New Leafs

I'm happy with the new guys coming in. Versteeg and Armstrong on the roster easily make the Leafs a better team. They're not intended to be 1st line players. They were brought in to be good players. I doubt highly they won't fulfill the obligation.

Unfortunately there's not a lot left out there to sign through free-agency, so the other, better, more intriguing avenue of improvement is through trades. Of course Tomas Kaberle is the bait on this end, but who would the Leafs be fishing for? We know a top 6 kind of forward, but who exactly? Just anyone?

Interesting idea Mike Augello and myself were talking about on The Hook Friday night is a Leafs/Kaberle deal with San Jose for Joe Thornton. Yes, it's pure speculation and would probably require more from Toronto's end, but the essentials could fit for both clubs. Each has little term remaining, millions to move, and could use a change. Kaberle might thrive with more talent around him and less pressure on his shoulders. Thornton, who apparently loves the California lifestyle, needs a kick in the pants. He'd certainly get it in Toronto through the challenge of his career: helping the Leafs return to the playoffs. With recent guest of The Hook, Greg McKegg now in the fold, why not a pair of St. Thomas boys wearing Blue and White come the fall?

Having witnessed Brian Burke's ability to make jaw dropping deals out of the blue, this kind of scenario isn't so far fetched.