two separate defensive pairings. Therefore, one of the two of them is on the ice for 45 - 50 minutes. I know, it's a tough concept to comprehend at 11:30pm...

I am so tired of burke and his bull crap this player is the player we would have picked 1st overall come on already, stop talking and do something we need a goalie and a1st line center why are always the ones talking but everone else is doing the tradeing shut up and get to work!
- bebsleafs

Puts confidence in the kid.... What is he supposed to say? "Well we wanted like 3 other guys but they got taken so we took this kid.... is he any good?"

I am so tired of burke and his bull crap this player is the player we would have picked 1st overall come on already, stop talking and do something we need a goalie and a1st line center why are always the ones talking but everone else is doing the tradeing shut up and get to work!
- bebsleafs

Because 29 other teams made trades tonight...

If we had NHL quality defensemen we wouldnt be drafting 5th overall
- twiztedmike

Parise - Crosby - Neal

Letang - Malkin

That would be a scary powerplay line

I am so tired of burke and his bull crap this player is the player we would have picked 1st overall come on already, stop talking and do something we need a goalie and a1st line center why are always the ones talking but everone else is doing the tradeing shut up and get to work!
- bebsleafs

Still another 2-3 months until training camp and pre-season, the off-season has just begun.

The Leaf boards are sounding like they did on July 1st when the Leafs didn't dish out money to bring in the stars like Leino and Talbot.

I am so tired of burke and his bull crap this player is the player we would have picked 1st overall come on already, stop talking and do something we need a goalie and a1st line center why are always the ones talking but everone else is doing the tradeing shut up and get to work!
- bebsleafs

You do know that the other team has to WANT to trade the other player right? You can't just decide you want to trade for someone and they have to do it . . . .

Burke is going to impose a summer trade freeze so his players can have a stress free summer wait this guys a genius

You do know that the other team has to WANT to trade the other player right? You can't just decide you want to trade for someone and they have to do it . . . .
- Cfser

Just wait if something happens and he does pull of a deal for Luongo. These guys complaining about needing a 1A goalie will now switch gears on how it was a terrible deal and how it handcuffs the Leafs for years to come.

The Leaf boards are sounding like they did on July 1st when the Leafs didn't dish out money to bring in the stars like Leino and Talbot.
- weirdoh

Oh no we drafted and kept our first rounder!
This is a travesty. Its almost like we are trying to rebuild or something!

The Leaf boards are sounding like they did on July 1st when the Leafs didn't dish out money to bring in the stars like Leino and Talbot.
- weirdoh

When Parise and Suter don't sign with the Leafs, they will come on here and say that Burke needs to be fired.