New city, same tune. Or is it?
Brian Burke recently hit the Forest City with eyes for his prized pick, and ears for what ails him. They met. They talked. Burke shared his hopes. Nazem Kadri, his dreams. And in each other they may have found something that's eluded both of late: confidence and success. The Leafs' GM travelled the 401 to witness a few young players in action, but specifically Kadri who he hadn't seen play in person since the preseason. It's safe to say he liked what he saw on the ice, finally. While the London native didn't pot one against the Michael Liambas-less Erie Otters, he hasn't been doing much of that this season anyway, he did chip in on three others.
0 grapes, 3 apples.
Those pickin's aren't bad considering Kadri's OHL campaign has been fruitless thus far. Since his return to London the Leafs' 7th overall pick hasn't been his usual productive self. What, just 11 goals, 22 points this season? The league leader has over twice those numbers. To think Burke's presence might have sparked something in the talented centre isn't far fetched. As a matter of fact, I'll bet it did. Hey, if Naz needed a little Burkie to get him going, so be it. Doubt the Knights are complaining. To have even the slightest chance of hanging with the OHL's big boys (Windsor), Kadri will have to be beyond spectacular. Heck, maybe Burke should just hang in London for a little while longer, if for no other reason to get out from the intense Toronto glare under which he can do no right these days. Here in London things are equally bright, but in the potential a guy like Kadri shines on the future. And seriously, it's all about the days ahead...because where we're at right now is too dark to appreciate.
Burke nailed that Kadri pick, didn't he?
We won't fully know for a while. So for the moment the young Knight represents what's positive in the cold, cruel world eating away at Toronto's top hockey man. Friday's encounter with Kadri gave Burke a chance to forget about the troubles of today and get a glimpse of the possibilties of tomorrow. It was a rendezvous needed and well timed, and one that could set in motion better things to come for both men. Or so we hope.
The latest from Burke as reported by Brent Lale of /A\ News London:
Exploring trade possibilities, but things are tight because of salary cap restrictions. If deals don't pan out he's still willing to ship players to the minors. So, essentially same ol' story, different city. Or is it? Let's see what today brings.
Join me for Leafs pregame at http://am980.ca/ Saturday at 5:30pm. Wanna bitch about'em, even defend'em...give us a call 1.866.354.TALK. Chat soon.
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